subject: Avoid Heavy Fines Through Proper Electrical Test And Tag [print this page] Compared to individual households, companies in Australia typically pay more in fines and penalties when they fail to comply with electrical test and tagging requirements established by the regulations. Queensland, which has institutionalized the electrical safety requirements through a local law, has set a fixed penalty provisions for the violators. One thing about the law is it is holding business owners and families accountable for their own decisions. As far as the regulators are concerned, you are to be blamed if you hire somebody who is not authorised to check your electrical connection.
Lifes not fair
Consider this: if you are a business owner who knowingly employs somebody to test and tag your electrical appliances or connection, you will be fined $2,000. It doesnt matter if your intentions are not malicious since the electrical contractor is your friend, acquaintance, or relative. It doesnt matter if your objective was really to save on costs since your budget is already spread too thin because of the other expenses like constructions materials, salaries and wages, or furniture and fixtures. An individual in similar situation will only pay $500. Whatever the penalty that the electrical contractor will pay for unauthorised electrical testing services, you can be sure that you will pay double the amount.
Safety of workers and customers
For now, only Queensland has a local ordinance specifically for electrical safety, but every businesses and homes in every state in Australia are still covered under the Occupational Safety and Health Standards. Safety includes proper electrical test and tag methods and failure to do so will carry a corresponding penalty. A company that violates this rule may pay $800 in fines while an individual will pay half that amount. The tag should display the date of the inspection and the next scheduled time of inspection. If you work with a certified company, you dont have to worry about knowing the nitty-gritty of the law because the company already knows the regulations inside and out.
Why the extra precaution?
The fact is, in most cities, the most common reasons for fire incidents are faulty electrical wirings or circuits that are overloaded. According to studies, these account for 3 in 10 fire incidents in Australia. When the government is being strict with electrical testing services, its not being difficult but to protect your business as well as your workers and customers from harm. While you can conduct an eye test for frayed electrical cords, or outlets at risk of getting wet, or appliances that discharge electrical shocks, the electrical test and tagging should be left to professionals.
