Hi all
We have a procedure but I would appreciate it if anybody can share theirs with me as a comparison, for example, a methodology for low-risk equipment vs sensitive equipment. — Sandra Nieuwoudt
And, of course - don't lose sight of the fact that following AS/NZS 3760 is NOT a mandated requirement. Having electrically safe equipment is - how you determine something is electrically safe is up to you. — Robb
Has compliance with R26 ever been used as a defense in court? Given that the Electricity Safety Regulations generally require the prevention of the use electrically unsafe equipment (rather than ensuring the provision of electrically safe equipment), and the definition of electrically unsafe is [paraphrasing] any equipment where there is a significant risk that a person may suffer serious harm due to electricity, compliance with R26 practically becomes a moot point the second after the tag is attached.Great advice Robb, of course if it goes pear shaped and you've used an alternative route, you will need to be prepared to defend your alternative. Testing to AS/NZS 3760 and the item having a current pass tag gets you to deemed safe under ESR 26. — Steve H
If you buy "house brand" power tools they won't last until the next test is due. Not a great alternative. — Michael Wilson
If you are meaning for testing to the standard there would be a number of specific tools required; multimeter, megohmmeter, a way to measure leakage current, etc. and you would also need a competent electrician to interpret the test results... which is the reason for a PAT, that it combines those tools into one which is relatively easy to use and provides the test results in form that requires relatively little interpretation, e.g. a simple pass/failDoes anyone have an alternative to portable appliance testing for checking the appliances continuity and resistance
I have asked WorkSafe on numerous occasions but they have never come back to me with a reply? — Mark Taylor
yes that was my point, there is an alternative (buy a whole lot more tools and have a electrician spend a whole lot more time doing the testing) it just isn't a financially viable one.What I’m referring to is another method to detect the internal circuit and resistance properties of the appliance
I have spoken to a few electricians and they have said there is no viable alternative which provides the same level of confidence — Mark Taylor
This makes no sense at all - tag and testing to AS/NZS 3670 is going to do nothing to manage the risk of fires from overloading.Also, a few people have told me it is a requirement of their insurance and Argest checks in schools and it could make a claim invalidated if a fire results from overloading — Mark Taylor
The caveat with that Matt is,only while it is new- so how long does new last?New Zealand's version of AS/NZS 3760 recommends testing and tagging before first use — Steve H
Unless protected by an RCD — MattD2
Alternatives for the protection of people from the risk of electrocution / electric shock: — MattD2
Alternatives for the protection of people from the risk of fire causes by unsafe electrical appliances -
ensure that all electrical circuits are suitably fused to prevent overcurrent. — MattD2
That is of course, just your opinion Matt, in the UK their test & tag regime was shown to have reduced fires in workplaces by a substantial percentage, in the final analysis, if TnT and Thermal Imaging is what an insurance company asks for, then you comply or risk voiding your insurance cover.This makes no sense at all - tag and testing to AS/NZS 3670 is going to do nothing to manage the risk of fires from overloading. — MattD2
overrides working, particularly when multi boards were plugged in parallel
Is that correct? — Mark Taylor
Yep agree - I would expect that the assumption is that it is until the next standard test period, so if you test that equipment on a 6 monthly basis then 6 months is the max.The caveat with that Matt is,only while it is new- so how long does new last? — Steve H
My point was it is the circuit protection that prevents fires, but take your point that it could prevent a faulty piece of equipment from being plugged in and requiring the circuit protection to trip.That is of course, just your opinion Matt, in the UK their test & tag regime was shown to have reduced fires in workplaces by a substantial percentage, in the final analysis, if TnT and Thermal Imaging is what an insurance company asks for, then you comply or risk voiding your insurance cover. — Steve H
If you are interested in workplace health & safety in New Zealand, then this is the discussion forum for you.