Information surrounding test and tag requirements can be found in AS/NZS 3760:2010, however in this article we talk about the requirements for test and tag.

The regulations outline that appliances located within a hostile environment must be inspected, tested and tagged by a competent person along with issuing a record. Items not located within a hostile environment need to be documented through a risk assessment.

Why test and tag?

By regularly completing test and tag, it overall minimises the risk of electrical shock to workers. Only to be completed by a competent person, they firstly undergo inspecting the equipment, then electrically testing, and tagging it with a label. A record of these tests are to be kept as part of your overall OH&S risk management documentation.

Who is responsible for test and tag?

The responsible person is the owner of the premises equipment, deemed to be responsible for safety of the workplace. All ‘responsible persons’ must ensure test and tag providers own a copy of the current AS/NZS3760 understanding the contents and not just the retest frequencies, its also important to ensure the test and tag provider holds public liability and professional indemnity insurance.

Does new equipment need test and tagging?

First off, any appliance that is newly purchased does not need to be tested, however it needs to be visually inspected and tagged. In this circumstance, using a tag that says ‘New to Service’ indicates that the item has not been tested yet in the future will require testing.

RCD’s

When safety switch testing, all circuits operating in a hostile environment must be protected by an RCD, of which needs to be tested in accordance with Australia Standard (AS/NZS3760), ensuring that it is read in conjunction with state-specific legislation.

Can I test and tag appliances?

Only those deemed competent can test and tag appliances. If you would like to complete a test and tag course, Bizmatrix provide this one day training, more information can be found here.