All you need to know about commercial test and tag services

Ensure your business complies with the WH&S regulations

An important part of workplace safety regulations, the test and tag procedure should be a regular part of your business’ electrical maintenance. But what exactly does “testing and tagging” involve? What kind of commercial equipment do you need to test and tag? And what is the relevant legislation you should comply with? Let’s take a deep dive into commercial test and tag services.

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 What does the test and tag process involve?

Test and tag is a process of carefully inspecting the safety of each electrical appliance by a licensed electrician. First and foremost, this procedure ensures the safety of the people in the workplace who come into contact with the appliance. Secondly, testing and tagging minimises the risk of electrical hazards that can potentially bring damage to your commercial electrical equipment.

When determining your electrical appliances’ integrity, each asset is subject to testing as per the Australian safety standards. The procedure consists of two parts: first visually inspecting the appliance for any damage, and then electrically testing the appliance with a special testing tool.

Most professional electricians use a Portable Appliance Tester, the latest equipment that can diagnose any technical issues and ascertain the functionality of an electrical device.

Test and tag services normally include the following procedures:

  • Visual and physical inspection
  • Check for any external damages
  • Insulation tests
  • Earth circuit test
  • Functionality test
  • Run/Leakage test
  • Polarity wire test
  • Check for any faulty accessories, plugs or socket outlets
  • Inspect supply cords
  • Check for tangled or exposed cords that may become tripping hazards
  • Inspect power boards: make sure that ‘maximum load’ indicator is visible and easy to read.

Once tested, the item will receive a tag to confirm its functionality, which clearly displays who performed the test, the date, and when the next test is due.

What are your legal requirements as a business owner?

Test and tag is a way to ensure your businesses complies with Australian Electrical Safety regulations. According to WHS (Workplace Health and Safety), all Australian workplaces must be able to demonstrate safe systems of work; and to show detailed results of the test as recorded by the electrician.

There are two main legislative frameworks you should refer to:

  • Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760: 2010 In-Service Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. This is the most relevant standard for the safety inspection and testing of electrical appliances.
  • Electrical Safety Regulation 2013, ensuring the electrical safety of electrical workers, as well as specifying the intervals for testing.

Testing and tagging has been implemented in Australia and New Zealand as a strategy to ensure the safety of electrical appliances in the workplace.

Which electrical equipment requires testing and tagging?

To ensure maximum safety for your employees and customers, you should inspect all portable electrical items designed for connection by flexible supply cord and plug top to 240v or 415v power. All commercial environments, such as offices, factories, organisations or community centres should comply with the standards.

There are some items which are not mandatory to receive testing and tagging inspection as per AS/NZS 3760:2010:

  • Fixed or hardwired devices
  • Items located at a height exceeding 2.5 metres
  • Appliances which you need to disassemble in order to establish a safe operation
  • Demonstration and sample or new stock in a retail or warehouse outlet

How often should you schedule test and tag service for your business?

Test and tag can be required monthly, quarterly, biannually, or annually. Intervals will depend on the type of business you own, the equipment location, the environment where it operates, and the level of risk associated with it.

For example, in extreme circumstances and high risk environments you should undergo daily electrical equipment testing. However in the majority of business situations, test and tag is mandatory once a year or even 5 years for devices working in a low-risk environment.

You can find specific timeframes and environments and more information about re-inspection protocols in the Australian standard AS/NZS 3760:2010.

testing and inspection intervals

Testing and inspection intervals image from www.testandtagtraining.com.au

You can see why it’s important to ensure that your service provider is knowledgeable and accurate about re-inspection time frames!

Who can test and tag your commercial equipment?

The Australian Standard mentioned above states that people who can complete testing and tagging include:

  • A licensed electrician
  • A competent person who has sufficient knowledge and training on a continuing basis to undertake current inspection and test procedures.

Talk to Jaric Electrical for commercial test and tag services

At Jaric Electrical, we’ve been successfully delivering test and tag services to a variety of commercial and industrial businesses, including:

  • Building sites
  • Offices
  • Factories and workshops

Testing and tagging brings you the peace-of-mind of operating with secure equipment while ensuring safety for your staff. For your convenience, Jaric Electrical can also offer you a reminder service to ensure that your business is always compliant with the law.

If you need any commercial electrical services, call your local, reliable team of experienced electricians at Jaric Electrical on 1300 452 742 or get in touch with us online.

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