Flinders University School of Biological Science

1. Flinders UniversitySchool of Biological Science Electrical Safety Testing in 2004 or Doing More with Less

2. A brief summary to date • Biology started electrical safety testing in 1999 • Seaward Supernova and Pat1000 testers were supplied as standard testers • WinPat software was chosen as the preferred management tool

3. Seaward Supernova

4. Seaward Pat1000

5. Test types enter via barcode scanner

6. Tests originally available

7. How it worked…… • A tester was used to perform the electrical safety test on an item. Test data were temporarily stored in the tester • An item record was then manually added into the Winpats software running on a personal computer. Information keyed in at this stage covered item location, asset number, serial number, class of test, retest interval etc….. • Actual data about the test was then uploaded onto the computer via a hardware link from the testers memory • The two parts of data were then combined in the Winpats database (a Microsoft Access database) which was located on one of the School’s servers

8. So why change anything? The School was faced with the reality of regularly retesting in excess of 5,000 items and few resources to perform the task. This led to a review of our complete process.

9. Issues Identified • Test were slow to perform – lots of buttons and keystrokes for each test • Too much information was being kept about the test – all we needed to know was: did it pass or fail? • Two data entry points for each test • Data stored in the testing unit was susceptible to being deleted prior to being uploaded to the computer – this is a problem with multiple users of the Supernova tester • Winpats software was perceived as not being user friendly

10. How can testing be improved? • Perform pass or fail testing with a simple tester • One data entry point for ALL required information – including retest management • Easier data entry • A more portable system that suits the layout of the building and lab areas

11. The new *TNT tester“Test and Tag” *Meeting AS/NZS 3760:2001 Industry Standards

12. Simpler lead testing

13. Simpler item testing

14. X Simpler test menu structure

15. How to handle the data entry? • Use a web based system for single point data entry into a database located on a central server – Users need access to an active web browser • Develop browser windows that will suit both portable data entry via a Pocket PC (with wireless network access) and standard notebook or desktop computers • Provide an easy method to list retest due items

16. Pocket PC Application

17. How do I connect it? AC power needed Network connection needed

18. What no barcode reader…..

19. Must scan the right way up! • Barcodes must be in good condition!

20. An overview of data entryFirst logon to this web address http://daphne.bio.flinders.edu.au/pda/login.php The Pocket PC will default to this page when Internet Explorer is opened Note……. You can test drive this software by going to the site above and using “test” for the username and “test” as the password. A sample barcode number of 67476 will allow you to evaluate the software. The test login will not allow you to save any changes made.

21. An overview of data entryThe user logon screen OR Pocket PC (PDA) Logon Screen Standard Computer Browser Logon Screen

22. An overview of data entryWhy a user logon screen? • An individual who has completed the University training course in electrical safety testing is issued a username and password • When a person logs on to the system, their name is automatically registered as the one who will be performing the electrical safety test – this eliminates the need to retype entries • The logon screen also makes the database information more secure

23. An overview of data entryThe Main Menu Screen For new items (or previously untested items) select this option and click “Submit” at the bottom of the screen To find details of a previously tested item by using its barcode number select this option, enter the barcode number in the box provided and click “Submit” To locate items that are due for retesting select this option and click “Submit” The Administration Screen allows those with admin rights to manage usernames, passwords and test locations - select this option and click “Submit”

24. An overview of data entryAdding a new item…. Select “Add New Entry” Then click “Submit”

25. When all data is entered click “Submit” An overview of data entryAdding a new item….

26. After clicking “Submit” you will be asked to confirm the updating of the database If any boxes remain incomplete you will see this error message An overview of data entryAdding a new item….

27. An overview of data entryHow do I find items needing retest? Select “Find EST Barcode” from the main menu screen Then click “Submit”

28. An overview of data entryFinding a bar coded item….

29. An overview of data entryHow do I find items needing retest? Select “Other Search Options” from the main menu screen Then click “Submit”

30. An overview of data entryHow do I find items needing retest?

31. An overview of data entryWhat results will I be given?

32. When all data is entered click “Submit” An overview of data entryUpdating the test…..

33. After clicking “Submit” you will be asked to confirm the updating of the database If any boxes remain incomplete you will see this error message An overview of data entryUpdating the test…..

34. An overview of data entryFinding items…..

35. An overview of data entryFinding items by keyword…..

36. Use EST barcode numbers as you normally would in this box….. Select “Short Term” in the Retest box An overview of data entryEntering short term tests….. From the “Add New Entry” item in the main opening menu: Please note that “Short Term” tested items will not appear in any of the retest due lists – they are ONLY one-off tests designed for items that are not permanently located within Biology (or Biology related) areas.

37. Other ways to find items that need retestingRapid retesting identification by the smart use of identifying labels

38. Current test sticker show the date tested and person that performed the test (in this case number 4) (this label will be replaced - see next slide) University Asset number (only used on major equipment items) (this remains the same as previous) EST barcode label (this remains the same as previous) An overview continuedNew tested/retest labels….. The current use to labels

39. Flinders University – Biology Electrical Safety Retest in 2005 2005 2005 Tested by: ____________ Flinders University – Biology Electrical Safety Retest in 2008 2008 2008 Tested by: ____________ For 6 month or 1 year retest due items Will not be used till next year Flinders University – Biology Electrical Safety Retest in 2009 2009 2009 Tested by: ____________ Flinders University – Biology Electrical Safety Retest in 2006 2006 2006 Tested by: ____________ Will not be used till next year For 5 year retest due items Flinders University – Biology Electrical Safety Retest in 2010 2010 2010 Tested by: ____________ Flinders University – Biology Electrical Safety Retest in 2007 2007 2007 Tested by: ____________ For 3 year retest due items Cycle repeats starting 2010 An overview continued The new tested/retest label….. The following dates are valid for tests being performed in 2004 Green White Pink Orange White – again…. Yellow The above labels are used on ALL tests performed Color indicate the year a retest is due – based on a 5 year cycle Colors and test dates shown are for demo only and may change

40. An overviewcontinuedTesting IEC cords, power boards and extension leads….. • Any of the above items that are likely to remain fixed in one location will only require a EST tested/retest label (ie no EST barcode) using a 5 year retest color • Any of the above items that are used in higher risk areas should have EST barcodes and EST tested/retested labels attached of the corresponding color for the retest due date

41. An overview continued What if something fails the test? • If an item fails electrical safety testing choose “FAILED” from the “ReTest” menu • Then enter the reason the item failed in the “Comments” box – YOU MUST COMPLETE THIS ENTRY IN ORDER TO PROCEED • After the “Submit” button is clicked an email will be sent to Doug.Butler@flinders.edu.au with details of the item that failed • In addition, THE FAULTY ITEM MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED FAULTY WITH THE DO NOT USE – ELECTRICALLY UNSAFE LABEL PROVIDED

42. Electrical testingside issues!Or little useful tips……

43. Reminders…… • When testing equipment with a physical ON/OFF switch, ensure the switch is ON before starting the test • Check that the “earthing clip” from the TNT tester (or other tester model) is attached to a suitable metal part of the item being tested

44. Industry standard symbol for double insulated devices Confused about what is double insulated? Sometimes an item with no earthing points is not marked as double insulated. Our technical staff can check it out and, if compliant, give it a sticker. If it has internally earthed components, they will add a test point, usually a stainless steel bolt near the mains inlet.

45. What about items in the area that may not be used in the near future? Think about the use of these labels ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES IN THIS CUPBOARD MUST BE SAFETY TESTED PRIOR TO USE

46. Other test methods….

47. Check by first shorting the leads

48. Use yourself to check if the multimeter is reading correctly

49. Can’t remember what pin is what?

50. What is this weird plug?