Test and Tag Regulations Victoria

Energy Safe Victoria the regulator for electrical and gas safety in Victoria, has not placed any specific regulations on electrical test and tagging. However, that under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004) employers have a legal liability to provide and sustain a safe working environment which is without risks to employees’ health. This means identifying any dangers related with electrical equipment in a workplace.

In the CDROM Managing Safety in Your Workplace distributed by Worksafe Victoria, it is advised that all electrical testing and tagging for all portable non hard wired appliances, leads and power boards is completed to uphold the employers duty of care under Section 21(2)(a)of the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act. To receive a free CD ROM Contact WorkSafe on 03 9641 1333

AS/NZS3760 In-Service Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment is acknowledged all over the country as the minimum safety obligation for the workplaces. Worksafe Victoria has advised the Victoria Trades Hall Council that they are now "actively enforcing the standard and inspecting all types of premises to confirm introduction of minimum safety testing programs consistent with AS3760." This standard applies to all types of electrical appliance including leads and power boards in offices, factories and so on (ie computers, microwaves, kettles, tools and even mobile phone chagres).

 

If the workplace is a construction site, then the Industry Standard for Electrical Installations on Construction Sites must apply. Section 4.3 states all portable electrical equipment and flexible electrical cords, must be tested in accordance with AS/NZS 3760 “prior to its first use, and every 3 calendar months thereafter, while being used on the site.” results must be recorded and made available for an audit.

Testing and tagging of electrical appliances can be done either by a qualified electrician or a competent person (someone who has successfully completed an approved course at a TAFE college)

 Advice to Employees

Testing and tagging of all portable appliances as per AS3760 should now be the norm in all workplaces. If this is not the case in your workplace, you as an employee, should approach your employer and request that this be done as soon as possible. If it is not done, then the employer is breaching his/her duty under Section 21.