Legal requirements around new equipment
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, employers in NSW are legally obligated to ensure the welfare and safety of employees. This includes ensuring that all electrical equipment used in the workplace is safe and fit for purpose through regular testing and tagging.
The requirements for testing and tagging are set out in set out by AS/NZS 3760 and AS/NZS 3012. This standard outlines the requirements for testing and tagging of electrical equipment.
Why should new equipment be tagged before introduction to the workplace?

New workplace equipment should be properly tagged before being used. This is an important step to ensure the safety of employees. The tag should be titled “New to Service” indicating that the item is newly purchased. A visual inspection can help detect any damage and ensure proper tagging especially in case of any damage that may have occurred during transport or installation.
Only an appropriately trained person (either in-house or hired) can fit a “new to service” tag to the equipment.
What about newly purchased second-hand equipment?
Second-hand equipment can often be affordable for businesses, especially for smaller companies or startups. However, it is important to ensure that second-hand equipment is correctly tagged before being introduced into the workplace.
As second-hand equipment is not new, it must follow the guidelines outlined in AS / NZS 3760 to ensure the equipment complies with all regulations about that particular industry.
Even though the previous owner may have tagged the equipment, it is still crucial for a thorough inspection and proper tagging to be done by trained personnel to comply fully with safety regulations.
Additionally, newly purchased second-hand equipment may not have been used in the same environment or under the same conditions as in your workplace. This means that there could potentially be hidden defects or wear and tear that could affect the safety and performance of the equipment.
By properly testing and tagging newly purchased second-hand equipment, you can ensure that it is safe for use in your workplace and meets all necessary regulations. This protects your employees and helps avoid any potential issues that may arise from using untagged or improperly tagged equipment. The frequency of testing and tagging of electrical equipment will depend on the industry in which you operate.
Who can test and tag equipment?
Electrical testing and tagging must only be completed by a trained professional who has completed the UEERL0003 training course. This gives them the necessary knowledge and skills to inspect and test electrical equipment through a combination of training, qualifications and practical experience.
A test and tag course ensures the professional has the capability to test and tag per Australian standards.
As testing and tagging is compulsory for electrical equipment in NSW, businesses should consider hiring a trained and experienced testing and tagging professional who will do the job efficiently.
Conclusion

While new equipment doesn’t need testing, it must be tagged appropriately to ensure it meets all regulations. Employers should prioritise regular testing and maintenance of equipment to protect their employees and promote a positive workplace culture. For all your electrical testing and tagging needs, contact the experts at Precision Test and Tag today.