Test and tag frequency depends on the environment and how equipment is used. A clean office is different from a workshop, construction-style environment or commercial kitchen.
The point is not stickers for the sake of stickers. It is identifying damaged leads, unsafe appliances and equipment that should not be in service.
Choosing an interval for your workplace
WorkSafe Victoria’s electrical safety guidance recommends assessing the equipment, environment, likelihood of damage and manufacturer recommendations. It points to AS/NZS 3760:2022 for recommended inspection and testing timeframes in different workplaces and conditions, rather than one interval for every appliance.
WorkSafe says leads and equipment should be visually inspected before use. A current test tag does not guarantee equipment is still safe: damage can occur between tests. Remove damaged equipment from service and arrange assessment or repair by a competent, suitably qualified person.
This WorkSafe guidance expressly excludes construction workplaces, which have separate electrical-installation guidance. Do not apply an office or workshop schedule to a construction site without checking the relevant requirements. Our test and tag service can help plan the equipment register and appropriate inspection schedule.
Source reviewed 6 September 2026. Check current WorkSafe guidance and the applicable standard for your site.
What changes the test interval
Risk level is driven by how portable equipment is used, moved, exposed to moisture, damaged or handled by multiple people. Harsh environments need more attention than low-risk office equipment.
- Workshops and trade environments
- Commercial kitchens and hospitality
- Offices and retail spaces
- Hire equipment or frequently moved tools
- Equipment exposed to moisture, dust or impact
What gets checked
A test and tag visit includes visual inspection and electrical testing appropriate to the equipment. Damaged plugs, crushed leads, exposed conductors, loose strain relief and failed insulation tests are all reasons equipment should be removed from service.
Why records matter
A clear register helps businesses track what was tested, what failed and when the next check is due. It also reduces confusion when staff move equipment between rooms or sites.
How to make test and tag smoother
Group equipment before the visit, unplug what can be unplugged, identify critical equipment that cannot be powered down without planning, and keep old failed items out of circulation.
Need help with test and tag frequency?
LWElectrical handles residential, commercial and industrial electrical work across Warrnambool and South West Victoria. Call Luke directly for practical advice and a clear next step.
Frequently asked questions
Is test and tag mandatory?
Requirements depend on workplace risk and equipment use. Businesses should manage electrical safety under OHS duties and relevant standards.
Do phone chargers need testing?
If they are workplace electrical equipment, they may be included depending on the site’s system.
Can failed equipment be repaired?
Sometimes, but unsafe equipment should be removed from service until repaired or replaced.