Regulated industries

Testing and tagging is mandated for some industries including building and construction, demolition and mining. These industries have what’s known as a hostile operating environment which means that portable electrical appliances could easily be damaged in the normal course of business. A good example of this is a construction site.

For these industries, it is legislated that testing and tagging must happen every three months. The testing and tagging service in these industries also have colored tags that must be used depending on the season. These are blue for winter (June, July, August), yellow for spring (September, October, November), red for summer (December, January, February) and green for Autumn (March, April, May).

In these industries, testing and tagging is an important component of their OH&S/WH&S compliance and there are heavy penalties for not meeting the requirements.

Other industries

For other industries, testing and tagging is recommended but not compulsory. However, as a business owner or the responsible person in a business (such as the manager or supervisor), you have a duty of care to the people who work in and visit your premises, and this extends to ensuring there is a safe electrical environment. So, although testing and tagging isn’t regulated, making sure that all appliances in your workplace are tested and tagged means that you’re improving the safety of your workplace. If there was an accident in your business resulting from a faulty electrical appliance, then as the responsible person, you could be liable. Testing and tagging is one way to minimize the risk of an electrical accident in your workplace.

What laws govern testing and tagging?

Testing and tagging is governed by the safety standard AS/NZ 3760 which specifies who can conduct testing and tagging, how it is conducted, and how often it needs to be conducted depending on the specific work environment. 

Who can perform test and tag services?

AS/NZ 3760 stipulates that a competent person who has the skills, training and knowledge of the standard and how to use a Portable Appliance Tester can conduct testing and tagging. Before you engage a company to conduct testing and tagging for your business, you should ensure that all their technicians meet these requirements in that they have been trained and qualified in testing and tagging to the provisions of the standard.

When selecting a test and tag provider, it’s important to remember that the onus of responsibility for electrical safety still rests with you as the responsible person in the business, so it’s worth doing your due diligence to ensure that you engage a company that meets the standards as a minimum, and preferably offers training and qualifications above the standard.

Auckland Test & Tag are all skilled professionals who undergo regular and ongoing training including obtaining a Certificate of Attainment in Test and Tag to ensure that they can provide you with an exceptionally high level of service.

Check before engaging your test and tag provider that they will provide you with comprehensive reports after each service. It’s advisable to get an assets list that details all the appliances that have been tested, their status and when the next test is due, and you should also be provided with a failed items report broken down into different areas of your business. If possible, you should get detailed test results which lists the type of test conducted, the load that was tested and if a leakage test was conducted, the leakage that was observed.  These reports help you document the safety provisions that you have in place in your business and may be important for insurance or other claims resulting from an electrical fault. 

What is involved in testing and tagging?

When you engage a provider to conduct testing and tagging for your business, they will visit your business and test every portable appliance in the premises. It doesn’t take long to test each appliance. The testing involves a visual inspection to check for damage and then electrical testing with a Portable Appliance Tester. Once the appliance has passed the test, it will be tagged with the results of the test, the name of the tester, and the date the next test is due.

It’s a good idea to ask your tester to use one tag color throughout your business on each visit. This isn’t compulsory, but it enables you to see immediately across your business if all appliances are compliant. If the most recent tag used is burgundy and you notice a kettle with a yellow tag, then it’s possible it was either brought in from another site (in which case you should manually check the due date on the tag) or someone forgot to put it out to be tested the last time appliances were tested.

What appliances need to be checked in my business?

All portable electrical appliances that meet the criteria set out in the standard AS/NZS 3760 need to be checked. That means any device that has a flexible cable, a removable plug and a voltage in excess of 50V should be tested and certified as safe to use. In addition to your business-related equipment, this also includes ancillary appliances such as kettles, microwaves and refrigerators. It also includes extension leads, cord sets, and portable residual current devices (RCDs). 

Importantly, it’s appliances that are used on site that need to be checked not just appliances that are owned by the business. So, for example, in an aged care home, appliances brought in by relatives and left in a resident’s room should be checked before they can be used on the premises, even though they’re not owned by the aged care provider.

Why is electrical test and tag important?

Every business has an obligation to provide a safe workplace as far as reasonably practicable, and one area of concern is electrical safety. Under the new Fire and Emergency Australia and New Zealand Fire Safety Evacuation Procedures and Evacuation Schemes Regulations 2018, it is now mandatory.

Electrical testing of equipment is essential to ensure the health and safety of your employees and that of others who visit your workplace. Being aware of these hazards allows you to take action and ensure that no one person is at risk while using the equipment.

Electrical equipment can get less reliable with age – just like everything else. Even though a device may have been safe a year ago, doesn’t mean it remains safe for use today. It’s important to make sure your equipment undergoes tagging and regular maintenance that will identify hazards as they arise. This way, one of our expert team members always follows safety regulations, always performs safety testing and can detect an issue before a tragedy occurs.

What type of appliances need electrical safety testing?

Any equipment that is connected to the electrical supply by a flexible cord and/or connecting device. It may include pieces of equipment that are or have been:

• Being used for the first time
• Already being used
• Has recently been serviced or repaired
• Returning to service from a second-hand sale
• Available for hire

It also applies to certain forms of residual current devices (RCDs). The equipment we test can vary greatly from business to business. If you’re unsure which items you’d like tested, contact us for a chat today. We’ve worked with a large number of unique companies so we can offer some insight into your specific safety needs.

When does the equipment need electrical safety testing?

Frequency varies according to the type of environment and/or equipment. Electrical test tags should be applied at the following intervals:

*please note, these intervals dictate the maximum time frame for testing in each environment. Depending on your equipment/workplace, further tests will need to be conducted more frequently. For more information, contact us today or refer to the AS/NZS 3760 standard.

• Demolition and construction environments (as per AS/NZS 3012): every 3 months
• Factories, workshops, places of manufacture, assembly, maintenance or fabrication: every 6 months
• Environment where the equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to flexing in normal use OR is open to abuse OR is in a hostile environment: every 12 months
• Environment where the equipment or supply cord is NOT subject to flexing in normal use and is NOT open to abuse and is NOT in a hostile environment: every 5 years
• Residential type areas: hotels, residential institutions, motels, boarding houses, halls, hostels accommodation houses etc.: every 2 years
• Equipment used for commercial cleaning: every 6 months
• Hire equipment: Inspection: prior to hire
• Hire equipment: Test and tag: every 3 months
• Repaired, serviced and second-hand equipment: After repair or service or on reintroduction to service

Why choose Auckland Test & Tag for electrical appliance safety testing?

We’re electrical professionals who only use certified equipment for electrical testing and tagging. Our technicians have the latest industry knowledge, ensuring you meet the correct safety standards and receive the best service. We provide a reminder service for different appliances and environments, so you won’t lose track of your electrical tag and testing compliance requirements. We always follow electrical safety regulations.

Auckland Test & Tag team members are skilled in a number of areas. While we’re on your property, why not enlist a number of our safety testing services? You no longer need to go to a range of companies to make sure your workplace is secure. We have everything you need in one team – get electrical test tags for each piece of equipment in your business and any other safety testing services you require.

Our services are provided by professionals who care about safety. Auckland Test & Tag technicians offer electrical testing services to clients across Australia and New Zealand. Our comprehensive safety testing services and fully mobile operation make us your go-to safety testing team. You can take advantage of our data management services and keep an accurate record of your testing results. With Auckland Test & Tag you can be sure that your equipment and appliances are in working order.

Is there a Standard for electrical tagging and testing?

AS/NZS 3760 is a joint Australian and New Zealand Standard created by Standards Australia (electrical safety regulations) that outlines the in-service safety inspection, testing method and frequency of electrical appliances. In order to meet the AS/NZS 3760 Standard, you will need proof of the tasks performed. Ensure your provider provides a log book of results and electrical testing tags.

Auckland Test & Tag technicians keep up with the latest Australia and New Zealand safety standards in order to ensure compliance in your business. These standards are updated for the benefit of your business. We keep track of any updates to make sure everyone on your property has access to a safe working environment. If you have any questions about compliance with electrical safety regulations, get in touch with our knowledgeable team. We can provide you with electrical appliance testing today.

Test and Tag Regulations 

We adhere to the strict standards of the AS/NZS 3760 because we want your business to be as safe as possible. If you fail to meet the test and tag regulations stipulated by our local government, you will face the consequences. 

If your actions (or inaction) results in an infringement, you could face an individual fine between $2000-$10,000. An organisation could be fined from $10,000-$50,000. (Electrical Safety Regulations 2010) 

When you ask us to come and inspect your electrical equipment, you not only increase the safety of your organisation – you protect yourself and your business from claims of negligence in the future. 

All you need to do is call us now on 022 516 8666 for a free quote or chat about any of our services. It’s always the right time to invest in safety.

Our vision is to stand as the foremost provider of strategic solutions, consistently delivering exceptional and personalized services. Whether you’re starting a new venture, or poised for expansion, our commitment is to collaborate and propel you towards your goals.