The procedure of ensuring the safety of portable electrical gadgets is known as Test and Tag. It consists of two parts: physically evaluating the appliance for damage and then electrically testing it with a Portable Appliance Tester. Once tested, the item is labelled with a tag indicating that it has been tested, as well as who tested it, the date of the test, and when the next test is due, yep, you read it correctly! The primary objective for testing and labelling is to safeguard the safety of workers who come into touch with the device while also reducing the chance of an electrical hazard. The greatest thing you can do to ensure workplace safety is to hire an electrical professional who can handle all of these complications and ensure everyone's safety in the workplace.
Who is required to test and tag?
Construction, demolition, and mining industries are required to have their appliances inspected and tagged every three months. This is due to the severe nature of the sector, which is more prone to cause equipment damage at a faster pace. The test and tag colors will vary every three months for different periods throughout the year, thereby making certain months correspond with a specific test tag color.
Other than these industries, testing and tagging are not mandated by law in other workplaces. However, the employer does have a duty of care to guarantee the safety of its employees, which means that if someone was injured by an untested and unsafe device, the company might be held accountable. As a result, it is the obligation of the employer to have all portable electrical gadgets checked.
Who is authorized to test and tag electrical equipment?
It is a prevalent misperception that in order to test and tag, you must be an electrician. However, if you are regarded a 'Competent Person,' you can also test and tag. This is most typically accomplished by enrolling in a test and tag course, where the individual gains knowledge and skills in learning to use a PAT tester, but professional assistance is preferred.
What kinds of equipment are tested and labelled?
In a nutshell, any gadget with a flexible cable, a removable plug, and is not low voltage qualifies (not exceeding 50V). Extension leads, cord sets, and portable RCDs are all examples of this. In general, electrical appliances can be divided into two types: Class I contains earthed appliances, such as kettles, irons, and toasters, and Class II includes double-insulated appliances, such as most electric drills and hair dryers, which are normally designated with a symbol (a square within a square) or with the phrase ‘Double Insulated.' It is worth noting that new equipment does not need to be tested; instead, it must be visually inspected and marked.
How frequently should appliances be checked and labelled?
The Australian Standards prescribe specific test and tag frequencies dependent on the type of environment in which the appliance is located. This may vary depending on the particular risk assessment of a workplace.
What exactly is a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT)?
The main piece of equipment used by someone testing and tagging is a portable appliance tester, often known as a PAT Tester or PAT. It allows you to test an electrical device to verify its safety, and it does so by reporting whether it passed or failed your specific tests. Before purchasing an appliance tester, consider how much money you want to spend (they range from $500 to $3000), how much functionality you'll need, and what kind of features you desire. In general, the more you pay, the more you get. Nowadays, you can easily read portable appliance tester reviews for each tester and determine which one is ideal for your needs.
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