Someone got a shock at work?
If the person is injured, ring 000, and keep your hands off them until you're sure the power is off. Pull the tool or appliance out of use and put it somewhere nobody will grab it. On Western Power's network every shock must be reported, even a tingle, so ring 13 13 51 as well.
WA's rules, as WorkSafe WA explains them
When testing is required
For plug-in equipment whose normal use exposes it to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust. WorkSafe WA's examples include commercial kitchens, manufacturing, outdoors and wet or dusty areas.
How often
At least once every 12 months as a general rule. The code gives examples of more frequent testing: at least every six months for workshop, manufacturing and commercial cleaning gear, and every three months for hire equipment.
Building sites
Construction and demolition sites follow AS/NZS 3012 instead, so tell the tester if your gear goes to site.
Who can test
A licensed electrician counts as competent, and so does someone who has passed a competency-assessed course in testing with a portable appliance tester.
Untested means unused
Gear that has to be tested and hasn't been shouldn't be used, so far as is reasonably practicable. Lock it away or put an Out of Service tag on it.
What the record has to show
Each test record needs the tester's name, the date, the result and when the next test is due. Keep it until the item is tested again, leaves the workplace for good or is thrown out.
A tag can be the record, but a logbook or register is easier to check and survives a tag being torn off. The code points to AS/NZS 3760 for intervals, so ask your tester which schedule they're applying to your site, and why.
Safety switches are part of it
WA's workplace rules cover RCDs too, including the fixed ones in your switchboard. Take all reasonable steps to have them tested regularly by a competent person, keep a record of anything beyond the daily button press, and replace a faulty one as soon as possible.
Between visits, Building and Energy recommends pressing each safety switch's test button every three months. If one doesn't trip, that's a job for an electrician.
Before you book
- Which of our gear falls under WA's testing rule, and which doesn't?
- What interval are you applying from AS/NZS 3760, and why?
- Will you test our safety switches as well, and record it?
- What happens to items that fail?
- Can you repair a faulty power point or circuit on the same day?
What we'd tell a Perth business owner
We'd book an electrician rather than a testing-only service, so a failed safety switch or a scorched power point gets fixed on the day. Start with whatever lives in the kitchen, the workshop or the back of the ute, and keep the logbook somewhere you'll find it if WorkSafe ever asks.
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.