Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407:body:0:p14
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 35295–38334

which electrical equipment is exposed to operating conditions that are likely to result in damage to the equipment or a reduction in its expected life span
    * construction and demolition sites (see Section 3.3 of this Code).

These operating environments have the potential to seriously affect the safe operation of electrical equipment. This includes conditions that involve exposing the electrical equipment to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals and dust. Examples include wet or dusty areas, outdoors, workplaces that use corrosive substances, commercial kitchens and manufacturing environments.
A risk assessment can help determine whether electrical equipment is being used in any of these operating environments at a particular workplace.
For guidance on appropriate inspection and testing intervals, seek the advice of a competent person (see below). Further guidance may be included in AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and the manufacturer's recommendations.
As a general rule electrical equipment used in the specified higher-risk operating environments should be tested at least once every 12 months. More frequent testing may be required, for example in relation to:
    * electrical equipment used in manufacturing and workshop environments (e.g. at least once every 6 months)
    * commercial cleaning equipment (e.g. at least once every 6 months)
    * hire equipment (e.g. at least once every 3 months).

Hire equipment
Persons conducting a business or undertaking hiring out electrical equipment must ensure the equipment is inspected at the commencement of each hire and tested every three months.
The person conducting a business or undertaking using the electrical equipment hired out must ensure that, for the period of the hire, the equipment meets all applicable inspection and testing requirements under the WHS Regulations and this Code.

Competency requirements for those carrying out inspection and testing of electrical equipment
Inspection and testing of electrical equipment must be carried out by a person who has acquired, through training, qualification or experience, the knowledge and skills to carry out the task (i.e. be
a 'competent person'). Inspection and testing of electrical equipment must be carried out by a competent person who has the relevant knowledge, skills and test instruments to carry out the relevant inspection and testing. The person carrying out any testing of electrical equipment should also be competent to interpret the test results of any equipment they use. For example, a person carrying out testing under AS/NZS 3760:2010 must be:
    * a licensed or registered electrician (whichever applies), or
    * in some jurisdictions, a licensed electrical inspector, or
    * a person who has successfully completed a structured training course and been deemed competent in the use of a pass-fail type portable appliance tester and the visual inspection of electrical equipment.
The training should