What is the Australian standard for portable equipment?

The Australian standard for portable equipment refers to a set of guidelines and regulations that govern the safety and quality requirements for portable electrical appliances used in various settings such as homes, offices, schools, and industrial premises. These standards are designed to ensure that portable equipment meets certain safety criteria to minimize the risk of electrical accidents and potential hazards.

Regulations and compliance

In Australia, the main body responsible for establishing and maintaining the standards for portable equipment is Standards Australia. They work in collaboration with various government agencies and industry stakeholders to develop, review, and update these standards regularly. The current Australian standard for portable equipment is known as AS/NZS 3760:2010 - In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

AS/NZS 3760 outlines the procedures for inspecting, testing, and tagging portable electrical appliances to ensure their ongoing safety throughout their service life. It covers various aspects, including visual inspections, electrical testing, and record-keeping, to ensure that the equipment remains safe and compliant with relevant regulations. Compliance with this standard is mandatory for businesses and organizations in Australia to maintain a safe working environment.

Testing process

The testing process defined by the Australian standard involves different types of tests to assess the safety and functionality of portable electrical equipment. Visual inspections are conducted to check for any visible damage, loose connections, or signs of wear and tear. This helps identify potential hazards that may require further investigation or repair.

Electrical testing includes conducting tests to determine the insulation resistance, earth continuity, and polarity of the equipment. These tests aim to identify any faults or defects that could pose electrical risks. Additionally, active load testing might be performed to evaluate the performance and functionality of the equipment under operating conditions.

Tagging and record-keeping

Once the inspection and testing process is complete, compliant portable equipment is labeled with a durable tag indicating its inspection date, retest date, and the unique identifier of the person or company responsible for the testing. This tag provides clear information regarding the safety status of the equipment and helps track its maintenance schedule.

Record-keeping is an essential requirement of the Australian standard for portable equipment. Organizations and businesses need to maintain accurate records of all inspections, tests, repairs, and modifications performed on their equipment. These records serve as evidence of compliance and can be used for audits, insurance purposes, and tracking equipment history.