Test and Tag’s Role in Managing Electrical Risks at Work

Managing electrical risks at work starts with recognising that while electricity keeps your business moving, everyday use can hide hazards. One faulty item can trigger a shock, a fire, or costly downtime.

The fix isn't luck. It's a routine test and tag program that finds issues early and proves compliance.

Common electrical hazards in the workplace

Consider the electrical equipment your employees use daily. Tools, appliances, and leads that get dragged across floors or plugged in and out multiple times a day. Over time, they wear down, and without regular checks, that wear can turn into a serious hazard.

The risks you face most often include:

• Damaged or deteriorated cords/plugs — cuts, exposed conductors, bent pins (includes chargers and power supplies).
• Overloading and non-compliant adapters — powerboards daisy-chained, double adapters, and cheap/non-approved plugs cause heat and poor connections.
• Misused extension leads — reels left coiled under load, cords run under doors/pallets/rugs leading to overheating or crushing damage.
• Unauthorised repairs — taped joins, DIY fixes, or bypassed strain relief/earthing that hide faults.
• Equipment not suited to the environment — using gear without the right IP rating in wet, dusty, or corrosive areas.
• Missing or failed earth on Class I appliances — turns minor faults into serious shock risks.
• Safety switches not tested – RCDs (residual current device) are your last line of defence, but only if they're installed and checked on schedule.
• Poor record-keeping – without a clear register of equipment and test dates, proving compliance during an audit is almost impossible.

If SafeWork NSW were to investigate your site tomorrow, would you be confident in the accuracy of your records? Learn more about SafeWork NSW’s requirements in their Electrical Risks at the Workplace fact sheet

What does test and tag involve?

Think of it as a health check for your electrical gear. A trained, competent technician inspects and tests your equipment in line with AS/NZS 3760:2022, tags it with a clear result, and logs it in your asset register. That way, you always know what's safe to use and what needs attention.

Testing frequency depends on your workplace:

• High-risk environments, such as construction sites or areas with wet conditions, require gear to be tested every few months.
• Low-risk spaces, such as offices, can go longer between checks.

It's a risk-based system that adapts to your business, not the other way around.

Test and tag also covers RCD testing to ensure your switches trip quickly in the event of a fault — something you can't confirm with a glance or a multimeter.

Here's what regular test and tag gives you:

• Peace of mind that staff and visitors are safe
• Fewer breakdowns and disruptions
• Clean, audit-ready records
• Proof you've met your WHS obligations
• Less stress when inspectors or insurers ask for evidence

In short, test and tag is your frontline defence against hidden electrical risks, keeping your people safe and your business compliant.