Testing and Tagging is now legally required to ensure a safe working environment for your employees and contractors.
In particular testing and tagging of electrical appliances is necessary to achieve this. The test and tag process whereby all electric equipment undergoes testing and the results of the testing process dated and logged and ‘ tagged’ on the appliance.
It can be quite an onerous task ensuring the health and safety requirements of your work environment to ensure that the work place is risk free for your staff. Employers in Australia are required by law to make sure that the workplace and any office appliances that are used in the place of workare not dangerousand carry no risk to the health of staff. Relevant information can be found in Section 21 of the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004). Ensuring safe equipment is one of the many facets that needs particular focus. 'Test and Tag' is the common terminology used for the process of making sure that electrical equipment and appliances are safe to use in the place of work.
To eliminate risks, employers are duty bound to evaluate and diagnose any potential hazards and risks associated with electrical appliances that may be used, and furthermore assessing any risks and introducing measures to remove those risks.
WorkSafe Victoria (australian) has advised performing test and tag checks for all electrical plug-in/electrical equipment is now a basic requirement as defined by of Section 21(2)(a)of the Act. In the past, the Victorian WorkCover Authority advised that all employers introduce a safety testing protocol, and further to this the testing and tagging of all electric equipment has become a compulsory component of the many employer safety policies. Regular testing and Tagging procedures are becoming more and more adopted by employers to help ensure the work environment is safe for staff or contracttors.
The testing and tagging process is not particularly onerous, and any competent person can be trained in becoming a testing and tagging technician. The equipment used is normally (transportable|portable}, allowing the technician to go to the location of the equipment appliance, rather that the appliance having to travel to the technician. Electrical Appliances that have been tested is then “tagged”: recording the details of the results and the date of testing. The technician should also record a log of all equipment tested, and the results.
There are two ways that employers can choose from to “Test and Tag” electrical equipmentto highlight any piece ofequipment that is faulty and requiring attention. The first option is to employ a trained contractor. Test and Tag Melbourne has information on such contractors in Australia that can come to your work place and perform the testing and tagging to ensure your obligations are met. Option two is to train an employee to do the work by ensuring that an employee successfully completes an approved course at a TAFE college and becomes appropriately trained in the use of Portable Appliance Testers.
How often should electric appliances be 'tested and tagged'?
Section 2 of the Standard, AS/NZS 3760:2006 outlines the recommended frequency of inspections, however the recommendations can be changed based on a risk assessment that has been carried out. For some equipment that is used very frequently or is considered to be high risk or equipment that is hired, the frequency|interval} of testing may be as often as three months, in contrast appliances that is used less and poses a lessor risk, the frequency can be as long as 5 years. also any equipment that has been repaired or serviced or is new is also required to be tested before being returned to service.
The following are the frequency guidelines for some classes of electrical equipment.
- electrical appliances (whick includes leads and other tools) used on building sites should be tested at least every three months
- electric equipmentused 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 ensure that you are meeting your legal requirements and providing a risk free work environment for your employees and contractors.
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Test and Tag Melbourne providingTest and Tag Services and Information for Melbourne, Australia
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