Q&A On Workplace Safety
Do I need to have a copy of my test results?
Yes. It is a requirement under the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760 that upon completion of your testing and tagging a copy of your test results should be made available to you.
Our technicians will provide this to you FREE of charge in the format of a hard copy, a CD or by email, the choice is yours.
Does second hand equipment need to be tested before it can be sold?
Yes, In accordance with the standard AS NZS 5761-2011, legislation specifies all second hand electrical equipment must be inspected, tested and tagged prior to resale.
Should you wish to on-sell a second hand electrical appliance; SafePower Test & Tag Systems recommend you contact the Office of Electrical Safety in your state for further advice or:
How often do I need to do the testing and tagging?
The AS/NZS 3760 standard outlines the requirements and timeframes for inspection and testing of 240V tools and equipment. This can vary according to the type of business that requires the inspection and testing. At SafePower our technicians will always adhere to the AS/NZS 3760 standard and advise our clients as to the testing timeframes for tools and equipment within their business. Once you have your testing and tagging completed by SafePower, our technicians will call you with our reminder service to ensure you are always compliant.
Can I do the testing and tagging myself?
Yes, you can do this yourself but you may want to consider the legal issues and the cost associated with doing this in-house. Most professional test and tag technicians will have the latest equipment and software which can run into thousands of dollars to purchase. Some of the equipment will also need to be calibrated each year and this can cost up to $350.00 then once you have done this you will need to train a staff member on how to test all of the equipment following the correct procedures. We have found that the 1 day course that most training companies provide is not sufficient enough in showing people how to test correctly. Our technicians must attend a 5 day internal training course once they have completed the one day competency course.
If you also have 3 phase equipment then a further course will need to be completed, and if you want the 240V plugs replaced then another course will need to be completed ( Note: This does not included the state of QLD as 240v plugs can only be changed by an electrician).
The person you have trained will also need to keep up with OH&S legislations and changes to the AS/NZS standard. You will also need to consider the possibilities that in-correct testing by a staff member may lead to legal issues in the event of an accident in the workplace as the responsibility and liability may fall back onto you the business owner. At SafePower all technicians a fully insured which alleviates any risks for you. Before you decide to move forward on doing your own in-house testing, consider the costs and give us a call on 1300 760 636
I currently use my electrician to do all of my testing and tagging. Is that ok?
Electricians are far more qualified then test and tag technicians. However, if your electrician is providing a test and tag service then they should be using a portable appliance tester (PAT tester) to test your equipment correctly as outlined in the AS/NZS 3760 standard. Sometimes electricians may only use a multimeter and an insulation tester, which does not comply with all of the requirements of standard.
Part of the standard states that it is mandatory for leakage current tests to be undertaken with equipment that has an electronic, magnetic or membrane type on/off switch. This is the case with modern office equipment which uses membrane type On/Off electronic switches as do many power tools. These appliances must be turned on and then powered up to get past the switch, and the item can only be powered up if the electrician is using an portable appliance tester and not just a multimeter or a insulation tester.
What type of equipment needs to be tested in my business?
Any in service 240v or 415v electrical appliances, tools or equipment that have a flexible cord with a plug on the end that needs to be connected to a power source must be inspected and tested in accordance with the standard.
Who can do my testing and tagging?
1 – A licensed electrician
2 – A “competent person” who has sufficient knowledge and training on a continuing basis to undertake current inspection and test procedures.
3 – All SafePower Safety technicians have the appropriate licenses and qualifications required to conduct Testing and Tagging and Fire Equipment Testing in all states of Australia.
If you have any questions that are not on this Q&A page please Contact Us here and we will answer them for you as soon as possible and then add that question to this page for all future enquiries.
. . . or call us now on 1300 760 636