# Test and tag in Queensland: what small businesses need to know 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) 4. Test and tag in Queensland: what small businesses need to know **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [Test and tag in Queensland: what small businesses need to know](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/test-and-tag-queensland-small-business/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? 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By Amanda Cooper, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. What is test and tag? 2. How often does it need to be done? 3. What counts as equipment that needs attention? 4. Who is responsible? 5. Working with a test and tag provider 6. Should I keep records? 7. Frequently asked questions How often electrical equipment needs test and tag in a Queensland business depends on the type of equipment and the environment it is used in. There is no single interval that suits every workplace. WorkSafe Queensland publishes guidance, and a competent person should do the testing and tell you the schedule that applies to your business. ## What is test and tag? Test and tag is the process of inspecting and testing portable electrical equipment, such as leads, power boards and tools, and attaching a tag that shows when it was tested. Its purpose is to find damaged or unsafe equipment before it hurts someone. The testing itself is done by a suitably competent person using proper test equipment. It is not something staff should attempt themselves. ## How often does it need to be done? It depends. WorkSafe Queensland has a page on testing and tagging electrical equipment that explains how frequency relates to the type of equipment and the conditions it is used in. Equipment used in harsher environments, such as building sites or workshops, generally needs more frequent attention than equipment in a low-risk office. - [WorkSafe Queensland, testing and tagging electrical equipment](https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/hazards/electricity/electrical-products-and-equipment/testing-and-tagging-electrical-equipment) You may see providers recommend a yearly schedule for offices. That is a provider suggestion, and we cannot confirm it as a legal minimum. Read the WorkSafe page and ask your provider which standard and schedule they are using and why. Damaged equipment is a stop sign If any electrical equipment smokes, sparks, smells burnt, feels hot, or has a damaged cord or plug, do not touch or use it, and keep people away from it. If there is fire, smoke or anyone has had a shock, evacuate and call 000. Report the problem to your electrician or the equipment maker. ## What counts as equipment that needs attention? Generally the focus is on portable equipment that plugs into a power point and is used by people at work, such as extension leads, power boards, power tools and appliances. Staff-owned items brought to work and hired equipment raise their own questions. Ask your provider and check the WorkSafe guidance for how they apply to your business. ## Who is responsible? Under Queensland work health and safety laws, businesses have duties to keep workers safe, which includes electrical safety. The Electrical Safety Office Queensland, part of WorkSafe Queensland, is the regulator for electrical safety. For your specific obligations, check the regulator’s guidance or get advice from a licensed electrician or testing provider. ## Working with a test and tag provider 1. List your equipment — Make a simple list of what you have and where it is used, such as office, workshop or site. 2. Ask which standard they use — Ask what standard and schedule the provider is following, and why it suits your workplace. 3. Check their competence — Ask about their qualifications and experience. A licensed electrician can advise if you are unsure. 4. Keep the records — Keep the test results and tag records in one place for your business. 5. Act on failed items — Take failed items out of use and ask a licensed electrician or the maker about repair or replacement. For general background on who may do electrical work in Queensland, see our article on whether DIY electrical work is legal. ## Should I keep records? Yes. Keeping a simple register of equipment, test dates and results gives you evidence that you are looking after electrical safety, and makes it easier to see when items are due. Ask your provider what records they supply, and store them where the right people in the business can find them. If an inspector, insurer or client asks about electrical safety, the records are the first thing they are likely to want to see. ## Frequently asked questions - We cannot confirm that. Some providers suggest annual testing for offices, but the right schedule depends on your equipment and environment, so check WorkSafe Queensland guidance. - Testing should be done by a suitably competent person with proper equipment. Ask a licensed electrician or testing provider. - This is a regulator-sensitive point. Ask the hire company and check the WorkSafe guidance for your situation. - It should be taken out of use and not used until repaired or replaced by a competent person. - WorkSafe Queensland and its Electrical Safety Office oversee electrical safety, and they publish the guidance. [Learn about Electrical](https://arlite.co/services/electrical/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [ElectricalHow do I know if my appliances are safe?Look for damage and warning signs, check recall notices and the RCM mark, and have secondhand items checked by a licensed electrician.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/are-my-appliances-safe/) - [ElectricalCan I do my own electrical work in Queensland?No: in Queensland electrical work must generally be done by a licensed electrician, with only narrow exceptions for minor tasks.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/diy-electrical-work-legal-queensland/) - [ElectricalHow do I check my electrician is licensed in Queensland?Ask for the electrician's licence number and look it up on the Electrical Safety Office Queensland's online licence search before work starts.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/check-electrician-licence-queensland/) - [ElectricalHow to choose an electrician: 8 questions to askCheck the licence, ask about insurance and paperwork, get a written quote, and be wary of cash-only offers and pressure to decide.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/how-to-choose-an-electrician/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. What is test and tag? 2. How often does it need to be done? 3. What counts as equipment that needs attention? 4. Who is responsible? 5. Working with a test and tag provider 6. Should I keep records? 7. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/electrical/test-and-tag-queensland-small-business/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).