Test & Tag - Services
No matter what business you are in, Make sure your business is compliant with our range of safety testing and inspection services. Keep on top of your workplace safety obligations by working with us to help you maintain your buildings.
Everyone deserves a safe place to work.
Electrical Risk Assessment
Portable Appliance Testing
Earth Fault Loop Impedance
Fire Protection Testing
Emergency Lights
Microwave Testing
What is Test and Tagging?
Test and tagging is the process of visually inspecting and electrically testing in-service electrical equipment for personal safety. Colloquially, it is also referred to as; tagging, test tag, test and tag, electrical tagging, appliance testing, portable appliance test or lead tagging. It involves two parts: first visually inspecting the appliance for any damage, followed by electrically testing it with a Portable Appliance Tester.
Once tested the item is placed with a tag to confirm that it has been tested along with showing who tested it and the test date and the next test due date.
The AS/NZS 3760 is the Australian Standard that provides guidelines and regulations for the test and tag industry with regards to electrical safety of appliances. It sets out recommendations to issues such as test and tag intervals and defines who can test and tag and general guidelines.
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. The test and tag colours will change for different periods throughout the year, which effectively make certain times of the year coincide with a specific test tag colour.
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 unsafe, they could be found liable. Because of this, it’s the employer’s responsibility to have all portable electrical appliances tested.
What type of equipment is tested and tagged?
In short, any device that has a flexible cable, a removable plug and is not low voltage (not exceeding 50V). This includes extension leads, cord sets and portable RCD’s.
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.
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.
If you would like more information on the test and tag industry, test and tag equipment or perhaps had a question relating to the Australian Standards, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
