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Ensuring that the workplace safe forstaff is now required by law

By: Stockland Preston

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Having s safe working environment has become a necessary requirementof employers
In particular testing and tagging of electrical equipment is necessary to achieve this. Testing and tagging is a process where all electric appliances undergoes testing and the results of the testing process dated and logged and ‘ tagged’ on the equipment.
It can be quite daunting ensuring the health and safety requirements of your work place to ensure that the work place is risk free for your workers. Employers in Australia are required by law to ensure that the workplace and any plant tools that are used in the place of workare safeand carry no risk to the health of staff. More details can be found in Section 21 of the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004). Ensuring safe equipment is one of numerous areas that requires particular focus. 'Test and Tag' is the common terminology used for the process of ensuring that electrical equipment and appliances are free from risk to use in the place of work.

To eradicate any potential dangers or risks, employers are duty bound to recognize any potential hazards and risks associated with equipment that may be used, and furthermore assessing any risks and introducing measures to remove any risks.

WorkSafe Victoria (from Australia) has advised that testing and tagging for all electrical appliances is now a basic requirement as defined by of Section 21(2)(a)of the Act. In the past, the Victorian WorkCover Authority let us know that all employers introduce a safety testing protocol, and further to this the testing and tagging of all electrical appliances has become a compulsory component of numerous company safety policies. Regular Test and Tag procedures are becoming increasingly adopted by employers to help keep the work environment is safe for employees.

To Test and Tag equipment is notvery hard, and any competent person can be trained in becoming a testing and tagging technician. The equipment used is normally (transportable|portable}, allowing the technician to go to the location of the equipment appliance, rather that the equipment having to travel to the technician. Electrical Appliances that have been tested is then “tagged”: recording the details of the outcome and the date of testing. The technician should also record a log of all electrical appliances tested, and all results.

Employers have two options to choose from to “Test and Tag” electrical appliancesto highlight any appliancethat is faulty and requiring attention. The first option is to outsource the work to a trained contractor. Test and Tag Melbourne has information on such contractors in Australia that can come to your work place and provide testing and tagging to ensure your obligations are met. Option two is to do the work in house by ensuring that one of your employees successfully completes an approved course at a TAFE college and becomes appropriately trained in the use of Portable Appliance Testers.

How often should electrical equipment be 'tested and tagged'?
Section 2 of the Standard, AS/NZS 3760:2006 outlines the recommended frequency of inspections,although these can be varied depending on a risk assessment that has been carried out. Electrical appliances that is used very frequently or is assessed as high risk or equipment that is hired, the frequency|interval} of testing may be as often as 3 months, in contrast equipment that is used less and poses a smaller risk, the frequency can be as long as 5 years. In addition any appliance that has been repaired or serviced or has just been bought is also required to be tested before being returned to service.

The following are the frequency guidelines for some classes of electrical equipment.
- electrical equipment (including leads and other tools) used on building sites should be tested at least every three months
- electric appliancesused in factories should be tested every 180 days
- electric equipmentused in offices (including offices in factories) should be tested every 3 to 5 years
- Safety Switches should be tested every 30 days

Testing and Tagging has become a necessary part of company safety, so ensure that you contact your local authorities to ensure that you are meeting your legal requirements in providing a safe workplace for your employees and contractors.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Test and Tag MelbourneprovidingTest and Tag Services and Information for Melbourne, Australia

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