If you run a business in NSW, you have a duty of care to ensure electrical equipment in your workplace is safe. Test and tag is the recognised standard for meeting this obligation — but the requirements aren't always straightforward. Here's what NSW employers need to know.
Is Test and Tag Mandatory in NSW?
This is the most common question, and the answer is nuanced. There's no specific NSW law that says "you must test and tag all portable appliances." However:
- The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requires employers to ensure the health and safety of workers, including managing electrical risks
- The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 requires that electrical equipment is regularly inspected and tested to ensure it's safe
- AS/NZS 3760 is the Australian Standard for testing and inspection of portable electrical equipment — it's the benchmark for demonstrating compliance
In practice: if a worker is injured by faulty electrical equipment and you haven't been testing it, you'll face serious regulatory consequences. Test and tag is the industry-accepted way to demonstrate you've met your obligations.
Who Needs Test and Tag?
Any workplace that uses portable electrical equipment — which is essentially every workplace. This includes:
- Offices
- Retail stores
- Restaurants and hospitality venues
- Construction sites
- Warehouses and factories
- Schools and educational facilities
- Medical and healthcare facilities
- Home-based businesses (if employees visit)
Testing Intervals (AS/NZS 3760)
- Construction/demolition sites: Every 3 months
- Factories and workshops: Every 6 months
- Commercial kitchens: Every 6 months
- Offices, retail, schools: Every 12 months
- Hire equipment: Before and after each hire
What Gets Tested?
Every piece of portable electrical equipment with a plug that's used in the workplace:
- Extension leads and power boards
- Power tools
- Kitchen appliances
- Computers, monitors, printers
- Portable heaters and fans
- Vacuum cleaners
- Chargers and adapters
- Any other equipment with a cord and plug
The Testing Process
- Visual inspection — checking the cord, plug, housing, and switches for visible damage
- Earth continuity test — verifying the earth connection is sound (for Class I equipment)
- Insulation resistance test — checking that insulation between live parts and accessible parts is adequate
- Polarity check — ensuring the active pin connects to the correct internal conductor
- Tagging — passed items receive a dated tag. Failed items are tagged out of service
- Documentation — a complete register of all tested items with results
What Happens If Equipment Fails?
Failed items are tagged with a red "DO NOT USE — FAILED" tag and must be removed from service immediately. Options:
- Repair the item and retest before returning to service
- Replace the item
- Dispose of the item safely
Need test and tag for your workplace? Randwick Electrical provides on-site testing for businesses across Sydney. Call 0413 707 758 for pricing.