Test and tag requirements vary depending on the type of electrical equipment, how it is connected and the environment in which it is used. Understanding these factors helps businesses identify equipment that may require inspection and testing and determine an appropriate approach for managing electrical safety.
ISO 17020 · ISO 9001 · ISO 45001 · ISO 14001
Test and tag requirements vary depending on the type of electrical equipment, how it is connected and the environment in which it is used. Understanding these factors helps businesses identify equipment that may require inspection and testing and determine an appropriate approach for managing electrical safety.
Electrical equipment may present a lower risk when it remains in a fixed or protected position, its flexible cord is not exposed to damage and the surrounding conditions are unlikely to cause deterioration.
Office environments often contain lower-risk equipment, but each item should be considered according to how and where it is actually used.
A hostile operating environment is one in which electrical equipment is exposed to conditions that are likely to result in damage or deterioration. These can include moisture, heat, dust, vibration, chemicals, frequent movement and mechanical impact.
Equipment used in these conditions may require more frequent inspection and testing than equipment kept in a protected environment.
Depending on the equipment and workplace, some lower-risk items may be managed through documented visual inspection where permitted by the applicable requirements and supported by the workplace risk assessment.
Other equipment may require electrical testing based on factors such as its type, construction, operating environment and the requirements that apply to the workplace. Inspection and testing may also be necessary following repair or when the condition of an item cannot be adequately determined through visual inspection alone.
The appropriate method should be determined with reference to the applicable standards, regulatory requirements and workplace conditions.
AS/NZS 3760 provides a framework for the in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCDs. Different or additional requirements may apply to construction and demolition sites, patient areas and other specialised workplaces.
The equipment included in a test and tag program, the inspection method and applicable testing intervals should be reviewed when equipment, workplace conditions or the way equipment is used changes.
Tell ETS about the equipment used at your site, its operating environment and any existing testing records. ETS can help identify the equipment to include in your program and establish an appropriate inspection and testing process.
Call the national desk or send a quote request — we’ll confirm testing sequence and reporting.
