Electrical testing and tagging for Perth businesses
Testing and tagging is one control used to manage electrical risk at work. A sound program begins with the equipment, environment and legal duties, not a single timetable copied from another workplace.
Which equipment should be considered?
Portable plug-in equipment, extension leads, power boards and portable RCDs are common starting points. Risk is higher where equipment is moved often, exposed to moisture, dust, vibration, heat or rough handling, or used in construction and workshop environments. Fixed installations and hard-wired equipment require a different assessment.
Is every office appliance tested at the same interval?
No. Inspection and testing requirements depend on the applicable work health and safety rules, the type of work, the environment, the equipment and the relevant standard or manufacturer guidance. A low-risk office is not the same as a construction site or workshop. The responsible person should document the basis for the schedule and review it when equipment or conditions change.
What should happen when equipment is damaged?
Remove damaged or suspect equipment from service immediately, identify it clearly and prevent it from being used until it is repaired and verified or disposed of. A tag showing a past test does not make equipment safe after crushing, water exposure, a cut lead or another damaging event.
What records need to be kept?
WorkSafe WA’s electrical risk code says a testing record must identify the person who carried out the test, the test date, the outcome and the next test date. The record must be retained until the item is next tested, permanently removed or disposed of. A tag can form the record, while a register or database can make audits and asset tracking easier.
How to plan a useful testing and tagging visit
- Create or update an equipment register by site and work area.
- Identify high-risk environments and equipment used off-site.
- Include portable RCDs and shared leads where relevant.
- Schedule access around operations and advise staff.
- Nominate a contact who can approve isolation or minor repairs.
- Request clear results and a list of failed, repaired or removed items.
- Set the next review from the applicable requirements and assessed risk.
Questions to ask a provider
- What equipment and locations are included in the quote?
- How will failed items be isolated and reported?
- Will RCD and outlet testing be included where required?
- What record format will be supplied?
- Can work be scheduled to reduce operational disruption?
Official reference: WorkSafe WA: Managing electrical risks in the workplace code of practice.
