PPE and other mechanical testing
We test fire extinguishers, electrical cables and carry out non-destructive testing of wire ropes. We play a significant role in workplace safety through the testing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Wire ropes testing
We carry out non-destructive testing of wire ropes as specified under Australian Standards and industry guidelines.
We are NATA accredited for testing to ISO/IEC 17025 (2017) Infrastructure and Asset Integrity - Wire rope - NDT Product profile and corrosion mapping.
Here are some of the nominated and specific requirement criterias we conduct assessment of the rope condition against:
- NSW Resource Regulator Technical Reference Guide: Powered Winding Systems, Part 4: Ropes
- AS 4812 Non-destructive examination and discard criteria for wire ropes in mine winding systems
- AS 2759 Steel wire rope – Use, operation, and maintenance
- AS 3569 Steel wire ropes – Product specification
- AS 4722 Passenger ropeways and passenger conveyors
- CSA Z98 Passenger ropeways and passenger conveyors.
Non-destructive testing
Testing is either carried out at our laboratory or performed on site in-situ utilising our range of sense heads.
These units use the magnetic flux leakage (MFL) method to detect rope defects such as broken wires, corrosion, mechanical damage, and distortion. Iron constructed ropes up to 70mm diameter either stationary or moving can be tested.
Non-Destructive Testing Applications
- mine winders
- cranes
- lifts
- aerial ropeways
- ski lifts
- amusement rides
- dam gates
- stay wires.
Testing of fire extinguisher and fire blankets
We test:
- to AS/NZS 1841.1 including component materials, organic linings, operating head impact, tests for plastic materials
- compaction on dry chemical extinguishers to AS/NZS 1841.5
- fire extinguisher performance testing to AS/NZS 1850 (Class A, Class B and Class F)
- fire blankets to AS 3504
- portable fire extinguishers - Aerosol Type to AS/NZS 4353.
Electric Cable testing
Fire testing of cables for categories A, B, C of AS/NZS 1660.5.1, IEC60332-3 and BS 4066: Part 3.
Facilities: Electrical cable fire tests
A dedicated facility for these tests includes a fire tower for tests to AS 1660.5.1 and AS 1660.5.2 and related overseas and international standards.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
We are an independent Government testing facility that plays a significant role in ensuring the safety of operators in the workplace through the testing and assessment of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Our technical staff provide service to manufacturers and suppliers of PPE.
We provide a laboratory for the development and evaluation of PPE, and participate in the preparation of Australian Standards. Respiratory Protective Devices to AS/NZS 1716-2012 (Non NATA Accredited)
Please refer to refer to AS/NZS 1716-2012 when referencing the sections mentioned below.
Section 2-Design and construction of assembled respirators (Section applies to all respirators)
Tests:
- 2.1.3 Filter mass
- 2.1.6 Noise level
- 2.2 Total inward leakage
Assessment: frictional sparks, breathing tube, demand valve, materials, and assembled respirators.
Section 3-Facepieces head coverings and harnesses (Section applies to all respirators)
Tests:
- 3.2.2 Accumulated carbon dioxide
- 3.2.3 Positive pressure screening test
- 3.2.4 Exhalation valve leakage
- 3.2.5 Exhalation resistance
- 3.2.6 Security of attachments
Assessment: design requirements.
Section 4-Particulate filter respirators Inhalation resistance
Tests:
- 4.3.2 Simulated rough usage
- 4.3.3 Simulated wear treatment
- 4.3.4 Inhalation resistance
- 4.3.5 Test of filtering efficiency
Assessment: design and construction, classification and components.
Section 5-Gas and vapour filter respirators
Tests:
- 5.4.2 Particulate filtration efficiency (4.3.5)
- 5.4.3 Simulated rough usage
- 5.4.4 Inhalation resistance
- 5.4.5 Filter capacity-Type G, A and AAUS.
Assessment: design and construction, types and classification.
Section 6-Powered air-purifying respirators
Tests:
- 6.3.1 Battery (Combined battery life/positive pressure and flowrate)
- 6.3.2 Particulate filters (4.3.5)
Assessment: design and construction, components, combined filters.
Section 8-Air hose and Air-line respirators
Tests:
- 8.2 Waist belt or body harness
- 8.3.3 Air-line
- 8.4.3.2 Air-line respirators (positive pressure)
- 8.4.4 Breathing resistance
- 8.4.5 Positive pressure under peak flow
- 8.4.6.1 Strength of air-line and couplings
- 8.4.6.3 Resistance to kinking of air-line
- 8.4.6.4 Air tightness
- 8.4.7 Condition of the inhaled air (3.2.2)
- 8.4.9 Simulated work test
Assessment: Design and construction, types, components.
Section 9-Compressed air self-contained breathing apparatus
Tests:
- 9.2 Nominal effective life
- 9.3 Pressure tubes and hoses
- 9.4.2.2 Resistance to breathing
- 9.4.2.3 Positive pressure under peak flow
- 9.9 Pressure measuring devices
- 9.10 Pressure Indicator
- 9.12 Active warning device
- 9.13 Body harness and securing harness
- 9.14 Mass
- 9.15.3 Resistance to temperature
- 9.15.4 Simulated work test for compressed SCBA
Assessment: Design function, types, components.
Section 12-Marking and instructions
Assessment of marking of facepieces, packaging and instructions.
We test helmets used in workplaces to Australian Standards to determine if they are strong enough to provide adequate protection for wearers.
When we test helmets, we are testing to ensure they meet the general requirements of AS/NZS 1801.
This can include testing the:
- dimensions
- ventilation
- conditioning; hot 50°C, cold -10°C, wet to 23°C
- stiffness of helmet shell
- electrical resistance
- shock absorption 5kg mass
- penetration resistance 3kg spike
- resistance to ignition of helmet shell
- marking.
We are accredited by NATA for testing of Type 1 Industrial Safety Helmets to AS/NZS 1801 Appendices A, B, C, D, E, F.