TEST AND TAG

TOOLS, LEADS AND EQUIPMENT

Before every use, plant (including portable electrical tools and equipment, appliances and flexible extension cords) should be inspected for wear and mechanical damage.

Plant must be inspected before it is used for the first time and tested every three months* for earth continuity, and insulation resistance in accordance with

AS/NZS 3760 : In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

Inspection and testing to be undertaken by a:

a) licensed electrician, or

b) licensed electrical inspector, or

c) person who has successfully completed a structured training course and been deemed competent in the use of a pass-fail type portable appliance tester and the visual inspection of electrical equipment.**

Portable electrical equipment and flexible extension cords that pass testing must be tagged as tested and safe to use and test results recorded and kept on site or made available as required.





*AS3760 contains details for periodic testing of equipment which may vary depending on the environment in which the equipment is used or installed.** Item c) applies for the state of Victoria, Australia Only

RCD (SAFETY SWITCHES)

Tripping current and time test All portable RCD, such as those located on switchboards and portable generators, should be tested for tripping current and time each month.

All fixed RCD, such as those located on permanent switchboards in transportable structures and on construction switchboards, should be tested for tripping current and time each month except where the site can demonstrate:

• Implementation of a system to ensure all electrical equipment being brought on the site is in a safe condition

• A risk assessment of the operating environment and usage of the RCD (eg exposure to the environment) justifies a longer duration between tests.

Under the above conditions the interval between tests may be up to three months. Tripping current and time testing can only be undertaken by appropriately qualified persons, including:

a) licensed electrician, or

b) licensed electrical inspector, or

c) a person who has successfully completed a structured training course and been deemed competent in the use of an RCD tester and interpretation of the results.**

Tested RCD must be tagged to identify them as tested and safe to use and all test results should be recorded and kept on site or made available as required.