Complete Fire Safety can also conduct the Test and Tag of all electrical items from as low as $4.95 per item inc GST.
Test and Tag is the the process of checking the safety of portable electrical appliances.
CFS use the most up-to-date testing equipment and our tags will detail all relevant information in accordance with Australian Standard 3760:2010.
What type of equipment is tested and tagged?
Any device that has a flexible cable that either plugs directly into a power point, an extension lead or a power board.
Generally, electrical appliances can be classed as either:
Class I – this is an earthed appliance i.e. kettles, irons and toasters
Class II – double insulated appliances, which are usually identified with a symbol (a square within a square) or with the words ‘Double Insulated’ i.e. most electric drills and hair dryers. It’s worth mentioning that new equipment doesn’t need to be tested – just visually inspected and tagged.
The required Standard for Test & Tag is AS/NZS 3760?
The AS/NZS 3760 is an Australian Standard that oversees the Test and Tag industry in regards to electrical safety of portable appliances. Its main goal is to ensure workplaces are safe by setting out recommendations in relation to testing 240V, 3 phase and low voltage electrical equipment.
Specifically, these recommendations focus on topics that range from Test and Tag frequencies, inspection and testing specifications, record keeping and other general guidelines. This extends to any equipment or appliances brought into the workplace i.e. battery charger, laptop chargers, electric drill etc. If the equipment is not safe and causes an accident, both the employer and the person who provided the appliance may be liable.
It involves two parts:
a) visually inspecting the appliance for any damage,
b) electrically testing it with a Portable Appliance Tester.
Once tested, the item has a tag attached to confirm that it has in fact been tested, along with showing who tested it, the test date and when the next test is due.
The primary reason behind doing testing and tagging is to ensure the safety of the people in the workplace coming into contact with the appliance, while also minimising the risk of an electrical hazard.
Who needs to test and tag?
Industries such as construction, demolition and mining are required to have their appliances tested and tagged every 3 months. This is because of the harsh nature of the industry which is likely to damage equipment at a faster rate.
With the exception of these industries, testing and tagging is not a legislative requirement for other workplaces. However, the employer does have a duty of care to ensure the safety of its employees, meaning that if someone was hurt from an appliance that wasn’t tested and is unsafe, they could be found liable. Because of this, it’s the employer’s responsibility to have all portable electrical appliances tested.
How often should appliances be tested and tagged?
The Australian Standards recommend particular test and tag frequencies based on the type of environment the appliance resides in. Sometimes, this might differ depending on a workplaces individual risk assessment. The frequency can range from 1 year up to 5 years.
CFS can save you money and disruption time by Testing and Tagging your electrical equipment whilst we are onsite conducting the mandatory 6 month service of all your Fire Fighting Equipment and Exit & Emergency Lights.
For any information about Electrical Test & Tag or to arrange a quote please contact our Service Manager Scott.
CONTACT INFORMATION
PHONE: 0457 300 643
