What is electrical test and tag? Swanco Electrical Perth

What is electrical test and tag?

Electrical test and tagging, is the process of checking the safety of portable electrical appliances. This service is completed as a precautionary safety measure to ensure that the appliances used at a workplace are operating safely and are in good working order. The purpose of testing and tagging is to prevent (or reduce the risk of) electrical hazards, such as electrical shocks and fires.

Test and tagging consists of four parts:

Visual inspection: The item is visually inspected for any damage or faults to the appliance or cord. The appliance must visually be in good working order to pass the test.

Electrical test: Using a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT), we electronically test the item to determine if it is functioning correctly.

Tagging the item: The item will be labelled with a company tag to signify that it has been tested. This tag will include the test date, due date and the technician’s license number. If the item fails the test, it will be tagged with an ‘Out of Service’ tag to clearly show the item is unsafe for use.

Reporting: You will receive a completion report outlining the items tested, failed items, recommendations, due dates, etc.

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When should Test and tagging be carried out?

In accordance with the AS/NZS 3760:2022, electrical test and tag frequencies are dependent on both the industry you’re in and the environment the appliance or equipment is being used in.

3 Month (Quarterly): Demolition, construction and building industry. Such frequent tagging is required due to appliances being used in a harsh and hostile environment.

6 Months (Biannually): Equipment used in warehouses, workshops, commercial grade Kitchens and production.

12 Months (Yearly): Any environment where the appliance and/or its cord is open or prone to flexing or abuse. This includes but is not limited to; offices, workspace, meeting rooms, kitchens (excluding commercial), shop floor equipment and front counters.

24 Months (2 Yearly): Appliances used in residential accommodation, includes but not limited to; hotels, hostels and boarding houses.

60 months (5 yearly): Non-hostile environments where the appliance and its cord is not prone to flexing or abuse. This includes but is not limited to; Communication racks, security and surveillance, server rooms and fixed office equipment.

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Why must testing and tagging be carried out

The Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 specify measures you are to take to ensure safety measures in your workplace. One of these measures is the electrical testing and tagging of portable electrical equipment and the regulations refer to the Australian Standard for guidance on how to implement these safety measures.

As per Occupational Health and Safety requirements, businesses are required to ensure a safe work environment. Employers are required to take all reasonable steps to provide a safe, hazard-free workplace, which includes having an electrical maintenance plan to uphold their duty of care. The AS/NZS 3760:2022 Standard outlines that regular testing and tagging of electrical appliances is optimal for creating a safe workplace.

All testing and tagging are completed in line with the AS/NZS 3760:2022 Standard. Testing for construction, demolition and mining is also completed in accordance with the AS/NZS 3012 Standard.

In addition to ensuring your business is compliant with the Australian testing standard, having regular electrical test and tagging completed assists with insurance claims, liability claims, and even acts as an asset register of your electrical equipment. It also offers peace of mind, knowing your electrical equipment is safe.

Why use Swanco Electrical to keep you compliant?

Swanco Electrical are your local, reliable electrical test and tag technicians. Through our extensive experience and highly trained team, Swanco Electrical strives to go above and beyond for our customers, providing exceptional service at an affordable cost.

When you call Swanco Electrical, you can be reassured you are dealing with a professional team who have your employees and business safety at the forefront. Using our quality testing equipment and reporting system you can be confident that your electrical compliance has been completed by a highly skilled and qualified technician. We will notify you when your electrical equipment is due for their next test.

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