Electrical safety - University of Wollongong – UOW We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and to show you personalised advertising. To find out more, read our privacy policy and cookie policy OK, THANKS Skip to Content Search Library Current Students Staff UOW Global Our global presence UOW in Dubai UOW in Hong Kong UOW in Malaysia Menu Study at UOW Study at UOW Courses Apply Scholarships & grants Accommodation High-school students Non-school leavers Postgraduate students International students Moving to Wollongong Study abroad & exchange Global sports programs Campuses Study at UOW Close Engage Engage Future student Alumni Visit UOW Jobs Volunteer Community Members Grants and funding Give to UOW Visit the Library Key contacts Educators & school teachers Engage with us Close About UOW About UOW Welcome Our people Services Contacts What's on Global presence Media Centre Faculties & schools Our vision & strategy Our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Strategy Our reputation & experience Locations, campuses & partners See more about UOW Close Research Research Our research Researcher support Research impact Partnership & collaboration Graduate Research School Commercial research Global Challenges Media, news & events Find an expert Our people See more about research Close Industry Industry Generator Lab Advantage SME Success stories Industry research engagement Equipment & Labs Funding opportunities Intellectual property Collaboration for business Collaboration for researchers See more about Industry Close Alumni Alumni Benefits Magazine Events Volunteer Alumni stories Awards Honorary alumni Testamurs and transcripts Update your details Your career journey Contact us & FAQ See more about alumni Close Quick links Quick links Contact directory Staff Intranet Campus maps Transport & parking Key dates Events Password management Jobs Accommodation Policy directory Close Library You are here Home Services & facilities Safe at work Safety topics Electrical safety Electrical safety Electrical risks are caused directly or indirectly by electricity. The University has developed resources to assist with the management of electrical safety risks. Guidelines and resources Electrical Safety Guidelines Electrical Inspection and Testing Fact Sheet Imported Electrical Equipment Inspection Frequently asked questions Q. What equipment needs to be tested and tagged? Not all electrical equipment needs to tested and tagged. Equipment that is exposed to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical,damage, corrosive chemicals or dust that are supplied by an electrical socket outlet must be tested and tagged. Examples of equipment that need testing include: Category of equipment Examples of equipment requiring testing Hand held Hand held power tools Hairdryers Kitchen appliances Laboratory equipment Portable equipment moved in operation Floor polishers Vacuum cleaners Portable lighting equipment Electrical equipment that is moved between operations in such a manner that could damage the flexible supply lead Portable electronic whiteboards, overhead projectors Laptop computers Electrical plant used in factory type environments Welding machines Extension cords Power boards Electrical equipment that is used in a higher risk operating environment where there is potential damage to the equipment or the electricity Electrical equipment used in wet or dusty areas Electrical equipment used outdoors, in kitchens, Laboratories (chemical damage) Certain factory-type environments Q. How do I arrange testing and tagging of my equipment? At main campus the University employs a qualified electrical tester and tagger. Contact electrical-testing@uow.edu.au for more information. Q. Does new electrical equipment require testing? No. With new electrical equipment the supplier is deemed responsible for the electrical safety of the new equipment in accordance with the principles of safe design and manufacture. It is therefore not necessary for an employer to test new equipment before its first use, but a ‘competent person’ should still visually inspect the equipment to ensure no damage has occurred during shipment or commissioning. Following the inspection, the UOW Electrical Safety Guidelines recommend that the new equipment that has been assessed as requiring future testing be fitted with a tag stating that the equipment is ‘new to service’, and the date of entry into service. This action sets a baseline date to work with for future electrical inspection and testing activities. Q. Does my office equipment need or stationary equipment need to be tested and tagged? No. Not all electrical equipment requires regular testing. In some situations electrical equipment such as desktop computers and stationary office equipment does not present a risk to their operators. Other stationary equipment may need testing depending on the environment and the risks present. This is due to: the permanent nature of their location the working environment in which the equipment is used. In cases like these, a risk assessment should be carried out in accordance with the UOW Risk Management Guidelines. Other stationary equipment may need testing depending on the environment they are in and the risks present again a risk assessment should be carried out. Q. Can I continue to use portable fan heaters and should I get the item electrically tested/tagged? Yes you can keep using the portable fan heaters providing they are safe. If the fan heaters are used and operated in a low risk area such as a an office environment it is recommended that a visual inspection be conducted on the unit to determine if there are any exposed wires or any other damaged components. If there are unsafe issues identified then the unit should be taken out of service and have it electrical tested and tagged and either repaired or disposed of. The purchase of new heaters should be in accordance with FMD guidelines. Scroll to Top Services & Help Current students Library Information technology Accommodation Security & safety Pool, gym & retail News, Media & Events Media Centre The Stand Alumni Magazine Research news Events Find an expert Faculties Arts, Social Sciences & Humanities Business & Law Engineering & Information Sciences Science, Medicine & Health Administration Graduation Environment Policy directory Learning and teaching Financial Services Access to information Jobs UOW Entities Innovation Campus UOW College Australia UOW College Hong Kong UOW in Dubai UOW Global Enterprises UOW Malaysia KDU UOW Pulse Connect with us Contact us Feedback Northfields Ave Wollongong, NSW 2522 Australia Phone: 1300 367 869 International: +61 2 4221 3218 Switchboard: +61 2 4221 3555 On the lands that we study, we walk, and we live, we acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians and cultural knowledge holders of these lands. Copyright © 2021 University of Wollongong CRICOS Provider No: 00102E | Privacy & cookie usage | Copyright & disclaimer Close Search
