What is electrical testing and tagging?

Test and tagging involves inspecting and testing electrical equipment and appliances to make sure they are in safe working order.

The current WHS legislation states that all workplaces across Australia have a duty of care and must be able to demonstrate safe work systems, including electrical safety. Portable electrical appliances must be inspected, tested and tagged periodically.

Electrical testing and tagging is a procedure which minimises the risk of electrical related accidents or injuries to your staff and visitors.

By having your appliances tested by a qualified person, you’ll not only adhere to relevant workplace health and safety requirements but reduce the risk of electrical faults that may cause accidents or injury.

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What types of equipment in my workplace need testing?

All 240v or 415v volt plug-in electrical equipment items designed for connection by a flexible supply cord needs to be inspected, tested and tagged in all workplaces and organisations.

According to AS/NZS 3760:2010 there are the following exceptions:-

• Fixed equipment (except RCDs) or “hard wired” equipment

• Items installed 2.5 metres or greater from the ground

• Equipment which needs to be dismantled to inspect and test

• Demonstration stock in a retail or warehouse outlet

 

​What Are The Benefits Of Testing & Tagging?

There are numerous benefits to undergoing regular testing of your electrical equipment. For businesses of all shapes and sizes, from retail stores to industrial workshops, ensuring your appliances are certified safe to use have the following benefits.

Safe Working Environment

Our testing process determines not only what appliances are deemed to be safe but also those at risk of malfunction or fault in the near future. We’ll recommend any necessary immediate repairs, as well as provide a clear record for your employees about which tools are safe to use.

Minimises Risk of Penalties and voided insurance

Testing and tagging is an important process for remaining compliant with WHS regulations and workplace standards. If an electrical fault should occur in your workplace without you having regular electrical safety checks, you can face harsher penalties and any potential insurance claims may be voided.

Maintains Your Electrical Equipment For Longer

With regular checks, we can spot minor problems before they require more costly repairs or replacement. You’ll not only be able to rely on your equipment for longer with the knowledge it’s in good working order, but you’ll save on potentially expensive replacement costs.

 

How frequently does the inspection and testing need to be carried out?

Table 4 of AS/NZS 3760:2010 outlines various retest timeframes of various locations/environments in which the equipment resides in. Another factor which is taken into consideration is the type of equipment.

Testing of items varies and may be required one monthly, three monthly, six monthly, yearly, two-yearly or five-yearly.

It’s important your service provider is proficient and precise about the retest time frames. Getting it wrong can mean you are failing to comply or testing too often. Tim the Tag Man offers a reminder service to assist you with this. We give you a friendly reminder 1-2 weeks prior to each retest period to ensure you are remaining compliant with AS/NZS 3760:2010

 

​What testing and tagging records do i need to keep?

Under AS/NZS 3760:2010, you are required to retain the history of tests carried out in your workplace.

This includes a test tag attached to each item which indicates the date, item ID, tester’s name and a test status (pass/fail).

Also required is a corresponding asset register with test status and actions taken for all failed items.

Tim the Tag Man supplies an Asset Register, Comprehensive Test Report and test tags for each item as part of our service.

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In order to satisfy WHS Legislation, what types of locations at my workplace need to be tested and tagged?

Portable electrical appliances located in all areas of your workplace are required to be tested and tagged. Some of these areas may include:-

• Offices

• Kitchenettes

• Workshops

• Warehouses

• Laboratories

• Portable work stations (eg trailers)

• Retail Stores

 

​What testing equipment does Tim the Tag Man use?

Tim the Tag Man utilise the latest up-to-date technology by Metrel for the specific task of Testing and Tagging, which has the guarantee of not damaging sensitive and sophisticated electronic equipment.

 

Is there a time lapse allowance past the due retest date for testing and tagging?

Yes. AS/NZS 3760:2010 – 2.1.(a) indicates a tolerance of two weeks past the item’s retest due date.

This tolerance doesn’t apply to construction sites.