Regular testing and tagging is one of the most practical ways to protect people and your business. Here are the main reasons businesses across Queensland arrange it:

Duty of care

As a business owner or manager you have a legal duty to provide a safe workplace. This includes making sure portable electrical equipment does not create a risk of electric shock or fire.

Legal and compliance requirements

Queensland has specific rules under the Electrical Safety Regulation and Work Health and Safety laws. In higher-risk environments such as construction, testing is required at set intervals. In other workplaces it is the accepted way to meet your general safety obligations. Non-compliance can lead to fines or difficulties if an incident occurs.

Reduces the risk of accidents

Faulty leads, damaged plugs, or internal faults can cause shocks, fires, or equipment failure. Testing finds these problems early.

Protects your insurance position

Many insurers expect businesses to maintain records of regular electrical safety testing. Clear reports and tags help demonstrate that you have taken reasonable steps.

Saves money over time

Catching problems early avoids larger repair costs, downtime, or claims.

Gives peace of mind

You and your team can see at a glance which items have been checked and when the next test is due. Personal items that staff bring to work are also included so nothing is overlooked.

In general, any portable electrical equipment that plugs into a standard power point and is used in the workplace should be included. This covers both company-owned and personal items brought onto the site. 

Common items include:

• Extension leads and power boards

• Power tools (drills, saws, grinders, sanders, etc.)

• Office equipment (computers, monitors, printers, chargers, phone chargers)

• Kitchen and break-room appliances (kettles, toasters, microwaves, fridges, fans)

• Cleaning equipment (vacuum cleaners, polishers)

• Workshop and factory equipment that is portable

• Chargers for tools, batteries, or forklifts

• Audio-visual equipment, heaters, and similar items

How to identify what needs testing

Look for anything with a plug that can be moved around. Fixed hard-wired equipment is usually handled differently. If you are unsure about a particular item, we can advise during the quote or on the day of testing.

New, second-hand, or repaired equipment should be tested before it is put into service.

Only items that are considered in-service at a place of work (including home based business if you have customers or staff attending), public place, accommodation place or equipment for hire.

Items that don't need to be tested and tagged

Best practice is to test and tag all items that plug into a power point. There is always the possibility for unforeseen circumstances. However below are some examples of items where the standard does not apply.

• Equipment installed at a height of 2.5m or more above the ground or platform where there is not a reasonable chance of someone touching it

• Equipment that needs to be dismantled to inspect and test

• Hard wired fixed equipment

• Demonstration stock in retail environments

• New equipment (best practice is to tag with installation date so you know when its due for it's first test).

Why it would still be worth testing and tagging some of these items?

Prevention. Especially for items likely to be handled at some stage.

• Items such as TV's installed at 2.5m or above can have their cables pressed against brackets causing damage to the power cable. It is quite common to unplug or relocate these items within the workplace.

• Demonstration stock? Ever seen a customer fiddle with items on display? Ever needed to change the layout of the displays or rotate stock? Not to be confused with demonstration stock used for physical demonstration as this would be classed as in-service.

The maximum time between tests depends mainly on the environment and how the equipment is used. These intervals come from AS/NZS 3760 and related Queensland rules. A workplace risk assessment can require more frequent testing.

Typical maximum intervals

• Construction, demolition and similar high-risk sites: every 3 months (colour-coded tags are commonly used)

• Factories, workshops, manufacturing and production areas: every 6 months (sometimes 12 months for double-insulated equipment in Queensland)

• Hostile environments or equipment whose cords are regularly flexed or open to abuse: every 12 months

• Offices and other low-risk areas where cords are not flexed or abused: up to 5 years

• Hire equipment: visual check before each hire plus regular testing

• New or repaired equipment: test before first use

Also keep in mind your location can fall under more that one category.  You may also have a work health safety policy in place that dictates the requirements of your particular location. We will confirm the appropriate schedule for your workplace on the first visit and can set up reminders so you do not miss the next due date.

For more information please visit:

https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/hazards/electricity/electrical-products-and-equipment/testing-and-tagging-electrical-equipment

If you are still unsure please contact us and we will be more than happy to assist.