WHAT GOES INTO ELECTRICAL TESTING AND TAGGING IN THE WORKPLACE?

The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) reminds every business that they have a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of workers, and others frequenting the business such as customers, visitors, children and young people.

A part of this, is the responsibility of electrical testing and tagging in the workplace. Over time, electrical equipment becomes old and tired, and starts malfunctioning. The only way you can have peace of mind is by regular test and tagging.

The first question to ask is, when was test and tagging last done in your premises?

Not all equipment needs to be tested and tagged with the same regularity. Some need more frequent testing and maintenance than others. One thing’s for sure, all office and workshop electrical equipment needs to be tested regularly to ensure a safe business environment.

What office and workshop equipment needs to be tested and tagged?

To put it simply, if it’s office and workshop electrical equipment, it needs to be tested and tagged.

It may be:

• recently repaired
• second hand or a hire item
• brand new and being used for the first time

No matter which, you can’t take risks. Every piece of office and workshop electrical equipment your employees use must be tested and tagged regularly by professionals to ensure it’s safe to use.

It’s important to note, that RCDs need to be tested and tagged as well. You’ll find them on switchboards, outlet sockets, and as portable RCD devices. Their purpose is to protect anyone coming into contact with live wires or faulty appliances or equipment. Because of how critical it is to safety, RCD protection needs to have test and tag procedures as well.

Why is electrical test and tag important?

Every business has an obligation to provide a safe workplace as far as reasonably practicable, and one area of concern is electrical safety. Under the new Fire and Emergency Australia and New Zealand Fire Safety Evacuation Procedures and Evacuation Schemes Regulations 2018, it is now mandatory.

Electrical testing of equipment is essential to ensure the health and safety of your employees and that of others who visit your workplace. Being aware of these hazards allows you to take action and ensure that no one person is at risk while using the equipment.

Electrical equipment can get less reliable with age – just like everything else. Even though a device may have been safe a year ago, doesn’t mean it remains safe for use today. It’s important to make sure your equipment undergoes tagging and regular maintenance that will identify hazards as they arise. This way, one of our expert team members always follows safety regulations, always performs safety testing and can detect an issue before a tragedy occurs.

What type of appliances need electrical safety testing?

Any equipment that is connected to the electrical supply by a flexible cord and/or connecting device. It may include pieces of equipment that are or have been:

• Being used for the first time
• Already being used
• Has recently been serviced or repaired
• Returning to service from a second-hand sale
• Available for hire

It also applies to certain forms of residual current devices (RCDs). The equipment we test can vary greatly from business to business. If you’re unsure which items you’d like tested, contact us for a chat today. We’ve worked with a large number of unique companies so we can offer some insight into your specific safety needs.

When does the equipment need electrical safety testing?

Frequency varies according to the type of environment and/or equipment. Electrical test tags should be applied at the following intervals:

*please note, these intervals dictate the maximum time frame for testing in each environment. Depending on your equipment/workplace, further tests will need to be conducted more frequently. For more information, contact us today or refer to the AS/NZS 3760 standard.

• Demolition and construction environments (as per AS/NZS 3012): every 3 months
• Factories, workshops, places of manufacture, assembly, maintenance or fabrication: every 6 months
• Environment where the equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to flexing in normal use OR is open to abuse OR is in a hostile environment: every 12 months
• Environment where the equipment or supply cord is NOT subject to flexing in normal use and is NOT open to abuse and is NOT in a hostile environment: every 5 years
• Residential type areas: hotels, residential institutions, motels, boarding houses, halls, hostels accommodation houses etc.: every 2 years
• Equipment used for commercial cleaning: every 6 months
• Hire equipment: Inspection: prior to hire
• Hire equipment: Test and tag: every 3 months
• Repaired, serviced and second-hand equipment: After repair or service or on reintroduction to service

Why choose GET Test & Tag for electrical appliance safety testing?

We’re electrical professionals who only use certified equipment for electrical testing and tagging. Our technicians have the latest industry knowledge, ensuring you meet the correct safety standards and receive the best service. We provide a reminder service for different appliances and environments, so you won’t lose track of your electrical tag and testing compliance requirements. We always follow electrical safety regulations.

GET Test & Tag team members are skilled in a number of areas. While we’re on your property, why not enlist a number of our safety testing services? You no longer need to go to a range of companies to make sure your workplace is secure. We have everything you need in one team – get electrical test tags for each piece of equipment in your business and any other safety testing services you require.

Our services are provided by professionals who care about safety. GET Test & Tag technicians offer electrical testing services to clients across Australia and New Zealand. Our comprehensive safety testing services and fully mobile operation make us your go-to safety testing team. You can take advantage of our data management services and keep an accurate record of your testing results. With GET Test & Tag you can be sure that your equipment and appliances are in working order.

Is there a Standard for electrical tagging and testing?

AS/NZS 3760 is a joint Australian and New Zealand Standard created by Standards Australia (electrical safety regulations) that outlines the in-service safety inspection, testing method and frequency of electrical appliances. In order to meet the AS/NZS 3760 Standard, you will need proof of the tasks performed. Ensure your provider provides a log book of results and electrical testing tags.

GET Test & Tag technicians keep up with the latest Australia and New Zealand safety standards in order to ensure compliance in your business. These standards are updated for the benefit of your business. We keep track of any updates to make sure everyone on your property has access to a safe working environment. If you have any questions about compliance with electrical safety regulations, get in touch with our knowledgeable team. We can provide you with electrical appliance testing today.

Test and Tag Regulations 

We adhere to the strict standards of the AS/NZS 3760 because we want your business to be as safe as possible. If you fail to meet the test and tag regulations stipulated by our local government, you will face the consequences. 

If your actions (or inaction) results in an infringement, you could face an individual fine between $2000-$10,000. An organisation could be fined from $10,000-$50,000. (Electrical Safety Regulations 2010) 

When you ask GET Test & Tag to come and inspect your electrical equipment, you not only increase the safety of your organisation – you protect yourself and your business from claims of negligence in the future. 

All you need to do is call us now on 1300 851 788 or 0423 395 888 for a free quote or chat about any of our services. It’s always the right time to invest in safety.

Our vision is to stand as the foremost provider of strategic solutions, consistently delivering exceptional and personalized services. Whether you’re starting a new venture, or poised for expansion, our commitment is to collaborate and propel you towards your goals.