The cold mornings have kicked in, and winter is just around the corner. May has been a big month across the test and tag industry with important updates you’ll want to stay on top of. From EOFY opportunities to upcoming compliance changes, here’s a quick round-up to keep you ahead of the game. Whether you’re on the tools, running a business, or managing a team, these are the things you need to know.
The Grinder Incident That Proves Why We Test & Tag
A recent NT WorkSafe safety alert showed exactly why electrical compliance matters. A worker was seriously injured when a grinder kicked back unexpectedly. The investigation found the grinder had been plugged into a modified extension lead - a 15amp socket forced onto a 10amp lead.
This is exactly the kind of dangerous modification that proper test and tag inspections are designed to catch before anyone gets hurt.
The takeaway: never modify plugs or leads unless you’re qualified, and always check the lead matches the power draw of the tool. Test and tag isn’t red tape - it’s what stops accidents before they happen.
Test Tag Colour Change – June Reminder
The next quarterly test tag colour change is almost here. From 1st June, tags officially switch to blue for winter.
This applies to high-risk industries like construction, demolition, mining, and marine, where quarterly tagging under AS/NZS 3012 is mandatory. The blue tag marks the winter cycle (June to August) and ensures a clear visual indicator of compliant equipment in harsher working conditions.
Key points:
- Blue tags = winter testing intervals (June to August)
- All safety teams and test and taggers should be aware of the new cycle
- Download our Test & Tag Colour Cheat Sheet for an easy visual guide
EOFY Specials Coming Soon
It’s almost that time of year. There are some huge EOFY deals around the corner for PAT Testers, accessories, and test tags – all through our partnership with Appliance Testing Supplies. These specials kick off at the start of June.
What you can expect:
- Discounts on Heavy Duty Test Tags, New to Service Tags, Failed Tags and more
- Discounts on a massive range of printable tags
- Extra freebies with PAT Testers (perfect for those buying before the write-off ends)
Subscribe to our emails to get an early notification or watch your inbox – we’ll send an update out closer to launch.
Reminder: $20,000 Asset Write-Off Ending Soon
The $20,000 instant asset write-off officially ends on 30 June, as we first flagged in our 2025 Federal Budget breakdown. This has been a great tax benefit for small businesses, sole traders, and contractors - letting you an instantly deduct the cost of business equipment.
If you’re considering upgrading your test and tag supplies - whether it’s a new portable appliance tester, printer, label packs or accessories - don’t leave it to the last minute. Talk to your accountant for advice and take advantage of the write-off while you can. After June, it is assumed that it'll revert to the previous model.
Student Digital Certificate ID Reminder
If you’ve completed Test & Tag Training with us recently, you would have received your new Digital Student Certificate ID. This digital certificate makes it simple to verify your qualification on-site or for audits.
If you trained with us prior to this being introduced, you can still request your Digital ID. Just visit our Digital Certificate section and complete the online request form featured at the bottom of the page. We’ll verify your record and issue your Digital Certificate free of charge. It’s quick, hassle-free, and ensures you’ve always got proof of competency when needed.
Customer Story of the Month: CFA
This month we’re giving a shoutout to the Country Fire Authority (CFA), one of Australia’s most respected emergency services. The CFA protects communities across regional and rural Victoria from fires, rescues, and high-risk incidents.
They run heavy equipment in unpredictable conditions where failure just isn’t an option. That’s why they came to us for Test and Tag Training - to make sure their crews had the skills to keep their gear safe, compliant, and ready to go.
After the training, they told us:
"Me personally, I can say that it was the best training course I have ever attended..he [the trainer] held my attention throughout the whole sessions!" - Jeremy Gannon
That’s what we aim for. Straightforward, practical knowledge that crews can take straight back to the job. We’re proud to have helped equip the CFA teams that protect people, property, and lives every day.
May Wrap Up
That’s it for this month. We know test and tag work doesn’t slow down, even when the weather does. Whether you’re planning equipment purchases, keeping on top of compliance updates, or just want to check something before heading out to a job, we’re here to help.
Our team works with test and taggers, business owners, and contractors every day. If you’ve got a question or need advice, just give us a call. We’ll help you keep things running smoothly.
