Appliance Test And Tagging Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the different requirements of appliance testing and tagging and all the signs of failure when it comes to your electrical equipment can be a very daunting and hard task to keep up with.
We have made an up-to-date list of the most frequently asked questions our customers have asked us.
Hopefully, they answer some of your questions too.
What is Appliance testing and tagging?
Appliance testing and tagging is the safety inspection and testing of 240v or 415v volt plug in electrical items (any Item with a Power Plug). The current Workplace, Health and Safety Legislation states that all workplaces across Australia have a duty of care and must be able to demonstrate safe work systems, including Electrical & Appliance Safety.
Electrical testing and tagging is a procedure and Test in which minimises the risk of electrical shock to your staff and visitors with in your workplace.
Each Appliance item is inspected, electrically tested using a testing unit, and then has a tag placed on the lead and/or casing depending on the item. The tag is a record of your appliance testing which is part of the Workplace Health & Safety requirement and should be held for 7 years.
What Operating Hours do Matthew Costin Test & Tag work?
Our office hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 5.30pm & Friday 9am to 5pm.
Our technicians hours are Monday to Thursday 7am to 6pm & Friday 7am to 4pm.
We are happy to arrange a time after hours or on the weekend that will suit your business schedule.
How do I contact Matthew Costin Test & Tag for a consultation or visit?
Either call us or email us, our contact details can be found on our Contact Page, You can use the link below for further details.
What testing equipment do our technicians use?
Our technicians utilise the latest portable testing units, PAT-equipment (Portable Appliance Tester) for the specific task of Testing and Tagging.
Our Equipment is calibrated every 12 months according to Australian Standards.
How frequently does the inspection and testing need to be carried out?
Table 4 of AS/NZS 3760:2010 outlines various re-testing time-frames for various locations/environments in which the appliance resides and type of equipment.
Testing of items varies from one monthly, three monthly, six monthly, yearly, two-yearly or five-yearly.
In most workplaces and environments the requirement is yearly for most items and 5 yearly for some items residing in a lower risk environment. If your workplace has a workshop or manufacturing area, then most testing is 6 monthly.
It’s important your testing provider is proficient and precise about the re-test time frames. Getting it wrong can mean you are failing to comply with Australian Standards, or potentially testing too often. We provide a reminder service to assist you with this, 4 weeks prior to each re-test period to make an appointment, ensuring your compliance. We will follow up with a further reminder call if we have not heard from you 2 weeks prior to test due dates.
You can use the link below for further details.
In order to satisfy Workplace Health & Safety Legislation, what types of Businesses need to be tested and tagged?
Portable electrical appliances located in all areas of a workplace require testing and tagging.
Some of these areas include:
Offices, Manufacturing plants, Hospitals, Aged Care facilities, Factories, Building sites, Laboratories and Community Centres, to name a few.
What testing and tagging records do I need to keep?
According to AS/NZS 3760:2010, you are required to retain the history of tests carried out in your workplace or site.
This includes a test tag attached to each item which indicates the date, item ID, tester’s name and test status (pass or fail).
Also required is a corresponding asset register with test status and actions taken for all failed items.
We will supply the Report as part of our service.
Who can carry out the testing and tagging at my workplace?
If you are a business or employer, you must make sure that electrical equipment is regularly inspected and tested by a competent person.
A competent person is either; Someone who has acquired – through training, qualification or experience – the knowledge and skills to carry out inspections and testing of electrical equipment or A licensed electrician.
What is Microwave Radiation and why is harmful?
Microwaves use radioactive energy to vibrate the water in food, which begins the cooking process.
This radioactive energy produced can be harmful when exposed to people and living tissues.
By slamming the microwave door, dirt or food particles caught in the door seals and hinges and basic wear and tear, all cause the oven door to slightly separate from the appliance enclosure.
Once this happens, invisible, but highly dangerous radiation leak through the small space and can cause damage and injury to the user.
By Testing your microwave, you know it’s safe to use and won’t be harmful to you.
How do I get a copy of my report?
Upon completion of the scheduled testing and processing of your payment, we will mail your report.
The turn-around time to receive your Report is between approx 4-5 days from completion of payment.
However, if you require your Report urgently, let our office know and we will endeavor to prioritize for you.
I can’t re-test my items before the due date, Is there a time allowance past the due date for testing and tagging?
Yes.
As per AS/NZS 3760:2010 – 2.1. indicates a tolerance of two weeks past the item’s re-test due date.
PLEASE NOTE: This tolerance doesn’t apply to construction sites.
How much will testing and tagging cost me?
Our Prices can be found on the link below, For an individual or quote on test and tag price, please call our office, contact details can be found via our contact page or the link below.
What types of appliance equipment in my site or workplace need testing?
All 240v or 415v volt plug in electrical appliance and equipment items connected by a flexible electrical supply cord, need to be inspected, tested and tagged at all sites, workplaces and organisations.
Australian Standards, (AS/NZS 3760:2010) state the following exceptions:
1. Items installed 2.5 metres or higher from the ground/floor
2. Fixed equipment (except RCD’s) or hard-wired equipment
3. Demonstration of stock in a retail or warehouse outlet
4. Equipment that needs to be dismantled to inspect and test
Our staff understand the Australian Standards and can advise which items need to be tested within your site or workplace.
How Many Items Generally Fail Testing and can our technicians repair items if they have failed testing?
Experience has shown us that roughly 3% of all appliances and items we test are deemed unsafe.
Because some items are not worth repairing, our technicians will talk with you about any failed or unsafe items and will propose the best and most cost effective options for your workplace needs.
Does our RCD (Safety Switch) need testing and tagging?
Yes. RCDs need regular testing and tagging in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2010 to ensure it functions properly in a fault situation of an appliance or misuse of a power point, just to name a few.
If the RCD was to fail in the event of an electric shock, the result could be fatal.
The National Work Health and Safety Regulations (effective 1st January 2012) states that all workplaces must have RCD protection on all power circuits for business environments, and it must be regularly tested in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2010.
We will inspect and test your portable and fixed RCDs to ensure proper protection in an emergency situation and to satisfy AS/NZS 3760:2010 requirements.
How Long Will Testing & Tagging Take?
Testing & Tagging will take up to several minutes per item, depending on the appliance.
This involves several Tests, like visual and physical inspections before the item can be deemed to have passed the test & tag process.
Matthew Costin Test & Tag conduct all testing & tagging as efficiently as possible for minimal disruption to your day.
Do I have to turn off the appliance before it gets tested?
No, however, turning off appliances before we arrive does save time when we do carry out appliance testing.