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Category Health and Safety
Type Policy
Approved by Vice Chancellor, October 2004
Date Policy Took Effect 1 October 2004
Last approved revision 10 November 2026
Sponsor Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Operations)
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 guidelines.

The testing of portable electrical equipment to AS/NZS 3760 requirements is a recognised practical step for the management of electrical hazards.

Organisational scope

All University of Otago workplaces.

Definitions

AS/NZS 3760
Standards New Zealand's standard for In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCDs.
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.
RCD
Residual Current Device.
Specialised Electrical Equipment
Electrical devices designed for specific, high-risk, or technical applications that require higher safety standards, specialised maintenance, or expert handling compared to standard household or office appliances. This equipment is often defined by its operational environment – such as wet areas, hazardous environments, or biomedical contexts – or by its specialised function (e.g., medical equipment that attaches to patients).
Workplace
A place where work is being carried out, or is customarily carried out, for a business or undertaking. It includes any place where a worker goes, or is likely to be, while at work. This includes a boat or off-campus location where work is being undertaken.

Content

  1. Introduction

    1. Electricity is a recognised hazard in the Workplace and can lead to direct (e.g., electric shock) or indirect (e.g., from resulting fire) injury.
    2. Electrical equipment can become faulty and regular inspections and testing can reduce the chances of faulty equipment leading to a hazardous situation.
    3. The testing of Portable Electrical Equipment to AS/NZS 3760 is a recognised reasonably practical step to meeting the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.

  2. Testing of Portable Electrical Equipment

    1. All identified equipment be checked as per AS/NZS 3760 and the University Testing of Portable Electrical Equipment Guidelines.
    2. It is the responsibility of departments to identify Specialist Electrical items that require testing by registered electricians or specialist services, such as medical equipment.
    3. 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.
    4. Due to the number of items in some areas, prioritisation may be necessary. The HOD/Manager must establish the priorities for their areas and document the decided criteria.
    5. Tested equipment must be clearly marked with a durable, non-reusable, non-metallic tag.
    6. The tag must identify the name of the person or company who tested the equipment, and the test or the re-test date.
    7. Records of testing shall be kept along with a register of all equipment that has been tested.

Related policies, procedures and forms

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

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