All industries use electrical equipment for everyday operations, but daily use and environmental exposure makes it vulnerable to wear and tear. Because of this, assets used for daily operations risk becoming compliance risks. To keep this from happening, routine testing is a crucial part of industrial electrical maintenance in Melbourne.
Whether you manage logistics, pharmaceutical development, food production, or manufacturing, keeping a consistent test and tag schedule is essential. It prevents costly accidents that could cause unexpected downtime, while improving compliance. This guide will discuss testing and tagging, why it’s important, and how often your equipment should be checked.
What is Industrial Testing and Tagging?
In industrial settings, testing and tagging is a safety procedure used to ensure that appliances are safe to use.
The first step is to visually inspect the appliance for signs of damage, like loose connections or broken plugs.
Then, an industrial electrician tests the equipment with a portable appliance tester (PAT) to find any electrical faults and confirm it’s safe.
After testing, they attach a tag to the appliance, writing down who did the test, the date of the test, and when the next test should take place.
How Industrial Testing and Tagging is Different
Testing and tagging is a core part of industrial electrical maintenance in Melbourne because equipment is typically exposed to harsh environments. The equipment frequently faces dust, high temperature, vibrations, and moisture. Machinery must undergo regular assessments to avoid any downtime.
Why Testing and Tagging is Important
Several industries require businesses to schedule testing and tagging to maintain workplace safety. Testing and tagging is important for preventing injuries or preventable accidents while using equipment.
Besides improving safety, including testing and tagging in your routine industrial electrical maintenance in Melbourne ensures compliance as well. Tagging equipment creates a documented record of compliance, which will be checked by insurers and regulators in case of a liability claim or audit.
Testing and Tagging Compliance Requirements
Industrial testing and tagging in Victoria is overseen by WorkSafe Victoria and is done as per the AS/NZS 3760:2022 standard. It details procedures and frequency of testing based on the type of equipment and workplace environment.
According to current regulations:
Only a competent person, such as a licensed industrial electrician, can perform testing and tagging.
Test frequency depends on the equipment type and environment, so industrial areas need regular testing.
Organisations should keep a detailed record of all test and tag schedules, mentioning the date of the test, result of the test, name of the tester, and next test date.
For industrial settings, compliance is necessary because it helps you meet occupational health and safety (OHS) obligations and show compliance in audits.
In case of noncompliance, you can expect fines, voided insurance claims, and a higher risk of electrical accidents.
Schedule To Test and Tag Electrical Equipment
The frequency for testing and tagging equipment, or intervals, refers to the periods between safety inspections. Here are the testing and tagging frequencies for some of the most common industries according to AS/NZS 3760:2022:
Frequency for Demolition and Construction
Construction companies and demolition businesses use a lot of electric equipment and appliances on-site. Because the equipment has to endure harsh conditions at a construction site, the risk of it malfunctioning is very high. Even a minor issue in the equipment can lead to extensive damage, so you should schedule testing and tagging every three months.
Frequency for Warehouses and Factories
Production facilities and warehouses make up the second-largest industry, using different kinds of electric appliances for operations. These range from hand trucks and scissor lifts to forklifts for carrying and transporting goods.
For warehouses and factories, equipment should undergo testing and tagging every six months to ensure optimal functionality and performance. This helps prevent accidents and keeps workers safe, reducing the chances of a shutdown or low productivity.
Frequency for Low-Risk Commercial Spaces
Because equipment and appliances in shops, hotels, and offices are installed in a temperature-controlled environment, there’s a low risk of damage. Appliances in these environments should be tested and tagged every 12 months.
Let Professionals Handle Industrial Electrical Maintenance in Melbourne
As per regulatory standards, industrial equipment and appliances should be tested and tagged with intervals of 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months depending on the type of environment. Organisations should hire a licensed professional for testing and tagging, maintain a consistent record, and ensure compliance to meet OHS regulations.
At ONJ Services, our expert team specialises in all kinds of routine industrial electrical maintenance in Melbourne. We have the expertise to test and tag different kinds of industrial equipment, as well as make relevant repairs.