A test & tag program is a planned and documented regime for the regular visual inspection and testing of all portable electrical appliances and cord assemblies in the workplace. The program is a “proactive” means with the aim to identify and remove any hazards from the workplace before they become a problem.

Unfortunately, some people have the misconception that because an appliance has been tested and tagged is safe to use, this could never be further from the truth.

The purpose of applying a test tag is to indicate that the device has been subjected to test program and to indicate the regime details.

• NT WHS (NAT Uniform Legislation) Act MAY2016
• NT WHS (NAT Uniform Legislation) Regulations APR2016
NT Worksafe Bulletins;
• Test and Tag – Construction Sites
• Test and Tag of Electrical Equipment
• Electric shock hazards associated with excessive sweating
• Electrical Power Tools On Board Fishing Vessels
• Safe use of Extension Cords
• AS/NZS 3760:2010
• AS/NZS 3012:2010

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY (NATIONAL UNIFORM LEGISLATION) REGULATION
SECTION: 150 Inspection and testing of electrical equipment states;

(1) A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure that electrical equipment is regularly inspected and tested and tagged by a competent person if the electrical equipment is:

(a) supplied with electricity through an electrical socket outlet; and
(b) used in an environment in which the normal use of electrical equipment exposes the equipment to operating conditions that are likely to result in damage to the equipment or a reduction in its expected life span, including conditions that involve exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust.

Maximum penalty:
(a) in the case of an individual – $3 600.
(b) in the case of a body corporate – $18 000.

Note for sub-regulation (1)
Strict liability applies to each physical element of this offence. See section 12B of the Act.

While there are a range of routines for different environments and equipment usage levels, however it is a general recommendation you have equipment inspected at least annually unless required more regularly. Most areas in the Northern Territory are exposed to extreme heat, humidity, moisture and dust. As such they can be reasonably described as hostile for the purposes of electrical and appliance testing.

When understanding the test and tag intervals and how often an electrical appliance should be tested, the main underlying factor is the type of environment that appliance is located in.

Just as important, the AS/NZS 3760 standard (Table 4) should be seen as a minimum requirement. A lot of workplaces will have different test and tag frequencies because of their own risk management and OHS planning, this may be less or greater than the Standards recommend. Likewise, some of industry bodies apply mandatory intervals and even colour coding test tags i.e. Mining.

For the most common environments, we recommend the following frequencies:

These intervals listed are only a recommendation and should be taken into account as a minimum requirement when PAT testing. If you find a testing frequency different than recommended, it could be because:
1) The person testing and tagging was ill-informed about the test periods and is doing it incorrectly
2) The workplace business owner has completed their own risk assessment based on the environment

Appliance Test & Tag can provide expert risk assessment support, guidance and recommendations in establishing your testing regime, ultimately at the end of the day it your call on how you comply.

We make sure that you don’t fall behind your regular testing schedule by sending out courtesy inspection reminders.

A general “rule of thumb” any item that plugs into a power point in the workplace is required to be included in a regular inspection program. These include but are not limited to:

• Portable, hand-held and stationary appliances
• Power tools
• Battery chargers, power adapters and wall chargers
• Welders
• Cord extension sets and power boards
• Flexible cords connected to fixed equipment
• 3 Phase equipment
• Portable Isolation Transformers
• Residual Current Device
• Kitchen Appliances
• IT Equipment – Computers & leads

It is a very sad and unfortunate misconception that RCDs remove all risk of electric shock or fire, this is certainly not the case. RCDs are an additional safety measure only and cannot replace visual inspection and testing, they are not the “be all and end all”.

How do RCD’s work?
When current accidently flows through a person to earth, an RCD can help protect the person against electric shock. Although it will not protect them from the shock altogether, it will cease the electricity flow quickly enough to save that person’s life. However, what a RCD cannot do is protect against electric shock when current flows through a person from phase to neutral, or from phase to phase. For example, when someone touches both live and neutral contacts, a RCD is not able to determine the difference between current flow through an intended load, or from flow through a person. In this instance, the RCD will not trip and the electricity flow will not be stopped.

The specification for Inspection, Test & Tag is documented in the Australian and New Zealand standard AS/NZS3760:2010 – “In-Service safety inspection, testing & tagging of electrical equipment.” The Standard specifies testing protocols and criteria that satisfies this obligation by persons conducting test and tag operations.

YES, testing to Australian Standard AS/NZS3760 2010 does not apply to:

electrical equipment (such as suspended light fittings, wall fans etc.), installed at a height of 2.5 m or greater above the ground, floor or platform, where there is not a reasonable chance of a person touching the equipment and, at the same time, coming into contact with earth or any conducting medium which may be in electrical contact with earth or through which a circuit may be completed to earth.

equipment which would need to be dismantled to perform the inspection and tests specified in this Standard. NOTE – If, for some reason outside the scope of this Standard, equipment has to be dismantled to verify safety, this action is only to be performed by a technically qualified person.

RCDs within the scope of AS/NZS 3003 or NZS 6115.

fixed equipment (except RCDs) or stationary equipment connected to wiring that forms part of the electrical installation and hence falls within the scope of AS/NZS 3000.

medical Equipment or any equipment connected to medical electrical equipment in a medical electrical system as defined in AS/NZS 3551. NOTE – Test, Tag and inspection requirements for equipment under this standard are far more rigorous requiring both safety, performance, functionality, measurement and calibration tests.

portable generators, within the scope of AS/NZS 3010 or AS 2790.

demonstration stock in retail or wholesale outlets.

equipment in permanently fixed switched ON state, locked and secured with restricted or limited authorised access. This may apply to equipment in IT server rooms, security systems, EWIS panels, military and police operational control rooms etc. These items are usually supported by Uninterrupted Power Supplies and as such may never be subject to flexing, movement or abuse.

Should you have any newly purchased equipment for “in-service” they do not need to be tested immediately, however, you do need to visually inspected and tagged only, they also need to be recorded in your register on introduction to “in service”. The correct tag to use in this circumstance is one that states its “New to Service”, you may purchase these type of tags and manually complete this, or Appliance Test & Tag can provide you bar-coded printed tags recorded in your register. This is a free service to our clients and will ensure your in-service equipment remains compliant with AS/NZS 3760 (Note – this does not apply for construction site equipment).

The testing of second-hand equipment is dependent on State Legislation. we perform inspections of the equipment you wish to sell or buy to ensure it abides by your State’s electrical safety requirements.

Yes, double insulated electrical items and equipment should be tested and tagged in accordance with table 4 of AS/NZS3760.

A multimeter is not an adequate tool as it isn’t compliant with AS/NZS3760. Equipment that has an electronic, magnetic or membrane type on/off switch requires mandatory leakage current tests. Some of this equipment can be located in offices, kitchens and construction sites. You must ensure that your service provider does not solely rely on a multimeter as it does not meet the testing requirements as outlined in AS/NZS3760.

AT&T will log and report issues to the client contact during or post testing process and will recommend and discuss the remedial action/s required. Our Technicians do not destroy your property, however may assist in removal from site.
Failed appliances are tagged with our “failed” tag and in accordance with your OH&S procedures an “out of service” or “Danger do not use” tag may also is attached.

Yes, we cannot test equipment in the power on state. All equipment needs to be turned off before testing can commence. This is to also ensure the safety of our technicians and customers. Once an electrical risk assessment, visual and or test has been completed then the equipment can be turned back on. Laptops and Tablets need not be switched off as these are low voltage, only the charger (power adapter) and lead is required to be tested.

Duration should only take a matter of a few minutes pending on plugging arrangements, the environment and the type appliance being tested, a visual inspection of the appliance takes place prior which in turn aids the technician to judge what electrical tests need to be performed. Some appliances have to go through several tests prior to being labelled as passed and acceptable. As an example, an experienced technician and assistant working an Office, warehouse, kitchen environment using automated systems may achieve around 30 items tested per hour.

According to Australian standard AS/NZS 3760, the suitable persons who can perform regulated test and tag services are those who possess qualifications and/or sufficient knowledge in electrical testing and tagging.

Yes, you can do this yourself, but you may want to consider the legal issues and the cost associated with doing this in-house. Most professional test and tag technicians will have the latest equipment and software which can run into thousands of dollars to purchase. Some of the equipment will also need to be calibrated each year and this can cost up to $350.00 then once you have done this you will need to train a staff member on how to test all of the equipment following the correct procedures. We have found that the 1day course around $700 that most training companies provide is not enough in showing people how to test correctly. The course is primarily theory and provides limited practical experience. Our technicians hold extensive testing experience and attend internal training and development once they have completed the one-day competency course.
If you also have 3 phase equipment then a further course will need to be completed, and if you want the 240V plugs replaced then another course will need to be completed (Note: This does not include the state of QLD as 240v plugs can only be changed by an electrician).
The person you have trained will also need to keep up with OH&S legislations and changes to the AS/NZS standard. You will also need to consider the possibilities that in-correct testing by a staff member may lead to legal issues in the event of an accident in the workplace as the responsibility and liability may fall back onto you the business owner. AT&T technicians are fully insured which alleviates any risks for you. Before you decide to move forward on doing your own in-house testing, consider the costs and advantages or contact, AT&T for further advice from us.

Electricians are far more qualified then test and tag technicians. However, if your electrician is providing a test and tag service then they should be using a portable appliance tester (PAT tester) to test your equipment correctly as outlined in the AS/NZS 3760 standard. Often electricians and in-house testing staff are limited to the manually process of completing test tags and registers due to the cost of the latest automated equipment and limited testing frequencies, i.e. annually. Sometimes electricians may only use a multimeter and an insulation tester, which does not comply with all of the requirements of the standard.
Part of the standard states that it is mandatory for leakage current tests to be undertaken with equipment that has an electronic, magnetic or membrane type on/off switch. This is the case with modern office equipment which uses membrane type on/off electronic switches as do many power tools. These appliances must be turned on and then powered up to get past the switch, and the item can only be powered up if the electrician is using a portable appliance tester and not just a multimeter or an insulation tester. As professional test & tag technician’s conduct large volume and frequent testing of equipment in a wide range of environments using the latest methodologies and strategies, electricians and in-house staff may not be able to provide the same efficient and professional level of service.

AT&T holds all mandatory insurances including vehicle, professional indemnity, public liability, personal accident & injury insurance. Technicians also hold nationally recognised test & tag certification, full police clearances, working with children (OCHRE Card), construction white card and provide OH&S JSA’s & SWMS. Copies of these can be provided at any time.

Our technicians come across many electrical dangers and hazards. Some of the most frequently electrical safety
hazards include faulty wiring, RCD’s and earth systems. There are many different kinds of workplace hazards it is best
to get a professional to inspect them.

Generally, our quotes and work is conducted on a “fixed” rate per item basis. This is “fully inclusive”, GST, labour,
product supply, documentation, initial data recording, reports, regional travel, 3Phase, RCD equipment tests etc. The
total cost is however indicative and determined on the actual number of items inspected, tested, tagged, and
recorded. Regional and remote travel may incurr travel time and vehicle expences, we do charge by hourly rates for
testing work.Pending on the nature of your environment and volume our fixed rates may vary be between $2 to $5.

Normally none over and above our original quote however, in some instances there may be the need to carry out extra
work to complete a task. This may be as simple as a plug top or socket replacement or microwave leakage testing. If
this is the case our technicians will not continue with the work until they have explained in detail the required action to
the client contact. Once authority is given only then will the repair be completed. This way you are kept in the loop with
every step of our servicing structure.

This involves a succinct history of all the tests along with adequate tagging that displays the date and assessment
details of the item.
We provide your inspection results electronically via a formatted excel spread sheet report for your convenience, this
can be imported in most instances into our clients own asset maintenance programs if they desire. A hard copy can be
provided if requested. Our Test and Tag records are fully compliant and exceed the standards required in AS/NZS
3760:2010.
The report serves to meet your OH&S requirement to hold a register of all electrical items inspected, tested and
tagged and details the current status of all equipment (please see attached sample). We are also reqired to hold these
reports on your behalf for 7 years. The report also contains some additional information you may find useful for any
safety awareness program i.e. Staff safety notice templates, Site electrical appliance safety report/checklist and guide,
recommendations, links to NT Worksafe bulletins and Product Safety Recalls Australia.

We are dedicated to the provision of a high quality customer service and continue to look for opportunities to exceed
service expectations, we pride ourselves on our valued long term repeat business and constantly seek to develop
expertise, implement and use the latest computerised testing equipment, technics and strategies. Our technicians are
fully qualified with extensive experience in all aspects of workplace appliance Inspection, Testing and Tagging. We
hold a high level of expertise and knowledge of the test and tag industry not limited to State Legislation and electrical
safety requirements. We specialise in large client and volume service for Government, Defence, Schools, hotels and
medical facilities to small market stall operators.
Our objective is to ensure your compliance with Northern Territory Workplace and OH&S regulations and in
accordance with Australian Standard AS3760. We fully comply with Workplace Health & Safety requirements, provide
professional Safe Work Methods Statements, and we hold significant experience in managing risk and risk
assessment.
Our ethos is “Proudly keeping our clients safe & compliant”.

As Australian standards inspection and testing vary greatly depending on what service segment is required, our fully
automated software “flags” us prior to the test or inspection times. We then contact you and book a mutual time to
carry out the work. AT&T technicians will contact you specifically to notify you of what segments are due and when. If
required they can even tell you a total number by location of your assets which are due for re-testing or inspection, this
way we ensure and take away the worry of you having to know what is due or when.