RCA Test and Tag
We specialise in all aspects of electrical testing and tagging in Queensland workplaces. We help you to keep your staff safe, and for your business to be compliant with the latest mandatory Test and Tag requirements.
Let us take care of your testing and tagging, we will provide a detailed report after every service for your records, plus we can schedule your next services ongoing so that you don’t even have to think about it.
Phone - Brisbane
Phone - Townsville
Email (all areas)
QLD Electrical Contractors
License No. 1503688
Do I need to get my equipment tested and tagged?
Every year people in Australian workplaces die or are injured as a direct result of contact with unsafe or faulty electrical equipment. Testing and tagging your electrical equipment is the first step in preventing these deaths or injuries, and is mandatory in Queensland for all businesses. Failing to keep your staff safe can result in you receiving large fines or even being imprisoned.
For more information on testing and tagging requirements please click on the links below:
- Workplace Health and Safety: Testing and Tagging of Electrical Equipment
- Electrical Safety Regulations Qld 2013
What Exactly is Test and Tagging?
Test and Tag is the name given to the process of inspecting electrical equipment to ensure it is functional and safe to use. Test and Tag is required to comply with Workplace Health and Safety Standards in Australia. In addition, each state has its own regulatory body that oversees the licensing of competent technicians.
Most types of portable electrical equipment need to be regularly tested and tagged. Requirements vary by industry, but most businesses test equipment such as:
- Extension leads and power boards
- Handheld tools
- Handheld cleaning machinery
- Laptops and chargers
- Portable RCD’s
- Fridges and freezers
- Portable electrical equipment
During the test and tag process, a trained technician will conduct a visual inspection for signs of damage to cables, plugs, guards, covers and connectors. If there’s no visible damage, the technician will then perform electrical testing to make sure the device works properly and safely.
Devices that pass the test are fitted with a tag and the results are logged. Devices that fail the test may need repairs or maintenance, or they may need to be replaced.
Why Test and Tag?
The primary reason behind doing testing and tagging is to ensure the safety of the people in the workplace coming into contact with the appliance, while also minimising the risk of an electrical hazard. If an accident does occur and no testing and tagging was previously completed on that item, the employer may be considered liable.
The AS/NZS 3760 is the Australian and New Zealand Standard that provides guidelines and regulations for the test and tag industry with regards to electrical safety of appliances. It sets out recommendations to issues such as test and tag intervals, defines who can test and tag and general guidelines. This Standard was updated in 2022 with a list of various changes, along with now being called the AS/NZS 3760:2022.
What type of equipment is tested and tagged?
In short, any device that has a flexible cable, a removable plug and is not low voltage (50V or under). This includes extension leads, cord sets and portable RCD's. Generally, electrical appliances can be classed as either:
Class I
This is an earthed appliance i.e. kettles, irons and toasters.
Class II
Double insulated appliances, which are usually identified with a symbol (a square within a square) or with the words ‘Double Insulated’ i.e. most electric drills and hair dryers.
Leads and Extension Leads
These include power boards, plus all types of electrical leads, including IEC (Jug), figure 8, clover (3 pin) and extension leads.
RCDs
Portable and fixed RCDs also need regular testing for operation and to check how quickly (in milliseconds) they switch off.
The Benefits of Testing and Tagging Equipment
Test and tag regulations are a crucial part of maintaining equipment safety on worksites. The process ensures staff are protected from faulty electrical devices. Investing in regular testing and tagging offers a few major benefits:
• Reduced electrical hazards
Testing and tagging is designed to identify electrical faults. Small faults may pose a serious risk to employees or members of the public. Having your appliances regularly tested can identify hazards and reduce the risk to anyone that handles the equipment.
• Compliance to safety standards
Keeping staff safe is a top priority. WorkSafe Queensland has made it a legal requirement that certain types of equipment be regularly tested. This ensures compliance, which keeps staff safe and reduces the risk to your business.
• Increased equipment lifespan
Electrical equipment represents a huge cost for your business. These devices degrade due to normal wear and tear. Test and tag helps you keep track of equipment condition and maintenance schedules. This increases lifespan and reduces lifetime costs.
• Greater workplace efficiency
Testing and tagging makes it easy to stay on top of the condition of equipment. The results of the tagging process can be used to plan maintenance and identify faults before equipment breaks down. This increases reliability, uptime and the efficiency of your business.
Testing Intervals in QLD
Electrical equipment needs to be tested at regular intervals. The required interval depends on your industry and how the equipment is used. When understanding the test and tag intervals and how often an electrical appliance should be tested, the main underlying factor is the type of environment that appliance is located in.
Just as important, the AS/NZS 3760 standard (Table 2.4 shown below) should be seen as a minimum test and tag requirement. A lot of workplaces and company owners will have different test and tag frequencies because of their own risk management and OHS planning. Likewise, some of these industries might require you to use certain Test and Tag Colours.
3 months
Building, construction and demolition - this requires the most frequent testing due to it being considered a harsh environment and therefore an appliance being damaged is more likely compared to other settings.
6 months
Factories, warehouses and production - this type of an environment isn't considered as harsh, but because appliances are often used constantly it needs to be tested every 6 months
12 months
An environment where the equipment/supply cord is prone to flexing or open to abuse - this is often referred to as a hostile environment as the appliance can be overused and is therefore exposed to abuse by the user, as well as dust, general deterioration and the weather.
5 yearly
An environment where the equipment/supply cord is not prone to flexing or open to abuse - this is commonly referred to as a non-hostile environment - a typical example of this might be a company's server room.
Test and Tag Colour Code
Equipment that is tested and deemed to be in good condition can be fitted with a colour-coded tag. Coloured tags display the tag number, the name of the testing technician, device information, testing dates and the licence number of the tester.
In Queensland, businesses that operate in construction, demolition or mining are required to use the following colour system:
• Red
for equipment tested between December and February
• Green
for equipment tested between March and May
• Blue
for equipment tested between June and August
• Yellow
for equipment tested between September and November
The colour of the tag denotes when the last test was performed. This allows businesses and auditors to see when the next test is due at a glance.
If you don’t work in the above industries, you can use your own colour coding system.
Pricing
• We have a very simple fee structure with no call out fees or other hidden fees.
$160 minimum fee, which includes the first 10 tests and tags. $5 for each test and tag after that.
Discounts for 500 or more.
*Prices exclude GST
• 3, 6 or 12 month scheduled test and tag services offered.
• Full report provided after every test and tag.
Contact Details
Our professional and insured team is dedicated to providing top-notch test and tag services. Whether you have questions or concerns, rest assured that we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Trust us to make your test and tag experience smooth and stress-free.
Phone - Brisbane
Phone - Townsville
Email (all areas)
QLD Electrical Contractors