Category: Training

You may not know this but Metrotest’s online courses are continuing to improve and expand and we want to be the best in the industry. With that being said, most people don’t know that we now offer the AS/NZS3551 Online Medical Refresher training, which we launched several months ago. Metrotest is currently the only provider of Online Refresher training in regards to testing and tagging of medical equipment in accordance of the AS/NZS3551 in New Zealand and Australia.

What is the AS/NZS3551?

To put it simply, the AS/NZS3551: 2012 deals with compliance and outlines procedures required to develop equipment management for medical equipment and includes the electrical safety testing of medical equipment. Particularly, Metrotest’s AS/NZS3551: 2012 Refresher training deals with Appendix B of the standard. The main Standard that deals with in-service medical portable appliance testing is AS/NZS3551:2012.

What is in Metrotest’s AS/NZS3551 Online Refresher Course?

It’s important to note that Metrotest is the only provider to offer Online Refresher training for the AS/NZS3551 Standard and it is only for those who have previous attended and passed Metrotest’s initial AS/NZS3551 training. This course isn’t mandatory to test medical equipment but it is highly recommended for those who are carrying out medical testing, especially as medical equipment tested incorrectly can lead to very serious consequences. During the course trainees review Class I and Class II testing, Applied Parts, how electricity causes harm in relation to medical equipment, specific electrical tests in relation to the AS/NZS3551 and legislation requirements and so much more.

Who should be trained to perform medical testing in accordance to the AS/NZS3551:2012?

AS/NZ 3551: 2012 should be used for those who work in medical environments but isn’t necessarily just those working in medical centres or hospitals. It can also be for those who are around any medical equipment like medical beds or hoists used in medical/rehab environments or even medical hire events.

I’m interested in testing medical equipment; how do I sign up for initial training?

That’s easy, Metrotest periodically runs medical AS/NZS3551 training throughout the year. Just give us a call and we can book you on our next available course.

If you have already done your initial training and are after Refresher training then get in touch with us. We do have it on our website but because of the nature of the course not just anyone can access it so be sure to let us know if you are interested.

What about the course itself, how does it work?

Well, like other Metrotest online courses, simply sign into your account and add the AS/NZS3551 training to your cart for purchase. Once you have done this our team will review your order and if you have done your initial AS/NZS3551 training you will be granted access to our online refresher course. The course can take several hours to complete with an optional practical one-on-one Zoom assessment at the end of the course. Once you have worked through each lesson and completed your final exam you will be awarded a certificate and issued a special AS/NZS3551 photo ID card.

Then your set is ready to continue to test medical equipment according to the AS/NZS3551 standard in accordance with Appendix B. If you would like more information regarding our 3551 Refresher training be sure to get in contact with us today at 0800 638768 or 1800789973.

Safe testing everyone!

Electrical safety is something that is not fully clear in New Zealand. Nobody really knows the rules and what rules there are can be difficult to understand. When it comes to providing electrical safety, it can be really hard to tell the difference between who is really focused on safety and who is just trying to make a buck.

When it comes to safety courses and licenses, there is a huge range of options which can get tricky to filter through. Electrical license providers are schools which train people into becoming qualified and registered electricians. Electrical safety course provides teach people how to safely inspect, test and tag electrical appliances and equipment.

What is the difference between “Electrical safety course providers” and “Electrical licence providers”?

Electrical Licence Providers

Electrical Licence Providers specialise in training electrical workers and getting them registered (with the EWRB, Electrical Workers Registration Board) as electricians or other registered electrical trades in New Zealand. These are schools that offer indepth training and apprenticeships over several years for people who are looking to make a career in an electrical field. Schools include:

• MIT School Of Electrical Trades
• Etco Electrical Courses
• Unitec Electrical And Electronics Courses
• Open Polytechnic Electrical Studies

Electrical Safety Course Providers

With electrical safety courses, the focus is to teach you all the aspects of electrical safety without the need to become a qualified electrician which could take years. Electrical safety courses allow you to become a legally competent individual in a short space of time, able to carry out appliance test and tagging correctly.  There are a wide range of courses available, covering different areas of electrical safety, including:

• AS/NZ3760:2010 Test And Tag Training Course – This course is the fundamentals of electrical safety and test and tagging, and is the first course you should take when getting into electrical test and tag. It covers all the basics of keeping safe around electrical appliances, how to inspect them and how to correctly use a Portable Appliance Tester to test all appliance types for safety.
• AS/NZS3551 Medical Equipment Test And Tag Training – This course is a more demanding course than the standard test and tag course and is based around the requirements of the AS/NZS3551 Standard. This course will teach you how to medical electrical equipment such as hospital, doctors or dental surgery equipment, and is also useful for people who hire out this equipment.
• Electrical Workers Registration Board Refresher Course – This course is for those who the EWRB have issued Electrical Registration to, but still require a Practicing Licence. This will normally be those doing prescribed electrical work as defined under the Electrical Regulations.
  
• AS/NZ3760:2010 Online Training Course – Covering the same material as the AS/NZ3760:2010 course, this let’s you complete the course online.
• Product Training Course – This course provides training for all products related to test and tag including PATs, printers, software and more. If you have just purchased a piece of electrical testing equipment and need to learn how to correctly use it, this course is for you.

Getting qualified in electrical safety does not have to mean a long, drawn out process. Our courses will train you in electrical appliance safety quickly and cost effectively.

Have you heard the good news yet?

New Zealand’s No. 1 Test and Tag training and equipment supplier are pleased to announce that once again we will be training in more locations around New Zealand.

Our goal has always been to provide effective and efficient training and equipment to ensure electrical safety. Our customers’ needs are our No. 1 priority.

To celebrate the start of the New Year, we are giving away a place on one of our AS/NZS 3760 test and tag training courses of your choice scheduled to be held in New Zealand!

You’ve read that right! If you have always wanted to attend one of our training courses, now’s your chance to join for free – and you also get to choose where to attend.

Training Locations

Currently, Metrotest serves the following locations across New Zealand:
• Hamilton
• Rotorua
• New Plymouth
• Napier/Hastings
• Blenheim
• Greymouth
• Invercargill
• Queenstown
• Auckland Airport
• Wellington
• Dunedin
• Auckland North
• Tauranga
• Gisborne
• Palmerston North
• Nelson
• Christchurch

How to go in the draw

There are only three simple steps to win:
1. Like Metrotest on Facebook.
2. Like this post and comment where you would like to attend the training course.
3. Comment where you would like to attend the training course.

It’s that simple. Then all you have to do is wait and keep your fingers crossed!

Who can join?

Anyone who is interested can join the contest. Whether you need a refresher or you want to start your own test and tag business, this is your golden opportunity.

Here’s a disclaimer: Flights, transfers or accommodation are not included in the prize. But if you live near any of our training locations, then those things will be the least of your worries.

Or if you don’t mind flying over a distance, then you’re welcome to join! We guarantee a quality training that will be worth your while. Modesty aside, Metrotest is a highly sought after test and tag training provider with a huge number of repeat business. Our training courses are always updated according to the AS/NZS 3760 Standards.

For more information about testing and tagging, here are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their answers:

Who can test and tag?

Basically, anyone who is deemed competent can do it. And to become competent, you have to successfully complete a test and tag training course from a legit and reputable training provider. After completing the training and assessment, you will receive a certification that allows you to carry out testing and tagging immediately.

That’s right. You won’t need electrical qualifications or electrical registration at all. But you do need the right equipment, which is a portable appliance tester (PAT), to do testing and tagging.

Why test and tag?

Electrical devices can be found in any office or workplace. Yet it’s no secret that any device that runs on electricity is potentially dangerous. If minimising the dangers or risks is part of your responsibility, then you need to test and tag on schedule.

The Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010 require all electrical equipment and fittings used in the workplace, or offered for hire or lease, to be safe for use. While it’s not mandatory, testing and tagging electrical equipment is an effective way to check their safety.

In case you’re wondering, there is an alternative to testing. Some electricians use residual current devices or RCDs to check for earth leakage. However, this is not an acceptable method for construction or demolition sites, and the testing device itself will need to be tested and tagged.

What types of equipment does this apply to?

Pretty much anything that is plugged into an electrical connection or wired into the building, from small portable devices to large industrial machinery. This applies to both single- and three-phase connections.

Additionally, you can test and tag the following:
• New equipment before use
• Second-hand appliances offered for sale
• Appliances that have had repairs or services
• Medical equipment (in accordance to AS/NZS 3551:2004 Technical management programs for medical devices)

Items that are hard wired or fixed in place don’t need to be tested.

How often is testing and tagging done?

The Standards set out recommended time frames for different types of equipment in different work environments. This is based on the fact that the environment affects the rate of wear and tear or potential damage to the equipment. For instance, machines used in a ‘hostile environment’ such as construction sites, must be tested and tagged once every three months. On the other hand, office equipment and protected appliances need testing once every 1 or 5 years.

Testing and tagging is a growing business in New Zealand. And now’s the best time to learn the skill and the secrets of the trade.

Join our contest today for a chance to train with Metrotest! This may just be the career or business opportunity you are wishing for this New Year!