Appliance testing

What is appliance testing and tagging?

Appliance Test & Tagging is the process by which an electrical appliance undergoes a visual inspection and a safety test with a Portable Appliance Tester to ensure it is fit for use in the work place.

Who is responsible for the test and tag?

• The owner of the premises; or
• The manager of a business; or
• The owner of the electrical equipment; or
• A person who has a legal responsibility for the safety of electrical equipment within the scope of the Standard AS/NZS 3760

How often do we need to do the electrical testing and tagging?

The frequency at which you need to complete appliance test and tagging will be dependent upon the type of work environment. This below table outlines how often your electrical appliances should be test tagged-  

Type of Environment and/or Equipment	Interval Between Inspection and Tests for Appliance Test Tag						Cord Extension Sets and EPODs
	Class of Equipment		Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
	Class 1 – protectively earthed equipment	Class 2 – double insulated equipment	Push-button test by user		Operating Time test
			Portable	Fixed	Portable	Fixed
Factories, workshops, places of work or repair, manufacturing, assembly, maintenance or fabrication	6 months	12 months	Daily or before every use	6 months	12 months	12 months	6 months
Laboratories, healthcare and educational establishments, tea rooms and office kitchens	12 months	12 months	3 months or before every use	6 months	2 years	2 years	12 months
Office environment: When the equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to flexing in normal use OR is open to abuse OR is in a hostile environment	12 months	12 months	3 months	6 months	2 years	2 years	12 months
Office environment: When the equipment or supply flexible cord is NOT subject to flexing in normal use and is NOT open to abuse and is NOT in a hostile environment	5 years	5 years	3 months	6 months	2 years	2 years	5 years
Hire equipment	Inspect before each hire, test monthly	Inspect before each hire, test monthly	Prior to each hire or monthly	N/A	Prior to each hire or monthly	N/A	Inspect before each hire, test monthly
Repaired/serviced/second hand equipment	After repair or service which could affect electrical safety or on introduction to service
Equipment used for commercial cleaning	6 months	12 months	3 months	N/A	2 years	N/A	6 months
Residential	2 years	2 years	6 months	6 months	2 years	2 years	2 years

Notes:

1. Multiple environments may exist within the one workplace, with differing retest frequencies. For example, an office may exist within a factory establishment.
2. Regulatory authorities, other standards, workplace safety requirements or manufacturers instructions may specify intervals appropriate to particular industries or specific types of equipment for appliance test and tag.
3. All equipment should be inspected and tested prior to initial introduction to service. When the equipment is new, the supplier or manufacturer is deemed responsible for the initial electrical safety of the item. In most cases, new appliances can remain un-tagged within the workplace for up to one year but you should retain documentation stating the purchase and installation date as proof of this

What reporting or documentation is required for testing and tagging?

Appliance test & tag is more than just putting a sticker on a lead. In addition to the test & tag, you must also keep records of inspections, tests and maintenance including a Certificate of Compliance, test results and where applicable, risk assessment reports. This documentation must be produced within 24 hours of a request being made by a WHS Inspector.