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Is test and tag a legal requirement?

Sarah Allen

WHS regulations state that all equipment used in a higher risk operating environment in which the normal use of electrical equipment exposes the equipment to operating conditions that are likely to result in damage to the equipment or a reduction in its expected life span must be tested and tagged.

This higher risk operating environment contains conditions that involve exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical, damage, corrosive chemicals or dust, and is commonly called a hostile environment.

All items in a hostile environment must therefore be tested and tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2022. Retest frequencies in AS/NZS 3760:2022 vary between 6 monthly and annually depending on sub-environment.

In a Construction environment these items are to be tested and tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 3012:2019 with most items being tested 3 monthly.

In order to ensure electrical safety across a broad range of workplaces, the Electrical Code of Practice recommends that all items located in a non-hostile environment should be tested and tagged every 5 years in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2022.

Whilst QLD have enacted the model WHS Act and Regulations, the QLD Electrical Safety Act and Regulations take precedence in that State. Retest frequencies in QLD are based on Classes of Work and range from 3 monthly to 5 yearly.

Victorian regulations are based on the premise of providing a safe workplace, and Worksafe Victoria actively enforce the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760:2022. You can read more on the Victorian regulations on this state specific page.

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