Appliance Testing "Tag & Test"

What Is Test & Tag

Test & Tag is a common name use to describe the process of electrical appliance testing. The process involves inspection of the appliance cord and casings to ensure all insulation materials and safety devices are intact and operational, in addition to inspection the appliance is tested using a portable appliance tester. If the appliance passes both the inspection and test a compliance tag "test tag" is fitted to the cord at the plug end. If the appliance fails either inspection or test an out of service tag must be fitted to the cord.

A record of the inspection and test is required to be kept for a minimum of 7 years. Inspection and testing requirements should be carried out in accordance with Australian Standard 3760-2010. "In service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment"

Does My Business have to Test & Tag

The short answer is yes Since the introduction of new Occupational Health and Safety Legislation in all Australian States & Territories Appliance testing has become mandatory.

The requirements of the Occupational Health & Safety Act is

An employer SHALL insure that all plant & equipment supplied for use at a place of work is safe at the time it is made available for use.

The NSW OH&S Regulation 2001Div 8 as amended 2006 states that

An Employer must ensue that all electrical equipment that present a risk during normal use shall be tested, inspected and a record kept of test results

What About Low Risk Appliances

Electrical appliances that are deemed to be low risk in accordance with Workcover Risk Assessment Check List are required to be periodically inspected and maintained by a competent person and a record kept of the inspection results. It should be noted that the Australian Standard 3760-2003 recommends testing low risk appliances at 5 yearly intervals.

Can I Do it myself?

Yes. However you must complete a recognised training course with a registered training organisation and be assessed competent. There is some confusion as to whether a competent person can provide test & tag services for the construction industry however the NSW Code of Practice for construction "Electrical practices for the construction industry" Clearly states that a competent person can provide testing in the construction industry. Some construction sites have site specific rules requiring an Electrician to provide testing work however there is no documentation in legislation to support this.

How Often do I Have to do it?

The retesting intervals of electrical appliances in work places other than construction sites is set out in the Australian Standard 3760-2010. Construction site testing intervals in NSW are in accordance with Workcovers Code Of Practice for construction "Electrical Practices for the Construction Industry".

Other states have similar codes of practice detailing requirements for construction site testing.

The following table sets out the requirements for NSW for other states see Legislation.

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