In-Service Safety Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment

environments where testing and tagging of electrical equipment is required, such as electrical

equipment used for construction work (as defined in the Regulation) and electrical equipment used 

in other ‘hostile operating environments’.

If you are an employer or self-employed person, you have a duty of care to ensure that employees

and visitors to the workplace are safe from injury and risks to health. You must, therefore, manage 

To support the application of a risk management approach to electrical safety, you must also comply

maintained by a competent person to ensure it is safe for use, and

and maintained by a competent person to ensure it is safe for use, and

electricity supply and is repaired, replaced or permanently removed from use.

and maintenance carried out on electrical equipment.

a place of work where an item of electrical equipment is, in its normal use, subject to operating

conditions that are likely to result in damage to the item of equipment. This includes an operating

likely to result in damage to the item of equipment.

assessment determine that inspection and testing of identified electrical equipment is warranted.

Clause 64(1) of the OHS Regulation requires the employer to ensure that any risk of injury from

electricity at a place of work is eliminated or, if elimination is not reasonably practicable, the risk is

controlled.

A risk assessment must be carried out on electrical equipment that does not fit into the above

categories. After the risk assessment, you can then implement a range of control measures to 

manage the safe operation of electrical equipment that is used in the workplace, including:

switches

electrical equipment.

Regulation.

risk assessment carried out in accordance with the OHS Regulation.

(a) the name of the person who made the inspection or carried out the test or maintenance,

(b) the date on which or the dates over which, the inspection was made or the test or maintenance

was carried out,

(c) the result or outcome of the inspection, test or maintenance, and

(d) the date by which the next inspection and test must be carried out.

The requirements for recording the results of inspections and tests carried out on construction sites

Records can consist of documents, logbooks, asset registers or a computerised database. They

should be located conveniently so that managers, employees and employee representatives can

access the information.

WorkCover inspectors have the right to examine the records of employers, which are required to be

kept by the Regulation.

Records of maintenance, including (but not limited to) inspections and tests, should be kept

throughout the working life of the electrical equipment.

Such records are a useful management tool for reviewing the frequency of the inspection and 

testing, and ensuring that regular inspection has been carried out.

The Standard AS/NZS 3760 recommends that inspection and testing records be retained for a 

period not less than seven years.

Although not required by the Regulation, WorkCover recommends that for electrical equipment 

being used in a non-hostile operating environment that a documented risk assessment be 

Any such record of a risk assessment should be retained for a period of 12 months.

undertaking an inspection and recording the results of a risk assessment of your workplace 

electrical equipment.

equipment must be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the OHS Regulation. The

safety must be inspected and tested in accordance with the provisions of the Standard, AS/NZS 

3760 prior to the equipment being placed back into service at the workplace.

testing of electrical equipment is warranted and must be carried out in accordance with the 

The inspection and testing of electrical equipment must be done by a “competent person” as defined

in Clause 3 of the Regulation.

Regardless of who does the work the personnel must be authorised by the employer and must be

adequately trained and instructed to do the work. Moreover, the person authorising the work must

make sure that the inspection and testing program is appropriate and adequate for the needs of the

workplace and complies with the legislative requirements described in clause 64 and 65 of the

Regulation.

Some electrical inspection and testing tasks require a degree of technical expertise and 

interpretation of results and, therefore, can only be carried out by appropriately qualified personnel.

If in doubt, the person authorising the inspection and testing program should obtain advice from a

person qualified and experienced in electrical equipment inspection and testing, for example an

electrician, electrical contractor or specialist testing provider.

A competent person (the Regulation, clause 3) is a person who has acquired - through training,

qualification or experience, (or a combination of them) the knowledge and skills enabling the person 

to perform the task correctly. In this context, this task would be that of inspecting and testing 

electrical equipment.

Whoever is responsible for ensuring a particular task is carried out must determine that the person

engaged to carry out that task is competent to do so. In determining a person’s competency, due

consideration must be given to their qualifications, the training they have received relevant to the 

task in hand, and their previous experience in doing similar tasks.

Some tasks associated with electrical installation inspection and testing will require a particular

competence, such as a formal electrical qualification and/or licence. Therefore a qualified and

Other tasks, such as the inspection, testing and tagging of plug-in type electrical equipment, can be

carried out by a ‘competent person’, who does not have a formal electrical qualifications. Such a

person must still be able to demonstrate they have the necessary training, qualification or 

experience, (or a combination of them), to carry out the inspecting and testing task in a competent 

manner.

A person that holds a Restricted Electrical Licence issued by the NSW Office of Fair Trading, or

equivalent State agency is required to have completed a TAFE qualification following the completion

of a training course of 54 hours duration. The training course covers a broad range of electrical 

related topics,   including the use of testing instruments such as insulation resistance testers and 

multimeters. People holding the above licence and who have maintained their level of competency 

through regular on-the-job use of electrical testing instruments, should be capable of performing the 

inspection and testing activities outlined in the Standard AS/NZ 3760.

The decision about the competency level of such a licence holder rests with the employer, who must

be satisfied that the person is competent to perform the inspection and testing tasks required by the

Standard, AS/NZS 3760.

new equipment in accordance with the principles of safe design and manufacture.

It is, therefore, not necessary for to test new equipment but the equipment should be checked to

ensure no damage has occurred during shipment or commissioning.

Following the inspection and if the item of electrical equipment is to be placed into service in a 

hostile operating environment or used for construction work the new equipment should be fitted with 

a tag marked with the date it went into service.

This action sets a baseline date to work with for future electrical inspection and testing activities.

operated in a hostile operating environment does not require testing.

to its size and mass located in a specific location.

carrying handle(s).

The following categories, list plug-in type electrical equipment that is commonly used in construction

work or in a hostile operating environment that must be inspected, tested and tagged.

particular to their workplace that requires inspection and testing.

Electrical equipment used for construction work. Portable power tools, extension leads, portable 

outlet  device (power boards), portable lighting equipment, portable welders, electric concrete 

outlets devices (power boards) electrical equipment used in office tea and lunch rooms does not

normally present a risk to the user. This is due to:

In workplaces like these, a risk assessment must be carried out in accordance with the risk

management provisions of the OHS Regulation. If the risk assessment determines the electrical

The Standard AS/NZS 3760 covers testing of both 240 and 415 volt electrical equipment, and 

requires that a range of tests be carried out on the equipment, including,

appropriate to the task. Most Portable Appliance Testers (PATs) are specifically designed to perform

tests on 240 volt electrical equipment; therefore they cannot be used to perform tests on 415 volt

three-phase electrical equipment.

This term relates to diversity in a working environment where electrical equipment is used.

A factory may have a manufacturing area, lunchroom and a low risk office area – these constitute

multiple working environments. Although the workplace is a factory, the electrical equipment that is

used at each different location should be assessed separately. If any of the electrical equipment has

tested in accordance with the provisions of the Standard, AS/NZS 3760.

fluorescent light fittings which are above the floor, and not normally able to be touched by a person.

This type of electrical equipment is often fitted with a flexible supply lead and connected via a plug 

and socket but due to the location of the equipment does not pose a risk and therefore does not 

require testing and tagging.

product demonstration. This new equipment does not fall within the scope of the Standard and

therefore does not need testing and tagging.

The Standard AS/NZS 3760 requires that a range of tests be carried out on electrical equipment,

including earthing continuity, insulation resistance, leakage current and the operation of Residual

Current Devices (RCDs).

Testing instruments that can be used to perform these tests include, an insulation resistance tester

(commonly known as a megger), continuity tester, multimeter, Portable Appliance Tester (PAT) and 

an RCD Tester (for testing the operation of a Residual Current Device).

appropriate to the task. Most PAT Testers are specifically designed to perform tests on 240 volt

electrical equipment; therefore they cannot be used to perform tests on 415 volt equipment.

A Portable Appliance Tester (PAT) is an electronic testing instrument designed to perform a range 

of automatic tests on plug-in type electrical equipment as outlined in the Standard AS/NZS 3760.

The results indicated by a PAT require no technical interpretation, however the instrument must still 

be used by a ‘competent person’ trained in its use.

Persons wanting to be trained in the requirements of the relevant OHS legislation, the provisions of

the Standard AS/NZS 3760 and the use of a PAT should contact a Registered Training Organisation

(RTO), which has developed a training course for this subject. For example a number of RTOs 

deliver a Nationally Recognised Training course UEENEEP008B:  'Conduct in-service safety 

testing of electrical cord assemblies and cord connected equipment'. This Nationally 

Recognised Training offers a "Statement of Attainment" on successful completion. A Statement of 

Attainment is issued by a Registered Training Organisation when an individual completes 

one or more units of competency from a nationally recognised qualification. For more information 

on training (see training providers).

work activity of testing and tagging of electrical equipment.

WorkCover does not require a ‘competent person’ who has completed a PAT training course to

undertake refresher training or have their Statement of Attainment or Certificate renewed each year.

If you have completed testing and tagging training, you should ensure that you maintain your level of

competency via regular on-the-job application of learnt skills, and through the inspections and tests

outlined in the Standard, AS/NZS 3760.

Your competency levels may need to be periodically updated following technological advances in 

both testing instrumentation, and the electrical equipment that is being inspected and tested.

The decision on the competence or otherwise of a ‘competent person’ rests with the employer, who

must make sure that the person is competent to perform the inspection and testing tasks required by

the Standard, AS/NZS 3760.

documentation.

In this case, a ‘competent person’ who is not a licensed electrician can use an identifying number

particular to them. This could be the ‘accountable number’ recorded on their Statement of 

training.

If, following inspection and testing, you find the electrical equipment to be compliant, you must 

attach a tag marked with the name of the person or company who performed the test; and the test 

date or retest date. Refer to Section 2 of the Standard AS/NZS 3760.

There is no barrier to you designing and making your own tags. The decision on whether to design

and make a tag rests with the employer and would depend largely on the skills and resources

available to them. Importantly, any such tag must meet the requirements of the Standard. Refer

Section 2 of the Standard AS/NZS 3760.

This Standard provides employers with practical guidance on the inspection and testing of, and 

record keeping about, electrical equipment they may use at their workplace. The Standard does not 

apply to construction sites.

Electrical practices on construction sites, including inspection and testing of electrical equipment, 

To view this guidance material and the FAQs, visit WorkCover’s website at

WorkCover does not sell Australian Standards. Standards can be purchased from Standards 

Australia either in hard copy format, or they can be purchased as a download from the Standards 

Australia website.

286 Sussex Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Customer Service Centre on phone: 131 242

checked by an RCD testing instrument.

A ‘competent person’ trained in the use of an RCD tester. If it is necessary to access the RCD via 

an electrical supply distribution board, a licensed electrician may be required to carry out the task.

Testing and tagging of electrical articles owned by the residents would only be required if a risk

assessment (carried out by the controller of the workplace) indicated that the items of electrical

equipment was being used in a hostile operating environment.

An aged care village/nursing home is commonly broken into three types of areas and the 

requirements for testing and tagging vary greatly depending on the level of control exercised by the 

‘controller of premises’. Who pays for the testing and tagging is for the controller of premises and 

the resident to agree on, buttypically the cost (where it is required) is passed onto the resident.

This is not a workplace; therefore it does not fall under WorkCover's jurisdiction. There would be no

requirement to have the resident's electrical equipment tested and tagged.

The controller of the premises is responsible for having the resident's electrical equipment tested 

and tagged if a risk assessment indicates that the articles operate in a hostile operating 

environment.

The controller of the premises is responsible for having the resident's electrical equipment tested 

and tagged if a risk assessment indicates that the articles operate in a hostile operating 

environment.

Holiday units are not workplaces while occupied by holiday tenants. They do not, therefore, come

Although the Regulation does not cover residential-type situations like a holiday unit, the owner of 

the unit still has a general duty of care to ensure that holiday tenants are not exposed to safety 

hazards while staying in the property.

The holiday unit and its fittings, including electrical equipment, should be maintained in a safe

condition. This does not mean, however, that electrical equipment must be inspected and tested in

accordance with the requirements of the Standard, AS/NZS 3760.

The owner of a caravan park has a number of responsibilities under the Act and the Regulation:

1. The owner has a responsibility as an employer to any employees who work at the caravan park

2. The owner, as a ’controller of premises’, has responsibilities to other employers who may use the

caravan park facilities (eg a shop leased to another employer)

3. The owner of the caravan park has a general duty of care to the residents, holidaymakers and

visitors to the caravan park.

The owner of the caravan park (as an employer and controller of premises) must therefore comply 

with the specific requirements of the OHS Regulation to ensure a safe electrical installation and safe

electrical equipment.

This requirement extends to both the electrical installation, and any plug-in type electrical equipment

under the ownership and control of the caravan park owner. The owner must comply with the 

specific legislative requirements contained in clauses 41, 64 and 65 of the Regulation.

holidaymaker that is plugged into the caravan park’s electrical installation. There is no requirement 

for this electrical equipment to be inspected, tested and tagged in accordance with the Standard, 

AS/NZS 3760.

Regardless of this, WorkCover is aware that some caravan park owners have exercised a site rule

(based on public liability requirements) requiring holidaymakers to have their extension lead tested

and tagged.

AS/NZS 3760. If, for some reason, electrical equipment must be dismantled to verify the safety

performance, the task must be done by a technically qualified person.

"Plugs and extension cord sockets may be replaced by a non-electrically trained person, provided 

the person has been trained and found competent to fit plugs and sockets according to the 

manufacturer’s instructions" (NSW Electrical Test & Tagging offer a training course to satisfy this 

requirement (see training providers) 

On completion of this work, the items have to be inspected and tested. 

They should also be tagged if they are to be used for construction work or for work in a hostile 

operating environment. When replacing extension cord sockets, WorkCover recommends they be 

replaced with the shrouded type, which offers improved electrical safety.

Plugs and extension lead sockets used on flexible extension leads and portable power tools used in

This WorkCover requirement relates to equipment used in construction work and does not extend to

the use of transparent plugs is required for new equipment, if rewirable (refer to Australian 

transparent sockets make it easy to check internal connections at the time of inspection. You should

consider fitting such plugs/sockets to existing (ie older) equipment at the time of repair, or if 

replacing the plug or socket.

Catalogue No. 4861 © WorkCover NSW 0506 V1.01