Test and Tag Regulations Queensland

By: Gavin Grech
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:23:32
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All electrical equipment in the workplace must be regularly tested and tagged to determine whether the appliance is electrically safe for use. The testing requirements for the electrical equipment given in Part 5 Division 5 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 depend on the equipments working environment (as defined in Section 83). Part 5 Division 5 specifies the testing intervals for class 2-4 equipment. For Class 1 equipment, the interval stated in AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations - Construction and demolition sites. These requirements are detailed below.

Equipment used for construction work (Class 1 work as defined in Section 83)

Section 87 requires that all electrical equipment is tested and tagged in accordance with the requirements of AS/NZS 3012 - Electrical installations— Construction and demolition sites.

Equipment used for assembly, fabrication, installation, maintenance, manufacturing, refurbishment or repair work (Class 2 work as defined in section 83)

Section 90 requires that all electrical equipment in this class must not be used unless it is tested by a competent person in accordance to AS/NZ 3760 : 2003. If the equipment is double insulated the appliance must be tested at least every year. If the equipment is earthed then it must be tested at least every 6 months.

If the equipment is safe to use, a durable tag must be attach immediately to the equipment that clearly shows the date the equipment is to be retested. If the appliance is deemed not safe to use, a durable tag must be immediately attach to the equipment that warns people not to use the equipment and immediately withdraw the item from use.

Equipment used in Class 3 and 4 work

Class 4 work means office work, Class 3 work is anything other than that included in the other classes. For example, equipment used in class rooms would be subject to the Class 3 requirements.

Section 93 requires that specified electrical equipment in this working environment tested and tagged by a competent person. If the equipment is only used for Class 4 work it must be tested at least every 5 years and in class 3 work tested at least once every.

The definition of specified electrical equipment for class 3 and 4 work includes a proviso that the equipment is ‘moved during its normal use for the purpose of its use’ (Section 83 (b)(iii)(C)). This means that items of equipment that are not moved during their normal use are not subject to the testing requirements. For example a vacuum cleaner used to clean an office or a kettle in a tea room would be moved during its normal use and would require testing and tagging. On the other hand a desktop computer in an office is not moved during its normal use therefore exempt from testing and tagging

Competent Persons

A competent person is someone who has acquired the knowledge and skill to perform the task. This knowledge needed can be obtained through training, qualification or experience that means the competent person does not need to be a licensed electrical worker.

The regulations also state that, while a 'competent person' may test and tag their employer's appliances without needing an electrical licence, they do need at least a restricted electrical contractors licence if they wish to test another company's electrical equipment.

Advice to Employees

All appliances in class 1 and 2 work and appliance that are moved during normal use in class 3 and 4 must be tested and tagged in accordance to AS/NZ 3760 : 2003. If this is not the case in your workplace, you as an employee, should approach your employer and request that this be done as soon as possible. If it is not done, then the employer is breaching his/her duty under Division 5 of the regulations.

Article source: Expert Articles