Importance of Test and Tag in Schools
15 July 2024
Schools have a crucial responsibility to ensure the safety of their teachers, students, and contractors. Electrical safety is a key component of creating a secure environment. Testing and tagging appliances and electrical equipment is an essential preventative measure. Regular electrical testing helps identify hazards, allowing schools to implement strategies to manage potential dangers effectively. Our top priority is minimising harm in educational settings and workplaces.
Legal and Safety Obligations
Schools must be aware of their obligations to ensure the safety of teachers and students, complying with health and safety standards much like any other business. Under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act 2004, schools are required to provide a working environment that is safe and free from health risks, as far as reasonably practicable. This includes managing electrical risks by ensuring all electrical equipment is tested and tagged in accordance with the Testing and Tagging of Electrical Equipment Frequency Guide, and maintaining an up-to-date Electrical Equipment Register.
What Needs to be Tested and Tagged?
As a general rule, any equipment that plugs in should be tested routinely to ensure electrical safety. Principals or their delegates must arrange for electrical equipment to be tested and tagged by a competent person, record new equipment on the Electrical Equipment Register, and ensure that any equipment brought to the school or hired is also tested and tagged. Additionally, they must ensure compliance with Australian Standards for power boards and extension leads, prohibit the use of double adaptors, and isolate and tag out unsafe equipment. Schools are supported by central and regional offices, which provide access to the OHS Advisory Service and local officers for advice on managing electrical safety.
How Often Do Electrical Tests Need to Occur in Schools?
Electrical appliance testing in Australian schools must be conducted at regular intervals as dictated by the AS/NZS 3760:2022 standard. We provide comprehensive test and tag services to help schools comply with these regulations. Our technicians use specialised test and tag equipment to verify the safety and usability of each item, ensuring a secure environment for both teachers and students.
Principals or their delegates must ensure electrical equipment is tested and tagged by a licensed electrician or a certified individual (UEERL0003 or UEENEE026A). Additionally, while the standard testing interval for many appliances is five years, certain equipment requires more frequent testing. For instance, photocopiers and computers are tested every 12 months due to their mobility within the school premises. Frequent relocation increases the risk of damage to leads and appliances, necessitating more frequent inspections to ensure ongoing safety.
Test and Tag Areas in Schools
If your school has any electrical equipment, it should be tested and tagged. This includes equipment used for the first time, currently in use, or recently serviced/repaired. Here are some common areas in schools that require regular testing and tagging:
- Arts and crafts supplies, including glue guns
- Kitchen appliances in staffrooms
- School libraries
- Canteen areas
- Maintenance and repair tools
- Science labs (typically yearly)
- Workshops and home economics rooms
- Office areas
- Theatre and drama equipment (annually, or every 5 years for seldom-used items)
- IT rooms with computers and multimedia devices
- Sports equipment storage areas
General Equipment Requiring Test and Tag
Various equipment throughout schools must be regularly tested and tagged to ensure safety, including:
- Electric kettles and coffee machines
- Microwaves
- Laptop charging bays
- TVs and DVD players
- Desktop computers
- Laptop chargers
- Printers and scanners
- Telephones
- Photocopiers
- Multimedia equipment like projectors and smartboards
- Manual arts tools such as drills and electric saws
- Science lab equipment like hot plates and microscopes
- Portable electrical items including extension cords and power boards
Testing Intervals for Schools in Victoria
In Victoria, the testing intervals for electrical equipment in schools are guided by the AS/NZS 3760:2022 standard. The Department of Education also has a Frequency Testing Guide. We slightly differ from some of these standards as we have best practices within our business.
These guidelines are general, and schools should conduct risk assessments to determine the appropriate testing frequency based on specific conditions and usage. New equipment requires either to be tested or a new to service tag placed on it before being used, and regular visual inspections by users are recommended to identify any signs of damage or wear.
Electrical Safety in Your School: AmbaGuard’s Test and Tag Services
All schools must manage the risks associated with electrical equipment on their premises. Testing and tagging should be carried out by a competent person. We offer comprehensive test and tag services to ensure your school meets all safety standards and legal requirements. Our expert team can assist with regular inspections, risk assessments, and maintenance to keep your school safe.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your school’s electrical safety compliance. Call us at 0407 877 482 to learn more about our services and how we can help protect your school community. Email us at [email protected] or visit our website at http://www.ambaguard.com.au