Test and tag in Queensland: what small businesses need to know

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

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.

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.

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.