Why Tagging and Testing Matters
The physical safety of yourself, staff and colleagues should be of primary concern in your workplace. When it comes to electrical appliances, a fault doesn’t mean the appliance fails to operate, but a fault does mean that the chance of electrocution is at unacceptable levels. Testing and tagging is an Australian Government requirement for your workplace electrical appliances to be monitored by industrial or commercial electrical contractors. But what are they looking for?
Identify hazards and manage replacement
The safety of electrical equipment can often have little to do with the device continuing to operate on a daily basis. The testing and tagging process has a few steps to ensure device safety. Firstly, an electrician will thoroughly visually inspect the device. This is to spot any indication that the device will be dangerous to the technician during testing and to identify any obvious issues without connecting to power. Next, the device is subject to a number of power tests including ensuring the device is earthed properly, the polarity is uncompromised, and insulation remains sufficient. This process is important to your business for reasons both of safety and the continuing productivity of your workplace. If an appliance is faulty and is not identified, you might experience frustrating work floor stoppages that cost time and money, or a staff member could become seriously injured. Organising a testing and tagging electrician can save time, money, frustration, or even a life.
Stay up to date with safety standards
Safety standards are one of those things that move slowly, but if you don’t keep on top of it, can quickly become a huge job to meet. Not every workplace is at the same risk of an electrical fault, compliance the safety standards are based on your workplace’s exposure to hostile environments and use of equipment. AS/NZS 3760:2010 provides a table outlining what the requirements are for testing and tagging in your workplace.
Test tripping mechanisms and ensure user safety
Residual Current Devices (RCDs) are used across Australia to add an additional layer of protection to your electronic devices in the event of a power surge. RCDs activate when the balance of power changes from an event such as a cut cable. Without a functioning RCD, this cable could send electricity through an individual and cause electrical injury. When an RCD activates, it immediately detects the change in power balance and disconnects the device from the source of electricity. But just like electrical equipment, RCDs need to be regularly tested to ensure they are functioning correctly. When getting testing and tagging services, make sure that your contractor can check your RCDs are functioning properly for full protection and peace of mind.
Chat with commercial contractors in Perth
If you are unsure when your last testing and tagging service occurred, or your business is due for checks, call Cable Wise today. Have a chat with our team of professional commercial electricians, and get them to talk you through the process of ensuring your business is safe from electrical fault before they become a hazard.
