According to OH&S procedures, testing and tagging are significant and essential parts of a business. It is a procedure carried out by industries and companies to ensure that the risk of electric shocks in equipment and appliances is reduced. 

Electrical testing and visual inspection are two phases of the testing and tagging procedure.

The law:

The Queensland Electrical Safety Act 2002 requires that an employer is legally obligated to guarantee that a workplace is safe from any risks and that all hazards are identified on time. In such a manner, if you are a business owner or an employer, you must identify any hazards and risks; otherwise, you can face the consequences. 

What is the testing and tagging process (and who should do it?)

It is the job of a licensed electrician to detect and solve problems related to the equipment and appliances.

The appliances need to be inspected, tested using strict measures, and then labeled once they are deemed safe to use. Business owners and employers must lodge the test and tag data electronically and keep a physical copy of the results.

This analysis is a part of overall OH&S and risk assessment documentation.

Phase 1: visual inspection

Visual inspections carried out initially can identify signs of any damage caused to the equipment and appliances:

• Cracks on sockets
• Heat exposure indicated by discolouration
• Damaged cords
• Faults in ventilation 

Phase 2: electrical testing

After the visual inspection of a device, it is then passed on to the electrical testing procedure. This phase is where the polarity, insulation, and continuity are tested to guarantee that an appliance is safe to use. 

How often should appliances be tested and tagged?

To keep businesses pliant with state laws, it is mandatory to have regular testing and tagging.

It depends on your industry and equipment; when you need to carry out testing and tagging, it can be performed annually, bi, every three months, or every 3-5 years. 

What kinds of appliances and equipment are tested?

Everything is bound to be regularly tested, whether hand dryers to roller coasters.

Electrical supplies in the commercial spaces below are liable to testing and tagging.

• Offices
• Workshops
• Kitchens
• Shopping centers
• Lecture halls
• Hotels
• Construction sits
• Meeting rooms

What happens to faulty, damaged, or at-risk equipment?

In case an item fails the testing procedure due to an identified defect, that item must be tagged out of service and mentioned in the records of the business. An electrician’s job in this setting is to inspect the equipment and decide whether it can be repaired or that it needs to be replaced with another gear.

The risk of a faulty appliance

A fault appliance poses severe hazards to the employees and the customers.

The hazards of faulty appliances and equipment are as follows.

• Burns
• Explosions 
• Electric shocks
• Fire breakouts 

Are you worried about the standard of your electrical equipment and appliances?

It is better to be safe than to be sorry.

Organize an inspection of testing and tagging from Live Services Group. We are a Queensland-based electrical company. Contact us today to organize a thorough testing and tagging procedure.

Call Live Services Group today for electrical services in South East Queensland – 1800 548 332 or fill in the form to lodge a job with us today to get your place tested.