WHS Regulation 2011: Your Mandatory Test and Tag Duty
Under Chapter 4, Part 4.7 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Reg.), a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) at a workplace must ensure electrical equipment is regularly inspected and tested by a competent if the equipment meets two criteria:
- ✓ It is supplied with electricity through an electrical socket outlet, AND
- ✓ It is used in an environment likely to cause damage or reduce its expected lifespan.
Defining a 'Hostile Operating Environment' (WHS Reg. Clause 150(1))The regulation is clear: mandatory Test and Tag Services are required if your equipment is exposed to conditions that include:
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Essential Record Keeping Requirements (WHS Reg. 150)
WHS Regulation 150 mandates strict rules for record-keeping. A record of testing must be maintained until the electrical equipment is next tested, permanently removed from the workplace, or disposed of.
The record (which may be the tag itself) must specify the following details:
- The name of the competent person who carried out the testing.
- The date of the testing.
- The outcome of the testing.
- The date on which the next testing must be carried out.
Understanding IP Ratings (International Protection)
The IP (International Protection) rating is a vital standard (AS 60529) that classifies the degree of protection provided by an enclosure for electrical equipment. This is crucial for determining where RCDs and other devices can be safely installed.
IP Code Component |
Defines Protection Against |
Scale |
First Number (Solids) |
Protection against solid objects like dust |
Scale: 0-6 |
Second Number (Liquids) |
Protection against harmful entry of water |
Scale: 1-8 |
WHS Compliance Resource
For full legal details, download the legislation:
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Need Certified Test and Tag Compliance Today?
Ensure your PCBU obligations are met immediately. Contact Infrascan to schedule certified testing by a competent person.