Non-hostile work environment In many work environments, certain electrical equipment does not need a rigorous inspection and testing procedure due to its inherent low level of risk. These areas are likely to be offices and clean work environments and are considered to be non-hostile work areas.
Hostile work environment
This is a work environment where normal operating of any electrical equipment may:
- Cause mechanical damage to the item of equipment or
- Expose the item of equipment to moisture, heat, vibration, corrosive substances or dust that is likely to result in damage to the equipment
This includes:
- Electric kettles, toasters, computers, and similar electrical appliances commonly used in small business offices
- Equipment that is fixed and stationary when being used, eg photocopiers. Its size requires that it is located in a specific location.
- Stationary equipment that does not have carrying handles and has a mass exceeding 18 kg
- Equipment that is not likely to be damaged when being used, eg non-moveable equipment and includes electrical equipment and flexible supply leads that we use in our non-hostile work environment.
The following are examples of high risk electrical equipment used in a hostile environment that requires regular testing and tagging.
Examples of electrical equipment to be tested & tagged
| Electrical equipment requiring regular testing and tagging (includes hired and repaired equipment) | Examples of equipment and environment |
| Electrical equipment used for construction work | Portable
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| Electrical equipment used in a hostile work environment where equipment is used in operating conditions that are likely to damage the equipment | Where the electrical equipment can be damaged by:
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Competent person
A competent person to test and tag electrical equipment is someone who has thorough training / experience (or a combination) the knowledge and skills to perform the task.
- Licensed electrician
- Persons with restricted electrical licenses – issued by the NSW Office of Fair Trading or equivalent State agency.
What you need to do
Develop an electrical checklist to determine if there is a need for maintenance, service, repair or testing and tagging of electrical equipment, so that you make sure your electrical equipment is safe.
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