Fire Safety, Testing & Tagging FAQs
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What is Test and Tag?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act of New Zealand, all companies are required to ensure all electrical appliances are maintained and periodically tested for electrical safety. ‘Testing and Tagging’ involves putting DC voltage through your portable appliances using high-tech equipment that measures and records the results of the tests run. Appliances are then bar-coded and tagged, and the results are uploaded to software that generates a compliance report to verify that this item is compliant.
Is Testing & Tagging a legal requirement?
It is a legal requirement for your appliances to be Electrically Safe. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, the term ‘Test and Tag’ refers to the process of carrying out your duty as a PCBU (Person Conducting Business or Undertaking) by verifying that your portable appliances are ELECTRICALLY SAFE. Failure to comply with this duty could result in Workplace injury, fire and massive fines from Work Safe.
Find out more about the penalties of non-compliance.
Do brand new items need to be tested?
Yes. The standard states that all new equipment should be tested before being put into service.
Can an insurance claim be voided by failure to comply?
There have been examples of insurance companies using non-compliance as a reason to avoid paying a claim.
How often do I need to have this work done?
The standard, AS/NZS 3760:2022, lays out the testing frequency for each environment ranging from every three months to annually for most people and even every five years for special circumstances. We can help you with this! Just ask for your free consultation.
What items exactly need to be tested?
Every electrical item that plugs into a GPO (General Power Outlet) including single phase and 3 phase items which need to be tested and tagged. For example, computers, extension cords, power boards, AC adaptors, phone chargers, fridges, RCDs - fixed and portable, kettles, microwave ovens including radiation leakage tests, and even that dodgy toaster (yep, you know the one!).
Who needs to Test & Tag?
Every business! If you have a workplace with just a kettle, then you need to Test and Tag.