Test and Tag Regulations WA
Western Australia has very similar test and tag requirements and regulations with regards to the rest of Australia, following the AS/NZS 3760 Standard.
Where WA is unique compared to other states is that WorkSafe WA (Department of Commerce) requires anyone wanting to test and tag must gain a Statement of Attainment from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). So in short, you must complete a Nationally Recognised course.
In comparison, other states around Australia don't require the above.
We explain below everything you need to know about the standards, test tag colours, and testing frequencies for WA below.
AS/NZS 3760 & 3012 Standards
The AS/NZS 3760 and 3012 Standards are the two main standards must that you must work in accordance with to test and tag in WA.
The 3760 standard encompasses the overarching regulations for test and tag, whereas the 3012 standard refers specifically to testing and tagging construction, demolition, marine or mining sites.
It's worth mentioning that the Test and Tag Standard was updated in 2022 and now includes a host of changes since the previous version set in 2010. It's also now referred to as AS/NZS 3760:2022.
For industries such as mining, construction and demolition, testing and tagging is required every 3 months. For other industries, it is not a legal requirement in WA to test and tag electrical items. However, if an electrical accident occurs and the employer didn't have that item tested, they can be held liable.
Test and Tag Colours WA
If you will be working in Construction, Mining or Demolition industry you will need to adhere to the AS/NZS 3012 Standard, and that means you will be required to use certain Test Tag Colours. These colours are used to indicate which quarter of the year the testing has been conducted in.
Test and Tag Frequencies WA
Testing Intervals are also another standard requirement. Interval lengths are mostly dependant on the type of environment an electrical appliance is in. We generally recommend the following frequencies:
- Building, Construction and Demolition: 3 months
- Factories, Warehouses and Production: 6 months
- An environment where the equipment/supply cord is prone to flexing or open to abuse: 12 months
- An environment where the equipment/supply cord is not prone to flexing or open to abuse: 5 years
It is important to make sure you work with the relevant standards and adhere to any individual company OHS or risk management policies, as they may require different testing frequencies.
If you have any particular questions about the AS/NZS 3760 and 3012 Standards, or general questions about testing and tagging in WA please feel free to contact our office. You can also undertake a test and tag course to learn everything you need to know, with courses run in multiple locations across Western Australia.