Test and Tag is Australia’s prime key to safety in the workplace, especially since there are so many electrical deaths per year. By having the right equipment and training, you too can test and tag, but you may want to opt into hiring an agency (we’ll talk about that later) to do this for you, and we’ll explain why later. For now, though, we’re going to cover what a test and tag actually is, why you need to have it, and how it’s done so check here!
Australia Standards
According to Australia’s regulatory standard for electrical safety, a company literally has to have anything that plugs into an electrical outlet, and tool that uses electricity tested and tagged to ensure that the devices, cords, and everything else are all in working order. All over the world, there are so many people who die from electrical accidents, especially in the construction-type industries, and even industrial ones, so they are the primary reason the code was put into place. However, due to other possible accidents and industries that occur, Australia made it a standard general rule for every single business, even when it comes to office equipment and computers.
How is Test and Tag Done?
Fortunately, if you simply purchase new equipment, the testing process isn’t as detailed as one that’s already been tested and tagged before. The general practice is that the item being tested is thoroughly inspected visually and made sure to work physically.
If the item has been tested before (and isn’t new anymore), after the physical inspection is done to and the device is ensured to not be physically damaged in any way, then the item must be tested with a handheld electrical testing device, often a multimeter, receptacle tester, or voltage detector in order to make sure that it’s properly working correctly, and that it allows proper electrical connection to ensure that there is no chance of electrical discharge that could harm the user.
Depending on Your Industry
Different industries have different timeframes in how often they have to have their items tested and tagged. The construction, building, and mining industries are the most dangerous, and their items are often damaged easily due to the harsh nature and the constant use of the equipment. Therefore, they’re the most frequent industries that need to be tested and tagged, at least once every 90 days. Other hostile work environments should be done a single time each year, while the production and manufacturing industry is generally inspected at least once every 6 months.
Once the items are tested properly, then they are tagged to show certification that they passed the test and tag procedure.
Conclusion
Testing and tagging seems easy, but the individuals performing the test need to be licensed and qualified, let alone certified and have the right training to perform them. At the same time, if you hire a team of individuals yourself (in-house), you may be liable for any damages that incur, and injuries or accidents that can happen. That’s why you’re better off hiring a company that is designated to testing and tagging, as fully licensed and experience electricians as well. This ensures that you only have to pay for the service when you need it, and never anything more.
