• Jul 21, 2021

Testing And Tagging: What You Need To Know

Keeping abreast of all the responsibilities of a small business is difficult. It's easy to overlook something like testing and tagging because it only comes around every couple of years. And it's cloaked in a blanket of varying responsibilities. It's important though, because it impacts on tfe safety of your workers. It's also law, so you're not at liberty to ignore it.

To help you get your head around your responsibilities, we're going to summarize some of the compliance requirements you have as a small business.

First Up, What Is Testing And Tagging

Testing and tagging is the name give to testing of electrical equipment. It is tested by a competent or qualified person and a tag is applied to it to indicate it was tested. All tests must conform to standards and AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-service safety inspection testing of electrical equipment.

A record of the testing must be kept in your maintenance documentation.

Testing and tagging your workplace equipment ensures your staff are safe and you comply with the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 (QLD). Failure to do so can result in large fines.

Who Can Test And Tag

The regulations on testing and tagging state that a “competent” person can carry out electrical testing and tagging. Competent is defined person must have "experience, qualifications and training". A simple translation for all this is: you need a testing and tagging electrician.

Testing And Tagging Intervals

Testing and tagging intervals vary depending on the environment (eg office, kitchen), the equipment and the presence of safety switches.

For instance, construction equipment must be checked at 3 month intervals. This is referring to the safety switch, which the operator can carry out him/herself. The person carrying out the test still has to be "competent" and the appropriate records of testing should be kept.

Testing is graded according to the environment that it exists within. For instance, construction is a harsh environment and is therefore tested more often.

Below is a table of testing intervals provides by Worksafe Australia.

If you're unsure of your responsibilities toward testing and tagging of electrical equipment, we recommend that you contact your local electrician.