Test and Tag

ABOUT TEST AND TAG

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.

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.

ATS provides Test and Tag services nationally, with qualified ATS technicians available in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT and NT. ATS self deliver all Test and Tag services.

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.

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.