How often does test and tag need to be done on a construction site?

On construction sites, portable power tools and extension leads must be tested every 3 months. Portable RCDs must be tested monthly or before first use. Fixed RCDs must be tested every 3 months. Construction sites are classified as hostile environments under WHS Regulations, making test and tag mandatory.

How often does test and tag need to be done in an office?

In office environments, portable electrical equipment including computers, monitors, chargers and desk appliances should be tested every 12 months under AS/NZS 3760:2022. A documented risk assessment is required for non-hostile environments.

How Often Does Test and Tag Need to Be Done in Australia?

How Often Does Test and Tag Need to Be Done in Australia?

One of the most common questions Australian business owners ask about electrical safety compliance is: how often does test and tag actually need to be done?

The short answer is: it depends on the type of workplace and the type of equipment. The long answer — which is what every business owner needs to understand — is governed by AS/NZS 3760:2022, the Australian and New Zealand Standard for in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

Here is a complete breakdown of test and tag frequency requirements for every common workplace type in Australia.

The Governing Standard: AS/NZS 3760:2022

AS/NZS 3760:2022 is the current standard setting out all testing and tagging requirements for electrical equipment used in Australian workplaces. It replaced AS/NZS 3760:2010 and specifies:

What equipment must be tested
Who is qualified to conduct testing
What electrical tests must be performed
How frequently testing must occur, depending on the environment
How results must be documented

The standard divides workplaces into two broad categories: hostile environments and non-hostile (or low-risk) environments. These categories determine your minimum testing frequency.

What Is a Hostile Environment?

Under AS/NZS 3760:2022, a hostile environment is any workplace where electrical equipment is more likely to be subjected to conditions that could damage it or cause it to develop an electrical fault. This includes:

Construction and demolition sites
Manufacturing, processing and production facilities
Mining and resources operations
Commercial kitchens and food preparation areas
Outdoor work areas
Anywhere equipment may be exposed to moisture, heat, mechanical damage, vibration or contamination

In hostile environments, test and tag is mandatory under the Harmonised WHS Regulations, and testing frequencies are more frequent.

Test and Tag Frequency by Environment

Construction Sites

Construction sites are always classified as hostile environments.

Equipment Type	Required Testing Frequency
Portable power tools	Every 3 months
Extension leads and power boards	Every 3 months
Portable RCDs	Monthly (or before first use on site)
Fixed RCDs	Every 3 months

These are the minimum mandatory frequencies. On high-risk sites or for heavily used equipment, more frequent testing may be warranted.

Manufacturing and Industrial Workplaces

Manufacturing and industrial facilities are also classified as hostile environments in most cases.

Equipment Type	Required Testing Frequency
Portable electrical equipment	Every 6 months
Extension leads	Every 6 months
RCDs	Every 6 months

Commercial Kitchens and Hospitality

Commercial kitchens — hotels, restaurants, cafes, food manufacturers — are hostile environments due to the presence of moisture, heat and grease.

Equipment Type	Required Testing Frequency
Portable electrical appliances	Every 6 months
Extension leads	Every 6 months

Offices and Low-Risk Commercial Environments

Offices, retail environments and other workplaces where equipment is used under normal conditions are not typically classified as hostile environments. A risk assessment is required, but the standard testing frequency is:

Equipment Type	Required Testing Frequency
Computers, monitors and IT equipment	Every 12 months
Desktop appliances (fans, heaters, chargers)	Every 12 months
Extension leads and power boards	Every 12 months

Note: Even in an office environment, if portable equipment is moved regularly, used by multiple people, or may be subjected to damage or abnormal use, more frequent testing is recommended.

Schools and Educational Institutions

Schools and childcare centres are not typically classified as hostile environments, but the presence of children and the heavy use of equipment warrants careful management.

Equipment Type	Required Testing Frequency
General classroom equipment	Every 12 months
Workshop and trade equipment	Every 6 months
Portable equipment in outdoor areas	Every 6 months

Healthcare and Aged Care

Healthcare and aged care facilities typically follow a risk assessment approach. Most electrical equipment in clinical areas is tested:

Equipment Type	Required Testing Frequency
Patient-connected equipment	Governed by AS/NZS 3551 (separate standard)
General portable appliances	Every 12 months
High-use or high-risk items	Every 6 months

Hire Equipment

Any electrical equipment that is hired out must be tested before each hire — regardless of when it was last tested. This applies to hire companies, equipment rental businesses and any organisation lending electrical equipment to others.

What About Equipment That Has Been Repaired or Modified?

Any portable electrical appliance that has been repaired, modified or subjected to damage must be re-tested before being returned to service — regardless of when it was last routinely tested. This applies even if the repair was minor.

Does Test and Tag Frequency Apply to All Equipment?

AS/NZS 3760:2022 applies to portable electrical appliances — any electrical device connected to the mains via a plug and socket. Fixed equipment (hardwired into the building) is not subject to test and tag under this standard, but may be subject to other inspection requirements under electrical installation standards.

Commonly tested items include:

Power tools (drills, saws, angle grinders)
Extension leads and power boards
Office equipment (computers, printers, monitors, phone chargers)
Kitchen appliances (kettles, toasters, microwaves, fridges)
Portable fans, heaters and air purifiers
Cleaning equipment (vacuums, floor polishers)
Audio/visual equipment

What Happens If You Don’t Test and Tag on Time?

Allowing test and tag compliance to lapse carries real consequences:

WHS regulatory action — inspectors from the relevant state or territory regulator (e.g., SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe VIC, WorkSafe QLD) can issue improvement notices and fines for non-compliance
Insurance voidance — many business insurance policies require evidence of electrical safety compliance; a lapsed test and tag program may void your cover
Legal liability — in the event of an electrical injury or fire, evidence of non-compliance can expose the business and its directors to prosecution under the WHS Act
Workers’ compensation claims — if a worker is injured by a faulty electrical item that wasn’t tested, the employer’s liability is significantly increased

The cost of compliance is small compared to the potential cost of non-compliance.

ATS Makes Compliance Easy

Appliance Tagging Services (ATS) provides professional test and tag services nationally — in every Australian state and territory. Our automated reminder service tracks your equipment’s retest dates and contacts you when testing is due, so compliance never lapses. All results are stored digitally and available through our AIM Portal compliance management system.

Call 1300 287 669 or get a free quote online to arrange testing at your workplace.