Test & Tag Regulation QLD

Test & Tag Regulations QLD

What is Test and Tag Regulation in Queensland?

If you’re testing and tagging in Queensland, there’s one major difference you need to know:

To offer test and tag as a service to others in QLD, you must hold a Restricted Electrical Contractors Licence from the QLD Electrical Safety Office - in addition to completing a Nationally Recognised Test & Tag Course.

In simpler terms: If you plan to test and tag equipment owned by anyone with a different ABN to yours, you’ll need to apply for this additional licence.

Testing and Tagging - Your Own Equipment

If you're only testing and tagging your own personal equipment in QLD, then the process is quite simple:

Testing and Tagging for Others- Providing a Service 

Testing and tagging as a service

If you’re offering test and tag services to other businesses or individuals, you’ll need to:

  • Complete a Nationally Recognised Test and Tag Course
  • Apply for a Restricted Electrical Contractors Licence via the QLD Electrical Safety Office
  • Follow AS/NZS 3760 or 3012
  • Maintain your skills and keep up with any regulatory changes

This applies whether you're subcontracting or operating as a standalone business.

Electrical Safety Office (ESO)

In Queensland, the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) - a division of WorkSafe QLD - is the authority that manages licensing for those wanting to provide test and tag services to others.

If you’re planning to test and tag equipment for anyone outside your own ABN, you’ll need to apply for a Restricted Electrical Contractor Licence. Completing a Nationally Recognised Test and Tag Course is the first step, but the ESO may also require you to complete basic business training depending on your background. They'll advise you of this during the application process.

Even if you’re working as a subcontractor and only offering test and tag within one business, the same licence requirement applies.

Want to get test and tag certified?
Our QLD Test & Tag Course is Nationally Recognised and sets you up for ESO licensing.

AS/NZS 3760 & 3012 Standards

In QLD, testing and tagging must comply with the AS/NZS 3760:2022 and AS/NZS 3012 Standards.

  • AS/NZS 3760 covers general safety inspection and testing procedures
  • AS/NZS 3012 is specific to high-risk environments like construction, demolition and mining

The standard was last updated in 2022 - replacing the older 2010 version. If you're unsure what's changed, see our breakdown of the 2022 Test & Tag Standard.

For workplaces covered under AS/NZS 3012 - such as construction, mining, and demolition - testing and tagging is a legal requirement due to the higher risk conditions and higher rate of wear and tear of electrical appliances.

For other industries, there is no strict legal obligation to test and tag. However, it’s strongly recommended, because if an electrical incident occurs and the equipment wasn’t tested, the employer can still be held liable under workplace safety laws.

Test Tag Colours QLD

If you’re working in Construction, Mining or Demolition, you must use Quarterly Test Tag Colours as set by AS/NZS 3012.

Test & Tag Colours Queensland

Here's how the Test & Tag Colour Coding works:

  • Red – December to February
  • Green – March to May
  • Blue – June to August
  • Yellow – September to November

This makes it quick and easy to spot whether an electrical item has been tested recently or is overdue.

If you work in mining or construction sites, check out our in-depth guides these environments, read our full guide on test and tag in construction and test and tag in mining. 

Worth noting: Some sites test more frequently than quarterly based on internal risk assessments or client-specific requirements. In these cases, colours may repeat within a year - but you still need to maintain clear records for compliance.

If you’re not in construction or similar industries, you're not legally required to follow the colour system - but many businesses still choose to adopt it for consistency and visibility.

Need more detail? Check out our full breakdown of Test & Tag Colours.

Test and Tag Intervals QLD

Testing Intervals depend on your work environment. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

  • Building, Construction and Demolition: every 3 months
  • Factories, Warehouses and Production: every 6 months
  • An environment where the equipment/supply cord is prone to flexing or open to abuse: every 12 months
  • An environment where the equipment/supply cord is not prone to flexing or open to abuse: every 5 years

Note: WorkSafe QLD also lists specific test and tag intervals that slightly differ from the national standards - so it's worth checking both - but this again is another change to the rest of Australia.

Ready to Get Started?

We offer face-to-face and online Test & Tag Courses in Queensland that are fully compliant with state requirements - ours is the highest qualification available.

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Or contact us if you have questions about getting started.