What is testing & tagging?
Electrical equipment testing & tagging or more commonly referred to as testing and tagging or test & tag, is the process of inspecting plugin electrical equipment to ensure that it is safe and meets the required Australian Standards* (the testing).
Next we apply a tag to the electrical equipment or cord, that states the date it was tested, whether it passed or failed and if passed a retest date (the tagging).
If the electrical equipment was faulty or failed the testing process, we would either repair it or mark it with a failed tag and advise the appropriate next steps, this may be to repair or replace the equipment.
Typical examples of electrical equipment are:
• Computers, printers and other office equipment.
• Phone, tablet and laptop chargers.
• Power tools, battery chargers, workshop machinery.
• Extension leads and powerboards.
• Kitchen appliances.
• AV and data projection equipment, lighting and sound gear.
• Basically anything that plugs in to a power circuit.
What type of business does testing & tagging apply to?
All businesses that use plugin electrical equipment require some form of testing & tagging, these include:
• Schools, TAFEs, universities, kindergartens, child care centres.
• Offices, shops, retail stores.
• Hospitality venues (cafes, restaurants, bars, etc).
• Medical centres (doctors, dentists, hospitals, vets, etc).
• Trades (builders, plumbers, painters, tilers, landscapers, etc).
• Building / construction sites.
• Warehouses, workshops and manufacturing facilities.
• Hire shops, second hand shops.
• Plus your business type (if not covered above).
For more information please call ALLJAY safety solutions on 1300 659 005 or use our contact us form.
Why testing & tagging?
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS / WHS) legislation imposes a duty of care for the business owner, manager or OHS representative to provide a safe workplace. Failure to ensure the safety of electrical equipment may result in death or injury to you, your staff or customers. It may also result in hefty fines to both individuals and businesses.
To discharge this duty of care the business owner, manager or OHS representative is required to reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire as far as practicable. Regular testing & tagging of electrical equipment, in line with the Australian Standards* is the best method of achieving this.
The need for businesses to conduct regular electrical equipment testing & tagging has been highlighted by WorkSafe inspectors inspecting all types of businesses, not just tradespeople. Some insurance companies now require electrical equipment to be tested & tagged otherwise they may refuse insurance, reduce or void a claim. Correctly tagged electrical equipment not only gives confidence to the WorkSafe inspector or insurance assessor, it demonstrates to your staff and customers that you care about their wellbeing.
Testing & tagging is about safety, compliance and minimising litigation.
