It’s July already and while some were kicking back for school holidays, it’s full steam ahead across the test and tag space.
This month’s wrap covers new compliance pressure in South Australia, a power adaptor recall to keep your eyes peeled for, and loads of NSW and QLD developments you must be aware of.
Whether you’re testing gear on-site or overseeing compliance for your team, this month’s wrap will bring you up to speed.
SA Construction Industry Put on Notice
SafeWork SA has made it official: construction sites are firmly in the spotlight for 2025.
In the first half of the year alone, they’ve issued over 400 notices and shut down 15 worksites, mostly due to serious issues with electrical risks, unsafe equipment, and fall hazards.
They’re now ramping things up, targeting contractors and supervisors who’ve been cutting corners or failing to follow through on safety commitments. One key concern? Poor maintenance and testing of electrical equipment.
While test and tag wasn’t name-dropped, this is the exact type of crackdown where non-compliant gear, missing records or dodgy practices could get noticed.
If you're working in South Australia, now’s the time to tighten things up and make sure your gear is tested and tagged properly.
Inspections are still continuing across the state. You can read more about this announcement from SafeWork SA.
Yamaha Power Adaptor Recall
There's a national recall of the Yamaha power adaptor (model PA-3C), commonly used in homes, schools, and workplaces.
The issue was related to the appliance overheating and igniting, something that's already happened in a few cases.
If you or your clients are using this model, it’s worth checking the details.
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This adaptor was supplied with the ICP1 Intelligent Control Panel and UR824 USB Audio Interface
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If you come across it, stop using the adaptor and remove it from the wall socket and any connected devices
- Go to the Yamaha product recall page and register it. Yamaha will then supply a replacement free of charge.
NSW: New Venues, New Regulator, More Attention
In case you missed it, a lot is happening in NSW and it’s worth taking note.
- SafeWork NSW officially became an independent regulator this month, giving it more autonomy to shape compliance and enforcement strategies. This kind of shift usually signals stronger action in the field, and it’s something we’re watching closely.
- We’ve opened two new training venues in Alexandria and Campbelltown to keep up with demand. Courses are already filling fast, so don’t leave it too late to book.
- Add that to last month’s statewide construction blitz targeting high-risk worksites - including test and tag compliance - and it’s clear NSW is tightening the reins.
We broke down what the SafeWork NSW change could mean for the test and tag industry in the future.
QLD Labour Shortage
It’s no secret Queensland’s facing a major building workforce shortage - 18,500 extra tradies are needed to hit national housing targets. And with the 2032 Olympics ramping up, demand on construction sites is only going to grow.
With so many new workers entering the industry, many unfamiliar with AS/NZS 3760 - it’s more important than ever that test and tag isn’t overlooked.
For site managers, business owners and supervisors, this is a timely reminder for you - don’t let safety and compliance fall behind. Make sure your crew is testing and tagging gear properly and logging the results.
The last thing any busy site needs is a preventable shutdown or injury because something slipped through the cracks.
Hire Gear on the Rise – But Don’t Forget Safety
The hire industry is booming across worksites - it's often cheaper, more flexible, and with rising fuel costs, a lot of tradies and businesses are renting instead of buying. The industry is now worth around $10 billion and growing fast.
If the gear has a 240V lead or charger, someone needs to test and tag it - and once it’s on your site, that responsibility could fall on you. Hire companies will visually inspect it before it leaves their yard (it's their responsibility when it's in their possession), but if you're keeping it for a while or using it on a tough site, you might be the one who needs to check it again. Leads, mains-powered tools, and battery chargers all fall under AS/NZS 3760. Your cordless drill might be fine, but the charger it came with? That needs tagging.
If you're not 100% sure on the minimum requirements according to AS/NZS 3760 and 3012, read our clear guide on testing and tagging hire equipment.
That’s a wrap for July.
That’s a wrap for July. Plenty happening on the compliance front, especially in NSW and SA - and it’s clear regulators are shifting gears.
Make sure your gear’s in check, your paperwork’s up to date, and your team knows what to look out for. We’ll see you in August with more test and tag updates from around the country.
Stay warm and stay compliant.
