How often do you need test and tag in Victoria?

How often do you need to test and tag electrical equipment in Victoria?

There is no single interval fixed in Victorian law. WorkSafe Victoria says how often you test and tag depends on the type of equipment, the environment it works in, and how it is used, and it points duty holders to the standard AS/NZS 3760:2022 for recommended timeframes. As a rule, harsher environments need more frequent testing.

In a factory or workshop that usually means every six months. On a construction site it is far more often. In a quiet office it can stretch to years. The sections below break down the intervals, who is allowed to test, and what records you need to keep so it holds up.

Is test and tag legally required in Victoria?

Not as a named rule for most workplaces. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) does not use the words "test and tag", but it requires an employer, so far as is reasonably practicable, to provide and maintain plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Regular testing is how many employers meet that duty for electrical equipment.

The exception is construction. Electrical equipment on construction and demolition sites is covered by its own WorkSafe Victoria industry standard and stricter testing applies. So while there is no blanket "you must test every appliance" clause, an inspector will expect you to show the equipment you control is being kept safe — current records are a large part of what WorkSafe checks on a factory visit.

How often should each type of workplace test and tag?

It depends on the environment. WorkSafe Victoria treats factories, workshops and manufacturing areas as "hostile environments" where heat, dust, moisture, vibration and sharp edges make damage more likely, so they need more frequent checks than a quiet office. Construction sites are tested most often of all. The intervals below are the recommended timeframes drawn from the relevant Australian Standards.

Environment	Typical examples	Recommended interval	Standard
Construction & demolition sites	Power tools, extension leads on site	Commonly every 3 months	AS/NZS 3012
Factories, workshops, manufacturing	Grinders, welders, portable leads	Every 6 months	AS/NZS 3760:2022
Commercial kitchens, hire equipment	Appliances in wet or shared use	6 to 12 months	AS/NZS 3760:2022
Offices, low-risk (rarely moved)	Computers, monitors, chargers	Up to 5 years, where a risk assessment supports it	AS/NZS 3760:2022

These are recommended intervals, not a legal minimum. If your equipment takes more of a beating than the environment suggests, test it more often. AS/NZS 3760:2022 is the benchmark WorkSafe Victoria refers to when deciding whether an employer has done enough. Testing intervals are easiest to stay on top of when they sit alongside your other preventive maintenance intervals.

Who is allowed to test and tag equipment in Victoria?

A "competent person". WorkSafe Victoria does not require a specific licence or electrical qualification to carry out a pass/fail test and tag — the person needs the right training, knowledge and testing equipment for the task. Competency should be documented so you can show who did the work.

There is an important limit. A competent person can test and tag, but only a licensed electrician can repair a fault found during testing. So testing tells you whether an item passes; fixing a failed item is separate, licensed work.

What records do you need to keep?

Keep a record of every test. WorkSafe Victoria expects employers to keep records of their electrical safety maintenance program, including any testing and tagging, and to make them available for review and inspection. A tag on the lead is not enough on its own.

A defensible record shows what was tested, the date, who tested it, the result, and when the next test is due. When an inspector or your insurer asks, that register is the difference between "we think it's covered" and proof on the spot. It works best as one part of a workplace safety system, not another standalone spreadsheet.

Does a current tag mean the equipment is safe?

No. WorkSafe Victoria is clear that a test tag only shows the item passed at the time it was tested — it can be damaged the day after. That is why a visual check before use matters more than the tag date.

Before plugging in, look for cuts, fraying or heavy scuffing on the lead, a damaged plug or bent pins, taped or joined leads, exposed coloured wires, and burn marks or staining. Tag out and remove anything damaged straight away, even if its tag is current.

Frequently asked questions

Does test and tag apply to brand-new equipment? New equipment does not usually need a full test before first use, but it should be visually checked and entered into your register so its testing cycle starts. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and the interval for its environment from then on.

Can I do my own test and tag in-house? Yes, if the person doing it is a competent person with the right training and a suitable tester. Many manufacturers train a staff member for routine pass/fail testing and call a licensed electrician only when something fails or needs repair.

What happens if WorkSafe finds untested equipment? WorkSafe Victoria inspectors can issue improvement or prohibition notices where electrical risks are not being controlled. The practical fix is a simple, current register and a habit of visual checks before use, so you can demonstrate control at any time.

If you are not sure your testing register would stand up to a WorkSafe visit, a safety manager from our team can review your electrical testing program as part of a site assessment. You can book one at ardmor.com.au/book-audit.

This article is general information for Victorian manufacturers, not legal advice. Last updated: 14 July 2026.