Q. Are there different test and tag requirements for different types of Workplaces?


Yes, there are, whilst all workplaces must have their electrical cords, appliances and equipment tested and tagged, some workplaces need to have this done more than others.

All Workplaces

In accordance with the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002, an Employer or Self Employed person must ensure that all electrical cables at the workplace are:

  • Located where they are not likely to suffer damage: or
  • Protected against damage

Construction Work Test and Tag Requirements

All ‘plug in’ electrical equipment is required to be inspected and tested on a 3 month cycle in accordance with AS/NZS 3012:2003.

  • Testing must be carried out by a competent licensed person
  • Records of inspections and tests must be kept for 7 years and include;
    • A register of all equipment;
    • A record of formal inspection and tests
    • Repair register; and
    • A record of faulty equipment
  • Non-compliant equipment must be withdrawn from service immediately, a warning label attached and sent for repair, disposal or destruction by an authorised repair agent or service personnel
  • Compliant equipment must be tagged with a durable, non-reusable, non-metallic tag
  • New equipment must be tested and tagged with the next test date and name of the person or company who performed the test
  • All power points on portable power boards must be protected by an RCD

Manufacturing Work Test and Tag Requirements

All ‘plug in’ electrical equipment is required to be inspected and tested on a regular basis in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2003;

  • If the equipment is Double Insulated at least once every 12 months; or
  • If the equipment is not Double Insulated at least once every 6 months

The equipment must be connected to a Type 1 Safety Switch, or Type 2 Safety Switch which must have the operating time tested every 12 months

  • Testing must be carried out by a competent licensed person
  • Records of inspections and tests must be kept for 7 years and include;
    • A register of all equipment;
    • A record of formal inspection and tests
    • Repair register; and
    • A record of faulty equipment
  • Non-compliant equipment must be withdrawn from service immediately, a warning label attached and sent for repair, disposal or destruction
  • Compliant equipment must be tagged with a durable, non-reusable, non-metallic tag
  • New equipment must be tested and tagged with the next test date and name of the person or company who performed the test
  • Double Adaptors and Piggyback plugs are prohibited

Service WorkTest and Tag Requirements

All ‘plug in’ electrical equipment is required to be inspected and tested on a 12 month cycle in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2003

The equipment must be connected to a Type 1 Safety Switch, or Type 2 Safety Switch which must have the operating time tested every 12 months

  • Testing must be carried out by a competent licensed person
  • Records of inspections and tests must be kept for 7 years and include;
    • A register of all equipment;
    • A record of formal inspection and tests
    • Repair register; and
    • A record of faulty equipment
  • Non-compliant equipment must be withdrawn from service immediately, a warning label attached and sent for repair, disposal or destruction by an authorised repair agent or service personnel
  • Compliant equipment must be tagged with a durable, non-reusable, non-metallic tag
  • New equipment must be tested and tagged with the next test date and name of the person or company who performed the test

Office WorkTest and Tag Requirements

All ‘plug in’ electrical equipment is required to be inspected and tested on a 5 year cycle in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2003

The equipment must be connected to a Type 1 Safety Switch, or Type 2 Safety Switch which must have the operating time tested every 24 months.

  • Testing must be carried out by a competent licensed person
  • Records of inspections and tests must be kept for 7 years and include;
    • A register of all equipment;
    • A record of formal inspection and tests
    • Repair register; and
    • A record of faulty equipment
  • Non-compliant equipment must be withdrawn from service immediately, a warning label attached and sent for repair, disposal or destruction by an authorised repair agent or service personnel
  • Compliant equipment must be tagged with a durable, non-reusable, non-metallic tag.
  • New equipment must be tested and tagged with the next test date and name of the person or company who performed the test

*information taken from Australian Standards/New Zealand Standards 3760:2003 – In-Service Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment; and the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/ElectricalSR02.pdf

 


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