Test & Tag in Victoria for 2026: What Local Businesses Must Know

In the busy streets of Melbourne’s CBD, every business depends on reliable power and functional equipment. Whether it’s your computer, a kitchen appliance, or a power tool, the electrical gear you use every day needs to be safe—not just for compliance, but so your staff, customers, and assets are protected. That’s where test & tag comes in.

Even though the rules around test & tag are often misunderstood, staying on top of them is increasingly important. In Victoria, there isn’t a state-specific law mandating test & tag across the board—but the duty of care under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 means businesses are still legally required to manage any electrical risks in their workplaces. In practice, this means following the national standard AS/NZS 3760:2022, which outlines how, when, and by whom test & tag should be done. Appliance Tagging Services+2anmarsolutions.com.au+2

Below, we explore how test & tag applies in Victoria for 2026, the environments that need more frequent checks, and what local businesses should demand from their service provider.

Understanding Victoria’s Legal Position on Test & Tag

One of the main sources of confusion is that Victoria’s OHS law doesn’t explicitly state “you must test and tag every appliance.” Rather, the law broadly requires employers to keep the workplace safe. In case of an incident, regulators look to accepted industry standards (such as AS/NZS 3760) as evidence that you took reasonable steps.

That means test & tag isn’t optional in a practical sense — it’s considered best practice and is commonly expected by insurers and auditors. WorkSafe Victoria encourages adoption of AS/NZS 3760, particularly for portable electrical devices in workplaces.

So, in Victoria, the difference isn’t whether you can be obliged to test and tag — it’s when and how diligently you do so.

What Equipment Needs Testing & Tagging?

AS/NZS 3760 applies to any electrical equipment that is portable or connected via a flexible cord. That covers:

• Power tools, extension leads and leaded appliances
• Office equipment like printers, computers, phone chargers
• Kitchen appliances in cafés or staff areas
• Devices in workshop or production settings

Even if something seems stationary, if it’s plugged in with a flexible cable, it’s subject to testing under the standard.

Occasionally, providers also include RCD (safety switch) checks, exit lighting and fire equipment in their contracts, as part of a full safety compliance service.

How Often Should You Test & Tag in Victoria?

The frequency of retesting depends heavily on the environment and risk your equipment faces. According to Victorian service providers referencing AS/NZS 3760:2022, here’s a general guide:

• Construction, demolition, hire equipment: every 3 months
• Workshops, factories, production zones: every 6 months
• Offices, retail, non-hostile environments: annually
• Low-risk stationary appliances (server rooms, rarely moved gear): up to 5 years

These intervals are seldom legally declared in Victoria, but they’re the benchmark most compliance auditors will use.

Always check with your service provider to ensure they follow the most current version of AS/NZS 3760 and local industry practice.

What a Professional Test & Tag Service Looks Like

When you engage a reliable test & tag provider, here’s what you should expect:

Visual Inspection

Before electrical tests begin, every item is visually reviewed for damage to its cord, plug, insulation or casing.

Electrical Testing with Calibrated Tools

The technician will use equipment to check earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity and leakage. After tests pass, a durable tag is attached, showing test date, next due date, and technician ID. anmarsolutions.com.au+1

 Detailed Reporting

You receive a register listing all equipment, test outcomes, failures (if any), and next due dates. This becomes vital documentation in audits or inspections.

 Qualified Personnel (Competent Person)

Testing must be done by someone deemed “competent” — not necessarily a licensed electrician (though often safer), but someone trained and assessed according to AS/NZS 3760. Test & Tag Training+2anmarsolutions.com.au+2

 Scheduling & Reminders

Good providers help plan your next test cycle and send reminders so no items fall through the cracks.

Why Melbourne CBD Businesses Face Extra Challenges

Being in the CBD means tight spaces, high foot traffic, equipment turnover, and restrictions on when work can be done. These are common issues:

• After-hours work: to avoid disruption, many businesses need late-night or weekend services.
• High turnover and upgrades: new devices often enter service, requiring fresh tags.
• Lease and landlord requirements: rented spaces often demand proof of compliance for lease agreements or building rules.

Choosing a local provider familiar with CBD logistics and building constraints is essential.

For Melbourne businesses, test & tag isn’t optional—it’s a practical obligation rooted in law and safety responsibility. While Victoria may not explicitly mandate it across all workplaces, the framework around OHS and the weight of accepted Australian standards means your business will be judged on whether you did test and tag, not whether you had to.

By selecting a provider that understands AS/NZS 3760:2022, follows best practice, and supports your ongoing compliance, you turn a potential risk into a managed system. Your equipment stays safer, your staff stay protected, and your business remains audit-ready—without costly surprises.

www.testel.com.au | 1300 881 116

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