Portable appliance testing (PAT) is a staple service here at Jim’s Test & Tag. We are experts in electrical risk management, so testing your appliances is all part of the job. Because this service is so popular, we’ve decided to answer all the appliance tester FAQs.
Between the years 2003-2015, 78 people were killed at work as a result of contact with electricity.
WorkSafe Victoria has recently acknowledged the threat of electricity in the workplace and will be focussing on electrical safety. This means checking for compliance and evidence of functional safety equipment. Testing your appliances, equipment, and safety switches has never been more important.
Check out our FAQs below and let us know if you have any other burning questions – we want to make your compliance process as easy as possible so that you can keep your workers safe.
What is PAT?
It’s a term used to describe the testing and inspection of electrical appliances and equipment. Of course, most damage and defects can be identified with a visual examination, but some problems run deeper. With the use of a PAT testing machine, our trained technicians can identify electrical faults and dangerous devices. Jim’s Test & Tag technicians work to two safety standards whilst assessing your appliances and equipment. They are the AS/NZS 3760: 2010 (In service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment) and the AS/NZS 3012: 2010 (Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites)
Which appliances need to be tested?
According to the WHS Act and Regulations, people who have a duty to ensure health and safety are required to “manage risks by eliminating health and safety risks so far as is reasonable practicable”. This means abiding by the Australian standards – and they dictate that any appliance that plugs in should be tested and tagged. Jim’s Test & Tag technicians use appliance tester machines to inspect electrical tools, RCD safety switches, office equipment, and electrical accessories. The equipment we test does vary from workplace to workplace so please contact us if you have industry specific questions.
How often do I need to test my equipment?
According to the AS/NZS 3760: 2010, appliances and equipment must be tested at the following intervals:
- Factories, workshops, places of manufacture, assembly, maintenance or fabrication: every 6 months
- Environment where the equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to flexing in normal use OR is open to abuse OR is in a hostile environment: every 12 months
- Environment where the equipment or supply cord is NOT subject to flexing in normal use and is NOT open to abuse and is NOT in a hostile environment: every 5 years
- Residential type areas (e.g. Motels): every 2 years
- Equipment used for commercial cleaning: every 6 months
- Hire equipment: Inspection: prior to hire
- Hire equipment: Test and tag: every 3 months
- Repaired, serviced and second-hand equipment: After repair or service or on reintroduction to service
Portable RCDs:
- Factories, workshops, places of manufacture, assembly, maintenance or fabrication: daily push button test by user and 12 monthly inspection from a qualified appliance tester
- Residential type areas: 6 monthly push button test by user and pat tester inspection every 2 years
- Equipment used for commercial cleaning: daily push button test by user and 6 monthly test from a technician
- Hire equipment: Inspection: prior to hire
- Hire equipment: Test and tag: by a technician every 3 months
- Repaired, serviced and second-hand equipment: After repair or service or on reintroduction to service
According to the AS/NZS 3012: 2010 (construction and demolition sites) the following testing standards apply:
- All portable appliances and equipment need to be inspected and tested every 3 months
- Hire equipment must be tested prior to hire and at least once a month
- Portable RCDs should be tested every 3 months (except in Victoria, where monthly testing applies)
Will there be a record of my electrical appliance testing?
Yes. Our appliance tester services include a detailed report with every result you’ll need to prove your compliance. We will test each item according to the relevant standard and assign each item a pass or fail result. You’ll be able to access this report in your own records or request it at a later date from your local technician. You will be assigned a re-test date and receive a reminder when your next test is due.
We hope you found these FAQs helpful! Let us know if you have any more specific questions, we’re more than happy to help you on your way to a safe and secure workplace.
Need some items tested? Call us on 131 546 or fill out the online form for a FREE QUOTE.
