Why Should I Bother with Test and Tagging?

Australian Standards

In accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2003, all portable electrical appliances which are new to service, already in service, have been repaired, are for sale second hand or are available for hire to places of work or public places must be tested and tagged.

Safety

LTRN branched from the theatre industry where too often equipment is not tested and tagged due to the cost of tagging. Dangerous equipment and leads are used which cause minor and major injury. It is impossible to test grounding on equipment without specialised equipment, and often grounding faults are not detected until something goes wrong.

Safety Switches won't protect you

The safety switch is a wonderful invention which has saved countless lives, yet all this little device does is detect current running where it should not run. If the grounding wire of a class I appliance is not connected, or worse, is connected to the neutral terminal the safety switch will not be able to detect a fault until another electrical path to the ground is found. This path is all too often a human being. Think of the possible paths to the ground through your body, and imagine what an electrical circuit through your heart could do! It only takes a very small current to kill you.

Worksafe

If someone becomes injured or dies using your equipment it is your responsibility. These regulations are not just to satisfy the Worksafe rep during checks, they are to ensure the safety of yourself your employees and your customers so that you won't have to explain to Worksafe or families why the electric drill really didn't need a test and tag.