SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

ELECTRICAL TESTING
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
1.
Inspection and testing of electrical equipment (other than visual and functional checks) must be carried out by a competent person or licensed electrical contractor.
2.
This procedure applies only to inspection and testing of low voltage single phase or poly-phase (e.g., nominal 240V and 415) electrical equipment connected to the electrical
supply by a flexible cord and/or connecting device used at a place of work or a public place, or is offered for hire, but excludes suspended light fittings at a height of 2.5m or
greater above the ground, floor or platform and where there is not a reasonable chance of a person touching the equipment and an earthing medium at the same time.
3.
All inspection and testing of electrical equipment must be carried out in accordance with AS/NZS 3760 In-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
Task sequence
Identified hazards in task
Key processes to be followed
Precautions / PPE required
1. General
Electric shock / electrocution
Carry out a visual inspection of the equipment or appliance prior to testing.
Place out-of-service tag on faulty or
precautions
Equipment or appliances which display damage to electrical components, or have
damaged equipment, and rectify, repair
damaged or missing controls, etc, should not be tested until repaired or rectified.
or discard before testing.
Switch off and unplug equipment from the supply source before carrying out tests.
Note: not applicable to testing of operating times of residual current devices (RCDs)
2. Inspection and
Electric shock / electrocution
All electrical equipment must be inspected and tested least as specified in AS/NZS
Place out-of-service tag on faulty or
testing frequency
3760; however, equipment which is suspected of being damaged or faulty should be damaged equipment, and rectify, repair
removed from service immediately and be inspected and retested before further use. or discard before testing.
(Note: Regulatory authorities, other standards, workplace safety requirements or
AS/NZS 3760 allows a tolerance of two
manufacturers instructions may specify shorter intervals for inspection and testing
weeks as acceptable for testing.
appropriate to particular industries or specific types of equipment).
Electrical equipment must be inspected and retested after repairs or servicing which
could have affected the electrical safety of the equipment.
Second-hand electrical equipment must be inspected and tested before being
returned to use.
Electrical equipment for hire must be inspected before each hire and be tested and tagged every 3 months.
3. Test equipment
Electric shock / electrocution
Equipment used to carry out electrical safety testing should be subjected to routine
Check testing equipment before use.
verification at regular intervals during its service life to ensure that no degradation
has occurred since manufacture, during transport, or over its service life.
Test equipment must be used in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
4. Inspection and
Electric shock / electrocution
Where applicable, in-service inspection and testing is to include:
Visual inspections should be carried out
testing
prior to testing, which is used to detect
External inspection of the equipment and connection (e.g., supply cord)
any faults not readily found by the
Protective earth continuity tests for Class 1 equipment, EPODs, cord sets,
visual inspection process.
and extension leads
Visual inspections should also check
Insulation testing, and
the integrity and operation of guards,
Confirmation of the correct polarity of live connections in cord sets with
covers, controls and gauges, etc.
re-wireable plugs and connectors.
Equipment identified as non-compliant following inspection or testing must be labelled to indicate that the equipment
requires remedial action and warn against further use, and the equipment be withdrawn from service.
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ASSA 2010

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SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

ELECTRICAL TESTING
Task sequence
5. Testing
procedures

Identified hazards in task

Electric shock / electrocution

6. Tagging of
compliant
equipment

Electric shock / electrocution

7. Records of
inspections and
tests

Electric shock / electrocution

Key processes to be followed

Tests must be carried out in accordance with the procedures detailed in Appendices
A to F of AS/NZS 3760 In-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
Tag must be completed and attached following successful completion of the
inspection and test, and required details inserted into relevant portions of the tag.
Tags to identify compliant equipment must be made of a durable, non-reusable, nonmetallic material, and include:
The name of the person or company who performed the test
The date of the test or inspection, and may include a re-test date.
Details of tests should be entered into the Electrical Equipment Register as each test
is completed to ensure accuracy of test records.
Suitable records of inspections and tests should be kept in an Electrical Equipment
Register which includes details of all equipment and tests, and any risk assessments.
Records should be retained for 7 years or as otherwise specified by regulations.

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Precautions / PPE required

All specified tests for each item must be
completed before tagging.

Refer to state and territory electrical

safety regulators for additional
requirements regarding tags (i.e.,
colour, wording, etc).

Keep test records in a safe location.

ASSA 2010

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