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Test and Tag: When and How Often Do You Need to Do It?
At Wire-Not Electrical, we often get asked by our clients about their responsibilities when it comes to testing and tagging electrical equipment. It is not just about ticking off compliance boxes, but also about making sure workplaces are safe and free from unnecessary risks. In Queensland, there are clear rules and standards set out under the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 and AS/NZS 3760, which guide when and how often portable appliances should be tested and tagged.
What is Test and Tag?
Test and tag is the process of inspecting and electrically testing portable appliances to make sure they are safe to use. Once an item has been checked, a durable tag is attached that shows the test date, the result, and when the next test is due. This system helps you easily track which appliances are safe and which need attention.
Queensland Standards and Regulations
In Queensland, Test and Tag must follow strict guidelines under the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013. The testing itself is carried out in line with two key Australian Standards:
AS/NZS 3760 – This is the general standard for
in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment across most industries.
Compliance is not optional. Businesses have a legal obligation to make sure their electrical equipment is safe and regularly inspected according to these standards.
Why is Test and Tag Important?
Electrical faults are not always visible. A cord may look fine on the outside but could have internal damage that poses a serious risk. Regular test and tag identifies these hidden issues before they turn into hazards. Not only does it keep your team safe, it also reduces the risk of costly downtime from electrical failures. On top of that, businesses have a duty under Queensland workplace health and safety laws to provide a safe environment, and test and tag plays a big role in meeting that responsibility.
How Often Should You Test and Tag?
The frequency depends on the type of workplace and how harsh the environment is. Here is a breakdown based on Queensland standards and AS/NZS 3760 guidelines:
Construction Work
|
Portable/Specified Electrical Equipment |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Fixed) |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Portable) |
| At least 3 monthly intervals by a competent person |
Use the built test button (at least monthly). An operating time/current test by a competent person at least annually. |
Use the inbuilt test button immediately after it is connected and immediately before it used, first time each day. By a competent person, at least every 3 months. |
Manufacturing Work
|
Portable/Specified Electrical Equipment |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Fixed) |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Portable) |
|
If equipment is double insulated, at least every 12 months by competent person. If not double insulated, at least every 6 months by competent person and connected to a safety switch. |
Use the inbuilt test button - at least every 6 months. An operating time/current test at least every 12 months by competent person.
|
Use the inbuilt test button - daily or before each use, whichever is longer. By a competent person, at least every 12 months.
Note: |
Service Work
|
Portable/Specified Electrical Equipment |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Fixed) |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Portable) |
| At least 12 monthly intervals by a competent person or connected to safety switch. |
Use the inbuilt test button - at least every 6 months. An operating time/current test by a competent person, at least every 12 months.
Note: |
Use the inbuilt test button at least every 3 months or before each use, whichever is longer. An operating time/current test by a competent person, at least every 12 months.
Note: |
Office Work
|
Portable/Specified Electrical Equipment |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Fixed) |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Portable) |
| At least 5 yearly intervals by a competent person or connected to a safety switch. . |
Use the inbuilt test button - at least every 6 months. An operating time/current test by a competent person, at least every 2 years. |
Use the inbuilt test button at least every 3 months. An operating time/current test by a competent person, at least every 2 years. |
Amusement Work
Specified Electrical Equipment:
|
Portable/Specified Electrical Equipment |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Fixed) |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Portable) |
|
If equipment is double insulated, at least every 12 months by competent person. If not double insulated, at least 6 months by competent person and connected to a safety switch. |
Use the inbuilt test button - at least every 3 months. An operating time/current test at least every 6 months by competent person.
Note: |
Use the inbuilt test button - daily or before each use, whichever is longer. An operating time/current test by a competent person, at least every 3 months.
Note: |
For Amusement Rides and Devices:
|
Portable/Specified Electrical Equipment |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Fixed) |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Portable) |
|
Inspected and tested each after each onsite assembly, and every six months. |
Service Work
All plug in equipment:
|
Portable/Specified Electrical Equipment |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Fixed) |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Portable) |
|
Visual examination before each use. |
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|
Portable/Specified Electrical Equipment |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Fixed) |
Type 1 or 2 Safety Switch (Portable) |
|
Either test and inspect every 12 months or protect with a safety switch. |
Recommended push button test every three months. |
Recommended push button test every three months |
Equipment that fails testing should be immediately taken out of use and a durable tag must be attached warning people not to use the
equipment.
If the equipment is safe there must be an attached durable tag which shows when the next test is due.
Who Can Do Test and Tag?
Only a competent person with the right training and equipment can perform test and tag. In Queensland, that means someone who has completed a recognised course and holds the correct qualifications. At Wire-Not Electrical, our licensed electricians are fully trained to carry out these checks according to Queensland standards, giving you peace of mind that your workplace is compliant and safe.
What Happens if You Skip It?
Failing to test and tag can lead to fines, legal issues, or worse, a workplace accident. The cost of non-compliance is far greater than the cost of regular testing, both in financial terms and in the wellbeing of your staff.
Keeping Your Workplace Safe
Test and Tag is more than just a regulatory requirement in Queensland. It is a proactive step to protect people, property, and businesses. At Wire-Not Electrical, we help our clients set up a regular test and tag schedule so they can stay compliant without the stress.
If you are unsure when your workplace appliances were last tested, or if you need advice on setting up a proper schedule, give our team a call. We will make sure your equipment is safe, tagged correctly, and fully compliant with Queensland standards.
Need Help With Test and Tag?
If you are unsure about when your workplace equipment is due for testing, our team is here to help. We provide tailored test and tag
services across Brisbane and surrounding areas. Contact Wire-Not Electrical today and let us help you keep your
workplace safe and
