What is test and tag? It’s the process of visually inspecting and testing electrical equipment and appliances. This verifies they are safe to use and are not damaged. Following testing, the technician attaches a pass or fail tag to the appliance, usually on the power cord. Unsafe electrical goods can cause electrocution, and most times an electric shock is fatal. Faulty tools and appliances are also a fire hazard.

This article digs deeper into the test and tag process, including what type of equipment to test and tag, and how this benefits businesses and employees.

What does test and tag have to do with safety?

The test and tag process is vital for guaranteeing workplace safety, and compliance with WHS and Electrical Safety requirements. The AS/NZS 3760 (the Australian and New Zealand Standard), provides regulations and guidelines for the test and tag industry, including test and tag intervals.

As testing and tagging is all about creating a safer work environment, if an incident occurs involving an item that wasn’t tested and tagged, the employer may be accountable and subject to legal action.

What equipment does test and tag apply to?

Any power tools or electrical appliances that have a flexible power cord, a removable plug and are not low voltage (under 50 volts). The test and tag procedure also applies to extension cords.

Testing standards class electrical appliances in two categories:

• Class 1: This relates to earthed appliances such as kettles, toasters and irons.
• Class 2: This second class applies to double-insulated appliances, like drills and hair dryers, for example.

New electrical equipment requires no testing, just a visual inspection and a tag.

Which industries need to test and tag?

The mining, demolition and construction industries should have their appliances and equipment tested and tagged every three months. For each three months, the technician attaches a tag of a different colour. These industries experience harsh conditions, which causes more frequent damage to equipment, and thus more frequent testing is required.

Construction, demolition and mining are the only industries where testing and tagging is a legislative requirement. All other workplaces don’t need to test and tag. However, employers do have a duty of care to ensure a safe work environment for employees. If electrocution occurs, employers may be liable.

The hire industry has its own requirements. For example, when someone hires electrical equipment, it’s the hirer’s responsibility to inspect the item before every lease. As the appliance also requires testing every three months, the hirer must arrange a test and tag inspection if they’re still in possession of the appliance when testing is due.

Who is qualified to test and tag electrical equipment?

While electricians can legally test and tag equipment, qualified individuals don’t need to be electricians. Anyone considered to be a “competent person” can test and tag electrical goods in Australia. Testers achieve this status by undertaking the Tag and Test Course to become a PAT tester.

All testers need to remain up-to-date with any changes in the AS 3760 Standard. For Queensland residents who wish to offer a test and tag service, you need to fulfil a requirement for a Restricted Electrical Contractors Licence.

How often do you need to test equipment?

According to standards set out by the AS/NZS 3760, inspection protocols for equipment vary according to the environment in which the equipment operates, the location of the equipment, and the risk level associated with its use.

Extreme conditions may require daily testing. In other circumstances testing may take place monthly, quarterly, half yearly, yearly, every two years and every five years for low-risk environments. You can find the different time frames and environments in Table 4 of the Australian standard.

It’s important to maintain accurate re-inspection time frames to comply with the requirements of Workplace Health & Safety.

What is a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT)?

Most commonly referred to as a PAT, a Portable Appliance Tester is the main piece of kit technicians use for the test and tag process. The PAT provides the results of the test on a screen, stating whether the appliance or power tool got a pass or fail.

Note that technicians discover most defects or faults through a visual inspection of the appliance. Using a PAT helps confirm that a piece of equipment that passes a visual inspection is indeed safe to use.

How long does testing and tagging take?

For most appliances, the test and tag process is completed within a few minutes. A visual inspection occurs first, followed by several electrical tests, such as an insulation test, an earth continuity test, a polarity test and a leakage current test.

Do you need to keep test and tag records?

The AS/NZS 3760 stipulates that businesses need to keep the following records to establish the history of testing:

1. A record of testing results, including faulty items and repairs.
2. A historical record of all tested items and test results.
3. Tested items require a test tag indicating the date of the test, the item, the person performing the test, and the Pass/Fail result.

What are some common faults and hazards with electrical appliances?

Testing technicians come across several common faults in the workplace affecting power tools and appliances. These include:

• Wiring faults
• Safety switches (RCDs) not functioning
• Frayed cords
• Incorrect wiring
• Faulty earthing systems
• Exposure of electrical goods to moisture
• Corrosion
• Hazardous environments