Having s safe working environment has become a necessary requirementof employers
In particular performing test and tag on electric equipment is necessary to achieve this. Testing and tagging is a process in which all electric equipment undergoes testing and the outcome of the testing process dated and logged and ‘ tagged’ on the appliance.
It can be quite a lot of work ensuring the health and safety requirements of your work place to make sure that the work place is not dangerous for employees. Employers in Australia now have a legal obligation to make sure that the workplace and any office equipment that are used in the workplaceare not dangerousand without risk to the health of employees. More details is available in Section 21 of the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004). Ensuring safe equipment is one of numerous areas that needs particular focus. 'Test and Tag' is a term used for the process of ensuring that electrical equipment and appliances are have no risk to use in the workplace.
To get rid of risks, employers are duty bound to recognize any potential dangers associated with equipment that may be used, and furthermore assessing any risks and introducing measures to eliminate any risks.
WorkSafe Victoria (from Australia) has advised that testing and tagging for all electrical plug-in/electrical equipment is falls under the general obligations of Section 21(2)(a)of the Act. Prior to this,Previously, the Victorian WorkCover Authority let us know that all employers introduce a safety testing system, and to this extent the testing and tagging of all electric equipment is now a compulsory component of the many company safety policies. Regular Test and Tag procedures are becoming increasingly adopted by employers to help keep the work environment is safe for employees.
The testing and tagging process is notvery onerous, and any competent person can be trained in becoming a testing and tagging technician. The testing equipment that is used is normally (transportable|portable}, which lets the technician to go to the location of the equipment appliance, rather that the appliance going to the technician. Electrical Appliances that have been tested is then “tagged”: logging the details of the outcome and the test date. The technician should also record details of all electrical appliances tested, and the results.
There are two options that employers can choose from to “Test and Tag” electrical equipmentto highlight any piece ofequipment that is faulty and requiring attention. Option one is to hire a trained contractor. Test and Tag Melbourne has details of such contractors in Australia that will visit to your work place and provide testing and tagging to ensure your obligations are met. Option two is to do the work in house by ensuring that one of your employees undergoes an approved course at a TAFE college and becomes appropriately trained in the use of Portable Appliance Testers.
How often should electrical equipment undergo testing and tagging?
Section 2 of the Standard, AS/NZS 3760:2006 outlines the recommended frequency of inspections, however the recommendations can be changed depending on a risk assessment that has been performed. For some equipment that is used very frequently or is assessed as high risk or equipment that is hired, the frequency|interval} of testing may be as often as 90 days, whereas appliances that is used less and poses a lessor risk, the frequency can be as long as 5 years. In addition any appliance that has been serviced, repaired or is new is also required to be tested before being used.
The following lists frequency guidelines for various types of electrical equipment.
- electric appliances (whick includes leads and other tools) used in workplaces should be tested at least every 90 days
- electric appliancesused in factories should be tested every six months
- electric equipmentused in offices (including offices in factories) should be tested every 3 to 5 years
- Safety Switches should be tested every month
Testing and Tagging has become a necessary part of workplace safety, so ensure that you get in touch with your local authorities to make sure that you are meeting your legal obligations and providing a risk free place of work for your employees and contractors.
Author Resource:
Test and Tag Melbourne providingTest and Tag Services and Information for Melbourne, Australia
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