Test And Tag
If you are a business or employer you must make sure that electrical equipment is regularly inspected and tested by a competent person if the electrical equipment: is supplied with electricity through an electrical socket outlet (‘plug in’ equipment), and used in an environment in which its normal use exposes the equipment to operating conditions that are likely to result in damage to the equipment or a reduction in its expected life span, eg conditions such as exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust. You must keep records of the current test these records includes the name of the person who carried out the testing the date of the testing the date on which the next testing must be carried out. Parker’s Electrical NQ can perform your test and tag on site to Australian Standard AS/NZS3760. The advantage of using a qualified Electrician over a Test and Tag Company is we can repair the item on site if required and can offer advice on how to prevent damage to your equipment in the future. We have included some information on the rudiments below. The frequency of inspection and testing will vary depending on the nature of the workplace and the risks associated with the electrical equipment. The AS/NZS 3760: 2010 – In service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment, outlines inspection, testing, tagging methods and frequency.
INTERVALS FOR TESTING
Construction Work and mining sits
At least 3 monthly intervals by a competent person
Manufacturing work
* If equipment is double insulated, at least every 12 months by competent person
* If not double insulated, at least every 6 months by competent person
and connected to a safety switch
SERVICE WORK
At least 12 monthly intervals by a competent person or connected to a safety switch
OFFICE WORK
At least 5 yearly intervals by a competent person or connected to a safety switch
TESTING OF SAFETY SWITCHES
This part is often overlooked is required by the same legislation.
INTERVALS FOR TESTING
Construction Work and mining sits
* Use the inbuilt test button (at least monthly)
* An operating time/current test by a competent person at least annually.
Manufacturing work
* Use the inbuilt test button at least every 6 months.
* An operating time/current test at least every 12 months by competent person.
SERVICE WORK
* Use the inbuilt test button, at least every 6 months
* An operating time/current test by a competent person, at least every 12 months
OFFICE WORK
* Use the inbuilt test button at least every 6 months
* An operating time/current test by a competent person, at least every 2 year