About Training
Electrical Safety Testing ‘Competent Person’ Training Courses
Firstly, let us assure you that this is not a ‘second rate’ option when thinking of testing your portable electrical equipment. Often when a company has a person trained up to test the equipment there is an overwhelming culture shift within the workplace. Knowledge of the dangers of electricity within the environment and the need to look after equipment to keep everyone safe rises greatly.
With electricity you may not get a ‘second chance’ – you can’t see it, hear it or taste it and if you feel it, then quite possibly it will be too late.
Metrotest have been training people for competency in AS/NZS3760 since 1998. We offer comprehensive ‘Competent Person’ training in how to test and inspect electrical equipment in accordance with AS/NZS3760 & AS/NZS3012 as well as information on other appropriate Standards and the necessary the safety requirements, features and hazards of appliances and what to look for during the inspection process which must always be done prior to testing.
As nearly 90% of faults are found during the visual inspection, which must always be done prior to any other testing, it is very important to know what to look for during this process. The training gives hands-on experience using a PAT (Portable Appliance Tester) and very importantly also information on what you need to be looking for when purchasing a tester – it’s very easy to buy something which will not allow you to conduct all the tests you need to fully comply but ‘looks the part’. We want you to test for safety not just for compliance. DON’T BUY BEFORE THE COURSE.
We have an extensive knowledge base to draw from and share with participants on our courses in relation to the current Standards and the everyday practicalities surrounding testing. We have participated in the writing of AS/NZS3760 and have been instrumental in having the Standard made user friendly. From a practical point of view we know the industry very well as part of our business is operating a nationwide Test and Tag Service.
All participants (new and returning) receive a training manual with colour diagrams/photos that can be later referred to, thereby refreshing a person’s memory. This manual covers the equipment that our client needs to test.
Persons achieving the competency required are issued with a Photo ID Licence and Certificate. This is designed to take the heat out of any negative situations where a person testing may be challenged about their rights to test – they can contact us and we will sort out the problem.
Metrotest issues the licence for one year initially, then after completing a second training course, re-issues the licence for 2 years. This is to ensure that trainees are kept up to date with any changes and amendments to Electrical Regulations and Standards and to ensure that testing is being carried out correctly.