Construction sites are busy environments exposed to harsh outdoor elements and varying weather conditions. Long days on-site often involve frequent use of electrical tools, from battery-charging stations to corded drop saws running consistently day in and day out.
Worksafe and New Zealand health and safety legislation require worksites to remain compliant and up-to-date with health and safety standards. This means all electrical equipment on site must be in good working condition, with all cords tested and tagged.
Due to the harsh conditions and frequent use, most equipment needs to be tagged every three months. Additionally, equipment should be maintained in good physical condition and not used if there is any visible wear and tear on the cord or the tool itself. Our test and tag inspection focuses on the electrical current and insulation of the plug, but we also perform a visual check of the cord, which is something you should also monitor.
Our service aims to simplify the process so you and your team can focus on getting back to work. To help speed up the process and keep your workplace safe, here are some recommendations for your site:
- Use RCD-protected equipment in environments exposed to weather elements.
- Take care of your cords: pack power leads and tools away after each use. Avoid pulling cords from power sockets forcefully, as this can damage the connection between the plug and the cord.
- Conduct your own visual checks before using your tools. If you notice any wear and tear on cords, stop using the equipment immediately and either replace or repair it. Items with visible faults or damage will fail the test.
- On the day of your Test and Tag service, have your equipment ready for tagging by bringing everything to a central location on site. Remove tools from cases or boxes to allow immediate testing of the plug.
When WorkSafe investigates incidents on site, they check that cords have passed electrical compliance and been tagged by a certified tester. Failing to have your tools and site tagged is a breach of WorkSafe standards.
Our service includes a full asset register report, which provides an itemized record of every tool tested and its tag number. We will inform you if anything fails the test and why, so you can arrange for repairs or replacements. The asset register report not only assures you that everything has been tested and complies with WorkSafe standards but also serves as a record of your tools.
