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What Is AS/NZS 3760?
The AS/NZS 3760 is a New Zealand and Australian Standard that oversees the Test and Tag industry in regards to electrical safety of portable appliances. Its main goal is to ensure workplaces are safe by setting out recommendations in relation to testing 240V, 3 phase and low voltage electrical equipment.
Specifically, these recommendations focus on topics that range from Test and Tag frequencies, inspection and testing specifications, record keeping and other general guidelines. This extends to any equipment or appliances brought into the workplace i.e. battery charger, laptop chargers, electric drill etc. If the equipment is not safe and causes an accident, both the employer and the person who provided the appiance may be liable.
Often referred to as test and tag, it's also denoted as testing and tagging, portable appliance testing and PAT Testing.
Competent Person
In addition, AS/NZS 3760:2010 stipulates the requirements a person needs to fulfil to be considered a Competent Person - a necessity for someone who wants to Test and Tag.
The Standard states that anybody that acquires the practical and theoretical skills through the following are allowed to test and tag in New Zealand:
- Training (i.e. test and tag a course)
- Experience on the job
- Qualification
- A combination of the above
This basically means that even if you’re not an electrician, you can still certainly learn to test and tag. The majority of our test and tag students have no electrical knowledge at all and they become a Competent Person from the training course.
Test & Tag Regulations
Within New Zealand the primary contact is WorkSafe New Zealand and Energy Safety Services.
As some topics can be difficult to interpret and sometimes misunderstood, we're happy to help explain any parts you're unsure about. If you're actively testing and tagging, it's important you have a clear understanding and stay up-to-date with any changes to AS/NZS 3760 Standard.
The New Test and Tag Standard
In 2022 the Test and Tag Standard was officially updated. This meant a host of changes across a wide-range of different topics relating to the industry. This ranged at everything from general wording changes, information within tables being adjusted, requirements for record keeping and the actual name of the Standard itself, to just name a few.
Being referred to now as the AS/NZS 3760:2022, it's important you have a clear understanding of those changes and stay up-to-date with your skills and knowledge.