Why commercial properties need electrical test & tag

Are you doing what’s required to keep up with the schedule for workplace maintenance? When was the last time you did a test and tag? You may not even realise it, but your commercial workplace may not comply with Safe Work Australia laws. Testing and tagging are requirements of commercial property safety regulations and should be a regular part of any electrical maintenance business. This is an excellent place to start if you’re not exactly sure what testing and tagging are and what is required to meet compliance. Let’s take a closer look into the commercial test and tag services.

What is test and tag, and what does it involve? 

Testing and tagging is the testing of your equipment on your commercial premises for safety. Commercial property owners and managers have to have this service conducted because it ensures safety for the people in your workplace who will be coming into contact with the equipment. The other reason why test and tag is essential is that it minimises the risk of hazards, faults and emergencies that could cause expensive damage to your commercial electrical equipment. Current testing and tagging checks follow the guidelines set by Australian safety standards. This means that you have to choose the work of a licensed electrician to complete the procedure.

The test and tag procedure involves two main processes: visual inspection of equipment and appliances for damage and the electrical test with a special testing tool. Your chosen electrician on the Mornington Peninsula will use a Portable Appliance Tester. It will diagnose any issues and rate the functionality of an electrical device. Once everything on the commercial premises has been tested, it will be tagged to verify its functionality, and it will display important information for future reference. This information will detail who performed the test, the date of the test and when the next test is due. The entire test and tag process involves much more, and we’ve listed it all below:

• Visual and physical inspection
• Check for any external damages
• Insulation tests
• Earth circuit test
• Functionality test
• Run/Leakage test
• Polarity wire test
• Check for any faulty accessories, plugs or socket outlets
• Inspect supply cords
• Check for tripping hazards
• Inspect power boards

What electrical equipment needs testing and tagging?

• Major equipment 

Power tools and commercial kitchen equipment should be tested every six months.

• Portable/movable equipment 

Surge protectors, appliances in staff rooms and charging equipment should be tested every twelve months.

• Fixed electrical equipment 

Fixed electrical items on the premises, including computers and fridges, should be tested every five years.

Do you have electrical maintenance or test and tag schedule?

Commercial businesses have the duty of ensuring safety at all times for staff and visitors. The best way to limit any incidents that can cause harm is to set an electrical maintenance program with your local electrician to keep everything in good working order. Get in touch with the team at Impulse Electrical, and we are more than happy to help. We service the whole of the Mornington Peninsula, including the following regions and suburbs: Mornington Peninsula, Rye, Sorrento, Dromana, Rosebud, Portsea, Frankson, Mt Martha, Mornington, Langwarrin and Somerville