Testing and tagging electrical appliances and equipment is very important to any workplace.
As in accordance with the Worksafe authority, it is a legal requirement that equipment is electrically safe and maintained in a safe condition.
Every New Zealand business must take steps to ensure their workplace is safe for everyone, including employees, customers and visitors.
The business owner can either get the testing equipment and train up a worker, or hire a third-party to carry out the electrical testing.
Whoever does the test work must have the knowledge and skills to do the task properly. Whilst it doesn’t need to be a registered electrical worker, the person doing the testing needs to be able to have a full understanding of the Standards involved.
Today’s Electrical Safety for tomorrow
Testing and tagging is important but it doesn’t guarantee future electrical safety. What it does give you is a clearer picture of just how safe your appliances are at the time of testing.
There are strict rules about electrical safety. There is more than one set of electrical safety testing regulations you need to be compliant with in New Zealand.
Workplace safety is a mandatory requirement as outlined in the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Fire Safety Evacuation Procedures and Evacuation Schemes Regulations 2018.
The best rule of thumb to remember is that anything that plugs in to the electricity supply can be a workplace risk. That’s why any electrical testing and tagging services should be conducted in accordance with the AS/NZS3760 standard for the in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
You need to know that you have done all you can to ensure all your equipment has been properly tested and tagged.
Time is not a friend when it comes to electrical equipment
Electrical equipment becomes less reliable with age. Even though a piece of equipment may have been safe a matter of months ago, it may not be safe for use today.
Making sure your equipment is regularly electrical tested and tagged gives you the chance to use that regular maintenance to identify hazards before and as they arise.
With a professional team who follow the necessary electrical safety regulations have the opportunity to detect an issue before an accident or a tragedy occurs.
If any equipment is found to be non-compliant to the safety standards, it should be labelled appropriately and withdrawn from use immediately. The choice then becomes one of whether to have the fix the piece of equipment or have it disposed of.
Seeing the bigger picture
Workplace safety issues is never something to leave to chance.
The fact is that a single electrical cord or lead that is worn or has been damaged can cause a serious electrical shock to anyone who comes into contact with it.
Almost half of the electrical incidents and accidents experienced across New Zealand have been due to either a lack of maintenance or a failure to follow safe work procedures.
This is the reason why testing and tagging your equipment is so vital.
The safety of your employees and any visitors to your work site is too important to go unchecked.
The experts you can trust
It’s one thing to be aware of what is required of you as a business owner with regard to workplace safety. The most important step is to have all your safety needs looked after in the most reliable way.
You have other things to take care of and your time is better spent on growing your business.
Having a professional team look after your electrical safety makes good business sense.
You wouldn’t have a plumber check your car or a mechanic check your pipework. With electrical equipment and the danger that any faulty device can bring, it is in your best interests to ensure that you enlist the skills of a qualified professional. Finding that professional who can test and tag electrical equipment across NZ is easier than you think.
Contact Jim’s Test & Tag Today
Of all the people who can test and tag your electrical equipment in NZ, you can’t beat the team at Jim’s Test & Tag.
Our specialised technicians are ready to offer their professional skills to make sure you are complying with your safety requirements.
It’s a simple matter of booking our experienced team here at Jim’s Test & Tag to inspect your workplace. You can be compliant and be workplace safe before you know it.
Call us now or fill in the online form for a free quote.
