Testing and tagging of electrical appliances involve regular inspection and testing by a competent person with the aim of ensuring the appliance is safe to use and is free of any damage, wear and/or electrical fault.
Any business or employers (or other PCBU) has the responsibility of making sure any electrical equipment on their site is regularly inspected by a competent person.
Why do you need to regularly test & tag electrical appliances?
Regular testing & tagging minimises the risk of electrical shock to anyone who come in contact with or operates and an electrical appliance.
Each piece of equipment is inspected, electrically tested, and then tagged (labelled) at regular intervals.
A record of these tests is kept as part of the business’ WHS risk management documentation for 7 years.
Electrical testing includes:
- Physical/integrity check
- Visual Inspections
- Insulation Tests
- Earth Continuity Test
- Continuity Test
- Functionality Test
- Earth Leakage Test
- Polarity Test
What is defined as an electrical appliance?
An electrical appliance is defined as electrical equipment that:
- Relies on electricity through an electrical socket i.e. ‘plug-in’ equipment, and
- Is used in an environment where it may be exposed operating conditions that may result in damage to the equipment or appliance.
Who is authorised to inspect and test electrical appliances?
Electrical testing and tagging must be carried out by a competent person. This is a person who has the knowledge and skills to carry out the inspections and testing of electrical equipment.
A competent person must have knowledge of the following relevant Australian Standards:
- AS/NZS 3760: 2010 - In service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment, outlines inspection, testing and tagging methods
- AS/NZS 3012: 2010 - Electrical installations - Construction and demolition sites, outlines regular inspection and testing requirements.
What information is recorded in electrical testing and tagging?
A record of testing must be kept until the electrical equipment is next tested, permanently removed from the workplace or disposed of. A record of testing must specify:
- The name of the person who carried out the testing
- The date of the testing
- The outcome of the testing
- The date on which the next testing must be carried out.
The record may be in the form of a tag attached to the electrical equipment tested.
