Here is a list of questions and their answers that are often asked, and some of the most used abbreviation.

A PCBU in WHS talk is a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking, we would generally say this person is an employer and can be a company (Pty Ltd) or sole trader who is responsible for the safety of their employees, called workers in WHS talk.

If your employees work from home, the employer has a responsibility to do everything reasonable practical ensure their home workplace is safe as it is deemed part of the workplace for WHS purposes.

If you have employees working from home, ensuring their electrical safety is the same as if they were working in the office with you.

We can to work with you and visit your employees in their own homes to complete an electrical safety assessment and conduct the appropriate testing.

Our “Working from Home” compliance services include :-

  • Test and tag of workplace equipment
  • Testing RCDs (circuit breakers), where required as well as
  • Fire extinguisher supply, inspection and testing

As per the AS/NZS 3760:2010 Standard, electrical test and tagging must only be completed by a ‘competent person’ in Australia. To be deemed as competent, an individual needs to gain a test and tag license by completing the relevant test and tag course.

Here at Wolf Safety – all technicians are fully qualified and complete ongoing company training as the required refresher course to remain competent, proficient and aware of changes to standards and industry knowledge.

The frequency of test and tagging varies depends on your industry and what environment your items are in. Any wet room such as a kitchen or bathroom is considered a hostile environment and appliance will need to be tested more often. Here is the frequency for some industries:

  • Construction, demolition and mining must be completed every 3 months
  • Workshop and manufacturing must be completed every 6 months
  • Office environments is to be completed every 12 months to 5 years

Best thing is to contact us and we can work out the frequency that’s required for your situation

AS1851 indicates that all portable and wheeled fire extinguishers should be examined every six (Level I Inspection) and 12 months (Level II Inspection) and that pressure testing and refills need to be carried out at least every five years. Fire blankets need to be inspected every 6 months.

WorkCover was replaced in 2015 with three new agencies:

  • SafeWork NSW – the regulatory body for WHS
  • Icare – Workers Compensation scheme, the body you pay your workers compensation fees to
  • SIRA – the insurance body that regulates workers compensation and green slips (CTP)

A “controlled work environment” in the context of Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) refers to a setting where various measures and practices are in place to minimize risks and create a safe and organized workplace. It is characterized by:

  1. Hazard Identification: The systematic identification and assessment of potential hazards, followed by the implementation of control measures to reduce or eliminate these risks.
  2. Safety Protocols: The presence of well-defined safety protocols and procedures that all workers and visitors are required to follow, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to established safety rules.
  3. Training: Ensuring that employees are adequately trained and informed about safety practices and procedures relevant to their job tasks.
  4. Equipment Maintenance: Regular maintenance, inspection, and servicing of equipment and machinery to prevent accidents or breakdowns that may pose risks.
  5. Emergency Preparedness: The existence of emergency response plans and equipment to handle unexpected incidents, along with training and drills to ensure all personnel know how to respond.
  6. Compliance with Regulations: Striving to meet and exceed relevant WHS regulations and standards, which may involve frequent audits and inspections.
  7. Regular Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring and assessment of safety performance, incident reporting, and continuous improvement to maintain a controlled and safe work environment.

A controlled work environment is one in which risks are proactively managed and minimized to protect the health and safety of all individuals in the workplace.

refer to established procedures, guidelines, and behaviors that ensure the safety and well-being of workers, prevent incidents, and reduce risks in the workplace. These practices include the compliance with relevant regulations, hazard identification, risk assessment, and the adoption of safe behaviors, such as proper equipment use, personal protective measures, and adherence to safety protocols. They aim to create a safe work culture

It’s important to note that risk levels can vary within each industry, depending on the specific activities, practices, and safety measures implemented by individual businesses. However, some of the industries from the list are generally considered low to medium risk due to their standard operating procedures and the nature of their work. These may include:

  1. Banking and Finance
  2. Education
  3. Entertainment and Media
  4. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
  5. Information Technology (IT)
  6. Retail
  7. Telecommunications
  8. Tourism and Hospitality
  9. Utilities (Water, Gas, and Electricity)
  10. Real Estate and Property
  11. Legal Services
  12. Nonprofit and Social Services
  13. Research and Development

Keep in mind that even within these industries, there can be variations in risk levels depending on specific job roles, work environments, and safety practices. It’s essential for businesses in these industries to conduct thorough risk assessments and implement appropriate safety measures to mitigate potential hazards.

I’m sure you’ve heard “Safety is everyone’s business”. Safety as per the the WHS ACT is the responsibility of both workers and the PCBU.

As per Work Health and Safety requirements, businesses are required to ensure a safe work environment. PCBUs are required to take all reasonable steps to provide a safe, hazard-free workplace, which includes having an electrical maintenance plan to keep their workers safe and comply with Worksafe NSW regulations. The AS/NZS 3760 Standard outlines that regular testing and tagging of electrical appliance frequency for different industries.

The list would be too long to name every item that can be tested! Basically it’s any appliance or really anything that gets plugged into a standard power point needs to be tested. Common appliances that are tested include extension cords, chargers, electric drills, fridges, printers etc.

Any items that are used at the workplace should be tested and tagged even if they are not company-owned, this includes personal items that are used at the workplace.

Test and tagging is a relatively quick service. We do need to inspect the appliance and test it by plugging it into our test machine therefore, the equipment will need to be out of use for s short while as we complete the test. However, our technicians will always do their best to make the process as smooth as possible. No equipment that is in use will be turned off without our technicians asking you first.

Where we have to test RCDs (circuit breakers) we will do this at a time convenient to all workers, eg during their lunch break.

A fire blanket needs to be at least 1.8 x 1.2m, this to ensure it can be used to roll up a person in it should they catch their cloths on fire.

So when you see those specials for 1 x 1m fire blankets, resist the urge to buy them because they’re not compliant!

If any portable electrical appliances are returned from repair than the electrician would have generally have tested and tagged them if not they will need test and tagging before putting them back into service.

If you buy any second hand items than they need to be tested and tagged before they are ready for service.

refers to tools, machinery, devices, or any equipment used in the workplace that meets specific safety and performance standards, and is suitable for its intended use without presenting undue risks to health and safety. Such equipment should be well-maintained, regularly inspected, and capable of performing its functions in a manner that minimizes hazards and complies with relevant WHS regulations and standards.

In the context of workplace health and safety (WHS), “low to medium risk businesses” typically refer to organizations or enterprises that face a moderate level of occupational hazards and safety challenges, but not those that are considered high-risk. These businesses often have the following characteristics:

  1. Limited Hazard Exposure: Low to medium risk businesses have fewer inherent workplace hazards compared to high-risk industries such as construction, mining, or manufacturing. They may not deal with heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals, or extreme environmental conditions as a core part of their operations.
  2. Less Complex Operations: Their business activities are generally straightforward and involve fewer intricate processes, reducing the likelihood of accidents or incidents.
  3. Lower Workforce Size: These businesses might employ a relatively smaller workforce, which can be advantageous in terms of safety management because it allows for more personalized supervision and training.
  4. Office-Based Work: Some low to medium risk businesses may predominantly involve office-based work, which typically has fewer physical risks compared to industries with more labor-intensive tasks.
  5. Basic Safety Measures: While still required to comply with WHS regulations and standards, these businesses may have relatively simpler safety procedures, risk assessment processes, and equipment requirements.
  6. Regular Monitoring: They still need to monitor and address safety concerns, but the frequency and complexity of safety management may be lower compared to high-risk industries.

It’s essential for low to medium risk businesses to understand their specific safety requirements, conduct risk assessments, and ensure that adequate safety measures are in place to protect employees and comply with WHS regulations. While the risk level may be lower than high-risk industries, safety and compliance remain vital aspects of their operations.

A document register is a valuable tool in Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) management for tracking and managing documents. It should include several key columns to ensure effective document control and compliance. Here are the essential columns to consider:

  1. Document Number: A unique identifier for each document, making it easy to reference and locate specific documents.
  2. Document Title: A brief, descriptive title that provides a clear idea of the document’s content.
  3. Revision Number/Version: To track changes and updates to the document over time, including version control.
  4. Issue Date: The date when the document was initially issued or published.
  5. Review Date: The date when the document is scheduled for review to ensure it remains up to date and compliant with current regulations or standards.
  6. Author/Originator: The individual or department responsible for creating or originating the document.
  7. Owner: The person or department responsible for the ongoing maintenance and management of the document.
  8. Status: Indicates whether the document is in draft, under review, approved, or archived.
  9. Distribution: Lists the individuals or departments to whom the document has been distributed, ensuring that the right people have access to it.
  10. Purpose/Description: A brief summary of the document’s purpose and its intended use.
  11. Related Documents: Any other documents that are related to or referenced in the document.
  12. Comments/Notes: A column for adding notes or comments related to the document or its usage.
  13. Location: The physical or electronic location of the document, which helps in quickly retrieving it when needed.
  14. Retention Period: Specifies how long the document should be retained before archiving or disposal, in accordance with relevant legal and compliance requirements.
  15. Archived/Disposed: Indicates whether the document has been archived or disposed of when it reaches the end of its retention period.
  16. Review Status: Shows the progress of the document’s review process, including the outcome (e.g., pending, in progress, completed).
  17. Keywords/Tags: Relevant keywords or tags that facilitate document search and retrieval.

These columns help maintain an organized and controlled system for managing WHS documents, ensuring they are current, accessible, and compliant with regulations. Adjust the columns to match the specific needs of your organization and WHS documentation system.