Testing and Tagging is now a legal requirement for safety in the workplace for your employees and contractors.
In particular testing and tagging of electric equipment is necessary to achieve this. Testing and tagging is a process whereby all electric appliances undergoes testing and the outcome of the testing process dated and logged and ‘ tagged’ on the appliance.
It can be quite daunting to meet the health and safety requirements of your work environment to ensure that the work environment is not dangerous for your staff. Employers in Australia now have a legal obligation to make sure that the workplace and any office appliances that are used in the workplaceare not dangerousand risk free to the health of staff. Relevant information can be found in Section 21 of the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004). Ensuring the safety of all electrical appliances is one of the many facets that needs particular attention. 'Test and Tag' is a term used to describe the process of ensuring that electrical equipment and appliances are without risk to use in the place of work.
To get rid of risks, employers are duty bound to recognize any potential hazards and risks associated with equipment that may be used, and furthermore assessing any dangers and introducing actions to eliminate any risks.
WorkSafe Victoria (in Australia) has advised that testing and tagging 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 indicated that all employers introduce a safety testing protocol, and to this extent the testing and tagging of all electric equipment has become a mandatory component of the many company safety policies. Regular testing and Tagging procedures are becoming increasingly adopted by companies to help keep the place of work is safe for staff or contracttors.
To Test and Tag equipment is notvery onerous, and any competent person can be trained in becoming a testing and tagging technician. The equipment used is often (transportable|portable}, which lets the technician to go to the location of the equipment appliance, rather that the equipment going to the technician. Equipment that is tested is subsequently “tagged”: recording the details of the outcome and the test date. The technician should also record a log of all equipment tested, and all results.
There are two options that employers can select to “Test and Tag” electrical equipmentto highlight any appliancethat is faulty and requiring attention. Option one is to outsource the work to a trained contractor. Test and Tag Melbourne has information on such contractors in Australia that will visit to your premises and perform the testing and tagging to ensure your obligations are met. The second option is to do the work in house by ensuring that one of your employees successfully completes an approved course at a TAFE college and becomes appropriately trained in the use of Portable Appliance Testers.
What Frequency should electric appliances undergo testing and tagging?
Section 2 of the Standard, AS/NZS 3760:2006 outlines the recommended frequency of inspections, however the recommendations can be varied 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 3 months, in contrast appliances that is used less and therefore has a a smaller risk, the frequency can be up to. In addition any appliance that has been serviced, repaired or has just been bought is also required to be tested before being returned to service.
The following are the frequency guidelines for various types of electrical appliances.
- electrical appliances (including tools and leads) used in workplaces should be tested at least every 90 days
- 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 company safety, so ensure that you contact your local authorities to make sure that you are meeting your legal obligations and providing a safe workplace for your staff.
Author Resource:
Test and Tag Melbourne providingTest and Tag Services and Information for Melbourne, Australia
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