Forums > General Discussion   Shooting the breeze...

Are electrical test and tag requirements BS?

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Created by dirtyharry > 9 months ago, 4 Sep 2016
deekay
9 posts
7 Sep 2016 6:43AM
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I had my electrical workers license which allowed me to work on mains equipment & test & tag. The licensing authority sent me a cheque in the mail after I renewed it a couple of years ago with a letter stating that I no longer needed the license to do what I was doing. ie testing & tagging. So I take it you don't need a license to test & tag just the appropriate gear.

brody1
56 posts
7 Sep 2016 7:01AM
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^^^^ it been like that for yrs
You can get an approved machine, it will do the mandatory tests, print the label, even keep its own data log, done, all requirements met
But then you need to get a license elec or someone else with an approved machine to tedt and tag your machine

Greenroom
WA, 7608 posts
7 Sep 2016 9:45AM
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Blah blah blah typical tight arse.
General public don't realise what's involved behind the scenes in being a sparky.
Having an EW or EC number and performing task from T&T, installs that require maximum demand calculations, cable selection and correct circuit protection or just maintenance etc requires buying meters (I have 5k worth of meters), recording appropriate tests from main earth resistance, insulation resistance, fault loop impedance and RCDs then putting a licence number to all that work and tests done. Therefore your job, your business, your house and your family are on the line.
There are huge fines and prison sentences that are enforced if you don't comply with these procedures.
So anyone who thinks that just because you're an engineer or self appointed handyman, have a dick smith multimeter and thinks that $5 for a T&T or $90 an hour is a rip off, think again.
Food for thought, how much does your car mechanic charge? About the same? Not trying to bag what mechanics do but look at what's involved.
Thanks for reading my rant

whippingboy
WA, 1104 posts
7 Sep 2016 11:10AM
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It's a whole industry now, here's some info.

www.testandtagtraining.com.au/how-often-to-test-and-tag

Stay Safe

myusernam
QLD, 6154 posts
7 Sep 2016 1:24PM
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Ive seen a Jim's test and tag (like Jim's mowing). What a job.. just doing that every day all day.

Jupiter
2156 posts
7 Sep 2016 12:26PM
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whippingboy said..
It's a whole industry now, here's some info.www.testandtagtraining.com.au/how-often-to-test-and-tag
Stay Safe



Yes indeed. I call it the "Compliance Industry". Simple tasks at mine sites now required a written "Job Safety Analysis" before anyone can lift a spanner. Why? To cover someone's ass, just in case. It is a "blameless" society we are living in. In fact, I would prefer to call it "Don't blame me" mentality.

Keep things safe by all means. However, when it becomes so intense that vultures are zooming in to take advantage of the situation. I am refering to the constant needs for certificates in rental properties. Smoke Alarm Certificate. RCD Certificate. Dead Lock Certificate for doors is the newsest rip-off.

Government ministers wanted to be seen to be on the side of tenants and consumers. That is fair enough. Butall the certificates in the world will not stop people from smoking in bed, or dry their wet cloth on a bar heater. How about some personal responsibility? Do we need a certificate for "Personal Responsibility" ?

rod_bunny
WA, 1089 posts
7 Sep 2016 1:12PM
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whippingboy said..
It's a whole industry now, here's some info.

www.testandtagtraining.com.au/how-often-to-test-and-tag

Stay Safe


The interval times can catch you out as well.

In theory, most laptop related stuff (lead, ac adapter etc) are subject to annual inspection, when in an office environment.
but when you then take that stuff to a building/mining site... it can come under quarterly.

This is open to interpretation... one could argue that the laptop lead should only be annual, but we've had equipment that was in test as annual and a Jobsworth at a site refused it as it wasn't in quarterly test. (Just to add insult, it was last tested within the quarterly date anyway, just wasn't the right colour tag.)

That said, I've been to the site offices of some of the major industry players and stuff was out of test, by years in some cases.
Contractors, do what their told; The big boys, do what they want.

So we mostly test quarterly for items that go out of the office, in case they may be refused as the downtime, airfares etc just aren't worth it.



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Forums > General Discussion   Shooting the breeze...


"Are electrical test and tag requirements BS?" started by dirtyharry