Workplace Safety Servicing – Introducing Our Managed Safety Servicing Programme Managing workplace safety equipment can involve multiple service providers, different inspection schedules, separate invoices and repeated site visits. Electrical equipment might be due for testing at one time of year, fire extinguishers at another, and first-aid kits on a completely different schedule. For businesses with multiple sites, vehicles or large equipment registers, keeping everything o

When examining a patient, how do we know whether the lighting is actually suitable for the task? Medical lighting testing helps assess whether examination lights and other clinical lighting equipment provide appropriate illumination for their intended purpose. An examination light might switch on, appear bright and be in perfectly good physical condition. But does that mean it provides enough illumination for a clinical examination? And if we measure the light output using a

They're small, inexpensive, easy to use and commonly found in GP practices, medical clinics, Age Care and other healthcare environments. Fingertip pulse oximeters are small, inexpensive, easy to use and commonly found in GP practices, medical clinics and other healthcare environments. But how accurate are they? Fingertip pulse oximeter testing plays an important role in identifying devices that may not be performing as expected. But how do you know those numbers are correct?

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) machine is an important diagnostic tool used in medical practices, hospitals and specialist healthcare facilities. It records the electrical activity of the heart, providing information that healthcare professionals use when assessing cardiac function. But what happens when an ECG machine isn't producing the results expected? Is the machine faulty, or could the problem be something as simple as its patient leads? At ClinicCheck, we've encountered si

How accurate is your home blood pressure monitor, how long should it last, and when should you consider having it checked or replaced? Home blood pressure monitors have become a familiar sight in New Zealand households. Available from pharmacies, electronics stores and general retailers, automatic monitors offer a convenient way to keep track of blood pressure without visiting a medical practice every time. Prices can vary considerably, from budget models costing around $40 t

One in Ten Electric Blankets Failing – The Story Behind the Headlines Electric blanket safety NZ became a national talking point in April 2024 when MegaTest raised concerns about the number of electric blankets failing our inspections. The story was featured by 1News and the NZ Herald, highlighting our finding that approximately one in ten electric blankets inspected were failing safety checks. But there's more to the story than the headline. It began after we read about a tr

For many businesses, electrical Test & Tag is simply seen as a routine workplace safety activity. A technician arrives, tests the equipment, applies a label and provides a report. But what happens to all that information afterwards? When properly managed, the information collected during electrical inspection and testing can become something far more valuable than a record of passed and failed appliances. It can form the foundation of an electrical equipment asset register th

Online shopping has made it easier than ever to purchase electrical appliances and equipment directly from overseas. Websites such as AliExpress, Temu, Alibaba and other international marketplaces offer everything from kitchen appliances and lighting to power tools, battery chargers and electronic equipment. But there's an important question that's easy to overlook: Just because an electrical appliance plugs into a New Zealand power socket and works, does that mean it's suita

Blog 4: Planning BPA & Medical Safety Changes Without Panic Quick summary Most BPA and medical safety changes are not urgent Once BPA rooms are commissioned, they require ongoing annual verification RCDs in non-BPA areas should still be tested as part of general electrical safety Applying the right standard to the right risk avoids over- or under-testing Planning BPA & Medical Safety Changes One of the biggest concerns we hear from medical practices is: “Do we need to fix eve

Blog 3: Test & Tag vs Medical Equipment Testing Quick summary: Test & tag supports general workplace safety Medical equipment requires additional testing beyond electrical safety Different standards apply to different risks Understanding this avoids over- or under-testing Understanding BPA & Electrical Safety in GP Practices Understanding the difference between Test & Tag vs Medical Equipment Testing helps GP practices choose the appropriate safety checks for their workplace

Blog 2: What Triggers Body Protected Area (BPA) Requirements? Quick summary A BPA applies to a room, not individual pieces of equipment Certain procedures and equipment increase electrical risk and trigger BPA requirements Not all electrically powered equipment makes a room a BPA Understanding this properly helps avoid unnecessary or incorrect electrical work A Body Protected Area (BPA) is a room where additional electrical protection is required because of how medical proced

Blog 1: Body Protected Area (BPA) Requirements for GP Practices Quick summary: • BPA requirements are being discussed following RNZCGP Foundation Standard updates • Many practices are uncertain about their requirements, and this does not necessarily mean they are non-compliant. • There is no need for panic, but clarity is important • This series explains what applies and what doesn’t Over the past year or so, many GP practices have started asking more questions about Body

Schools have a responsibility to provide a safe environment for students, teachers, staff and visitors, and electrical equipment is one part of that responsibility. With classrooms, administration areas, kitchens, workshops and technology spaces containing large amounts of electrical equipment, keeping track of its condition can quickly become a significant job. One point that can cause confusion is Test & Tag. Does every electrical appliance in a New Zealand school legally n

Selling second-hand electrical equipment in New Zealand involves more than simply checking that an appliance switches on and operates. Whether you're a business selling used equipment, a second-hand retailer, or an organisation disposing of surplus appliances, electrical safety is an important consideration before equipment is offered for sale. AS/NZS 5761 provides a recognised framework for inspecting and testing second-hand electrical equipment before resale. What Is AS/NZS

There's nothing more frustrating than reaching for a cordless tool halfway through a job, only to discover the battery is flat or no longer performing as it should. For builders, electricians, contractors and other tradespeople, cordless tool batteries are an essential part of everyday work. But as batteries age, their performance can deteriorate, sometimes without obvious warning. That's where BatteryTest, the specialist battery testing division of NZ Test Group, can help. M

Electrical safety is particularly important in healthcare environments, where patients may be connected to or treated using electrical medical equipment. AS/NZS 3003 sets requirements for electrical installations in patient areas, including Body Protected Areas (BPAs). Understanding when these requirements apply is important because not every consulting or treatment room automatically needs to be a Body Protected Area. Medical Body Protected Areas – What Does AS/NZS 3003 Requ

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are designed to save lives. They're found in medical practices, workplaces, schools, sports facilities, retirement villages and public locations throughout New Zealand. When someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest, an AED may be needed without warning. At that moment, the equipment needs to be accessible, ready for use and capable of delivering potentially life-saving treatment. But how do we know an AED is actually ready when it's nee

Microwave ovens are found in almost every workplace, from office kitchens and staffrooms to medical facilities, schools and commercial premises. They're convenient, reliable and generally very safe when used and maintained correctly. However, like any electrical appliance, microwave ovens can become damaged or deteriorate over time. So how do you know whether your microwave oven is still safe to use? What Is Microwave Oven Radiation? Microwave ovens use non-ionizing electroma

Electrical Safety at Home – What Should You Look For? Whether you're working from home, setting up a home office or spending time in your garage or workshop, electrical safety is something we should all be mindful of. Damaged leads, overloaded power boards and unsuitable travel adaptors can create electrical hazards that are often easy to overlook. The good news is that a few simple visual checks can help identify potential problems before they become serious. A Look Back at

A Note About This Video This video was originally produced in 2020 under our previous MegaTest branding. Today, MegaTest operates as the appliance electrical testing division of NZ Test Group Ltd. While our branding has evolved, the core message remains just as relevant — understanding electrical safety responsibilities and applying the appropriate testing requirements helps keep New Zealand workplaces safe. If you've ever wondered, "Do we need to test and tag electrical equi