Test and Tag - an introduction

Meeting the health and safety requirements of your business, employees and customers can be a daunting task. We're required to meet numerous regulations and standards - all of which contribute to the safety of our customers and employees in the workplace. Electrical appliance safety is one of the many areas which needs particular focus.'Test and Tag' is the name commonly given to the process of ensuring your electrical equipment and appliances are safe to use commercially, and in the workplace.

Compliance

The specification for 'testing and tagging' is documented in the Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS3760:2003 - "In-Service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment."
Some businesses choose the services of electrical contractors to maintain compliance to this standard.

However, it can alternatively be managed in-house with the use of appropriate training and Portable Appliance Testers (PAT). Testing in-house can deliver a number of benefits including flexibility, control and long term cost saving.

What does it involve?

Testing and inspection can simply be categorised into three activities:

• Testing - Usually with the use of a Portable Appliance Tester.
• Tagging - Applying durable labels to the equipment lead, specifying test date and results.
• Recording - Documenting results centrally, often with the aid of computer software.

What do I need?

In deciding which equipment suits your needs, a number of factors need to be taken into consideration:

• Which type of appliances need to be tested
• The number of appliances to be tested.
• The speed at which you need to test.
• Your budget!

All of these factors influence your requirements so please consult with us first before ordering.

Who can 'test and tag' in my business?

The AS/NZS3760:2003 states that testing must be carried out by a 'competent person'. That person should be able to use test equipment safely and effectively, must have an understanding of the construction of the equipment, the requirements of the standard, the dangers of electricity and the legislative requirements (see footnote).

We strongly recommend that full training is provided to those intending to 'test and tag'. Short, low-cost courses are available through either Australia's TAFE colleges or private training facilities which provide basic competency. Please note that these programs do not neccasarily qualify participants to test and tag other company's equipment.

For more about bringing testing and tagging in-house,
download our guide to testing and tagging (Acrobat PDF format)

AS/NZS In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment

SAI Global Site. Distributors of Australian Standards. From here you can buy and download or order the Australia and New Zealand Standard for In-Service Safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

www.standards.com.au

Queensland TAFE colleges

Queensland's TAFE colleges provide the appropriate training to 'competent persons' level. Find out more at:

www.tafe.qld.gov.au