Testing and tagging is a process where a qualified technician carefully inspects each device visually for flexibility, connections, guards, covers and damage to plugs. Once the technician is satisfied that the appliance is electrically safe, it is tested for insulation, grounding and polarity to ensure it is electrically safe.

Test and tag is a way of ensuring compliance with Australian electrical safety regulations and workplace safety.

Portable electrical appliances, such as power tools and kettles, are the most frequently used by workers and are the most likely to become electrically unsafe due to abuse or harsh environmental conditions. Most state and territory regulations require a regular test and tag in Shellharbour and other places of these appliances in harsh work environments to ensure safe operation.

To comply with WHS legislation and fulfil maintenance obligations, all workplaces in Australia must be able to demonstrate safe systems of work. Detailed records of testing are therefore kept by technicians.

Testing and tagging are practiced in Australia as a strategy to ensure the safety of portable electrical equipment in the workplace and are legally regulated in Australia.

Do I have to be an electrical engineer to test and label?

No, you do not need to be an electrical engineer to test and tag electrical equipment, but an electrician may do so if they are deemed competent to carry out the testing and labelling.

Test and Tag in Unanderra and other locations provide the practical and theoretical skills required through continuing education, qualifications and experience (or a combination of these) to be able to safely and effectively use test equipment, understand electrical hazards, electrical equipment principles, the application and requirements of test and tag, and relevant state law requirements.

Some electrical engineers test and label using only a multimeter and insulation tester or using commercially available low-cost pass/fail PAT testers. These methods do not comply with the requirements of a test and tag near Shellharbour and other regions.

Residual current testing is mandatory for equipment with electronic, magnetic or membrane-type on/off switches. Like many electrical appliances, most modern office equipment uses membrane-type on/off electronic switches. Examples of magnetic switches are the new toasters (which do not lock unless turned on) and the new power tools. These appliances must be turned on to pass through an electronic or magnetic switch and testing with a multimeter and insulation tester will not allow the product to be turned on.

If a supplier only tests and tags near Unanderra using a multimeter and insulation tester, they may find devices with faults behind the switch that cannot be detected by this test. Such testing does not meet the duty of care to ensure a safe workplace!

We hope you have liked reading this piece; thus, share it with your loved ones!