A tingle, a scorch mark or gear that got wet? Out of use now
Unplug it, label it and set it aside. If someone has been hurt, call 000, and don't touch them while they may still be in contact with the power. Shocks and sparking that might be coming from the supply, rather than one appliance, go to TasNetworks on 132 004.
What we could and couldn't confirm for Tasmania
We tried to read WorkSafe Tasmania's and Consumer, Building and Occupational Services' guidance on testing and tagging, and both sites blocked us. The Tasmanian work health and safety regulations wouldn't load in full either. So there's no Tasmanian testing interval on this page. If you've seen intervals quoted for Queensland, those come from Queensland law and don't carry across the strait.
What is confirmed comes from Tasmania's electrical licensing laws. All electrical work here is prescribed work that needs a licensed person. The regulations list a few tasks that aren't electrical work, though, including plugging an appliance or lead into a socket, fitting a plug or socket to an extension cord, and repairing a plug-in appliance that runs at 250 volts or less.
In practice, a damaged plug on an extension lead can often be replaced on the day. A fault in the building's own power points, switchboard or wiring is a different matter: that's licensed work, and once it's energised you should get a copy of the record of the work in an approved form.
Hobart conditions worth knowing
Heaters in the cold months
Light frost comes most years and sleet can fall from June to September. Portable heaters in offices, shops and workshops get moved, knocked and run hard, so make sure they're on the list for testing before winter.
Flash flooding in the CBD
Tasmania SES says a moderate flood reaches Collins, Macquarie and Davey Streets near Campbell Street, and a major one the Elizabeth Street Mall, the Cat and Fiddle and Centrepoint. In May 2018, flash flooding hit the CBD and Salamanca. The SES says flood-affected equipment stays off until a licensed electrician has tested it.
Old buildings, more leads
Hobart's city centre holds many of its oldest Georgian and Victorian buildings. Older buildings tend to have fewer outlets, so more gear ends up on leads and power boards, which is exactly what test and tag looks at.
What a good visit should leave you with
- A tag on every item that passed, showing when it was tested and who tested it.
- Failed items tagged as unsafe and taken out of use, with a reason for each.
- A written record listing every item, its result and when it's due again.
- A separate note of any faults in the building's power points or wiring, with a quote to fix them.
- For any electrical work actually done, a copy of the record in an approved form.
What we'd do for a Hobart workplace
Ask WorkSafe Tasmania, or your industry body, what testing interval applies to your kind of work, and write the answer down. Then book an electrician who tests and repairs, so building faults get fixed in the same visit. Put the heaters on the list before winter, and when flood warnings are out for the CBD, lift leads and power boards off the floor.
Want a specialist to sort it?
Tell us the job and your postcode. We match the licence-checked local electrician who does this kind of work, and they call you. No ring-around, and your number goes to them alone.