Draft of Test & Tag standard available for comment on ALIA web site

One of the main problems with Testing and Tagging is that it can create a false sense of security, as people feel safe when they see a test tag on a piece of portable electrical equipment, but they may not be safe as the equipment may have become faulty since the test date. Or worse still, the person testing and tagging is incompetent and is putting test tags on faulty equipment. It is important for any organisation to set in place the procedure of having users visually inspect any piece of portable electrical equipment before they use it and if there is any doubt as to whether the equipment is safe to use, have it taken out of service and labelled so no one else will use it. Then arrange for the equipment to be repaired by someone that has the competency and relevant license if required to repair the equipment. In the example of community theatre this means front of house, wardrobe, catering as well as all technical areas visually inspect portable electrical equipment before us so that we can provide a safe working environment.