Compliance • Commercial • Sydney
Test and Tag Sydney: What It Is and When You Need It
Test and tag is the process of electrically testing portable appliances and tagging them with a compliance label. Under AS/NZS 3760:2022, NSW workplaces are responsible for ensuring all electrical equipment is safe to use. Here’s what the process involves, which businesses legally need it, how often, and what it costs in Sydney.
What Is Test and Tag — And What Does the Process Involve?
A licensed technician visually inspects each portable electrical item (cords, plugs, casings) and then uses a Portable Appliance Tester (PAT) to measure earth continuity, insulation resistance, and leakage current. Items that pass receive a dated compliance tag showing the test date, next test date, and the tester's ID. Items that fail are removed from service, labelled as failed, and either repaired or disposed of.
The whole process takes 1–3 minutes per item depending on the appliance type and any faults found.
Which NSW Businesses Legally Need Test and Tag?
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) and Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, all PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) must ensure that electrical equipment used at the workplace is electrically safe. AS/NZS 3760:2022 is the standard that defines what "electrically safe" means in practice.
In practical terms, every NSW business with employees using electrical equipment should have a test and tag program. It's not technically "mandatory" in the same way as a fire alarm — but if an employee is injured by a faulty appliance and you can't prove regular testing, SafeWork NSW will treat the absence of a test and tag program as a breach of the WHS duty of care.
Industries where test and tag is effectively non-negotiable:
- Construction sites — 3-month testing cycle under AS/NZS 3012
- Hospitality and food service — high moisture, high equipment turnover
- Manufacturing and industrial — heavy equipment, hostile environments
- Healthcare and aged care — patient safety + regulatory compliance
- Schools and childcare — duty of care to children
- Offices — lower risk but still required (12-month testing cycle typical)
How Often Does Equipment Need Testing in NSW?
| Environment | Testing interval |
|---|---|
| Construction / demolition sites | Every 3 months |
| Factories / workshops / warehouses | Every 6 months |
| Hospitality / commercial kitchens | Every 6–12 months |
| Offices / retail / education | Every 12 months |
| Residential rental properties | Not required (but recommended for landlord-supplied appliances) |
What Does Test and Tag Cost in Sydney?
Test and tag pricing in Sydney is typically structured per item, with volume discounts for larger jobs:
- 1–50 items: $15–$20 per item
- 50–200 items: $15–$18 per item
- 200+ items: $12–$15 per item
- Minimum call-out fee: $100–$200 (covers travel + setup)
A typical small office with 30–50 items (computers, monitors, kettles, microwaves, power boards, phone chargers) costs $150–$350 once a year. A construction site with 100+ tools costs $300–$600 every 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is test and tag legally required in NSW?
There's no single law that says 'you must test and tag.' However, under the NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011, all businesses must ensure electrical equipment is safe. AS/NZS 3760:2022 defines the testing standard. If someone is injured by a faulty appliance and you have no test and tag records, SafeWork NSW will likely find you non-compliant with your duty of care.
How much does test and tag cost in Sydney?
Typically $3–$8 per item depending on volume, plus a $100–$200 minimum callout fee. A small office (30–50 items) costs $150–$350 per year. A construction site (100+ tools) costs $300–$600 per quarter.
How often do I need test and tag in an office?
Every 12 months for standard office environments under AS/NZS 3760:2022. Higher-risk environments (construction, manufacturing, hospitality) need testing every 3–6 months.
What happens if an appliance fails the test?
The item is immediately removed from service and tagged as 'FAILED — DO NOT USE.' The appliance is either repaired by a qualified person and retested, or disposed of. Under no circumstances should a failed item continue to be used — it's a direct safety and liability risk.
Do I need to test and tag my own personal items at work?
Technically, items owned by employees (personal phone chargers, fans, heaters) fall under the business's WHS obligation once they're used at the workplace. Best practice: include them in the test program or prohibit personal appliances on site.
Can I do test and tag myself?
You can if you're a 'competent person' as defined in AS/NZS 3760 — meaning you have the knowledge and equipment to perform the tests correctly. In practice, most businesses use a licensed electrician or accredited test and tag service because the liability exposure of DIY testing is significant if something goes wrong.
Need test and tag for your Sydney workplace?
We run test and tag programs for offices, construction sites, hospitality, and industrial businesses across Sydney. Certified, compliant, with full documentation for your WHS records.