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IN-SERVICE TESTING
Regulations now exist in most Australian Stat
es and Territories requiring the 'in-service testing' of electrical equipment used in commercial and industrial environments.
The regulations, generally linked to Industrial Health & Safety laws, are designed to ensure the safety of persons usi
ng electrical equipment connected to the mains supply. If your business or premises are covered by Industrial Health & Safety legislation then you are probably required to consider your obligations for in-service testing.
Equipment h
as a very wide definition and has been interpreted to include products ranging from personal lap-top computers to extension leads.
Generally the regulations require that inspections and safety tests be regularly performed on equipment in accordance
with the provisions of Australian Standard 3760-1996. The standard aims to assist equipment users to determine two factors seen as crucial to electrical safety:
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1. |
Each item of equipment needs to be subjected to routine inspection and testing to detect damage, wear or other other conditions which might render it u
nsafe.
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2. |
Equipment identified as faulty needs to be withdrawn from service and referred for repair or disposal by expert personnel.
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The frequency with which tests must be carried out varies consistent with the type of equipment and the operating environment eg: cord extension
sets used on construction sites must be tested every three (3) months where the same product used in an office environment needs only to be tested every five (5) years.
Naturally to prove compliance with the regulations it is necessary to have evi
dence of testing and appropriate records. The most common evidence of testing is the humble test tag which is affixed to the equipment and updated or replaced after each re-test of the equipment. A policy requiring such testing and d
etailing equipment and test frequency would suffice for record keeping although you should make enquiries to establish compliance before implementing such a policy.
Alternatively, you may choose to sub-contract out your obligations and use an appro
ved contractor to audit your premises, determine your obligations (if any) and then undertake the regular tests required.
Hartland Cables is able to 'pre-fit' test tags to cords purchased in order to ensure that your equipment complies from da
y one. If you are interested to pursue this option, please consult our sales staff when next ordering your product.
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