Regular testing is essential if you want to be sure that you have safe and reliable tools! In high-risk industries like construction, demolition, and manufacturing, routine power tool testing will help minimise the risk of burns, electrical shocks, fires, and serious workplace accidents.
Under AS/NZS 3760:2022, routine electrical safety checks are also a legal requirement. New Zealand businesses and workplaces suffer serious penalties and fines for non-compliance with regulations. The Local Guys can help you keep up to date with regular inspections, maintain power tool safety standards, and uncover potential hazards.
What Are Some Types Of Power Tools?
The Local Guys offer Test and Tag services for Class 1 (earthed) and Class 2 (double-insulated) power tools. Our technicians can inspect a wide range of products using a PAT machine.
This includes common electric power tools like:
- Angle grinders & polishers
- Belt and disk-type sanders
- Construction tools
- Heavy-duty hammer drills
- Impact drivers
- Nail guns
- Power drills
- Rivet guns
- Rotary hammers
Do you have power tools with cords?
Corded tools with a typical New Zealand power plug can be connected directly to our PAT machines for power tool testing. Frayed cords are a major safety hazard, so our technicians will need to check the cord for damage beforehand during the visual inspection.
Do you have cordless power tools?
No problem! Many of our clients use cordless power tools because they make more portable electrical equipment. The Local Guys can assess everything from cordless angle grinders to cordless drills to impact drivers powered by battery packs. Since these power tools don't have a plug connector, our technicians will test the battery safety and inspect the power pack during the official testing phase.
What Does A PAT Machine Do?
A PAT machine is a Portable Appliance Tester. Our Test and Tag technicians use PAT machines to run a series of electrical tests and ensure the safe operation of power tools.
The 3 electrical safety tests include the:
- Earth continuity/earth resistance test: To check that your power tools have a secure earth connection. Unstable earth wires can allow electrical hazards to escape and ruin the power tool, start fires, or cause bodily injuries to anyone in contact with the device.
- Insulation resistance test: To measure that the insulation in your power tools is effective. Without proper insulation, your power tools won't have protection from dangerous or unstable electrical currents.
- Lead polarity test: To ensure electrical conductors are aligned and connected properly. Power tools with the wrong polarity can become non-functional, cause fires, deliver electric shocks, or cause serious injuries.
How Often Do Power Tools Need To Be Tested?
Most industries that use power tools have 6-monthly or 3-monthly power tool testing requirements under AS/NZS 3760:2022 safety standards. The Local Guys use these official electrical safety standards to schedule the inspections of power tools.
Electrical testing should be conducted every:
- 3 months: for building, construction, mining and demolition sites
- 6 months: for warehouses, factories, and production environments
- 12 months: for schools and corporate offices
- 5 years: for areas like server rooms
The type of environment is a major factor when it comes to the assessment of power tools. Electrical equipment used in hazardous areas like mining sites and construction areas usually has a shorter lifespans, so power tools in those environments need 3-monthly safety inspections.
How To Test and Tag Power Tools
How do technicians check that power tools are safe to use? There are 4 main steps to a Test and Tag service from The Local Guys. Our technicians use these as a basic power tool inspection checklist!
The 4 key steps:
- Visual inspection: The technician will start by assessing power tools for any signs of damage. Any bad power cords or serious damage to the casing of power tools could present a danger during the testing phase. If our technicians spot any significant damage during this visual check, then the device will instantly fail. If there are no obvious faults, the power tool will proceed to the next step.
- Electrical testing: The next step is to connect the power tool to a PAT machine so our technicians can conduct the official electrical safety testing. Cordless tools will undergo battery pack testing at this time. Each device will receive a pass or fail result.
- Tagging items: Once testing is complete, each power tool will be tagged with a compliance label. The tag will include the technician's details, the date of testing, and the next due date. Power tools with 3-monthly testing requirements will also be colour-coded for your convenience.
- Documenting results: The technician will record the test results of your power tools in a comprehensive service report. Our technicians will also provide you with an official certificate of compliance to show that your power tools have met the essential safety requirements.
How Should Power Tools Be Inspected?
Under AS/NZS 3760:2022 safety standards, only a competent person with the property training and licenses can inspect power tools in New Zealand. Test and Tag technicians from The Local Guys provide professional and comprehensive power tool inspections.
Our technicians are:
- Fully-licensed and trained
- Offer a Complimentary Reminder Services: When your next Test and Tag service is about to be due, or technicians will send you a reminder!
- Hold a White Card
- Are protected by $5,000,000 in Public Liability Insurance
- Undergo a Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- Have current Police Clearance
- Carry a First Aid Certificate
- Donate $5 to World Vision New Zealand with every job
Key Takeaways
Regular inspections are essential to ensure the safety of power tools, reduce the risk of accidents, and stay compliant with AS/NZS 3760:2022 safety standards. Since power tools are mainly used in industries like construction, demolition, and mining, most will need testing every 3 or 6 months to keep up with regulatory requirements.
Power tool testing in New Zealand can only be completed by a competent person who has the correct training and certifications. That's why you should book an appointment with a professional Test and Tag technician from The Local Guys! Get in touch today, and we’ll help you maintain a safe, compliant workplace!
