In checking electrical power tools what is the first step to be observed to ensure safety

This page has information about who is able to test and tag electrical equipment and how often it must be done.

Specified electrical equipment and safety switches need to be tested at intervals according to type of work they are used for. For construction work this information is in AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites

For manufacturing, service, office, amusement and rural industry work, information is in the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013. Additional information is also available in AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

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Who can test electrical equipment?

Only a person appointed as competent by their employer can test and tag electrical equipment.

Competence is based on knowledge and skills gained from training, experience, qualifications or a combination of these. It is an offence under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 to repair electrical equipment unless you have the appropriate electrical work licence.

Tagging electrical equipment

A durable tag must be attached after inspecting and testing to clearly show the test date and the next scheduled test and inspection date.

A tool showing the inspection and testing tag (blue impact drill with tag off handle).

Intervals for testing specified electrical equipment

The type of work being performed determines how often specified electrical equipment is tested. Specified electrical equipment is defined by section 97 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 as electrical equipment with a current rating of not more than 20 amps*. Specified electrical equipment also includes cord extension sets and electrical portable outlet devices (EPODs). *For service or office work, specified equipment is limited to equipment that is moved during its normal use for the purpose of its use.

The table below outlines the maximum interval between tests.

Note: there are specific requirements on a hire company for inspecting, tagging and testing hire equipment.

*See section 120 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 for stated electrical risk factors

Intervals for testing Type 1 and Type 2 safety switches

For all other work, refer to the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013.

The type of work being performed determines how often safety switches are tested. The table below outlines the maximum interval between tests.

For construction work, refer to AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites.

For all other work, refer to the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 and, where applicable, AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

If the equipment is safe you must attach a durable tag which shows when the next test is due.

*Longer test intervals may apply. Consult AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

# From 1 March 2008 portable safety switches were prohibited from use in manufacturing work

Equipment that fails testing should be immediately ;taken out of use and a durable tag must be attached warning people not to use the equipment.

If the equipment is safe you must attach a durable tag which shows when the next test is due.

Note: The requirements of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 referenced in this guidance material takes precedence over the Australian standard AS/NZS 3760. The additional benefits of applying the requirements of the standard may assist in addressing specific risks associated with a work environment

Everyone likely to be affected by electrical work must be kept safe with tools, testing equipment and personal protective equipment inspected and tested regularly.

A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) who carries out electrical work must ensure the electrical safety of all persons and property likely to be affected by the electrical work.

A PCBU must have procedures in place to ensure that tools, testing equipment and personal protective equipment are regularly inspected and tested.

This requirement ensures that workers carrying out the work are electrically safe and that the work, when completed, is electrically safe.

Visual inspection

All tools, testing equipment and PPE should be visually inspected before each use for signs of damage.

PCBUs should have 'pre-start' visual inspection procedures in place to ensure that equipment such as, tools, PPE, rubber mats and LV rescue kits are in good working order before use.

Testing equipment should be checked for damage to insulated leads and probes and needs to be confirmed as working before use.

Testing of equipment

Testing equipment should be tested regularly to ensure it provides the level of protection required. Testing intervals will depend on several factors including:

• the frequency of use
• the environment in which it is being
• manufacturer's advice.

For example, a multimeter used in a workshop environment may be subject to less damage that a multimeter carried in the back of a work van.

In absence of manufacturer's advice PCBUs should refer to a competent person with the knowledge and skills required for testing the particular type of equipment.

Items that have been misused or damaged should not be used until they have been re-retested and confirmed as functioning correctly.

Test equipment used for measurements such as earth continuity and insulation resistance should be regularly tested to confirm they are working correctly.

Some equipment such as multimeters may be able to be tested in-house, by using a calibrated resistor test block. Other equipment such as fault loop impedance testers or RCD testers may require specialist testing.

Further information on tools and equipment can be found in Part 8 of the Managing electrical risks in the workplace code of practice 2021 (PDF, 1.25 MB).

More information

Read our latest eSafe Electrical newsletter article on this topic.

Using hand tools incorrectly – or tools that are not fit for purpose or not suited to the user – can lead to joint and tissue injury.

Check before you start work that you have the right tool for the job. The design and condition of tools can accentuate any discomfort and lead to more serious symptoms or other injuries.

Safety solutions

• If one is provided, read the tool owner’s manual prior to use.
• Plan how you will do the work safely before you start including a plan for what you will do if something does go wrong.
• Manage the effects of muscle fatigue by working in a way that is comfortable and not in a restricted or awkward position.
• Avoid working in positions where the arms are above shoulder height or tools are held for extended periods without proper rest breaks or task rotation.

Tool selection and use

• Select tools that are designed for the task.
• Select tools that are comfortable to hold and use, and don’t put localised pressure on muscles and joints in the palm and fingers.
• Inspect tools before use and keep them well maintained.
• Inform, instruct and train workers in the selection, use and maintenance of hand tools.
• Replace hand tools with power tools to reduce the level of force required to do the task.

Work area

• Ensure the work area is well lit.
• Store tools safely.

Personal protective equipment

• Wear close-fitting work clothing to avoid entanglement and sturdy work boots with a non-slip sole.
• Use personal protective equipment such as:
  • goggles/face shields to protect your eyes from flying particles and dust
  • ear muffs to protect your ears from noise damage
  • gloves.

Power tools

Power tools are extremely hazardous when not used correctly.

• Power tools must be fitted with guards and safety switches. Either a:
  • constant pressure switch which shuts off power upon release (circular saw, chainsaw, grinder, hand-held power drill) or
  • on-off switch (routers, planers, laminate trimmers, shears, jig saws, nibblers, scroll saws).
• Minimise the time you spend using tools that vibrate such as chainsaws.
• Regularly inspect power tool cords and get them tested by a qualified person.