Q & As on Test and Tagging
This section provides some answers to common questions we are asked about test and tagging.
Q: What is test and tagging?
A: It is a means of determining if an electrical appliance is electrically safe to use.
Q: How is that determined?
A: It involves a process that includes a visual inspection and some electrical testing. This process is defined in the Standard AS/NZS 3760
Q: What appliances need to be test and tagged?
A: In non-technical terms, appliances that connect to a power supply by a flexible cord or connecting device that you plug into a power point and are used in the workplace should be test and tagged on a regular basis.
It also includes three phase appliances.
Some types of appliances can be exempted.
Our technicians can guide you through what needs to be done and what can be excluded.
Q: Is test and tagging mandatory for all workplaces?
A: The person in control of any workplaces must ensure all the portable electrical appliances used at that workplace are electrically safe for workers to use.
The process we follow satisfies that requirement and complies with your OH&S obligations.
Q: How often do appliances need to be test and tagging?
A: The main factor will be the environment they are used in. Those used in a hostile environment must be checked more often than those used in a non-hostile environment.
Our technicians can guide you through what intervals are suitable for your appliances.
Q: Do desk top computers , monitors, printers etc and other office equipment need to be test and tagged?
A: Yes. There is nothing in the Standard that automatically excludes them. Unfortunately some “reputable organisations” incorrectly promote the notion that when these types of appliances are used in a low risk (non-hostile) environment, such as an office, they automatically qualify for exclusion under the Standard.
Q: Do I need to use a licensed electrician to test and tag my appliances?
A: Not in Victoria or most other States. However, the person doing the test and tagging for you must meet the criteria of a competent person as defined in AS/NZS 3760.
Q: How do I know if they are a “competent person”?
A: You should always ask for evidence, such as a certificate of successfully competing a course.
Q: Can we test and tag our own appliances?
A: Yes. You will need a “competent person” to do this and the correct test equipment. Note: A digital multimeter is only suitable for testing a very limited range of appliances and if used to test appliances with certain design features, the tests will be invalid and deliver a false pass.
As part of the training courses we conduct, we provide information on the correct type of test equipment you should use.
Q: If an appliance has a detachable lead, do both the lead and the appliance need testing?
A: Yes. The Standard AS/NZS 3760 is very clear on this requirement and both components must display a separate tag.
Q: Can test and tagging damage my computer or IT equipment?
A: Done correctly there is very little, if any, risk to your equipment or data. Over the years our technicians have test and tagged many tens of thousands of computers and IT equipment without any adverse incidents.
Q: How long does it take to test and tag an appliance?
A: Usually it only takes a few minutes. This includes doing the visual inspection, electrical testing, recording the results and producing the tag.
Q: Do you provide any reports?
A: Yes. We can provide you with several reports depending on your requirements. These fully compliment your record keeping requirements. We also maintain an archive of old reports for many years in case you need back-copies.
If you have any other questions, send us an email or call us.
