A Complete Guide on Testing and Tagging of Equipment
To put it in simple terms, test and tag is the
name given to the process of checking the safety of electrical appliances. This
is done via two methods:
· First,
visually inspecting the appliance, looking for any damage
· Second,
checking it with an electrical tester known as portable appliance tester.
As soon as the electrical test and tag is complete and machine passes it, the item is
placed with a tag to confirm that the appliance has been tested, by whom, on
which date and also when the next test is due
.
The main reason why people opt for test and
tagging is to ensure the safety to employees at the workplace coming in contact
with the appliance and it also minimizes the risk of any electrical hazard. The
Australian standard that oversees the test and tag industry is AS/NZS 3760.
It provides the set of rules, regulations and guideline for the test.
Who Needs To Test And
Tag?
Construction, demolition and mining are the
three major industries that require getting their appliances checked in every 3
months. This is mainly because of the harsh nature of the industry and also
there’s appliances gets damaged at a faster rate. With exception to these
industries, there is no legislative requirement of test and tag for other
workplaces. However, it is the sole responsibility of the employer to ensure
that all the appliances at work place are safe to use by the employees. In case
of any mishappening, the employer would be held liable if the appliance wasn’t
tested and was unsafe to use. To avoid such a thing, many employers get test
and tag quote and make sure that the appliances are indeed checked.
Can You Test and Tag
Electrical Equipment?
Understanding the nature of the job, there’s a
misconception that one has to be an electrician to test and tag but according
to AS/NZS 3760:2010, any competent person can do this work. One can opt for
test and tag course in Adelaide to acquire the knowledge and skills to use a
PAT tester. After that, all you will need to do is take a test and pass it with
flying colours.
What Type Of Equipment
Is Tested And Tagged?
To understand this in a short and simple
manner, any device that has a flexible cable, a removable plug, carries low
voltage (not exceeding 50V) comes under test and tag equipment. This also
includes extension leads, portable RCDs and cord sets. Other electrical
appliances can be classed as:
Class I: earthed appliances such as kettle,
toaster, iron
Class II: double insulated appliances such as
electric drills and hair dryers as they are usually identified within a symbol
or the words ‘Double Insulated’.
If the equipment is new, it doesn’t need to
tested. It is just visually inspected and then tagged. So, those who have
purchased new equipment, don’t have to worry about getting it tested.
It is vital to get equipment test and tagged.
The frequency of this test solely depends upon the environment that the
appliance resides in.
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