Test and Tag

ABOUT TEST AND TAG

The Electrical Safety or WHS regulations in your state or territory specify measures you are to take to ensure electrical safety in your workplace.  One of these measures is the electrical testing and tagging of portable electrical equipment and the regulations refer to the Australian Standard for guidance on how to implement these safety measures.

The current Australian standard, AS/NZS 3760:2022 specifies the test and tag required to be conducted by ATS technicians in order to confirm the electrical safety of portable electrical appliances.  Whilst the Australian standard does not mandate a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT) should be used to conduct these tests, the use of a PAT remains one of the most comprehensive and efficient methods of ensuring an items electrical safety. ATS technicians use a sophisticated PAT and thermal printer to test and tag your electrical appliances and print tags on site.

Why Australian Businesses Choose ATS

Appliance Tagging Services (ATS) is one of Australia’s most trusted national test and tag providers, with fully qualified technicians operating in every state and territory — NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT and NT. With over 20 years of experience and hundreds of active technicians across the country, ATS is the preferred electrical safety partner for multi-site businesses, national retailers, government departments, aged care providers and small businesses alike.

With over two decades of experience and technicians operating across every state and territory, ATS is one of Australia’s most trusted test and tag providers. Here’s what sets us apart:

Nationwide coverage, local technicians. ATS has trained technicians in hundreds of locations across Australia — from capital city CBDs to regional centres. You deal with a local technician who knows your area, backed by the systems and support of a national provider.

Fully documented, digital records. Every test and tag job is recorded in our AIM reporting portal. Your asset register, test results, and compliance history are available online 24/7 — making audits and WHS inspections straightforward.

Calibrated equipment, compliant tags. ATS technicians use calibrated Portable Appliance Testers (PAT) and print tags on-site. Every tag includes the test date, retest date, technician identifier, and pass/fail status — fully compliant with AS/NZS 3760:2022.

Reminder service included. We track your retest dates and remind you when testing is due — so compliance doesn’t fall through the cracks between visits.

Minor repairs on the spot. Where a failed item can be safely repaired on-site — a damaged plug or frayed cord, for example — our technicians can often fix it then and there, minimising downtime.

As part of our test and tag process, ATS technicians complete both a comprehensive Visual Inspection and Electrical Test on your appliances before they are deemed safe.

What Happens During a Test and Tag Visit?

ATS makes the process as smooth and non-disruptive as possible. Here’s what to expect:

1. Booking and scheduling Contact ATS to arrange a visit. We’ll confirm a time that suits your business — including early morning, after-hours, or weekend slots for businesses that can’t afford downtime during operating hours.

2. On-site visual inspection For every appliance, the ATS technician begins with a thorough visual inspection of the flexible supply cord, plug, appliance body, and socket outlet. This covers condition of the cord and insulation, plug pins, appliance casing, guards and covers, and any signs of damage, burning, or modification.

3. Electrical testing with calibrated PAT Using a calibrated Portable Appliance Tester, the technician performs the required electrical tests specified in AS/NZS 3760:2022 — which may include insulation resistance, earth continuity, polarity, and earth leakage testing, depending on the appliance type.

4. Pass/fail determination and tagging Appliances that pass are tagged on-site with a printed label showing the test date, retest date, technician ID, and PASS status. Failed items are tagged accordingly and removed from service, with a repair recommendation or minor repair performed where possible.

5. Digital records uploaded All results are uploaded to the AIM portal in real time. Your complete asset register and test history is available to access or download immediately after the visit.

6. Retest reminder set Your next scheduled retest date is logged automatically. ATS will remind you when it’s coming up — so you never have to track compliance dates manually.

Is Test and Tag Mandatory in Australia?

Yes. Under the Harmonised Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, all Australian businesses have a legal duty of care to ensure that portable electrical equipment used in the workplace is safe. Testing and tagging by a competent person is the accepted method of demonstrating compliance with this obligation.

The governing standard is AS/NZS 3760:2022 — In-service Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment. This standard sets out who must test, what must be tested, how it must be tested, and how frequently.

Under the WHS Regulations, portable electrical appliances in a hostile environment (construction sites, manufacturing, outdoors, kitchens and anywhere equipment may be exposed to moisture, heat or physical damage) must be tested and tagged. In other environments, employers must conduct a documented risk assessment — and test and tag is the standard method of managing the identified risk.

How Often Does Test and Tag Need to Be Done?

Testing frequency under AS/NZS 3760:2022 depends on the type of equipment and the nature of the environment:

• Construction sites: Power tools — before first use on site, then every 3 months. Extension leads — every 3 months.
• Manufacturing and industrial: Every 6 months for most portable equipment
• Hostile environments (general): Every 6 months
• Offices and low-risk environments: Every 12 months for most equipment
• Hire equipment: Before each hire

ATS’s automated reminder service will track your retest dates and contact you when testing is due — so you never fall out of compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What items need to be tested and tagged? Any portable electrical appliance connected to the mains power supply via a plug must be tested and tagged if used in a workplace. This includes power tools, computers, monitors, phone chargers, kettles, microwaves, extension leads, power boards, fans and heaters — essentially any electrical item with a plug.

Does ATS provide compliance documentation? Yes. At the conclusion of every test visit, ATS provides complete digital records of every item tested, every result, and every tag applied — accessible online through our AIM Portal compliance management system. This documentation is your evidence of compliance.

Can ATS test and tag across multiple sites nationally? Yes. ATS is one of the only test and tag providers in Australia with a genuine national presence — qualified technicians in every state and territory, managed centrally with a single reporting system. This makes ATS the natural choice for businesses with locations across multiple states.

What is test and tag? Test and tag is the process of inspecting and electrically testing portable appliances to confirm they are safe to use in the workplace. It involves a visual inspection followed by electrical tests using a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT), with a compliant tag attached to each item recording the outcome. The process is governed in Australia by AS/NZS 3760:2022.

Is test and tag a legal requirement in Australia? Yes. Under Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, employers have a legal duty of care to ensure electrical equipment in the workplace is safe. AS/NZS 3760:2022 is the Australian standard that sets out how this obligation is met, and it is referenced directly in WHS Regulations across all states and territories. Failure to comply can result in fines, prohibition notices, and significant liability in the event of an electrical incident.

How often does equipment need to be tested and tagged? Testing frequency depends on the type of equipment and the environment it’s used in. Construction sites require testing as frequently as every 3 months, while low-risk office environments may only require testing every 5 years. AS/NZS 3760:2022 provides the framework for determining the correct interval. You can download ATS’s free Testing Intervals guide here.

What equipment needs to be tested and tagged? Any portable electrical equipment connected to the mains supply via a flexible cord and plug may need to be tested. This includes power tools, extension leads, power boards, office equipment, kitchen appliances, and machinery. Fixed or hard-wired equipment, items above 2.5 metres, and new retail stock are excluded from the standard.

How long does a test and tag visit take? It depends on the number of items and site layout. Experienced ATS technicians can typically test and tag 20–30 items per hour. For a small office with 50–100 items, a visit may take as little as a couple of hours. For large facilities with hundreds of items across multiple areas, we’ll plan accordingly to minimise disruption.

What happens to items that fail? Failed items are tagged with a FAIL label and must be taken out of service immediately. Where the fault is something an ATS technician can repair on-site — such as a damaged plug or frayed cord — we can often fix it during the same visit under our Minor Repair service. Items that require more significant repair are documented in your AIM portal report with a recommended action.

Do I get records of the testing? Yes — comprehensive digital records are provided via the ATS AIM reporting portal. Your asset register shows every item tested, the test results, pass/fail status, and the next retest date. Records can be exported for WHS audits or insurance purposes at any time.

How much does test and tag cost? Test and tag pricing depends on the number of items, location, and type of equipment. ATS provides free, no-obligation quotes.

Can I do my own test and tag? Testing must be performed by a competent person with the knowledge, skills, and calibrated equipment to do it safely and accurately. While there is no specific licence required for test and tag in most Australian states, using untrained staff risks inaccurate results, non-compliant records, and potential safety and legal liability. Most businesses find it more practical and cost-effective to use a professional provider like ATS.

How do I know how many items I have for testing? In todays modern offices with multiple computer monitors per person, we normally estimate 10 items per staff member PLUS a buffer of 20% for kitchen and general items. This however is a guide only and the final invoice amount will be the number of items tested multiplied by the unit test rate.

Book Test and Tag services with ATS

Appliance Tagging Services provides Test and Tag services nationally across Australia – NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT and NT. Call 1300 287 669 or use our online quote form to arrange a visit from a local ATS technician.