Dependable Australian Test and Tag Services
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), also known as electrical appliance testing or test and tagging, is an integral part of maintaining safety in any environment, including workplaces, homes, and schools. Poorly maintained equipment, tools, and other instruments can increase the risks of injuries for employees and others within the vicinity.
As per the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, businesses are required to manage risk and perform duties that are reasonable and practicable, to ensure the health and safety of employees. The best way to mitigate electrical safety risks is by routinely engaging trained technicians with expertise and knowledge in appliance safety and testing.
What Test and Tag?
Test and Tag is a process of systematically checking electrical appliances, from everyday items such as microwaves and laptops to more specialised appliances such as forklift chargers and drills. Testing must adhere to Australian standards AS/NZS 3760:2010.
During Test and Tag, items will be barcoded and an itemised asset report will be prepared for your records. Items that are deemed unsafe from a visual inspection and/or failing the polarity, earth bond and insulation resistance tests will be flagged immediately.
We pride ourselves in providing a professional service that is tailored to you and your business needs, therefore, our quotes are the same.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help you with electrical safety and compliance, protecting your business.
How often do I need to do Test and Tag?
Testing frequency will depend on the appliance, environment, and industry for which it is used. In consult with the standards, we will be able to provide advice regarding the items that require testing; the frequency of testing; and support you to create a testing schedule.
Test and Tag FAQ's
What do I need to test and tag for compliance?
Items that require electricity to operate need to undergo safety checks and tagging. Please see the list below (please note that this is not an exhaustive list):
- Laptops and computers (including chargers)
- Phones and chargers
- Extension cords and power boards
- Kitchen appliances (such as blenders, kettles, and microwaves)
- RCD safety switches
- Portable electrical equipment (such as grinders, and drills)
- Photocopiers
- Fans
- Air compressors
We can advise you of the appliances that need to be tested.
How often do I need to test my appliances?
This would depend on the appliance, usage, industry and location; however, it can be anywhere between 1 month and 5 years. We can advise you on the frequency of testing and propose a maintenance schedule.
How much does Test and Tag cost?
This will depend on the number of appliances that require testing. Investment for Test and Tag is tiered. Having more testing done reduces the price per tag.
How do I know what has been tested?
An asset report will be created and sent to you upon completion of the test.
How long does Test and Tag take?
Testing and tagging a single appliance takes approximately 3 minutes. The duration of testing and tagging an entire workplace will depend on the number of appliances and the ease of access to these appliances. As an estimate, a workplace with 50 appliances can take between 2-3 hours.
To reduce the duration of the testing, where possible, switch off the appliances and gather them into a designated space. This will allow technicians to visually inspect and test the item’s polarity, earth bond and insulation resistance more efficiently. For appliances that need to stay switched on, the process of testing will take a little longer but any disruption to your daily operations should be minimal.
Can Test and Tag be done during normal business hours?
Yes! When planned and organised ahead of time, Test and Tag should cause minimal disruption to your workday.