It’s important to test and tag all electrical appliances in the workplace regularly. Unsafe appliances can be a fire hazard or cause electric shock, with potentially catastrophic results. Aside from safety concerns, appliance testing offers your business some benefits, which we’ll be covering in this article.

What does it mean to test and tag appliances?

The “test and tag” process is a safety procedure in Australia that follows the guidelines of the AS/NZS 3760:2010 standard. It’s a process of inspecting and testing electrical appliances to guarantee they are safe. The process includes:

Visual inspection

The tester checks the appliance and power cables for any obvious signs of damage or wear and tear. This includes exposed wires, broken plugs, and frayed cords.

Electrical testing

Testers conduct tests on the appliance using specialised equipment such as a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT) or similar equipment. Tests include earth continuity, a polarity check and insulation resistance checks.

Tagging

After passing the test, the tester attaches a durable tag to the appliance. The tag includes information like the date of the test, the name of the testing company, test results, and the date of the next scheduled test.

The eight key benefits of testing and tagging your business appliances

1. Compliance with industry regulations

By implementing the test and tag process, you help protect your company from liability by ensuring your workplace conforms with safety rules and regulations. Complying with regulations demonstrates your commitment to a safe work environment, shielding your company from legal action.

2. Prevents lost production time

Regular inspections and testing help prevent downtime due to equipment failure. If equipment is faulty, you can repair or replace it before it causes major issues. It’s a proactive approach that improves efficiency and ensures business processes are not interrupted.

3. Testing and tagging creates a safer work environment

When you test, tag and approve all appliances, it creates a safer workplace for employees, giving everyone peace of mind. With no risk of appliances causing electric shock or a fire, everybody can go about their tasks with confidence. Testing and tagging saves lives.

4. Reduces workplace safety breaches

The procedure reduces the risk of workplace safety breaches. Failure to test and tag at the required intervals can result in breach notices, fines and legal action; especially if an injury results from a faulty appliance. You’ll also avoid Provisional Improvement Notices (PINS) from Worksafe.

5. It can save you money

When you detect issues early due to testing and tagging, you reduce your maintenance costs by saving on expensive repairs. The process also helps prolong the life of your equipment.

6. It boosts your company’s reputation

The reputation of your business and brand means everything in today’s world, and you need to do everything possible to maintain a good reputation. Demonstrating due diligence and a duty of care towards your employees by testing and tagging equipment elevates the reputation of your brand.

7. Insurance benefits

You may receive reduced premiums on your insurance policies for maintaining a high safety standard in the workplace.

8. Gain a competitive advantage

Demonstrating compliance with safety standards and guidelines can set your company apart from your rivals, attracting more customers who value dependability and safety.