Test and Tag Safety in Melbourne Workplaces
From corporate offices in the Melbourne CBD to warehouses in Dandenong, every Melbourne property has inherent fire risks and electrical hazards. Faulty electrical equipment can cause shocks, fires, and serious injuries. That’s why regular fire and electrical safety testing is mandatory in Australia.
At The Local Guys, our qualified and trained technicians provide Melbourne Test and Tag services that meet all safety regulations. We know keeping up with testing intervals can be confusing, especially since they vary for different items and industries. Use our simple guide to see how often your appliances, safety devices, and fire equipment needs to be tested, and ensure your business stays safe and compliant in 2025.
What Determines Test and Tag Intervals in VIC?
The test and tag intervals for your Melbourne workplace depends on a couple of factors.
These are the top 4 factors:
- Type of environment: Harsh or hostile environments have stricter testing intervals
- Frequency of use: Portable appliances and power tools with high use need more regular checks
- Risk assessment results: Businesses must consider the electrical hazards, fire risks, and other dangers to their staff, customers, and visitors
- Safety regulations: All testing must align with Australian safety standards
Master Compliance Guide: Melbourne Testing Intervals
Not sure how often you need Test and Tag services? Here’s the complete compliance guide for Melbourne businesses in 2025!
Electrical Test and Tag / Portable Appliance Testing AS/NZS 3760:2022
| Environment | Risk Level | Testing Interval | Relevant Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining, Construction & Demolition Sites | High risk | Every 3 months | AS/NZS 3760:2022 |
| Factories, Warehouses & Production | Moderate risk | Every 6 months | AS/NZS 3760:2022 |
| Offices, Schools, Retail Stores & Low-Risk Environments | Mild risk | Every 12 months | AS/NZS 3760:2022 |
| Server Rooms | Low risk | Every 5 years | AS/NZS 3760:2022 |
RCD Safety Switch Testing AS/NZS 3760:2022
| Test Type | Testing Interval | Relevant Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Push-Button Function Test | Every 6 months | AS/NZS 3760:2022 |
| Combined Push-Button Function Test & Operating Time Test | Every 12 months | AS/NZS 3760:2022 |
Fire Blankets & Fire Extinguishers AS1851:2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
| Equipment | Testing Interval | Additional Requirements | Relevant Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Blankets | Every 6 months | Visual inspection & accessibility checks | AS1851:2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment |
| Fire Extinguishers | Every 6 months | General service inspection | AS1851:2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment |
| Fire Extinguishers | Every 5 years | Level 4 service (Hydrostatic pressure test) | AS1851:2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment |
Emergency Exit Lighting AS/NZS 2293.2:2019
| Test Type | Testing Interval | Relevant Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Function Test | Every 6 months | AS/NZS 2293.2:2019 |
| Comprehensive System Test | Every 12 months | AS/NZS 2293.2:2019 |
Looking for testing intervals in another state? Explore our guide to Test and Tag requirement in NSW!
Test and Tag Requirements in Victoria
In Victoria, business owners, employers, and property managers have a duty of care to ensure that electrical appliances and fire safety equipment are routinely tested. Electrical Test and Tag services and fire safety inspections will ensure that you meet compliance with the relevant standards.
Here are some examples:
- Construction work: common items like power tools and extension leads need to be tested every 3 months
- Manufacturing work: electrical appliances tested every 6 months
- Office kitchens: desktop computers, kettles, toasters, and other electrical equipment tested every 12 months
By law, only a competent person can carry out safety inspections and compliance testing in Melbourne. The Local Guys are fully-licensed, trained in line with compliance standards, and use professional equipment (like portable appliance testers) for fire and electrical testing.
Records, Reporting, and Compliance
To meet electrical safety regulations in Victoria, everything must be documented. Test and Tag services with The Local Guys will ensure that you have clear evidence and records of testing:
- Durable test tags on each item showing the test date & next inspection date. Tags are also colour-coded in some industries to align with safety schedules. This makes inspection dates easy to spot at a glance.
- Detailed service reports with the full list of items tested, their pass/fail results, and any notes from the technician
- Certificate of Compliance which is provided after you pass safety inspections.
Without these essential compliance documents, Melbourne businesses risk fines and liability in the event of workplace accidents.
Choosing a Reliable Test and Tag Service in Melbourne
When choosing Melbourne Test & Tag services, you want local technicians that tick all of the boxes!
With The Local Guys, you can trust that our technicians are:
- Fully-qualified and vetted (Police Clearance and Working With Children Check)
- Protected by $20,000,000 in Public Liability Insurance
- Trained in Australian compliance standards
- First Aid Certified
- Proud to offer combined service options (Test & Tag, Fire extinguisher Testing, RCD Testing, Microwave Leakage Testing, Emergency Exit Light Testing)
Melbourne clients love our competitive pricing, reliable services, and free, no-obligation quotes!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should test and tag be done in Victoria?
Depends on the level of risk posed by your environment! See the compliance tables above for details on specific Test and Tag services. It can be anywhere from every 3 months on construction sites to every 12 months in offices.
Do all appliances need testing and tagging?
Yes, all portable appliance (Class 1 or Class 2) should be tested! That includes office equipment, kitchen items, power tools, and other common electrical appliances.
What happens if I don’t comply with test and tag requirements?
Non-compliance can result in fines, failed audits, and increased risk of accidents due to electrical hazards and fires. It's not worth the risk!
Who can carry out Test and Tag in VIC?
In Victoria, only a competent person with proper training can perform testing and tagging services in line with Australian Standards AS/NZS 3760:2022. The Local Guys are one of the most popular Test and Tag providers in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Key Takeaways
In Melbourne, Test and Tag intervals depend on your environment, from 3 months in construction to 12 months in offices. RCDs, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and emergency exit lights also have set testing schedules under Australian Standards. Routine Test and Tag services will keep you compliant with VIC regulations and ensure you maintain clear records of testing for audits.
With The Local Guys’ professional fire safety and electrical Test & Tag services in Melbourne, your workplace will stay compliant, safe, and audit-ready in 2025. Contact our Melbourne Test and Tag team today for a free, no-obligation quote!
