Electrical safety starts with knowing which devices demand regular checks. From tools on construction sites to everyday office equipment, each item carries potential risks if left unchecked. Test and tag services ensure appliances meet safety standards, reducing the chance of electrical faults, injuries, or downtime. But not all gear faces the same wear and tear—some need frequent inspection, others less so.
Recognising what needs testing, and when, is essential for maintaining a safe and compliant environment. This blog breaks down the key types of equipment that require testing and tagging, helping you stay proactive and avoid preventable hazards.
If you’re looking for reliable portable appliance testing services, we can help ensure your mobile equipment is safe, compliant, and ready for use.
Equipment Requiring Test And Tag Services
Ensuring electrical safety in workplaces and commercial settings is critical to occupational health and safety compliance. One of the most effective ways to maintain this safety is through regular test and tag services, which involve inspecting electrical appliances for damage and verifying that they meet safety standards.
This process includes visual inspections, electrical testing with specialised instruments, and applying a tag to show that the appliance has passed the test and when the next test is due.
Various types of electrical equipment require periodic testing and tagging, depending on their environment and usage. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the most common equipment categories that must undergo this essential safety procedure.
Portable Electrical Appliances
Portable electrical appliances are devices that can be easily moved and are typically connected to the power supply via a flexible cord and a plug. These appliances are ubiquitous in homes, offices, construction sites, and commercial kitchens.
Examples include:
- Power tools such as drills, grinders, sanders, and jigsaws
- Extension leads, power boards, and double adaptors
- Kitchen appliances like kettles, toasters, blenders, and sandwich presses
- Office equipment, including computers, monitors, printers, and shredders
Why Testing is Important: Portable appliances are more susceptible to wear and tear due to frequent relocation, cord coiling and uncoiling, and constant plugging in and out. Damaged cords, exposed wires, or compromised insulation pose severe electric shock or fire risks.
Regular testing and tagging help identify these risks early, preventing potential accidents and ensuring compliance.
Construction And Industrial Equipment
Electrical equipment is exposed to some of the harshest operating conditions in construction and industrial environments. It often operates in outdoor environments or rugged job sites, with exposure to dust, moisture, vibration, and physical impact.
Key equipment includes:
- Heavy-duty power tools such as jackhammers, circular saws, and concrete mixers
- Portable Residual Current Devices (RCDs), which are vital for personal protection
- Three-phase equipment used for high-power industrial applications
Why Testing is Important: Given the hazardous nature of construction and industrial work environments, the risk of electrical accidents is significantly higher. Damaged equipment can lead to electrocution, equipment failure, or fires.
Therefore, as safety regulations mandate, construction tools and site equipment typically require testing every three months. Ensuring these appliances function correctly is about regulatory compliance, protecting lives, and maintaining operational continuity.
Office And IT Equipment
Office settings may not seem dangerous, but electrical faults can still occur in a seemingly safe environment. Electrical failures in office equipment can lead to data loss, system downtime, or even fire hazards.
Common equipment includes:
- Desktop computers and servers
- Monitors and docking stations
- Photocopiers, fax machines, and shredders
- Chargers and power supplies
Why Testing is Important: These devices may not undergo the same physical stress as construction tools, but internal faults, dust accumulation, or overheating can still cause hazards.
The testing frequency is typically every 12 months, though this can be extended in low-risk settings, such as equipment in secured IT server rooms, which may only need testing every five years. Even in low-risk areas, routine testing remains crucial to preventative maintenance strategies.
Kitchen And Hospitality Appliances
The hospitality industry relies heavily on various electrical appliances continuously throughout the day. Restaurants, hotels, and cafes often operate equipment near moisture, heat, and combustible materials.
Typical equipment includes:
- Commercial ovens and stovetops
- Coffee machines and espresso machines
- Microwaves and convection ovens
- Refrigerators, dishwashers, and drink dispensers
Why Testing is Important: The intersection of water and electricity significantly increases the risk of electric shock. Moreover, food preparation environments must meet health and safety regulations, and equipment failure can result in food spoilage or contamination.
Testing and tagging are crucial in these settings and should be conducted regularly—usually every six months—to ensure safety, maintain appliance efficiency, and avoid service disruptions.
Medical And Laboratory Equipment
Medical and laboratory environments utilise highly sensitive and critical devices where failure is not an option. These environments also often involve vulnerable patients, requiring equipment to function flawlessly at all times.
Key equipment includes:
- Diagnostic devices such as ECG machines, X-ray units, and MRI machines
- Laboratory analysers and testing stations
- Sterilisation equipment, including autoclaves and UV sanitation systems
- Portable equipment used for home visits or mobile clinics
Why Testing is Important: Due to its critical function, any malfunction can directly impact patient safety and test results. The testing standards for medical equipment are stricter and require more frequent testing and logging.
Testing intervals are often as short as every three to six months, depending on usage and the environment. Ensuring that life-saving devices are electrically safe is not only a regulatory requirement but a moral imperative.
Conclusion
Testing and tagging of electrical equipment is a proactive safety measure that protects workers, prevents equipment failure, and ensures compliance with safety legislation. The diversity of settings and devices means testing programs must be customised, thorough, and consistently maintained. Companies that commit to these practices safeguard their operations and build a culture of accountability and care in the workplace.
Suppose you’re setting up a testing schedule or auditing your safety procedures. In that case, it’s essential to consult with a licensed and experienced test and tag service provider who can assess your unique equipment needs and regulatory obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should Electrical Equipment Be Tested And Tagged?
The frequency depends on the environment and the type of equipment. High-risk areas like construction sites require testing every 3 months, while low-risk office environments may only need it annually or every 5 years.
Is It Mandatory To Test And Tag Office Equipment?
Although office environments are generally low-risk, regular testing is required to ensure electrical safety. Devices like computers, printers, and power boards can develop faults over time. Testing every 12 months is a common standard for typical office settings.
Who Is Qualified To Perform Test And Tag Services?
Only a competent person trained under the AS/NZS 3760 standard can legally perform test and tag services. This includes licensed electricians or individuals who have completed an accredited test and tag training course. Proper tools and equipment are also required to carry out the process safely and accurately.