OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SAFETY AND WELFARE

ELECTRICAL TESTING PROCEDURE

SCOPE This procedure applies to all DECS Worksites and includes Schools, Preschools and Departmental Offices - it complies with AS/NZ 3760:2003 including amendments. TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEFINITIONS ......................................................................................................................3 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 TESTING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (CONTEXT) ................................................4 DUTIES OF MANAGERS: ........................................................................................4 LEGISLATIVE REPORTING ....................................................................................6 RECORDS ................................................................................................................6 AUTHORISATION ....................................................................................................7 REFERENCES..........................................................................................................7

APPENDIX A RCD TESTING...........................................................................................8 APENDIX B - HOST WORKSITES .....................................................................................9 APPENDIX C- Residual Current Device (RCD) Testing.................................................10 PURPOSE This procedure provides direction and information for managers, employees and others regarding the testing of electrical equipment on DECS worksites. It aims to ensure the integrity of electrical appliances in worksites and the safety of personnel who use it. This version replaces all previous information regarding testing of electrical equipment.

EQUIPMENT & APPLIANCES ELECTRICAL TESTING FLOWCHART

Identify equipment/appliances requiring testing and record in the Electrical Testing Register

Ensure that a qualified technician has calibrated test equipment within the last 12 months.

Communicate and Consult

Undertake risk assessments to identify the frequency of testing according to AS/NZS 3760:2003 and record results in Electrical Testing Register

Monitor and review

Set testing timeframes

Competent person conducts testing of appliances (contractor or trained staff member)

Test appliances

Record in Electrical Testing Register 2

DEFINITIONS CLASS I EQUIPMENT CLASS II EQUIPMENT basic insulated, protectively earthed equipment double insulated equipment this equipment is generally manufactured with a non-conductive (insulated) enclosure, and is marked either with the words DOUBLE INSULATED or with the symbol to allow easy identification a person, deemed capable of correctly performing the task by the site manager based on the knowledge, skill, level of training, experience or a combination of these an assembly of 3 parts; a plug intended for connection to a mains outlet socket, a sheathed flexible cord and a cord extension socket

COMPETENT PERSON

CORD EXTENSION SET (EXTENSION LEAD)

ELECTRIC PORTABLE OUTLET DEVICE (EPOD) (POWER BOARD)

a device, other than a cord extension set, having a single plug intended for connection to a mains outlet socket, a sheathed flexible cord and an assembly of outlet sockets

FIXED EQUIPMENT

equipment which is fastened to a support or otherwise secured in a specific location a flexible cable or cord, for supply purposes, which has one end connected to a plug with pins designed to engage with a socket outlet, and the other end either connected to terminals within the equipment or is fitted with a connector designed to engage with an appliance inlet fitted to the equipment visual and tactile examination of electrical cord, plug and equipment to ensure integrity; e.g. no cuts, burns, breaks, exposed wires, illegal modifications or damage a mechanical switching device designed to make, carry and break currents under normal service conditions and to cause the opening of the contacts when the residual current attains a given value under specified conditions.

FLEXIBLE SUPPLY CORD

INSPECTION

RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICE (RCD)

1.0

TESTING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (CONTEXT)

1.1. The department: provides tags and a support grant to worksites for the testing of portable electrical equipment. has also identified a number of host worksites, which are resourced with the electrical testing appliance and electrical testing tags. 1.2. Individual worksites have the authority to engage external contractors or identify and train staff members to conduct the testing. 1.3. Staff members conducting the testing should be paid additional hours using ED075 form, or to have normal work backfilled. 1.4. A list of the host worksites is provided at the end of this document. 1.5. Trained staff members are advised to contact the host worksites to arrange access to the testing equipment and tags 2.0 DUTIES OF MANAGERS:

2.1. Undertake a risk assessment of all electrical appliances which have a flexible cord including cord extension and electric portable outlet device (EPOD/Power Board) to identify the need and/or frequency of testing; e.g. no testing required, or 5 yearly for office equipment, or 12 monthly where there is a likelihood of wear, tear, abuse, flexing of cord or use near water. Electrical equipment requiring testing includes that which is: hand held moved whilst in operation moved often where damage to flexible supply cord could occur, or used in an environment where damage to the equipment or flexible cord can occur used near water 2.2. Record all electrical equipment on the sites Electrical Testing Register with the results of the risk assessment. Ensure that the Register is reviewed regularly and kept up to date. 2.3. Visually inspect all new portable electrical equipment for damage to the appliance or cord prior to use - tag with normal tags, record for next scheduled testing cycle, and include in the Electrical Testing Register. 2.4. Ensure that a competent and appropriately trained person completes the electrical testing. 2.5. Use appropriate tags on compliant equipment, which indicates the name of the person/company completing the testing, the test date and the next test date. 2.5.1. Test and tag any privately owned electrical appliances brought onto the worksite prior to use (e.g. heaters, frypans, crock pots, kettles etc.) 2.5.2. Immediately remove from service and attach danger tag to non-compliant electrical equipment for repair or disposal. (Render the appliance inoperable 4

by severing the electrical cord to the appliance.) STAFF MUST NOT USE EQUIPMENT TAGGED AS FAULTY. 2.5.3. Contact Procurement 822 63332 before disposing of computers or electrical plant that has a significant monetary value. Consider also the fact sheet, Gen 4, Disposal Of Plant on the DECS, OHS&W website. 2.5.4. Ensure that site-owned electrical testing equipment is calibrated and serviced regularly, (e.g. annually depending on use) the maintenance register updated all documentation relating to the calibration and service are kept until next calibration.

2.5.5. Inform contractors and tradespersons if hardwired (non portable) RCDs are not installed at the site.

2.6. HIRED/LOANED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - worksite managers must ensure: 2.6.1. risks are assessed 2.6.2. equipment hired/loaned by (or brought onto) the site is inspected prior to hire/use and has been tested and tagged within 3 months prior to hiring/loaning. An inspection consists of a visual and tactile examination of the cord, plug and equipment to ensure their integrity, i.e. no cuts, breaks, burns or exposed wires. 2.6.3. equipment the site hires/loans to other persons is inspected prior to hire/loan and tested & tagged by the site within 3 months prior to the hiring/loaning. Equipment returned following hire/loan must pass a visual inspection before reuse. Equipment that has not been electrically tested within 3 months prior to hire, or which contains any fault or illegal modification, must not be hired out until it is electrically tested and/or repaired by an appropriately qualified person. Sites must also provide safe operating procedures with the hired/loaned equipment where applicable. 2.7. ELECTRICAL COMMERCIAL CLEANING EQUIPMENT USED AND OWNED BY THE SITE - worksite managers must ensure: 2.7.1. Class I equipment (protectively earthed) is tested every 6 months 2.7.2. Class II equipment (double insulated) is tested every 12 months 2.8. RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES (RCDS) - WORKSITE MANAGERS MUST ENSURE THAT: 2.8.1. All hardwired RCDs are maintained in a safe operating condition and tested according to the following schedule: Trip tested at least annually by a competent person at the site, or trip tested quarterly if the RCDs are in a dusty, wet, corrosive (chemicals) environment or outside Repaired by an electrician, if on testing, the RCD does not trip within 40mS 5

inspected and tested by a qualified technician or electrician every three years and the RCD repaired or replaced if it fails the test. (DECS programmed maintenance) Included in the sites OHS&W Management plan for testing Test and maintenance records must be kept for 5 years

2.8.2. All portable RCDs used in office/laboratory/kitchen/classroom environment are tested according to the following schedule (a portable RCD must be used on moveable equipment which is not covered by a non portable RCD) Trip tested by means of the built-in test facility before it is used on any day Trip tested every three months if it has not been used during that period Repaired or replaced, if on testing the RCD does not trip Tested every two years or during the annual testing regime by a competent person and repaired or replaced if the RCD does not trip within 300 milliseconds at a tripping current of not more than 30mA 2.8.3. Worksite managers must maintain a, Non Portable (Hardwired) RCD Register which includes the following The trip testing conducted by the site The 3 yearly tests conducted by qualified technicians or electricians 2.8.4. If an RCD trips while an electrical appliance is in use, worksite managers must: Withdraw the electrical appliance from service, tag with danger tag and submit for assessment by a competent person (e.g. an electrician) Test the appliance prior to re-use If the problem is not with the appliance a qualified technician or electrician should test the RCD. 3.0 LEGISLATIVE REPORTING In the case of an electrical shock or dangerous electrical occurrence the worksite manager must notify The Office of Technical Regulator Ph: 8226 5500 Fax: 82265523

4.0

RECORDS Records must only be destroyed in accordance with the State Records Act 1997 Guidelines, with approval by State Records of SA. To assist with disposal of agency records refer to the DECS Records Management Unit Disposal Schedule Inquiry System (http://www.decs.sa.gov.au/rmp/). As a guide, retain records relating to electrical equipment and testing in accordance with the following table: e.g.
Description of Record
RECORDS RELATING TO THE ACQUISITION OF EQUIPMENT NOT UNIQUE TO THE AGENCY AND NOT CONTAINING ASBESTOS OR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS (e.g. electrical)

Disposal Schedule Reference

Authority Number: 2004/GDS15(V6) : 3.3.2 TEMPORARY - Destroy 5 years after last action

RECORDS RELATING TO THE MAINTENANCE OF OTHER ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT (e.g. electrical, Residual Current Devices (RCD) / Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers)

Authority Number: 2004/GDS15(V6) : 3.67.4 TEMPORARY - Destroy 5 years after last action OHS&W Regulation, 2.5.9 (3) Retain for five years

Records of test results carried out on an RCD (other than 3.4.2) must be kept for a period of at least five years from the date of the test.

5.0

AUTHORISATION
Procedure Version Issued Author Authority Revision Authority Electrical Test Procedure Version 5 September 2007 Health and Safety Services Chief Executive Executive Director, Human Resources and Workforce Development Compliance Status Review date Location File details Office Mandatory Approved by State OHS&W Consultative Committee June 2010 R/OHS/Policy/Procedures DECS 05 / 0464 Human Resources and Workforce Development

6.0

REFERENCES OHS&W Regulations 1995 Division 2.5 Electrical AS/NZS 3760:2003 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment AS/NZS 3760:2003/Amdt1:2005 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment General Disposal Schedule 156th Edition, Effective 9 March 2004 to 30 June 2009

APPENDIX A RCD TESTING

RCD/SAFETY SWITCH TESTING

Hardwired

HARDWIRED OR PORTABLE

Portable

Trip test annually unless a risk assessment indicates the need for more frequent testing, e.g. workshop, or outside location

Communicate and consult

Trip test prior to each use or every three months (whichever comes first)

Monitor and review

Electrician must inspect and test every three years.

Electrically test each year

Record test in RCD Register

APENDIX B - HOST WORKSITES Electrical Testing Equipment Placement

REGION
ABORIGINAL LANDS ADELAIDE HILLS BAROSSA EASTERN ADELAIDE

HOST SCHOOL
N/A (OUTSOURCED) BIRDWOOD HIGH SCHOOL MT BARKER HIGH SCHOOL GAWLER HIGH SCHOOL ROSE PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL NAILSWORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL CLEVE AREA SCHOOL

EYRE AND WESTERN

EDWARD JOHN EYRE HIGH SCHOOL PORT LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL STREAKY BAY AREA SCHOOL

FAR NORTH FLEURIEU AND KANGAROO ISLAND

QUORN AREA SCHOOL KANGAROO ISLAND COMMUNITY EDUCATION - KINGSCOTE CAMPUS BORDERTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOL GRANT HIGH SCHOOL NARACOORTE HIGH SCHOOL

LIMESTONE COAST

MURRAY AND MALLEE

GLOSSOP HIGH SCHOOL MURRAY BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL BANKSIA PARK INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

NORTHERN ADELAIDE

FREMONT-ELIZABETH CITY HIGH SCHOOL PARALOWIE SCHOOL THE HEIGHTS SCHOOL HALLETT COVE SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL

SOUTHERN ADELAIDE

REYNELLA EAST PRIMARY SCHOOL WILLUNGA HIGH SCHOOL

WESTERN ADELAIDE

GRANGE PRIMARY SCHOOL CLARE HIGH SCHOOL

YORK AND MID NORTH

GLADSTONE HIGH SCHOOL MAITLAND AREA SCHOOL PORT PIRIE WEST PRIMARY SCHOOL

APPENDIX C- Residual Current Device (RCD) Testing

REGISTER
Switch Board Number: .......................................................................................................... Please note: Push button testing must be done on an annual basis. If the Power Distribution Board is sited in a dusty, hostile or wet area, testing must be done every 3 months. Push button tests for fixed (hardwired) RCDs may only be done by person/s that have received training to perform this task. Report test failure to administration for immediate attention. Test records must be kept for 5 years. Table 1 (Note: 1 row for all switches on board) Date All circuits tested Yes/No Signature of Tester

Table 2: record failure of individual switches Trip failure (e.g. Red 1) Reported to: Date Date rectified

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