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As known, regulations for workplace safety are important. This procedure of test and tag needs to be a part of electrical maintenance of your business. Before you plan on this, it is important to have knowledge about what this testing and tagging involves, what legislation is required to be complied with and also what equipment needs to be tested.
Process of Test and Tag
Each and every electrical appliance is tested by an electrician who is licensed. This procedure can ensure the safety of employees, employers and also those who visit the workplace. This testing and tagging can bring down the risk of any accidents with the electrical appliances at your workplace.
The testing is carried out according to the safety standards. This procedure can be divided into two parts. The first one is inspecting all the different electrical appliances visually and then testing these with a testing tool.
Most of the professionals who test and tag use a Portable Tester. This can diagnose any issues and tests the functionality of the electrical device.
Listed below are some of the procedures of the Test and Tag:
- Physical and Visual Inspection,
- External damages check,
- Testing the insulation,
- Testing the Earth circuit,
- Testing functionality,
- Leakage/run test,
- Testing polarity of wire,
- Checking for faulty plugs, accessories or sockets,
- Checking for tangled and exposed cords that can lead to tripping,
- Inspecting the Supply Cords,
- Inspecting the power boards and ensure that it is easy to see the ‘maximum load’.
After the testing, the appliance needs a tag to confirm the functionality. This displays the date of the test, when you need the next test and also the name of the individual who performed the test.
Legal Requirements for a Business Owner
Testing and tagging is important. This ensures you follow the regulations of the state.
Which Equipment requires Testing and Tagging?
It is important to ensure that testing and tagging is done for all the portable electrical appliances that are specifically designed to connect with flexible cords and plug tops to either 240 V or even 415 V. It is important for all the community centers, organizations, offices, factories and other commercial spaces to comply with the rules and confirm the testing and tagging. This ensures maximum safety not only for the employees and employers, but also those visiting the commercial space.
There are few items that are not essential to receive the testing and tagging. These include items that are located at a height of 2.5 meters, hardwired or fixed devices, appliances that need to be disassembled for ensuring a safe operation.
How often do you require Testing and Tagging?
Intervals of testing and tagging can be determined by the type of business you are operating. This can be required on a monthly basis, or even quarterly, annually or biannually.
In environments considered as ‘ high ’ risk it is important that testing and tagging is done on an everyday basis. Most of the businesses require this testing and tagging once a year, or probably, once every 5 years.
Who can Test and Tag your Commercial Equipment
You can get the test and tag done by, preferably, an electrician who is licensed or even a competent individual who has the required knowledge along with training to carry out the inspection.
Benefits of Test and Tag
Testing and tagging is beneficial in more than one way.
1. Lowers any Risk of Fine
There is a possibility of your business facing a fine if you do not comply with testing and tagging regulations of your state. This happens when the electrical equipment causes a situation considered ‘ dangerous ’ due to malfunctioning. The laws are in place so that the safety of those in the vicinity of the electrical devices, appliances or any other equipment. You need to ensure you do not waste money on these fines.2.
2. Safe Work Environment
This process of testing and tagging is about inspection of all the electrical appliances in the place of business. All the equipment is tested to ensure they function properly. Tagging means documenting the results for informing the employees the working and the safety of specific equipment.
3. Reduce Premiums of Insurance
There are a number of insurance companies who insist on a test and tag before they issue a policy. This can also bring down your premiums as there are companies who respect that you have made the required effort for the safety of your business.
4. Increases Efficiency
Maintenance gets easier when you follow the test and tag for your electrical appliances at the workplace. This is due to the process being able to detect even a minor problem before it becomes a disaster. Equipment performs in an optimal manner once the testing and tagging is done.
