Keeping your business in line with Workplace Health & Safety regulations and following WorkSafe Queensland safe working environment rules is extremely important. However, electrical compliance can be tricky to get your head around, and so it can be one of the areas where businesses fall short of requirements. Regardless of the size of your business, you have the “duty of care” to stay compliant with AS/NZS 3760:2022 and prevent electrical emergencies.
At The Local Guys, we’re more than happy to walk you through the requirements for Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) in Gold Coast. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about PAT.
What Portable Appliance Testing Means for Queensland Workplaces
Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) is the process of checking plug-in electrical devices. It guarantees that electrical equipment is electrically safe.
In Queensland, this is a key part of your duty of care under workplace health and safety laws. PAT involves 2 main tests:
- A visual inspection for any obvious damage
- A series of electrical tests using a Portable Appliance Tester as safety confirmation
For many businesses in the Gold Coast, PAT is not only about compliance. It is about preventing electrical accidents that could shut down operations and cause loss of life. From a worker standpoint, regular testing can also boost your employees’ confidence in their equipment.
Portable Appliance Testing for Gold Coast Businesses and Worksites
Portable Appliance Testing is mandatory for all Gold Coast businesses, regardless of the industry you belong to.
Common workplace and scenarios:
| Industry / Environment | Recommended Testing Frequency |
| Construction, Demolition, Mining | Every 3 months (due to harsh conditions) |
| Factories, Warehouses, Production Facilities | Every 6 months |
| Offices, Schools, Retail | Every 12 months (normal use) |
| Server Rooms | Every 5 years |
| Workshops & Hostile Environments | Frequent checks, typically every 6 months |
| Any Business Using Portable Appliances | General duty of care applies to ensure equipment safety, even where legislation is not strict |
Key aspects for Gold Coast Businesses:
Legal Requirement: Regular testing is mandatory for compliance with workplace safety obligations
Standard: Must follow Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760:2022
What’s Tested: all plug-in electrical equipment, including Class I and Class II appliances
Process: Visual inspection, electrical testing, and recording
Frequency: Depends on the environmental risks and how often tools are used
Luckily for businesses in Gold Coast, The Local Guys offer fast, on-site testing services. Our team makes the process easier with the latest testing equipment and highly experienced technicians. Visit our test and tag service page to learn more about our Gold Coast team.
The 4 Steps in Gold Coast Test and Tag Services
When you book a PAT service with The Local Guys, you can expect a thorough and systematic process. We make sure every appliance is assessed accurately. Here’s how it works:electric shock, or non-compliance during audits.
Step 1: Visual Inspection
Portable appliance testing starts with a visual inspection.
The Local Guys examine appliances for external damage, such as:
- cracked casings
- exposed wires
- frayed cords
- damaged plugs
- burn marks
- lose components
Step 2: PAT Testing
Next, we’ll connect the appliances to a Portable Appliance Tester, which will test whether the item is safe or not.
PAT machines run:
- Earth continuity testing to confirm whether the appliances are properly grounded
- Insulation resistance testing to ensure all wirings are still insulated
- Polarity testing to check if circuit wirings are correct and whether electricity can flow adequately
If there are any issues with the appliance, the tester gives a clear fail reading. If it passes, you can be confident the device is safe for continued use. Our testers are professional-grade and can provide accurate results every time.
Step 3: Applying Test Tags
Every appliance that passes is tagged with a compliance label.
The tag will have the following details:
- Date tested
- Technician details
- Test result
- Next due test date
Failed items are immediately tagged with a fail or danger tag. You must remove them from service to protect your staff and customers. The fail tag will clearly indicate that the device is unsafe and should not be used.
Step 4: Compliance Reporting
Once the inspection is done, our team will give you a detailed report and a certificate of compliance.
The report will contain:
- List of equipment tested and tagged
- Results (whether they passed or failed)
- Any important notes/comments from our technicians
You must keep these records for future inspection and insurance compliance.
Frequently Tested Electrical Appliances On The Gold Coast
Several types of equipment in Gold Coast offices undergo appliance testing.
General Workplace and Office Equipment
- Computers, laptops, and monitors
- Printers and fax machines
- Chargers
- Power boards and extension cords
- RCDs (Residual Current Devices) / Safety Switches
- Office kitchen appliances (microwaves, kettles, toasters, irons)
Industrial and Trade Equipment
- Portable and handheld power tools (drills, etc.)
- Three-phase equipment
- Heavy machinery (especially in construction/demolition)
- Trade-specific equipment like plumbing inspection cameras and leak detection gear
Are you ready to be electrically safe in 2026? See our test and tag QLD pricing list for guidance.
Who Can Perform Portable Appliance Testing in Queensland?
Only a “competent person” can perform test and tag in Queensland. To be competent a person must have trained and completed a nationally-recognised Test and Tag course.
Why The Local Guys?
Choosing the right team matters, especially when it comes to workplace safety. Gold Coast businesses trust The Local Guys because of:
- Friendly, fully trained test and tag technicians
- Fast turnaround times with minimal disruption
- Transparent, fixed pricing
- Accurate compliance reporting
- Experience across offices, hospitality, construction, retail,, and more
Whether you manage a small workshop or a large multi-site operation, our team ensures your electrical compliance is up to date and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should appliances be tested in Queensland workplaces?
Here’s a quick guide for test and tag frequencies in Queensland:
- 5 years: Equipment not prone to abuse (e.g., server rooms)
- 3 months: Construction, Demolition, Mining
- 6 months: Factories, Warehouses
- 12 months: Offices, Schools, Hostile environments
What is the cost of Portable Appliance Testing on the Gold Coast?
In general, test and tag in Gold Coast cost a minimum of $100–$250 for call out fee, $2.50–$9.50 per item for PAT testing, $2.50–$9.50 per item for RCD. At The Local Guys, you’ll just pay $2.20 to $3.90 per item (+GST) or $125 (+GST) for the first 32 items.
Can I combine PAT with other safety and compliance services?
Yes. Combining PAT with other safety and compliance services is a widely accepted practice to minimise disruption in the workplace and save on resources.
Key Takeaways
Portable appliance testing is the most effective way of complying with the “duty of care” reposed for every business in Gold Coast. To ensure safety in the workplace, AS/NZS 3760:2022 requires portable equipment with a flexible cord to be tested and tagged.
In order to be a socially and legally responsible business, it is important to follow these rules. Make sure you understand what Portable Appliance Testing is and who is qualified to perform such in Gold Coast. With The Local Guys, it’s easy to follow the relevant testing intervals and keep track of your compliance testing schedule.
If you need a trusted test and tag technician in Gold Coast, don’t hesitate to contact The Local Guys! We’ll help you stay compliant and protect your business with expert safety inspections. With our experienced technicians providing Test and Tag services across Queensland, we can assure you a highly-efficient process!
