Test and Tag Regulations Victoria
Test and tag requirements in Victoria — employer duties, who can test, testing frequency, tag colours and records under WorkSafe Victoria and AS/NZS 3760.
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Is testing and tagging legally required in Victoria?
Victoria does not impose a single blanket rule requiring every electrical item in every workplace to be tested at the same interval. Instead, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) places a general duty on employers to provide and maintain a safe working environment, so far as is reasonably practicable.
WorkSafe Victoria states that regular testing and tagging is necessary to detect electrical faults and deterioration that cannot be found through visual inspection alone. Whether testing is required — and how often — depends on the equipment, how it is used and the environment in which it operates. Construction and demolition sites have more specific requirements under AS/NZS 3012:2019.
Who can test and tag in Victoria?
Testing must be carried out by a competent person — someone with the knowledge and practical skills to safely inspect and test electrical equipment. You do not need to be a licensed electrician to perform inspection, testing and tagging of plug-in equipment. A licensed electrician is required only for electrical installation, repair or modification work.
Completing a nationally recognised test and tag training course (RTO No. 91623) is the recognised pathway to demonstrating competency in Victoria.
How often must equipment be tested in Victoria?
AS/NZS 3760:2022 provides the recommended testing intervals for Victorian workplaces. The appropriate frequency is determined by the risk of damage based on the environment and equipment type.
WorkSafe Victoria may accept longer or shorter intervals where a documented risk assessment supports the decision.
Are quarterly test tag colours compulsory in Victoria?
The standard quarterly tag colour rotation (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow) is not legislatively mandated for most Victorian workplaces. However, it is widely used as the accepted industry practice and is required on construction and demolition sites under AS/NZS 3012. Individual clients, principal contractors or businesses may specify a colour system through their own site rules.
What records must be kept?
AS/NZS 3760:2022 requires a test register to be maintained. For each item tested, records should include:
- Equipment identifier and description
- Date of inspection and test
- Test result (pass or fail)
- Date the next test is due
- Name or identifier of the competent person who carried out the test
WorkSafe Victoria can request these records during a workplace inspection as evidence that electrical risks are being managed.
Who regulates test and tag in Victoria?
WorkSafe Victoria administers the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic). The applicable standards are AS/NZS 3760:2022 and, for construction sites, AS/NZS 3012:2019.
Ready to get certified to test and tag in Victoria?
Test Tag Courses (RTO No. 91623) offers nationally recognised test and tag training with in-person sessions in Melbourne (Clayton South and Deer Park), as well as online and virtual classroom options.
- Nationally Recognised Test and Tag Training Course
- Three Phase Test and Tag Training Course
- Refresher Test and Tag Training Course
- Plug Replacement Training Course
View regulations for all states | Understanding AS/NZS 3760
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about test and tag requirements in Victoria.
Victoria does not have one blanket rule, but the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) requires employers to maintain a safe working environment. WorkSafe Victoria states that regular testing and tagging is necessary to detect faults not visible through visual inspection alone.
Testing must be carried out by a competent person with the knowledge and skills to safely inspect and test electrical equipment. You do not need a licensed electrician for plug-in equipment. A nationally recognised test and tag qualification is the standard pathway.
AS/NZS 3760:2022 sets recommended intervals. Construction sites require testing every 3 months. Factories and workshops every 6 months. Offices and low-risk environments every 12 months or as determined by a documented risk assessment.
The quarterly colour rotation (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow) is not legislatively mandated for most Victorian workplaces, but is widely adopted as industry practice. Construction and demolition sites under AS/NZS 3012 must follow the quarterly sequence.
Victoria does not require a specific contractor licence for test and tag work on plug-in equipment, provided the work does not extend to electrical installation or repair. Always confirm current requirements with WorkSafe Victoria.
A test register is required for each item tested. Records must include the equipment description, test date, result, next due date and the name of the competent person. WorkSafe Victoria can request records during a workplace inspection.
WorkSafe Victoria administers the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic). The governing standards are AS/NZS 3760:2022 for in-service electrical equipment and AS/NZS 3012:2019 for construction and demolition sites.
Enrol in a nationally recognised test and tag training course through Test Tag Courses (RTO No. 91623). In-person sessions run in Melbourne at Clayton South and Deer Park. Online and virtual classroom options are available anywhere in Victoria.