Test and Tag Regulations WA

Test & Tag Regulations WA

Test and Tag requirements in WA closely follow the national AS/NZS 3760:2022 Standard, but with one key difference - WorkSafe WA requires that anyone performing testing and tagging must complete a Nationally Recognised Course delivered by a Registered Training Organisation.

In other words, you must hold a Statement of Attainment to legally test and tag in WA - a requirement not enforced in other Australian states. 

Whether you're working on a construction site or running an electrical safety check in your workplace, this guide covers everything you need to know about the test and tag standards specific to WA.

Understanding AS/NZS 3760 & 3012 in WA

There are two major Australian Standards that are followed:

  • AS/NZS 3760 - this covers general testing and tagging of electrical equipment in the workplace
  • AS/NZS 3012 - this applies specifically to higher risk industries, such as construction, demolition, marine and mining

In 2022, the AS/NZS 3760 Standard was updated for the first time in over a decade. These changes include updates to definitions, inspection procedures, documentation and equipment types. You can learn more about the difference between the 2010 and 2022 versions in our Changes to the Test & Tag Standard breakdown.

Is Test and Tag Legally Required in WA?

This specifically depends on the industry:

  • Mandatory: Construction, demolition, and mining sites. These harsh environments must test and tag every 3 months under AS/NZS 3012.
  • Not mandatory, but strongly recommended: In most other industries, testing and tagging is not a legal requirement. However, employers can still be held liable if an incident occurs involving untested equipment.

Put simply, skipping testing and tagging to save a few bucks could cost you far more in the long run. You can learn more about this from our guide on test and tag requirements. 

Test and Tag Colours WA

If you're working in Construction, Mining or Demolition industries, you'll need to use colour-coded test tags to match the quarter in which the test occured.

This is part of the AS/NZS 3012 Standard and is designed to make visual inspections easier and reduce the chance of expired test tags slipping through.

Test & Tag Colours - WA

  • December to February - Red
  • March to May - Green
  • June to August - Blue
  • September to November - Yellow

These test and tag colours rotate every 3 months and are considered a minimum safety requirement on these type of worksites. 

Test and Tag Frequencies in WA

The required Test and Tag Intervals is determined by the environment in which the electrical appliance is used, particularly how likely it is that the appliance or its cord could be damaged. 

Here’s a general guide:

  • 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.

Note: There are some employers that will test even more frequently, depending on their own risk assessment and OHS policies. 

Can I Test and Tag in WA Without Doing a Course?

No, not in Western Australia.

To meet WorkSafe WA requirements, you must hold the Statement of Attainment UEESS00174 - Electrical Safety Testing of Electrical Cord Connected Equipment and Cord Assemblies Skill Set. Only a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) can deliver this.

This also includes:

UEECD0007 - Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

UEERL0003 - Conduct in-service safety testing of electrical cord-connected equipment and cord assemblies

If you're a licenced electrician, you don't have to complete this course - unless you need a formal competency update or require training on the latest AS/NZS 3760: 2022 Standards.

Ready to Get Test & Tag Certified?

We run Test & Tag Courses across Western Australia, including face-to-face training in locations like Perth, Joondalup, Cockburn and Como.

Our Test & Tag Course is:

  • Fully Accredited and meets WA's legal requirements
  • Completed in one full day of training (either face-to-face or online)
  • Back by lifetime technical support once you're finished
  • Australia's highest-rated course for the last five years

View upcoming WA courses or call 1300 848 302 for more information. 

Still unsure about testing and tagging in WA? Our test and tag experts are happy to help.