Electrical Testing and Inspection NSW Requirements Overview

In general terms, there are two principle requirements for NSW business owners and facility managers to meet: 1) Electrical Safety in the workplace, which includes: Electrical inspection and Testing of Appliances/Equipment Electrical inspection and testing of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) as required under Work Health and Safety regulations 2) Exit and Emergency lighting inspection and testing These obligations apply to all persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) at a workplace. The following sections examine each requirement in detail, to provide a better understanding of the legislation, requirements and penalties for non-compliance.

1 Electrical Safety in the Workplace

1.1 Electrical Testing and Inspection of Appliances/Equipment
WorkCover Authority of NSW requires the following:
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) at a workplace must ensure that the/all electrical equipment is regularly inspected and tested by a competent person if the electrical equipment: is supplied with electricity through an electrical socket outlet (plug in equipment) and used in an environment in which its normal use exposes the equipment to operating conditions that are likely to result in damage to the equipment or a reduction in its expected life span. This includes conditions such as exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust.

The Work Health and Safety Regulations provide further guidance for PCBU at a workplace to support the Authoritys position.

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The key points to note are: All electrical equipment that is used in a workplace in an environment that is likely to reduce the lifespan or damage the equipment must be tested every 3 months. (WH&S Regulation 2011 No 674 Clause 150)

The person conducting business accepts the responsibility for determining the equipment to be tested and must ensure that electrical equipment is regularly inspected and tested by a competent person. (WH&S Regulation 2011 No 674 Clause 150)

Failure to comply will result in fines up to $3,600 for individuals and $18,000 for body corporates. (WH&S Regulation 2011 No 674 Clause 150) Kerfoot Electrics qualified electrical tradespeople will visit your workplace to make a full assessment based on the appropriate legislation to ensure all electrical assets are catalogued, inspected and tested in accordance with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760 In service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. Contact our Customer Service team on (02) 9838 7744 to schedule an appointment or email Kerfoot Electrics Customer Service Online.

1.2 Electrical inspection and testing of Residual Current Devices

Residual Current Devices (RCDs), commonly referred to as safety switches, are electrical safety devices designed to immediately switch off the supply of electricity when electricity leaking to earth is detected at harmful levels. RCDs offer high levels of personal protection from electric shock. WorkCover Authority of NSW advises:
From 1 January 2013, new requirements for residual current devices (RCDs) will apply to workplaces where plug in electrical equipment (electrical equipment supplied with electricity through a socket outlet) is used in following operating environments: electrical equipment is exposed to operating conditions that are likely to result in damage to the equipment (or a reduction in its expected life span) including conditions that involve exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust electrical equipment is moved between different locations in circumstances where damage to the equipment or to a flexible electricity supply cord is reasonably likely

the

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electrical equipment is frequently moved during its normal use electrical equipment forms part of, or is used with, an amusement device. If electricity is supplied through a socket outlet that does not exceed 20 amps, then the RCD must have a tripping current that does not exceed 30 milliamps. This does not apply if the supply of electricity to the electrical equipment: does not exceed 50 volts alternating current is direct current is provided through an isolating transformer that provides at least an equivalent level of protection is provided from a non earthed socket outlet supplied by an isolated winding portable generator that provides at least an equivalent level of protection.

The Workplace Health and Safety Regulations provide further guidance for PCBU at a workplace to support the Authoritys position. The key points to note are: All electrical equipment that is used in a workplace in an environment that is likely to reduce the lifespan or damage the equipment must be protected by Residual Current Device. (WH&S Regulation 2011 No 674 Clause 165) The person conducting business accepts the responsibility for determining the equipment to be protected and must ensure that Residual Current Device is regularly inspected and tested by a competent person every 3 months. (WH&S Regulation 2011 No 674 Clause 165) Failure to comply will result in fines up to $3,600 for individuals and $18,000 for body corporates. (WH&S Regulation 2011 No 674 Clause 165) Kerfoot Electrics qualified electrical tradespeople will visit your workplace to make a full assessment based on the appropriate legislation to ensure all Residual Current Devices are inspected and tested in accordance with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760 In service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. Contact our Customer Service team on (02) 9838 7744 to schedule an appointment or email Kerfoot Electrics Customer Service Online.

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2 Exit and Emergency Light testing and maintenance

In the event of a serious incident in your workplace, your staff and customers will need to quickly and safely exit a potentially dangerous environment. It is therefore imperative your emergency and exit lighting systems are compliant and functioning correctly. Kerfoot Electrics qualified electrical tradespeople will visit workplace to make a full assessment to ensure all Exit and Emergency lighting systems are inspected and tested in accordance with Australian Standard AS/NZS 2293.2 We conduct a 6-monthly and 12-monthly testing regime in accordance with AS 2293 which includes: Discharge Test Replacement of tubes and starters Cleaning of diffusers Battery replacement Full condition report your

Contact our Customer Service team on (02) 9838 7744 to schedule an appointment or email Kerfoot Electrics Customer Service Online.

3 Thermal Imagery
Although not currently a prescribed requirement under the legislation, many organisations are now turning to thermal imagery as a proactive approach to preventing expensive electrical disruptions through switchgear and controls failures. Our trained technicians use infrared thermography to identify 'hot spots' in electrical equipment. These 'hot spots', illustrates high resistance areas which may indicate impending failure and possible fire. Insurance companies and business continuity planners are requiring more of this non-invasive testing to maintain a proactive low risk management philosophy for business. Contact our Customer Service team on (02) 9838 7744 to schedule an appointment or email Kerfoot Electrics Customer Service Online.

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4 Kerfoot Compliance Systems

Our Enterprise Management System (EMS) is specifically designed to meet the requirements defined above. Our EMS records the asset on your site and schedules all required testing to meet the defined obligations for your workplace. Our three step approach is designed to provide all necessary compliance reporting and remedial action to ensure the highest safety standards are achieved for your Staff and Customers.

Compliance Audit

Update Enterprise Management System

Report and Recommendations

Step 1.

Compliance Audit ensures all assets are tested strictly in accordance the standards and legislation. Our EMS ensures all elements of the testing regime are completed with outcomes notes in a structured reporting framework.

Step 2.

Report and Recommendations ensure the compliance audit outcomes documented and actioned to maintained the highest safety standards for your workplace. Our reports are held within our EMS and made available on line to customers for third party and statutory compliance (Insurance and WH&S auditor etc).

Step 3.

Update Enterprise Management System maintains the accuracy and currency of information within our EMS. Our EMS is finally updated with any changes or additional assets noted in the report and recommendations ready for the next compliance audit.

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