Keep Safe Stay Cool Complete Guide - Importance of safety at workplace | Page 14

It is the process of inspecting, electrically testing and then tagging (labelling) and logging all
electrical appliances. Test and Tag is a way of documenting electrical safety systems of work
for a workplace's Risk Assessment.
According to Electrical Appliance Testing , Test and Tag is important for businesses because it
helps to keep everyone in a workplace safe- staff, management, customers and the public. It
helps minimise the manager's risk of fines and imprisonment arising from a breach of
electrical safety laws.
Additinally, Test and Tag helps to keep insurance premiums low, and to make sure that
insurance is not voided because a workplace did not comply with relevant laws. Test and Tag
Helps to keep track of electrical assets at the same time.
For a construction site, a retail store, a kitchen or a factory, electrical safety is paramount. All
levels of management are legally responsible for workplace safety, and a documented risk
assessment approach is required.
This includes assessing the risk presented by portable electrical appliances. Test and tag is a
strategy which minimises the risk of electrical shock to workers. Each piece of equipment is
inspected, electrically tested, and then tagged (labelled) at regular intervals. A record of these
tests is kept as part of an overall OH&S risk management documentation.
Test and tag is especially important in work environments that are hostile to electrical
equipment.
Employers should pay attention to the risks where the workplace presents an environment
which is hostile to electrical equipment. Hostile work environments may, for example, expose
electrical equipment to damage from moisture, corrosive chemicals, heat, vibration, dust, or
physical use or abuse.
Test and tag specialists Electrical Appliance Testing (SEAT) are committed to helping
employers to comply with their obligations under the OH&S Act. SEAT offers test and tag
services which comply with AS/NZS 3760. Qualified test and tag technicians use specialised
appliance testing instruments to test for invisible electrical faults, as well as completing a
thorough visual inspection.
Inspection and test results are recorded electronically, and customers will be provided with a
Test and Tag Log, which forms a part of your risk assessment documentation. The electronic
record keeping system can be used as an effective asset management tool for non-electrical
assets as well.
IX.
Conclusion
A well-defined policy on health and safety will help reduce the incidence and seriousness of
work-related injuries. Fewer accidents mean lower workers’ compensation costs, less down
time and increased productivity.