What Is AS/NZS 3760?
The AS/NZS 3760 is an Australian Standard that oversees the Test and Tag industry in regards to electrical safety of portable appliances. Its main goal is to ensure workplaces are safe by setting out recommendations in relation to testing 240V, 3 phase and low voltage electrical equipment.
Specifically, these recommendations focus on topics that range from Test and Tag frequencies, inspection and testing specifications, record keeping and other general guidelines. This extends to any equipment or appliances brought into the workplace i.e. battery charger, laptop chargers, electric drill etc. If the equipment is not safe and causes an accident, both the employer and the person who provided the appliance may be liable.
Often referred to as test and tag, it's also denoted as testing and tagging, portable appliance testing and PAT Testing.
Competent Person
The AS/NZS 3760:2022 also stipulates the requirements a person needs to fulfill to be considered a Competent Person - a necessity for someone who wants to Test and Tag.
The Standard states that anybody that acquires the practical and theoretical skills through the following are allowed to test and tag in Australia:
- Training (i.e. test and tag course)
- Experience on the job
- Qualification
- A combination of the above
This basically means that even if you’re not an electrician, you can certainly still learn to test and tag. The majority of our test and tag students have no electrical knowledge at all and they become a Competent Person from the training course.
Test & Tag Regulations
Although we have a National Standard to follow, within Australia we also have the respective State/Territory Regulator Bodies that are responsible for ensuring that organisations comply with the requirements.
The key differences reside in Queensland (QLD) and Western Australia (WA).
In WA, anyone wanting to test and tag must complete a Nationally Recognised course provided by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). In other states, some training companies offer non-accredited courses, which do not meet the same standard.
For people living QLD - If you plan to provide test and tag services for others (i.e. testing equipment that belongs to different businesses or individuals than yourself), you are required to obtain a Restricted Electrical Contractor’s License from the Electrical Safety Office. This is in addition to completing a Nationally Recognised Course.
| State | Regulator |
| Victoria | Victoria Workcover Authority |
| New South Wales | SafeWork NSW |
| Queensland | Electrical Safety Office |
| Western Australia | WorkSafe WA Commission |
| South Australia | SafeWork SA |
| Tasmania | Workplace Standards Tasmania |
| Northern Territory | WorkSafe NT |
| ACT | WorkSafe ACT |
The New Test and Tag Standard
In 2022 the Test and Tag Standard was officially updated and this meant a host of changes across a wide-range of different topics. This ranged at everything from general wording changes, information within tables being adjusted, what's required for record keeping and the actual name of the Standard itself, to just name a few.
Being referred to now as the AS/NZS 3760:2022, it's important you have a clear understanding of those changes and stay up-to-date with your skills and knowledge.
As some topics can be difficult to interpret and sometimes misunderstood, we're happy to help explain any parts you're unsure about by calling 1300 848 302.
| << What is Test & Tag? | 5 Tips for Starting a Test and Tag Business >> |