Frequently Asked Questions

  • Safety is a priority in every workplace.

    Ensuring that all electrical equipment is properly inspected and maintained is a critical part of this, the test and tag process involves testing electrical appliances to verify their safety and tagging them with the results and the next due date for testing.

    The process ensures that appliances meet Australian workplace safety standards, reducing the risk of accidents or equipment failures. To protect employees, visitors and customers, a qualified person performs visual and electrical test on every eligible item, to assess if it’s in satisfactory working condition.

    Electrical testing and tagging is achieved by using a portable appliance tester (PAT) commonly known as a pat tester or test & tag machine.

    Items such as power tools, extension cords, computers, power supplies, monitors, chargers, printers, faxes, kettles, microwaves, fridges, chillers, cleaning equipment, hairdryers, radios, the list seems endless, but the goal is clear: Ensure the safety of your workforce and workplace to avoid accidents, injuries or fatalities.

    Failed items are tagged out of service and reported to the appropriate owner or manager, with a recommendation such as repair or replace.

    The tagging process is a visual aide and reminder, by installing a label to each piece of equipment tested showing its status, test date, and the next due date, the user can see it’s compliance immediately, escalating, if necessary, when found to be out of date or nearing renewal.

    If we’ve tested your items previously, Shield Test & Tag can send a free reminder when your items are nearing their renewal date, we’d like to think we provided a professional, competitive and friendly service worthy of rescheduling.

  • In Australia the test and tag frequency or interval, refers to how long is required before or between an electrical appliance being tested and tagged.

    The Standard from 2010 referred to Table 4, superseded by Table 2.4 in the new AS/NZS 3760:2022 makes recommendations for electrical testing and tagging intervals, and should be considered the minimum, most workplaces and company owners will have alternative test and tag frequencies due to their own risk management and OHS strategies, noting that the frequencies can be shortened but cannot be lengthened.

    To understand test and tag intervals and how often an electrical appliance should be tested, the main consideration is the environment that the appliance is located in.

    The following frequencies are recommended for these common environments:

    • 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, production - this type of an environment isn't considered as harsh, but because appliances are generally 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.

  • There are two types of RCD; ‘Fixed’ and ‘Portable’

    Fixed: These are installed commonly in electrical distribution boxes or panels along with the regular manual circuit breakers, the individual RCD’s are manually tested and periodically electrically tested for trip times with a simulated fault current, this is basically how quickly the power is switched off, should a disruption normally associated with electric shock or electrocution be detected. A mini compliance tag or sticker is placed next to the RCD which shows the recorded trip time and next test date. 

    Portable: These do have a cable which inserts into the host supply, and each outlet is tested electrically to correctly operate the switching device in the same principal as the fixed version, then a regular tag is placed on the supply cable, we also sticker the unit with the recorded trip time.

    An RCD is designed primarily to protect and preserve life, making this test a vital occurrence.

  • No, 3-phase test and tag is a dedicated form of electrical safety testing and tagging that focuses on portable three-phase equipment, ensuring safe operation and reducing electrical hazards in industrial and commercial settings. 

    3-phase test and tag equipment includes specialised testers and adaptors to perform the necessary tests on 3-phase appliances due to the variance of Amperage and number of conductors.

  • In short, yes, specifically, for people working within the hire industry (or anyone wanting to hire equipment for themselves) they need to be aware of the minimum requirements as set by the AS/NZS 3760 and 3012 Australian Standards.

    1. Visual Inspection - equipment must be visually inspected by the hirer before every hire or lease

    2. Tested and Tagged - equipment needs to be tested and tagged every 3 months (it's the hirer's responsibility when it's in their possession) and no longer than 1 month for construction sites

    3. Equipment Condition - It is important to ascertain if the equipment is new or used. In case of second-hand equipment, it is highly recommended that the equipment is carefully inspected before use to ensure safety and compliance

    4. Responsibility - If the person hiring the equipment has an item for more than 3 months, it becomes their responsibility to have it tested.

    The Australian Standard indicates that hire equipment must be visually inspected prior to every hire. Additionally, a push button test must be performed by the hirer for an RCD.

    So, if you’re looking to hire equipment, make sure you check it has been inspected prior to hiring, this ensures you are using a compliant item.

    With regards to the actual testing of the item - this must be tested and tagged every 3 months. Once the client is using the equipment, if they happen to have it longer than 3 months, it then becomes their responsibility to have it tested.

  • Currently, In Australia, when the equipment is new, the supplier is deemed responsible for its initial electrical safety.

    To be clear, newly purchased equipment does not need to be electrically tested. However, it will still need to be visually inspected for any obvious damage and tagged, a ‘New to Service’ tag is used which indicates that the item has not been tested and will require testing at a later date.

    By using New to Service test tags on all new equipment you are remaining compliant with the AS/NZS 3760 Standard.

  • If an electrical accident or incident occurs and testing and tagging has been omitted on an item in question, the employer could be held liable. This liability may result in fines or other legal implications. Some insurance policies require proof of compliance. This applies to all industries including the office environment.

    Unfortunately, if there was a compliance issue in a more heavily regulated industry, such as construction, WorkSafe WA can shutdown sites and issue fines.

    The severity and consequences will depend on the specific circumstances of the incident. To avoid potential legal and financial implications, further risk to employee safety and damage to the business’s reputation, it's much easier and safer to include testing and tagging into your safety structure.

  • Microwave leakage testing is crucial for safety, ensuring microwaves don't emit excessive radiation. This involves using specialised equipment to measure radiation levels around the oven, ensuring they stay below the limits specified in relevant standards like AS/NZS 60335.2

    Microwave radiation can be harmful if it leaks excessively, so regular testing is essential to identify and address potential issues. 

    Microwave leakage testing should be conducted regularly, typically every 12 months, to ensure safety and prevent potential health hazards

  • Yes, $20 million Liabilities.

  • This is a required, six monthly scheduled, thorough, inspection of a fire extinguisher which is in service, in accordance with AS1851 ensuring the correct type, and is in good condition ready for use in the event of an emergency. This includes the installation, and signage is checked to AS2444.

    A full report is provided with any recommendations that may have been highlighted during the testing process.

  • A six monthly activity where the fire blanket is firstly checked for accessibility and has been installed in accordance with AS2444, signage should also be visible and correct, the blanket container should be clean and undamaged with a service record ‘Tag/Label’ attached.

    The blanket is removed and inspected for any damage or contamination, also checking the handles are in good condition, critically, the blanket must be folded as per the manufactures recommendation in order that it can be removed from the container quickly and deployed correctly.

    Note: Once a blanket has been used on a fire, it should be taken out of service and replaced.

  • Yes, the hose sits coiled on a reel for a significant length of time and is subject to deterioration and degradation due to environmental conditions, over time this deterioration could render the hose inadequate.

    The water travelling through the hose is also checked, aside from obvious leaks,  the flow rate has to achieve a minimum for the diameter of hose being tested, as stated in AS1851 and of course, a check of the valve operation.

  • In Australia there are regulations on second-hand products to protect and ensure the safety of the consumer. Sellers must comply with these regulations to prevent misleading consumers about the quality and condition of goods offered.

    The responsibility to ensure the safety and quality of these goods falls on the seller's shoulders, and this is where testing comes into effect.

    The legislation and standards for testing second-hand electrical items are:

    • AS/NZS 5761: In-service safety inspection and testing – Second-hand equipment prior to sale

    • AS/NZS 3760: Competence of persons performing electrical work

    • AS/NZS 3112: Standard for AC power plugs and sockets

  • Yes, absolutely. Shield Test & Tag values the client’s workspace and treats it with the utmost respect and confidentiality, current Police Clearances are also maintained for that extra reassurance.

  • The price varies with the number of items to be tested, high volume testing comes at a reduced rate, where minimal numbers may attract a service fee dependant on location.