What Are Test And Tag?

 

Well, Test and Tag is the name given to the process of checking the safety of portable electrical appliances. It involves two parts: first visually inspecting the appliance for any damage, followed by electrically testing it with a Portable Appliance Tester. Once tested, the item is placed with a tag to confirm that it has been tested, along with showing who tested it, the test date and when the next test is due, yes you read it right! The primary reason behind doing testing and tagging is to ensure the safety of the people in the workplace coming into contact with the appliance, while also minimising the risk of an electrical hazard. The best thing you can do to ensure safety in the workspace is by hiring an interior designer Melbourne, who can look after all these complexities and ensure everyone’s safety in the workplace.

 

 

 

Who needs to test and tag?

Industries such as construction, demolition and mining are required to have their appliances tested and tagged every 3 months. This is because of the harsh nature of the industry which is likely to damage equipment at a faster rate. For every 3 months of testing, the test and tag colours will change for different periods throughout the year, which effectively make certain months coincide with a specific test tag colour.

Except for these industries, testing and tagging is not a legislative requirement for other workplaces. However, the employer does have a duty of care to ensure the safety of its employees, meaning that if someone was hurt from an appliance that wasn't tested and unsafe, they could be found liable. Because of this, it's the employer's responsibility to have all portable electrical appliances tested.

 

 

Who can test and tag electrical equipment?

There is a common misconception that you must be an electrician to test and tag. However, if you are someone who is considered a ‘Competent Person’ then you are also able to test and tag. This is most commonly achieved by undertaking a test and tag course, where that person acquires the knowledge and skills in learning to use a PAT tester, but the best is to opt for professional help.

 

What type of equipment is tested and tagged?

In short, any device that has a flexible cable, a removable plug and is not low voltage (not exceeding 50V). This includes extension leads, cord sets and portable RCD’s. Generally, electrical appliances can be classed as either: Class I; which includes an earthed appliance i.e. kettles, irons and toasters or Class II; which includes double insulated appliances, which are usually identified with a symbol (a square within a square) or with the words ‘Double Insulated’ i.e. most electric drills and hair dryers. It's worth mentioning that new equipment doesn't need to be tested - just visually inspected and tagged.

 

How often should appliances be tested and tagged?

The Australian Standards recommend particular test and tag frequencies based on the type of environment the appliance resides in. Sometimes, this might differ depending on a workplaces individual risk assessment. 

 

What is a Portable Appliance Tester?

A portable appliance tester, also known as a PAT Tester or PAT, is the main piece of equipment used by someone testing and tagging. It allows you to test an electrical appliance to ensure it's safe, which does so by giving you results on whether it passed or failed your particular tests. There are many factors to consider before you buy an appliance tester, such as deciding on how much you want to spend (they range from $500 up to $3000) how much functionality you'll need and what kind of features you want. Generally, the more you spend means the more you'll get. Nowadays, you can easily read portable appliance tester reviews on every tester and figure out which is the best one for your needs.