Testing and Tagging Gold Coast and Brisbane
If you run a business or are in charge of a workplace then you have responsibilities to ensure the safety of your electrical equipment through testing and tagging. Gold Coast and Brisbane businesses must comply with testing and tagging laws but we find there is confusion around what is required. Here we will explain what is required by you in the way of testing and tagging of electrical equipment.
Looking For An Electrician For Your Testing And Tagging?​
If you’re here because you testing and tagging in your workplace, please click below for our testing and tagging page or to send us a message.
What is testing and tagging?
Testing and tagging is the name given to the process of testing your equipment for electrical safety. Apart from a visual inspection the team at South East Electrical will also run tests to ensure the device is okay with earth continuity, insulation resistance and polarity. All tests conform to standards and AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-service safety inspection testing of electrical equipment. Part of the requirements of testing is maintenance of records. The device is tagged to say it was tested and we record your testing results in our test and tag software.
Testing and tagging your workplace equipement ensures your staff are safe and you comply with the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 (QLD). Failure to do so can result in large fines.
Do I have to have my equipment test and tagged?
Testing and tagging in the workplace is mandatory in Queensland for all businesses. Testing and tagging ensures the safety of your electrical devices. This is important because each year people in Australian workplaces are injured or die due to contact with faulty electrical equipment. The intervals in which equipment needs to be tested varies from industry to industry. Office equipment (photocopiers, computers etc) only need to be tested every 5 years, in the construction industry equipment is required to be tested every 6 months.
There are a number of laws in place that ensure you keep your staff safe while they are on the job. Failure to comply can result in huge fines.
For more information on testing and tagging requirements consult the links below:
How often do I need to have equipment test and tagged?
As stated above, it will depend on the industry you work on as to how often you are required to have equipment test and tagged. Below is a guide which will help you. For a more comprehensive list visit the Worksafe Queensland website.
Testing And Tagging For Offices
Equpiment
Equipment Type | Testing Interval |
|---|---|
All equipment (if no safety switch) | Every 5 years |
Other Equipment | 3 monthly |
Safety Switches - Fixed
Push Button / User Test | Operating Time / Current Test |
|---|---|
6 monthly | 2 yearly |
Safety Switches - Portable
Push Button / User Test | Operating Time / Current Test |
|---|---|
3 monthly | 2 yearly |
Testing And Tagging For Construction
Equipment
Equipment Type | Testing Interval |
|---|---|
Transportable structures, fixed and transportable equipment and construction wiring | 6 monthly |
Other Equipment | 3 monthly |
Safety Switches - Fixed
Push Button / User Test | Operating Time / Current Test |
|---|---|
Monthly | 12 monthly |
Safety Switches - Portable
Push Button / User Test | Operating Time / Current Test |
|---|---|
Daily, or before every use (whichever option is the longer) | 3 monthly |
Testing And Tagging For Service
Equipment Type | Testing Interval |
|---|---|
All equipment (if no safety switch) | 12 monthly |
Commercial Cleaning
Equipment
Safety Switches - Fixed
Push Button / User Test | Operating Time / Current Test |
|---|---|
Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
Safety Switches - Portable
Push Button / User Test | Operating Time / Current Test |
|---|---|
Daily, or before every use (whichever is the longer) | 6 monthly |
All Other Equipment
Safety Switches - Fixed
Testing And Tagging For Amusement
Equipment Type | Testing Interval |
|---|---|
Double insulated specified equipment | 12 monthly |
Specified equipment not double insulated | 6 monthly |
Safety Switches - Fixed
Push Button / User Test | Operating Time / Current Test |
|---|---|
6 monthly | 12 monthly |
Safety Switches - Portable
Push Button / User Test | Operating Time / Current Test |
|---|---|
6 monthly | 2 yearly |
Equipment Type | Testing Interval |
|---|---|
Equipment used under stated risk factors* and no safety switch (*See section 120 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 for stated electrical risk factors) | 12 monthly |
For More Information Or To Book An Electrician For Testing And Tagging
As a business owner can I carry out the test and tag process?
It is an offence under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 for anyone other than a ‘competent’ person with the appropriate training, expertise and qualifications (current Electrical Work licence) to carry out electrical testing and tagging, it’s extremely important that you contact and engage and properly qualified, licensed, electrical contractor.
If you need any more advice or assistance, feel free to get in touch with the fully qualified team at South East Electrical.
Should I tag and test equipment in my home?
Unlike workplaces it is not mandatory to have your home appliances tested and tagged. However if you are experiencing electric shocks from equipment or if your circuits keep tripping we strongly recommend for your safety that you call us for safety audit of your home. Don’t ignore the warning signs. If in doubt get it checked.
