PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) and Current NSW Legislation and ComplianceNew RegulationsSimplified safety regulations for electrical equipment in the workplace specifically identifies working environments where testing and tagging of electrical equipment is required, such as electrical equipment used for construction work (as defined in the Regulation) and electrical equipment used in other ‘hostile operating environments’.
What Are The Legislative Requirements Regarding Testing And Tagging?
What Is A Hostile Operating Environment?
Does All Electrical Equipment Have To Be Tested And Tagged?
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WHAT HAPPENS TO ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT THAT IS NOT USED IN A HOSTILE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT OR FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK?
Employers must ensure that any risk of injury from electricity at a place of work is eliminated or, if elimination is not reasonably practicable, the risk is controlled.
A risk assessment must be carried out on electrical equipment that does not fit into the above categories. After the risk assessment, you can then implement a range of control measures to manage the safe operation of electrical equipment that is used in the workplace, including:
The WorkCover publication entitled Electrical Equipment Risk Assessment can be used to help you undertake the risk assessment and comply with the legislative requirements described in the Regulation. |
Do I Have To ‘Test And Tag’ My Desktop Computers And Office Type Electrical Equipment?
No. Office type equipment such as computers, photocopiers, printers, extension cords sets, power outlets devices (power boards) electrical equipment used in office tea and lunch rooms does not normally present a risk to the user. This is due to:
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Do I Have To Comply Fully With The Inspection And Testing Intervals Described In Table 4 Of The As/Nzs 3760?
No. The inspection and testing intervals only need to be applied to electrical equipment that has been assessed as operating in a hostile operating environment as described in clause 64 of the Regulation.
Note: The testing time-frames recommended in AS/NZS 3760 can be varied subject to a risk assessment carried out in accordance with the OHS Regulation. |