Why should you test and tag?
According to the Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010, a fitting or appliance is deemed to be electrically safe if it has a current tag issued in accordance with AS/NZS 3760.
So what is the AS/NZS 3760?
AS/NZS 3760 is referred to as the test and tag standard (the full given name of the standard is: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment). This is a benchmark for test and tag as well as electrical safety and is referred to in many other New Zealand and Australian electrical standards. In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment AS/NZS 3760:2010 provides a process to reduce the risk of electrical shock to users of electrical equipment. It also incorporates the physical safety of the item to be tested, and if the item is in an unsafe state there are actions and steps outlined to remedy this. The Standard covers electrical equipment that connects to the mains supply by a flexible cord and plug.
Other standards and regulations that may be of interest when investigating test and tag include the AS/NZS 3012 (Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites). As the title suggests this covers the Electrical installations on construction and demolition sites however it also continues on to provide information about the frequency of inspection and testing and RCD testing.
AS/NZS 3551 (Management programs for medical equipment) outlines electrical tests that are required to be carried out on medical equipment. This is a very in-depth standard and has a multitude of additional information that must be adhered to when testing medical electrical equipment.
The above-mentioned standards are a snapshot of what may be required for electrical safety testing and there are many more that pertain to specific industries such as second hand or repaired equipment.
Health and safety at work regulations state that it is the duty of the PCBU to ensure the correct information, supervision, training, and instruction is provided for all staff. This would include any staff that may be carrying out electrical testing as a competent person, therefore once again bringing back into play the AS/NZS 3760 and the training requirements for a competent person.
Other regulations of interest:
AS/NZS 5761:2011 In-service safety inspection and testing – Second-hand electrical equipment prior to sale
AS/NZS 5762:2011 In-service safety inspection and testing – Repaired electrical equipment
AS/NZS 3019:2007 Electrical installations – Periodic verification
