What is a Hostile EnvironmentAn environment where the expected life span of an appliance would be reduced due to factors such as humidity, corrosion, dust, physical abuse etc. It is a key factor in determining suitable retest intervals for an appliance. ( see Table 4 of AS/NZS 3760 ) More?

A necessary part of any test and tag program is to ensure the appliances are test and tagged at regular intervals.

The main factor that will determine the retest interval for an appliance is the environment the appliance is normally exposed to. The more hostile the environment, the more frequently it needs to be retested.

A hostile environment is one in which the appliance is normally subjected to conditions that would result in the expected life span of the appliance being reduced due to factors such as:

• Dust
• Corrosion
• Exposure to chemicals
• Humidity
• Physical abuse

It is not uncommon for appliances to be moved about a workplace and therefore the normal environment it is used in could change significantly. If the appliance is moved to a hostile environmentAn environment where the expected life span of an appliance would be reduced due to factors such as humidity, corrosion, dust, physical abuse etc. It is a key factor in determining suitable retest intervals for an appliance. ( see Table 4 of AS/NZS 3760 ) More and would normally be used there, then the retest interval for that appliance should be amended to reflect the change of environment.

For hostile working environments, it is important to retest the appliances and equipment on a regular basis. The only way to assess the environment is by doing a pre-site assessment and understanding the level of risk to the property.

• Low risk – office, there is little movement of the appliances and
• Medium risk – packing warehouse or storage facility. Appliances will be moved on occasion
• High risk – construction, mining, demolition. These environments require quarterly testing and tagging due to the frequent use of appliances.

This information is general in nature, should be used as a guide only and read in conjunction with the relevant Standard(s), State and/or Federal Legislation, Codes of Practice and Industry Standards specific to your workplace. A proper risk assessment should be under taken before acting on the information provided in this document or any related material. Further information can also be obtained from your local Workplace Authority, Electrical Safety Authority or a suitably qualified persons. This article is copyright protected.