I have been told by an OHS inspector that I need to have the items at my workplace tested and tagged. What does this mean? What kind of items need to be tested and what is the relevant Australian Legislation or Standards?

Any help is really appreciated. 

You might want to check out AS/NZS 3760:2003

tjh

I would do the easiest thing, call that inspector and ask them what items need checked and tagged.  As a previous safety consultant, I told clients that if OSHA, or any other inspector tells you that you need something done, not to leave the spot until you completely understand what they want.  It is best to repeat back to them what they want to make sure that there is a clear understanding.  What one might assume, doe not mean that is what the inspector wants.  When the inspector comes back and you think "it" is abated and the inspector wanted something different, now it could be a failure to abate!

 Good Luck.

Hi all,

Test and Tag is the industry term for the Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Appliances, under the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760:2003.

In NSW, the relevant legislation is the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, and the OH&S Regulation 2001, Sections 64 and 65:

"(1) An employer must ensure that any risk of injury from electricity at a place of work is eliminated or, if elimination is not reasonably practicable, the risk is controlled. " Etc, etc.

There are heaps of local companies that do "Test and Tag". But you 'd be best off sticking with one of the bigger companies.

There is lots of info on the whole subject at www.sydneyappliancetesting.com.au

Assuming you are in NSW (and not Queensland where the rules are more strict) you would need to have any appliances, leads, powerboards etc which are in a "hostile" environment inspected, tested and tagged. Hostile can mean wet. moist, dusty, hot, rough, exposed to harsh treatment from staff or the public.

If you are in an industrial setting, say construction or manufacturing, then just about everything needs to be tested and tagged regularly, and an appliance test log/ asset register/ database / logbook kept for all items that were inspected or tested.

Best of luck.