According to the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004) section 21, the standard workplace safety for electrical equipment and appliances is the Australian New Zealand Standard AS/NZS3760. This nationally accepted standard law means that electrical equipment used in a workplace must be tested and tagged.
What is AS/NZS3760?
Safety is a priority when electrical appliances are functioning in the working environment. Whether you are an employer running an office, construction site, factory or shop, it is required by the law that you ensure your workplace is safe to conduct business.
Workplace dangers are common when there are electrical appliances and equipment used. Some of the electrical dangers include getting shocks and burns, faulty equipment causing fires or electricity shock injuries, or it can even be an explosion caused by electricity ignition.
According to the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004) section 21, the standard workplace safety for electrical equipment and appliances is the Australian New Zealand Standard AS/NZS3760. This nationally accepted standard law means that electrical equipment used in a workplace must be tested and tagged.
What is AS/NZS3760?
AS/NZS3760 ensures that workplaces are safe for people by outlining the testing methods and frequencies for electrical appliances and portal appliances.
It is often referred to as the Test and Tag standard, testing and tagging Australian standards and PAT testing. This standard applies to all employers bringing in electrical equipment or appliances including batter charges, electrical drills, laptop charges etc.
If the electrical equipment is unsafe causing an accident to the people in the environment then the employer will be liable.
Is test and tag a legal requirement in Victoria?
Test and Tag is the process of checking the safety of portable electrical appliances to minimise electrical hazards in the workplace. This involves keeping your customers and employees safe, reducing the risk of getting fined or imprisoned due to breaches of electricity safety laws.
There are two steps for electrical test and tag:
Inspect the appliances visually for any damages.
Testing the appliance with a PAT- Portable Appliance Tester.
Once the process is completed a professional will place a tag with a test date and when the next test date is due so that it can be confirmed that the equipment is safe and maintained by the employer.
However, the one problem with the electrical test & tag regulation is there are no mentions that it is an obligation. There is no specific law in Victoria that has anything to do with electrical tests and tags. Nevertheless, it is encouraged to conduct a test and tag for electrical appliances to ensure safety in the workplace.
What electrical equipment must be tested and tagged?
Any device that has low voltage, flexible cable, removable plug including extension leads, cords or portable RCDs are categorised to be tested and tagged in a workplace.
Electrical appliances are classified:
Class 1 includes earthed appliances (Example: toasters and kettles)
Class 2 includes any double insulated appliances (Example: Electrical drills or hair dryers)
If there is any unused or new electrical equipment then it is not necessary to be tested and tagged.
How often do you need to test and tag electrical equipment, Vic?
Retesting electrical appliances or equipment depends on the workplace and individual risk assessment. Here is how you can identify how often you must test and tag the electrical equipment.
If the electrical appliance is in a place where it is frequently moved then the appliance must be tested and tagged every 12 months.
If the appliances are placed in a specific location without moving them frequently then it is only required to test and tag every 5 years.
Any appliances that are kept in manufacturing spaces must be electrical tested and tagged every 6 months.
If the appliances are provided by hire services then the equipment must be tested and tagged every 3 months. This is also applicable for any portable equipment used in construction sites.
Electrical appliances in accommodation spaces can be tested and tagged every 2 years.
Being familiar with the testing frequency can help avoid any danger caused due to the equipment or appliance.
You may think that the equipment or appliance is tested and tagged but unfortunate accidents can happen when you delay the process.
Who can test and tag in Australia?
According to the AS/NZS3760 testing and tagging Australian standards someone who is considered as a ‘’Competent Person’’ can conduct a test and tag.
The requirements to be considered as a competent person are:
A person who possesses the standard knowledge and practical skills to conduct test and tag.
Training obtained through electrical test & tag courses
An experienced individual on the job.
A qualified or licensed professional.
It doesn’t have to be particularly an electrician, it can be anyone who has obtained one of the above requirements or a combination of all the above.
The best way to get your testing and tagging done is by hiring a professional service provider who has obtained a license/qualification with a set of up to date knowledge and skills. This way you can get a consultation from a professional who will abide by the Australian Standards and Codes of Practice.
Another important factor that you need to keep in mind is to hire a Victorian service provider to conduct the test and tag. This is because the regulation for testing and tagging varies from state to state.
Things to keep in mind
Just because a piece of equipment looks safe does not mean you can place a test tag.
Make sure to hire a professional who understands the AS/NZ3760 testing and tagging Australian standards before conducting inspections.
To follow the test and tag regulations your testing and tagging must be done by a Victorian expert so that even the tiniest difference will not be liable to you.
Apart from the test and tag duties, you have other responsibilities such as ensuring all safety measures are followed in the workplace and providing supervision and training to use electrical equipment or appliances.
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