Australian Standard AS3760
In-service testing is necessary for the safety of persons using the equipment and for the proper discharge of the obligations of employers and employees, as listed in legislation covering occupational health and safety matters. Compliance with Occupational Health & Safety requires that an employer must ensure that any risk of injury from electricity at a place of work is eliminated or that the risk is controlled by regular testing, maintenance and inspection of all electrical equipment to ensure that it remains safe for use. As can be expected, the penalties failing to comply are severe, and most business are NOT aware of this.
The standard specifies procedures for the safety inspection and testing of single phase and three phase electrical equipment, connected to the electrical supply by a flexible cord and/or connecting device, which is new equipment placed into service for the first time, is already in-service, has been serviced or repaired, is returning to service from a second-hand sale, or is available for hire.
Typical examples of equipment are:
- Portable, hand-held and stationary appliances, designed for connection to the voltage supply by a flexible cord;
- Cord extension sets and outlet devices (also known as electrical portable outlet devices, EPOD's or power boards);
- Flexible cords connected to fixed equipment in hostile environments;
- Portable isolation transformers (includes power adaptor/plug-pack, both of the transformer and switch-mode type);
- RCD's - Portable type (PRCD), socket outlet type and fixed switchboard type;
- Commercial and industrial battery chargers;
- Portable and transportable 415V heavy duty tools such as high-pressure washers and concrete grinders.
YOUR OBLIGATIONS
Legislation covering occupational health and safety places an obligation on employers and employees to ensure the safety of all persons in the workplace. Owners, Managers, Supervisors and Employees alike must realize that they are all responsible for this.
In your own workplace YOU are responsible every minute of every day for PEOPLE’S LIVES.
- Employees and Contractors
- Friends and work colleagues
- Visitors to the worksite
- Doctors, nurses, chefs, cleaners, school teachers
- Students, tourists and guests.
Frayed cords, wiring faults, safety switches not working, earthing system faulty, incorrect wiring, exposure to moisture could all be potential hazards making your workplace an unsafe environment.
We offer a variety of specialized Services to help you.
RESOURCES
www.recalls.gov.au
www.standards.org.au
www.worksafe.vic.gov.au
www.esv.vic.gov.au