Electrical Test & Tag

One of the more common questions we are asked is about electrical testing and tagging. Here is a new fact sheet just released by Safety Action

Download Here: [download id=”165″]

EXTRACT:

Issue:

Unsafe electrical equipment presents the risk of a person receiving an electric shock. Whilst the majority of electrical defects (estimated over 80%) can be detected by conducting regular visual inspections, occasionally internal defects can result in an electrical item becoming unsafe whilst appearing to be in good physical condition.

What is Electrical Test and Tag?

Electrical test and tag is the periodic testing, by a competent person, of electrical items to ensure they are electrically safe. An inspection tag is then attached to the item to confirm testing has been done, along with date for the next test.

National Workplace Health & Safety Regulations Requirements:

Part 4.7 of the National Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations outlines the requirements for electrical work.
Regulation 4.7.9 requires testing of electrical equipment used in a “hostile environment” e.g. construction sites, vehicles and workshops. It also outlines the specific information to be recorded on the tags.
Record of this testing (e.g. tag)* must include:
– Name of person who carried out the testing
– Date of last test
– Nature of the test
– Outcome of the test
– Date by which the next testing must be carried out
*Note: legislation does not specifically require the record to be a tag.
Equipment in hostile environments (per 4.7.9) that has not been tested and passed must not be used.

The Key Australian Standards include:

Australian Standard AS3760:2010 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical
equipment, this standard includes the requirements for periodic testing and inspection of
equipment and residual current devices (RCDs).
AS/NZS 3012:2010 – Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
AS/NZS 3003 Electrical installations – Patient treatment areas of hospitals and medical and
dental practices
AS/NZS 5762 – In service safety inspection and testing: Repaired electrical equipment

Electrical Test & Tag