Electrical appliances need to be tested regularly to ensure they are in good condition and safe to use. Some machines may be damaged and cannot be used safely for the intended purpose. Faulty electrical appliances can cause electrocution as well as damage other components. SF Test & Tag specializes in testing and tagging equipment for clients. If you are in an industry that requires you to have electrical appliances tested and tagged quarterly, you can count on the company for reliable services.
Importance of Testing and Tagging Rental Equipment
Excavators, cranes, and other types of heavy equipment that are usually offered for hire should be tested regularly and tagged to ensure they are safe to use. The testing and tagging will help to assure the client that the equipment is in good working condition. It is a good business practice to provide clients with machines that are in good condition. Through test & tag, you’ll have the evidence you need to give your clients peace of mind.
Are Testing and Tagging Mandatory?
Testing and tagging are requirements in the mining, demolition, and construction industries. The law requires employers in these industries to make sure that all their equipment undergoes testing and tagging every 3 months. Only employers in these three industries are required to have their equipment tested. However, it is good business practice for companies in the equipment hire industry to have their equipment tested and tagged every 3 months. This is because the equipment may be used by the client for demolition, mining operations, or construction purposes. Before hiring the equipment, therefore, clients should check the tag to confirm that a piece of equipment has been inspected recently. However, the client should also do a visual inspection as the equipment might have been damaged after the testing and tagging.
How It’s Done
i) Visual and Physical Inspection
The first step in the test and tag process is the visual inspection. Damaged insulation, loose plugs, and naked electrical wires are some of the areas of focus. Depending on the type of equipment in question, all electrical cables and plugs must be visually and physically inspected. In case power cords or plugs are damaged, a recommendation can be made for their replacement before the equipment can be tagged safe for use.
ii) Electrical Testing
Electrical appliances may appear to be in good condition, but they may be damaged inside. That is why electrical testing is crucial. The first electrical test is the insulation test followed by the earth circuit test. Other tests include; the functionality test and polarity wire test. Equipment that fails the electrical testing must be repaired before being tagged. Otherwise, they cannot be tagged.
iii) Tagging
As noted earlier, testing is done every 3 months. Equipment that passes testing is tagged. Tags come in different colors, and different test periods have specific different tag colors. This helps in the identification of equipment that has not yet been tested and tagged for a given period.
Electrical Equipment that Require Testing
Electrical appliances that draw a lot of electrical power should be tested and tagged. This includes power tools, commercial vacuum cleaners, and commercial kitchen equipment. Portable electrical appliances should also be tested regularly. They include phone chargers, electric kettles, surge protectors, laptops, and coffee machines among others. Fixed electrical appliances also need to be tested annually. They include fridges and desktop computers.
Who Can Perform Electrical Testing?
A person does not need to be an electrician to perform electrical testing and tagging. However, he or she must be a competent person according to the relevant laws. To qualify, a person must complete the test and tag course. Through this course, a person learns how to use the PAT Tester. Competent persons are required to keep their skills up to date or do an additional course that’s relevant to their job. It is important to note that in QLD, a person has to satisfy an additional requirement of acquiring a restricted electrical contractor’s license.
Choosing a Service Provider
Since every city has dozens of competent persons who can carry out testing and tagging, some research must be done before a decision can be made. The following are key factors to take into consideration when looking for a suitable service provider.
a) Experience
The number of years a service provider has been in business and the number of clients they have served must be checked. This is because you want to hire the most experienced service provider to test and tag your equipment. After all, experience is a great teacher, and the most experienced service providers usually offer the highest quality of service.
b) Reputation
You must do some research on the reputation different firms have developed over the years. The ideal firm should have high ratings, a lot of testimonials, and many positive reviews. This is because reputable service providers have a track record of offering the highest quality of service
c) Cost
Since you want affordable services, you must compare the fees charged by the testing firms on your list. Be sure to request quotes from several firms and compare them to identify the most affordable test and tag company in the city.
d) Accreditation
Only accredited service providers should be considered. Be sure to make a list of accredited service providers and compare them before making a decision.
