Electrical Safety Testing Intervals

WORKPLACE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS ELECTRICAL SAFETY REGULATION 2002 REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYERS AND SELF-EMPLOYED PERSONS

(Includes Amendment (no. 2) 2003 and RCD testing to AS/NZS 3760: 2003)

Table: Test and Tag / Safety Switch Requirements (Workplaces are divided into four categories or classes of work-site and there are certain regulations for the protection and testing of items of specified electrical equipment in each particular class).

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Low Risk Environments (equipment used in a non-hostile environment):

The following examples provide an overview of the type of equipment that must be regularly inspected and all records must be kept and maintained by employers:

• computer workstations in an office, telecentre eg. faxes, printers, copiers etc;
• fixed electrical equipment; and
• stationary equipment (Mass exceeding 18kg with no carry handles)

High Risk Environments (or Harsh environment):

'Harsh environment' means an environment where the equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to normal use or is open to abuse or is in a harsh environment.

All electrical appliances and equipment if used in a "harsh environment" should be inspected every 3 months for construction sites and 6 months to 1 year for factory and commercial buildings. All records are then kept and maintained.

This includes:

• kettles, toasters, and commercial or hand-held kitchen appliance;
• electric saws, extension leads, heaters, fans, vacuum cleaners, power boards, power tools and any type of portable equipment.

For example, if you have a computer in a hostile environment, this requires testing under the WorkCover risk assessment code.