Contact:
Appliance Test Tag
Ph:03 9580 6280

The amending regulation amends Clause 64 and 65 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 (the Regulation) by simplifying the requirements for the ‘testing and tagging’ of electrical equipment by identifying workplace environments where testing and tagging is warranted, such as construction sites and other hostile operating environments.

Electrical equipment that falls outside these environments does not warrant a rigorous inspection and testing procedure but will continue to be subject to the general risk assessment provisions of the Regulation.

To support the gazettal of the amendments WorkCover has revised the Frequently Asked Questions - Testing and Tagging and guidelines for undertaking a Risk Assessment of electrical equipment used in the workplace.

WHAT RECORDS DO I HAVE TO KEEP?

You are required to keep records of all inspections, test and maintenance carried out on your
electrical equipment that operates in or is affected by a hostile operating environment.
In particular, the following information must be recorded:
• the name of the person who carried out the inspection, test or maintenance,
• the date or dates the inspections , tests or maintenance was carried out,
• the result or outcome of the inspections, tests or maintenance,
• the date when the next inspection and test must be carried out.

DO I NEED TO RECORD THE RESULTS OF RISK ASSESSMENTS CARRIED OUT ON ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT?

Although not required by the OHS Regulation WorkCover recommends that for electrical equipment being used in a non hostile operating environment that a documented risk assessment be undertaken or if there is a change in equipment use / location or if an electrical incident occurs at the workplace involving electrical equipment to which the risk assessment relates.
Any such record of a risk assessment should be retained for a period of 12 months.