subject: How Often Should You Hire Electrical Testing Services? [print this page] Electrical testing and tagging by a professional is not just a question of safety but its also mandated under the Electrical Safety Regulation of 2002. The law was enacted with several purposes in mind including the safety of workers, electricians, contractors and general public. It also seeks to ensure that the electrical supply is not prone to instability and the products sold are safe according to government standards.
How can this be achieved?
To lessen the number of infractions, the law prescribes requirements for electrical contractors who are working around exposed parts or the test and tag equipment needed to install and maintain electric lines and wiring of a building or construction site. It also provides for the preparation and auditing of safety management plans as well as the prerequisites for operating cathodic protection systems and notification and reporting of electrical incidents or dangerous electrical events.
Religious checking and monitoring
National test and tag standards in Australia depend on what type of work is being done and the type of safety switches being installed. During construction work, for example, the checks should be done every three months by an accredited person or company. For fixed safety switch 1 or 2, the use of inbuilt test button should be checked at least monthly. For portable safety switches, the built-in test button should be tested after it is installed at least every 90 days. For ordinary offices, the electrical wiring system should be tested after five years by an authorized electrician while the safety switches should be checked every three or six months, depending on whether they are portable or fixed.
Electrical testing and tagging
If the electrical equipment fails the tests, the electrician or the company will then tag it to make sure that nobody else uses it while waiting for it to be replaced. If the equipment or wires pass the test, then another tag will be attached informing people that they are safe for use as well as the date for the next scheduled test.
Not just anybody can test and tag equipment. According to the law, only competent persons are allowed to touch electrical equipment and supplies. The competent person, according to the electrical regulations act is somebody who has acquired through training, qualifications, experience or a combination of these, the necessary know-how to inspect and test the electrical equipment. Unauthorised persons, if caught, will face hefty fines.
