Test & Tag Regulations VIC
Traditionally across Australia, states and territories had somewhat different test and tag regulations or requirements.
In order to test and tag in Victoria specifically, you don’t necessarily need to be an electrician or have an electrical background. Basically, you need to be considered a Competent Person, something that is acquired after successfully completing a test and tag course.
AS/NZS 3760 & 3012 Standards
The AS 3760 and 3012 are the main Australian Standards used for testing and tagging in Victoria, while Victoria Workcover Authority are responsible for ensuring organisations comply. With the exception of Queensland who have slightly different requirements, Victoria and the rest of Australia are now all aligned and follow the same system for testing and tagging.
The Test and Tag Standard was updated in 2022 and now includes a host of changes since the previous version set in 2010. It's also now referred to as AS/NZS 3760:2022.
Test & Tag Colours VIC
Other test and tag requirements which are relevant to Victoria include test and tag colours. Each colour corresponds to a different period of the year where the test has been conducted. This would apply to people working in construction, demolition, marine and mining. If you’re not working in those industries, you are not required to use a specific colour, although we do recommend it for simplicity.
Similarly to the above, while some states had different tag colours historically, they are all now the same across the board.
Test & Tag Intervals VIC
Testing intervals, otherwise known as test and tag frequencies, are based around the type of environment an electrical appliance is used in. We recommend the following intervals:
- Building, construction and demolition: 3 months
- Factories, warehouses and production: 6 months
- An environment where the equipment/supply cord is prone to flexing or open to abuse: 12 months
- An environment where the equipment/supply cord is not prone to flexing or open to abuse: 5 years