Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407:body:0:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 29660–32906

those workplaces that are dry, clean, well-organised and free of conditions that are likely to result in damage to electrical equipment, for example an office, retail shop, telecommunications centre, classroom, etc. Electrical equipment commonly used in these types of lower-risk workplaces includes computers, photocopiers, stationery or fixed electrical equipment. A key source of information on dealing with the inspection and testing of electrical equipment is the manufacturer's recommendations.
In this section a reference to 'inspection' or 'testing' excludes repair of electrical equipment.

Inspecting and testing electrical equipment—other than equipment used in specified higher-risk operating environments
Not all electrical items need to be inspected and tested under Regulation 150—for legal requirements see Sections 3.3 and 0 of this Code, which deal with inspection and testing requirements for electrical equipment used in specified higher-risk operating environments. Electrical equipment used in lower-risk operating environments does not require inspection
and testing or 'tagging'.

Guidance on inspecting and testing electrical equipment in lower-risk operating environments
is included in AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
(if covered by that Standard) and may also be included in the manufacturer's recommendations.

AS/NZS 3760:2010 sets out indicative inspection and testing intervals for certain electrical equipment, including RCDs, used in a variety of different operating environments.

In addition to regular testing, electrical equipment should also be tested:
    * after a repair or servicing that could affect the electrical safety of the equipment (i.e. undertaken by the person carrying out the repair or servicing before return to service)
    * before its first use if bought second-hand.
Inspection and testing of electrical equipment may involve, in part:
    * looking for obvious damage, defects or modifications to the electrical equipment, including accessories, connectors, plugs or cord extension sockets
    * looking for discolouration that may indicate exposure to excessive heat, chemicals
      or moisture
    * checking the integrity of protective earth and insulation resistance
    * checking that flexible cords are effectively anchored to equipment, plugs, connectors and cord extension sockets
    * looking for damage to flexible cords
    * checking that operating controls are in good working order i.e. they are secure, aligned and appropriately identified
    * checking that covers, guards, etc. are secured and working in the manner intended by the manufacturer or supplier
    * checking that ventilation inlets and exhausts are unobstructed
    * checking that the current rating of the plug matches the current rating of the associated electrical equipment.
Note that AS/NZS 3760:2010 specifically excludes medical devices and electrical devices in patient care areas. For more information see AS/3551:2004 Technical management programmes for medical devices or AS/NZS 3003:2011 Electrical Installations – patient areas.

New equipment
Brand-new electrical equipment that has never been put into use (i.e. other than second-hand