Test and Tagging is the process of inspecting and testing electrical appliances to determine if they are electrically safe for personal use.
The process has various names: Test and tagging; testing and tagging, tag testing or lead testing or similar.
For those who like a bit of formality, the official title is; in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760 is used as the primary reference document for determining the inspection and testing processes.
The test and tagging process involves two key steps;
Step 1
The first is to conduct a thorough visual inspection of the appliance and the power lead to ensure they are in good condition and there is no evidence of damage that could present a danger to the user or other people.
Step 2
The second step is to electrically test the appliance.
Depending on the outcome of the visual inspection and electrical testing, either a PASS or FAIL tag is attached to the lead of the appliance.
The reason we test and tag is because of what is contained in Stage and Federal Occupational Health and Workplace Safety Acts and Electrical Safety Acts and Regulations. The requirements of OH&S place a legal obligation (a.k.a duty of care) on all business owners and employers to provide and maintain a safe workplace. As part of fulfilling this obligation, steps must be taken to ensure the electrical appliances used in the workplace are electrically safe for personal use.
The type of appliances that need to be test and tagged are typically the type of appliances that have a flexible supply lead (power cord) that you plug into a standard power point.
Here are some of the more common appliances that Be-Sure Test and Tag would typically test and tag; Computers, Printers, Monitors, Scanners, TVs, Floor polishers, Extension leads, Power boards, Modems, Photocopiers, Fax machines, Power tools, Radios, Air conditioners, Refrigerators, Hand dryers, Washing machines, CD Players, Battery chargers, Phone chargers, Desk-top lamps, Vacuum cleaners, Heaters, Portable flood lights, Jug & kettles, Toasters….and lots more.
The general rule-of-thumb is; if you plug it in, it needs to be test and tagged.
