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  4. How often do you need a Test and Tag service?

How often do you need a Test and Tag service?

Maintain workplace electrical safety with a regular test and tag service

A test and tag service is conducted to ensure electrical safety in your workplace. The equipment is visually inspected for defects and damage. Electrical tests are also conducted on the equipment to measure polarity, earth continuity and insulation resistance.

Test and Tag Labels and Colors

Our electrician will test all the items and place the tags on the equipment. The correct information is written on the tag according to AS/NZS 3760. The compulsory details to be mentioned on the tags include:

  • Tested to AZ/NZS 3760
  • Tested by - name or logo of the company
  • Test Date - the date on which the test was conducted
  • Next Test Due - the date when the next test is due
Test and Tag | Colour Coding | Pugin Power
Source : Test and Tag Training

Why is Testing and Tagging Important?

  • To identify potential hazards and malfunctioning equipment
  • To ensure the safety of your employees and meet the duty of care
  • To comply with the Electrical Safety Regulation and workplace health and safety laws. Failure to comply with the regulations can lead to fines and penalty
  • In case of a workplace accident, your company might be charged with negligence and your insurer may refuse your claim
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What equipment needs Testing and Tagging?

Everything from printers, computers and telephones to power tools, extension cords and safety switches need to be tested. All the electrical equipment (portable or plugged-in appliances) located in your workplace must be tested.

The items can be classed as Class I or Class II.

  • Class I - Items include earthed appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, kettles, toasters, etc. The appliances have a metal Earth pin and include a class I symbol
  • Class II - They have double insulation and includes appliances like televisions, computers and photocopiers

Does new equipment need to be tested and tagged?

A brand new store-bought equipment can be tagged as “ New to Service" and be visually inspected for any signs of damage or defects. They need not be tested but they must be tagged to indicate that they are newly purchased equipment.

How Often do you need a Test and Tag Service?

The frequency of Test and Tag is determined by the Classes of Work as per the Electrical Safety Regulations QLD.

Test and Tag - How Often is it Needed | Pugin Power
Source : Test and Tag Training

Construction Work

  • Transportable structures, fixed and transportable equipment and construction wiring - 6 months
  • Other equipment - 3 months
Fixed Safety Switches
  • Push Button/ User Test - 1 month
  • Operating Time / Current Test - 12 months
Portable Safety Switch
  • Push Button/ User Test - daily or before each use, whichever is longer
  • Operating Time / Current Test - 3 months

Manufacturing Work

  • Double insulated equipment - 12 months
  • Equipment, not double insulated - 6 months
Fixed Safety Switches
  • Push Button/ User Test - 6 months
  • Operating Time / Current Test - 12 months
Portable Safety Switch
  • Push Button/ User Test - daily or before each use, whichever is longer
  • Operating Time / Current Test - 12 months

Service Work

All equipment ( if no safety switch) - 12 months

Service work - Commercial Cleaning Equipment
Fixed Safety Switches
  • Push Button/ User Test - N/A
  • Operating Time / Current Test -N/A
Portable Safety Switch
  • Push Button/ User Test - daily or before each use, whichever is longer
  • Operating Time / Current Test - 6 months
Service Work - Other
Fixed Safety Switches
  • Push Button/ User Test - 6 months
  • Operating Time / Current Test - 2 years
Portable Safety Switch
  • Push Button/ User Test - 6 months
  • Operating Time / Current Test - 2 years

Office Work

  • All equipment if no safety switch - every 5 years
  • Other equipment - 3 months
Fixed Safety Switches
  • Push Button/ User Test - 6 months
  • Operating Time / Current Test - 2 years
Portable Safety Switch
  • Push Button/ User Test - 3 months
  • Operating Time / Current Test - 2 years

Amusement Industry

  • Amusement devices and rides - after each onsite assembly and every 6 months
  • Amusement work - double insulated specified equipment - 12 months
  • Amusement work - specified equipment not double insulated - 6 months
Fixed Safety Switches
  • Push Button/ User Test - 6 months
  • Operating Time / Current Test - 12 months
Portable Safety Switch
  • Push Button/ User Test - 3 months
  • Operating Time / Current Test - 12 months

Rural Industry Work

Equipment used under stated risk factors and no safety switch - 12 months

What happens if the electrical equipment fails the test?

If the items fail the electrical test they will be tagged as Danger or Out of Service. Such equipment should not be used. Your electrician will be able to advise you if the equipment can be used or not.

Do you need to store the test and tag records?

The testing and tagging records need to be kept for 7 years.

Need Test and Tag Services for your Gold Coast business?

At Pugin Power, we provide test and tag services throughout Brisbane south, Gold Coast, and Logan. Our licenced electricians provide efficient and reliable electrical testing to ensure your business is safe and compliant with Queensland's Test and Tag regulations. Book in your next inspection on 1300 029 795 or complete our service request form today.