Testing and Tagging Hire Equipment

Electrical hire equipment is regularly moved, transported and used by different people. This increases the chance of damage, so it must be checked before each hire and tested at the required intervals.

The exact requirements depend on the state, the type of item and where it will be used. The hire company is responsible for making sure it is safe and compliant when supplied. During a long-term hire, the customer may also become responsible for arranging ongoing testing.

Hire Equipment Requirements at a Glance

The main points to remember are:

every item should be checked for damage before it is hired out
the hire company must ensure the required electrical testing is current
testing must be completed by a competent person
the required interval can vary by state and workplace
additional requirements may apply on construction sites
during an extended commercial hire, the business using the item must keep it compliant
damaged or failed items must be removed from hire immediately

What Must Be Checked Before Each Hire?

Before an electrical item leaves the hire facility, check:

the plug and supply cord
extension sockets and connectors
the casing, switches and controls
safety guards and other protective parts
signs of overheating, moisture, corrosion or rough handling
the current test tag and next test date
any portable RCD supplied with it

A visual inspection is important even when the item has a current test tag. Damage may have occurred since the last test.

In some states, a competent person must also inspect and electrically test the item at the beginning of each hire.

Do not hire out an item if it is damaged, overdue for testing or believed to be unsafe.

How Often Must Hire Equipment Be Tested and Tagged?

No single testing interval applies throughout Australia.

AS/NZS 3760 generally recommends inspecting hire equipment before each hire and electrically testing it every three months. However, state, industry and workplace rules may require a different schedule.

For example:

Queensland: Relevant commercial hire items generally require inspection and testing before each hire, plus testing every six months. Different rules may apply when they are hired for domestic use.
Construction sites: Portable electrical items are commonly tested every three months, although some states or sites require additional pre-hire checks or shorter intervals.
Extended hires: The testing schedule may change depending on where and how the item is being used.

After testing, the tag should display the required information, including the test date and when the next test is due. The testing results should also be recorded and kept for the required period.

See our guide to test and tag intervals and check the requirements for your state or territory.

Who Is Responsible During an Extended Hire?

The hire company is responsible for completing the required checks before supplying the item.

During an extended commercial hire, the business using it must make sure it continues to meet the testing requirements for its workplace.

If the next test date will fall during the hire period, the hire company and customer should agree in advance on who will arrange the testing.

Regardless of that arrangement, an item must not continue to be used if:

its test date has expired
it becomes damaged
it fails an inspection or test
there is any reason to believe it may be unsafe

Who Can Test and Tag Hire Equipment?

Inspection and electrical testing must be completed by a competent person.

That person must know how to:

inspect the item for damage
choose and perform the correct tests
use a portable appliance tester safely
understand the results
identify unsafe items
record the required information

You don't need to be an electrician to carry out basic test and tag work, but state-specific requirements may apply. Queensland also requires businesses that offer test and tag services to others to hold an electrical contractor licence that permits this work.