Testing and Tagging is the essential testing process set in stone by Australian Standards and every single business or workplace must comply with these standards. This means that even your inner-office coffee pot has to be tested and tagged to make sure that it can’t pose electrical or fire hazards, and that it’s working correctly. These laws also apply to New Zealand as well, and they should never be ignored, as it can lead to numerous problems, accidents, and even injuries or electrocution of employees in the workplace, let alone legal issues. You could be fined for not testing and tagging your equipment properly and in the timely manner, you can face serious consequences.
What Happens if You Don’t Test and Tag?
When you don’t test and tag your items properly (or have this done for you), you are violating the laws put into place by Electrical Testing AU. This means you could be charged anywhere up to $10,000. You can also face legal action if someone were to get hurt, and all items that are untagged has to be immediately inspected, and none of it can be used (which can lead to shutdown of business temporarily or more). Even insurance claims are asking for proof that you are properly testing and tagging, which means you could face more in legal lawsuits and insurance claims.
How Often to Test and Tag?
This process depends completely on what type of industry you’re working in. Believe it or not, even an office computer has to be tested and tagged at least once a year. However, if you’re in an industry that requires it to be tested more, it has to be done so. If you work in the construction industry for example, that same computer and every electrical item that is used frequently has to have a test and tag done every three months (approximately 90 days). Failure to comply with this can lead to numerous hazards to your employees.
Is it Better to Have Your Own Team or Hire Out?
This is a very important question, and a popular one at that. Having your own team of individuals that can test and tag could be beneficial if you are already paying them as your electrician on a regular salary. However, if you’re not a large franchise or corporation, then you may want to opt for hiring a company that has a dedicated team that provides the test and tag service. The reason being, you can save a lot on time, insurance, workman’s compensation, insurance, and payroll since you’re only paying for service when it’s needed.
Conclusion
ETS Electrical Testing Services specializes in numerous services including test and tag services for all of New Zealand and Australia. They have been in service for years, and have qualified electricians who have a lot of experience and knowledge in numerous codes that regulations that you may need to be concerned about as a business or company.
