Test and Tag is an electrical process that involves inspecting appliances for damage to flex, guards, connections, plug, and covers by a qualified technician. The technician must be satisfied that the item or appliance safe by checking aspects such as insulation, polarity, and earthing. This process is necessary to ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations, workplace safety, and Australian WHS.
Workers frequently handle portable appliances like kettles and power tools. Also, they are open to hostile environmental conditions and also abuse. That can make them electrically unsafe. Under the law, these appliances ought to be tested and tagged on a routine basis to ensure safe operation. To comply with WHS legislation and even satisfy your duty of care, all workplaces ought to demonstrate safe systems like detailed records.
Testing and tagging have been widely implemented by various countries to ensure portable electrical appliances are safe. Usually, technicians complete both comprehensive electrical tests and visual tests on appliances before terming them safe.
Visual Test
Technicians conduct a visual test that involves a comprehensive inspection of the flexible supply cord, appliance, socket, and plug. Guards and covers are checked to ensure that they are attached. Also, appliances are checked for rattles that indicate the presence of foreign objects that are likely to interfere with the safety of the appliance. Also, these appliances are checked for deep engraving that can impact on insulation of the appliance.
Electrical Test
Some of the electrical tests that are carried out on the concerned appliance include insulation resistance, polarity, earth resistance, and leakage current testing. It does not matter whether your appliances are double insulated such as angle grinders, drills, and some kitchen appliances; they need to be tested and tagged accordingly.
All the electrical items and appliances that are connected by a flexible supply cord and plug to 415V or 240V power ought to be tested and tagged whether they are in a community center, organization, or workplace. Items that are excluded from testing and tagging include fixed and hard-wired items, items that should be disassembled, and demonstration
If you want to carry out testing and tagging in-house, you will have to take into account the buying of appropriate equipment plus the ongoing training of your employees. Other things to note include test tags, buying of training material, testing equipment, printer, and the set standards. Therefore, it is not a good idea to do it in-house. Instead, you should hire a reputable company that specializes in test and tag services.