What Is AS/NZ 3760?
A document written by Standards Australia that specifies the procedures and criteria for the in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment which is designed for connection by a flexible cord. It also applies to cord extension sets, portable outlet devices, portable residual current devices and portable isolation transformers. Appendices include detailed test methods.
Why Should I Test and Tag My Electrical Equipment?
As individuals and the broader community alike become more aware and concerned with adhering to Occupational Health and Safety laws, great care has to be taken to avoid accidents in the workplace. The presence of regulations protecting employees against company negligence means that the prosecution of the employer in cases of negligence is much more likely and harsher penalties are faced, than were in the past.
A well planned program of preventive maintenance, with regular electrical safety checks, is the ideal way to avoid unnecessary and unfortunate accidents, and the legal ramifications that follow.
How Often Do I Have To Get My Equipment Tested?
Every work situation is different and the frequency of testing depends on the harshness of the environment in question. There may be multiple environments in the one workplace, which means that some appliances may need to be retested in as little as 3 months if the surroundings are harsh. However, if the surrounding environment is less detrimental to the appliance itself, retest dates may extend to a period of anywhere up to 5 years.
What Does Test And Tagging Involve?
The process of testing appliance involves the following:
Visual Inspection: The most important test is a Visual Inspection of the device, especially leads. Cords should be firmly anchored in plugs, connections made solidly with no frayed ends. Copper terminals should be clean and not pitted.
Electrical Testing: The appliance will be tested with a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT) to test for any unseen electrical faults. These tests include; an insulation resistance test; earth bond test; a polarity test; and an earth leakage test.
Record Keeping: Upon completion of any test, all information will be stored in a comprehensive database, and a safety tag will be applied to the appliance verifying its safe approval.
What Equipment Needs to be Tested?
Any appliance within a business that has a flexible cord that plugs into either a 240 v power outlet, or 3 phase power outlet needs to tested regularly to ensure that the appliance is electrically safe to use within the workplace. These appliances include anything from computers to toasters, from drills and other tools to large factory machinery. ALL APPLIANCES within the workplace need to be tested, and and continue to be tested in order to adhere to Occupational Health and Safety regulations, and comply with Australian Standards AS/NZ 3760.
What Does Microwave Oven Leakage Testing Involve?
The process of testing Microwave ovens involves the following:
Visual Inspection: The microwave oven will be inspected to ensure the surface of the door is not damaged, the door fits squarely and securely and opens and closes smoothly, the door hinges are in good condition and no corrosion is evident on the door, the door hinges or the oven interior.
Microwave Leakage Test: A test will be conducted with a microwave leakage tester to ensure that no harmful radiation will leaking out of the microwave oven.
Mark Grech
All Safe Workplace Inspections Technical Director
http://www.allsafett.com.au
All Safe are Melbourne based electrical testing and tagging specialists, servicing Victoria wide, with a range of Occupational Health and Safety services in accordance with Australian Standards AS3760.