Common Law requires Testing and Tagging to ensure workplace safety
In particular performing test and tag on electric equipment is necessary to achieve this. The test and tag process in which all electrical appliances undergoes testing and the outcome of the testing process logged and dated and ‘ tagged’ on the appliance.
It can be quite a lot of work to meet the health and safety requirements of your work environment to make sure that the work place is safe for your workers. 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 is available in Section 21 of the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004). Ensuring the safety of all electrical appliances is one of the many areas that needs particular attention. 'Test and Tag' is a term used to describe the process of making sure that electrical equipment and appliances are safe to use in the place of work.
To get rid of any potential dangers or risks, employers (as a duty of care) need to evaluate and diagnose any potential dangers associated with equipment that may be used, and furthermore assessing any dangers and introducing measures to remove thosedangers.
WorkSafe Victoria (from Australia) has advised performing test and tag checks for all electrical appliances 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 protocol, and further to this the testing and tagging of all electric equipment has become a mandatory part of the many company safety policies. Regular Test and Tag procedures are becoming more and more adopted by companies to help ensure the work environment is safe for employees.
To Test and Tag equipment is not particularly hard, and any competent person can be trained in becoming a test and tag technician. The equipment used is normally (transportable|portable}, allowing the technician to go to the location of the equipment appliance, rather that the equipment going to the technician. Electrical Appliances that have been tested is then “tagged”: recording the details of the outcome and the test date. The technician should also record a log of all electrical appliances tested, and the results.
Employers have two options to select to “Test and Tag” electric appliancesto highlight any appliancethat is faulty and requiring attention. The first option 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 work place and perform the testing and tagging to ensure your obligations are met. Option two is to do the work in house by ensuring that a staff member successfully completes an approved course at a TAFE college and becomes appropriately trained in the use of Portable Appliance Testers.
What Frequency should electrical 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 modified based on a risk assessment that has been carried out. Electrical appliances 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, whereas equipment that is used less and therefore has a a smaller risk, the frequency can be as long as 5 years. also any equipment that has been serviced, repaired or is new is also required to be tested before being returned to service.
The following lists frequency guidelines for various types of electrical appliances.
- electrical appliances (including tools and leads) used on building sites should be tested at least every 90 days
- electrical appliancesused in factories should be tested every six months
- electric appliancesused in offices (including offices in factories) should be tested every 3 to 5 years
- Safety Switches should be tested every month
Testing and Tagging is a vital part of company safety, so ensure that you get in touch with your local authorities to ensure that you are meeting your legal obligations and providing a risk free work environment for your staff.
Author Resource:
Test and Tag Melbourne providingTest and Tag Services and Information for Melbourne, Australia
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