Guide to testing and tagging, portable electrical equipment and residual current devices at workplaces – Western Australia

Electrical safety is a critical aspect of maintaining a safe working environment. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (OSH Act), employers and individuals with control over workplaces are mandated to provide safe electrical equipment and protect workers from potential hazards. The Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 (OSH regulations) further outline the requirements for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of portable plug-in electrical equipment and residual current devices (RCDs). In this article, we will explore the key provisions of the OSH Act and regulations, focusing on who can inspect and test portable electrical equipment and devices, the competencies required, tagging requirements, inspection frequency, and record-keeping obligations.

Understanding the Legislation

The OSH Act and OSH regulations establish legal obligations to ensure electrical safety in workplaces. The OSH regulations (3.59 to 3.63, 4.37, and 4.38) specify the requirements for maintaining safe electrical equipment. These regulations apply to both construction and demolition sites, as well as all other workplaces.

Defining Electrical Equipment and RCDs

Electrical equipment refers to portable, hand-operated, and moveable plug-in appliances, as well as flexible extension cords and power outlet devices. It includes articles that are not part of a fixed electrical installation but are intended to be connected to an electricity supply using a flexible cord or connecting device. On the other hand, a residual current device (RCD) is a device designed to isolate the power supply to protected circuits, socket-outlets, or electrical equipment in case of excessive current flow to earth.

Testing & Tagging Requirements on Construction and Demolition Sites

For construction and demolition sites, compliance with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3012:2003 is mandatory. This standard sets forth the minimum requirements for electrical installations and the in-service testing of RCDs, portable, relocatable, and fixed electrical equipment. Regulation 3.62 mandates that the testing and tagging of portable electrical equipment or portable RCDs on such sites be carried out by a competent person. The tester’s name, test or re-test date, and license number (if applicable) must be included on the tag.

Testing and Tagging Requirements in Other Workplaces

In workplaces other than construction and demolition sites, Regulation 4.37 stipulates that employers, self-employed persons, main contractors, and those with control of or access to the workplace must ensure appropriate checks, tests, and inspections of electrical equipment and RCDs are conducted. The frequency of inspection and testing should be determined through a risk management approach, considering the specific work environment and the potential for damage to the equipment. A maintenance program should be in place to ensure electrical safety.

Competencies for Testing Electrical Equipment and RCDs

Testing electrical equipment requires specific knowledge and skills. A competent person should have acquired training, qualification, or experience to effectively test electrical equipment and recognise potential hazards. A PAT user should have completed a competency-assessed training course on testing and tagging using a PAT delivered by a registered training organisation.

Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment

Inspections of electrical equipment range from regular checks by equipment users to more formal inspection programs for high-risk equipment. The person inspecting the equipment should have the necessary knowledge to assess its condition and identify any damage or potential risks. However, inspections generally do not require tagging unless conducted on a construction or demolition site.

Testing RCDs

Testing the operating time of an RCD necessitates specific technical expertise and interpretation of results. It should be performed by a licensed electrician or a person who has successfully completed a competency-assessed training course on RCD testing. This training course should be delivered by a registered training organisation accredited under the VET system.

Tagging Requirements

On construction and demolition sites, all tested portable electrical equipment, RCDs, and non-portable RCDs must be appropriately tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 3012. The tag should clearly display the name of the competent person who performed the test. In other workplaces, tagging is not mandatory for portable electrical equipment and RCDs, but there should be evidence of a maintenance program.

Inspection, Testing, and Tagging Frequency

Frequency plays a crucial role in ensuring electrical safety in the workplace. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, electrical equipment and residual current devices (RCDs) must undergo regular inspections, testing, and maintenance to minimize hazards. The frequency of these checks depends on the type of workplace and the specific regulations that apply. For construction and demolition sites, compliance with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3012 is required, which outlines the minimum requirements for electrical installations, equipment testing, and RCD inspections. This standard provides guidelines on the frequency of inspections and testing to ensure ongoing safety. In other workplaces, employers, self-employed individuals, main contractors, and those in control of a workplace are responsible for determining the appropriate frequency of inspections and tests based on the specific hazards and risks associated with the electrical equipment.

Regular and systematic inspections and testing not only enhance workplace safety but also help create a culture of electrical safety awareness among employees, promoting a secure working environment for all.