WHS (Work Health and Safety) Regulations
The harmonised model WHS Act and Regulations have been enacted in NSW, ACT, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT and the Commonwealth.
The Victorian government has stated that it will not be adopting this new legislation. Please refer to the Victorian Worksafe web site here.
What are Test and Tag Regulations?
Model WHS regulations state that all equipment used in a higher risk operating environment in which the normal use of electrical equipment exposes the equipment to operating conditions that are likely to result in damage to the equipment or a reduction in its expected life span must be tested and tagged.
This higher risk operating environment contains conditions that involve exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical, damage, corrosive chemicals or dust, and is commonly called a hostile environment.
All items in a hostile environment must therefore be tested and tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2022. In a Construction environments these items are to be tested and tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 3012:2010.
In order to ensure electrical safety across a broad range of workplaces, the model Electrical Code of Practice states that all items located in a non-hostile environment should be tested and tagged every 5 years in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2022.
Whilst QLD have enacted the model WHS Act and Regulations, the QLD Electrical Safety Act and Regulations take precedence in that State.
RCD (Safety Switch) Testing
Model WHS regulations state all businesses operating in a hostile environment - an environment where equipment is moved between locations, where equipment is frequently moved within the location, where damage to equipment is likely or is in connection with an amusement device - must have RCD’s protecting all hostile circuits and must be tested regularly in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2022.
Whilst QLD have enacted the model WHS Act and Regulations, the QLD Electrical Safety Act and Regulations take precedence in that State.
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