
Andrew is extensively trained and fully qualified, and can visually inspect your electrical appliances for any damage, as well as perform stringent electrical testing using a Portable Appliance Tester. This ensures your equipment remains in safe working order at all times. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your equipment is working well and your staff and customers are safe from electrical dangers.
At present, I am only testing 10amp leads, appliances, and Residual Current Devices (RCD) in and around Yass, and for stallholders at the Capital Region Farmers Market.
Timing
Electrical equipment that is connected by a plug and socket – in essence ‘plug in’ electrical equipment – that is used in a ‘hostile operating environment’ (as described above) must be regularly inspected and tested by a competent person. If this equipment has not been regularly tested then it must not be used until it is tested.
Brand-new equipment that is ‘out of the box’ does not need to be tested before being put into service unless there are reasonable grounds to believe it is electrically unsafe.
As a general rule electrical equipment used in ‘hostile operating environments’ should be inspected and tested at least once every 12 months. More frequent testing will be required where plug-in equipment is exposed to increased risks of mechanical damage or electrical deterioration, for example:
- electrical equipment used in manufacturing and work shop environments (for example at least once every six months)
- commercial cleaning equipment (for example at least once every six months)
Building/demolition sites
AS/NZS 3012: 2010 Electrical installations – construction and demolition sites applies in relation to the inspection and testing of electrical equipment on construction and demolition sites (including record keeping requirements). As a general rule electrical equipment connected by a plug and socket that is used on construction and demolition sites should be inspected and tested at least once every three months. More frequent testing may be required as indicated by a site-specific risk assessment these are usually conducted qarterly.
Tag colour
Red – quarterly, testing to be between Dec-Feb
Green – quarterly, testing to be between Mar-May
Blue – quarterly, testing to be between Jun-Aug
Yellow – quarterly, testing to be between Sep-Nov
Orange – six-monthly, testing to be between Jan-Jun
White – six-monthly, testing to be between Jul-Dec
Black – annually, as per the tag
Maroon – five-yearly (for items that do not move and are not accessible)
The process
1. Inspection
I’ll complete a visual check of each appliance or cable. This is where we may find damaged insulation, tampering, or wear and tear.
2. Testing
I’ll complete a visual and electrical check of each appliance or cable. This is how we reduce the chance of electrocution.
3. Tagging
Items that pass will receive a standard tag with details including an item code, when the item passed, and when it is due for rechecking.
4. Fails
If I establish that an item fails testing, it will have a bright “Fail” tag appended to it and I’ll let you know so it can be removed from use.
5. Reporting
Finally, we will prepare a comprehensive report that outlines the result of each item that you can maintain for your insurance and compliance needs.
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