What is electrical testing and tagging?

There are a number of electrical injuries and deaths in Australia each year, most of which could possibly have been prevented with proper test and tag procedures.

Testing and tagging refers to the inspection process of testing all electrical equipment to ensure it is safe for use. A visual inspection for defects, such as damage or missing components as well as electrical tests to measure things such as insulation resistance and earth continuity, can be lifesaving.

Hazards in electrical equipment can’t always been seen with the eyes, but the effects of an electric shock can be catastrophic.

One such fatal incident, due to electrical hazards, occurred back in 2004 in Western Australia, where an electrician sustained a fatal shock whilst working on a low voltage switchboard – you don’t want this to be you.

Who says you have to do it?

Regular testing and tagging must be done in order to be compliant with AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.

All tools and leads in a hostile environment must be tested by a ‘competent’ person. Testing of electrical switchboards and residual current devices should be undertaken by a licensed electrician. 

Victoria’s electrical safety regulations define a competent person as someone who has acquired the knowledge and skill to enable that person to inspect and test electrical equipment through training, qualifications and/or experience. Master Builders can help you manage testing and tagging through our Electrical Testing and Tagging course.

Who is responsible for testing and tagging?

Under section 21 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004) employers have a duty to, so far as is reasonably practicable, provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and without risks to health.

Electrical hazards create a risk to health and safety – electrical cords and equipment can easily be damaged on construction sites.

The most common electrical risks and causes of injury are:

• Electric shock causing injury or death. The electric shock may be received by direct or indirect contact, tracking through or across a medium, or by arcing. For example, electric shock may result from indirect contact where a conductive part that is not normally energised becomes energised due to a fault (e.g. metal toaster body, fence);
• Arcing, explosion or fire-causing burns. The injuries are often suffered because arcing and/or explosion occur when high fault currents are present;
• Electric shock from ‘step-and-touch’ potentials;
• Toxic gases causing illness or death, where burning and arcing associated with electrical equipment may release various gases and contaminants; and
• Fire resulting from an electrical fault.

How often should it be done?

The class of work determines how often specified electrical equipment and safety switches are tested. Below is a general guide to testing intervals.





Further information can be found in WorkSafe’s published Electrical installations on construction sitesindustry standard and AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-service Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.