| Category | Health and Safety |
|---|---|
| Type | Policy |
| Approved by | Vice Chancellor, October 2004 |
| Date Policy Took Effect | 1 October 2004 |
| Last approved revision | 26 June 2017 |
| Sponsor | Chief Operating Officer |
| Responsible officer | Director, Health, Safety and Wellbeing |
Purpose
The University of Otago is committed to providing a safe work place for staff, students and visitors.
The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe work place by ensuring all portable electrical equipment is tested as per AS/NZS 3760:2010 guidelines.
The testing of portable electrical equipment to AS/NZS 3760:2010 requirements is a recognised practical step for the management of electrical hazards.
Organisational scope
All workplaces of the University of Otago.
Definitions
- AS/NZS 3760:2010
- Standards New Zealand's standard for In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
- DHSO
- Departmental Health and Safety Officer.
- Portable non-specialised electrical equipment
- Electrical equipment that is portable and connected by a flexible cord to a power supply.
Examples include extension cords, multi-boxes, kitchen appliances, computers, lights/lamps, heaters etc. - University Certified Competent Tester
- Worker of the University who has a current electrical testing certificate of competence.
Content
- All identified equipment be checked as per AS/NZS 3760:2010 and the University Electrical Testing of Portable Equipment Guidelines.
- It is the responsibility of departments to identify specialist electrical items that require testing by registered electricians or specialist services, such as medical equipment.
- Equipment that fails the electrical test must be tagged and removed from service for repair by an electrician. Only registered electricians shall repair any electrical equipment.
- Due to the number of items in some areas, prioritisation is necessary. The HOD/Manager must establish the priorities for their areas and document the decided criteria.
- Tested equipment must be clearly marked with a durable, non-reusable, non-metallic tag.
- The tag must identify the name of the person or company who tested the equipment, and the test or the re-test date.
Related policies, procedures and forms
- Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
- Health and Safety Policy
- Electrical Testing Guidelines
- ACC Partnership Programme
Contact for further information
If you have any queries regarding the content of this policy or need further clarification, contact:
Director, Health, Safety and Wellbeing
Email hsa@otago.ac.nz