Regulation 26 of Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010 states that the owner needs to verify the safety of appliances which is made available to the employees, contractors. The appliances should be tested and tagged in accordance with the standard AS/NZS 3760.
Testing and Tagging is the process of checking the portable electrical appliances. It involves two parts: the person inspecting the appliance checks if there is any damage by looking at it. Once he is done, the technician checks the equipment by testing it with the help of a Portable Appliance Tester. Testing and tagging the electrical equipment makes sure that it is safe to be used. It does not guarantee that the equipment does not allow safety when used in the future. It just gives you an overview of how safe is your device when it is been tested by the technician.
If you want to understand the test and tag intervals of how often the electrical appliance should be tested, you should always consider the type of environment where the electrical equipment is located. Different workplaces will require different tests and tag frequencies because the electrical risk assessments and the OHS are to be taken into consideration as well.
The electrical appliances used in workplaces of building, construction, and demolition should have test and tag frequency of 3 months. However, if the electrical equipment is used in damp conditions on a construction site it would need more testing. The electrical appliances used in factories, warehouses and production workplaces have 6 months of frequency. You should consider 12 months of test and tag if the equipment is in the environment where it is subjected to flexing or open to abuse and in case if the equipment is not prone to flexing and abuse 5 years of frequency is advised for the test and tag of the equipment.
Electrical equipment (Portable), which are used for commercial cleaning daily or before any use whichever is longer, should have a frequency of test and tag every day. Appliances that are fixed in a location also need to be tested. Safety switches (RCD), Powerboards, supply cord is also subjected to damage and needs to be tested. RCD trip time should also be checked.
The Technician who does the work must have a thorough knowledge of the task. It is not mandatory to get a registered technician but the person should know the standard procedure of test and tag. However, only a registered technician can fix the problem of the equipment.
Test and Tag is a basic security precaution for appliances that is used in workplaces be it a multinational or a small firm.
Testing and tagging are done on single, poly, and three-phase appliances that are connected to a socket by a flexible cord.
There are different types of test and tag companies out there ready to help you test all of your equipment. Hire the right one after comparing their services and their years of experience and skills. You may also go through their references.
