Electrical safety in the workplace is a legal requirement. All companies using electrical equipment must follow Australian standards to ensure offices and other worksites are safe spaces for people to work in.
One core aspect of electrical safety is the proper use of test and tag labels. While they may appear to be simple labels, they actually play an important role in keeping any workplace safe and compliant.
Every time an electrician tests and tags electrical equipment, they attach a label to indicate that an inspection took place. These test and tag labels provide a clear record of the equipment’s testing status, helping employees identify which devices are safe to use and which are due for their next inspection. As a result, the risks of electrical hazards are significantly reduced.
What are Test and Tag Labels?
Test and tag labels are identification labels used to display the results of electrical safety inspections on portable electrical appliances. Their primary purpose is to communicate the following key testing information:
- Date of testing
- Next scheduled test date
- Name of the person or company that conducted the test
- Test result (pass or fail)
- Equipment identification
It’s also worth noting that the term ‘test and tag labels’ can refer to different formats depending on the product or supplier. Some are supplied as self-adhesive labels applied directly to equipment, while others are non-adhesive electrical tags attached with a cable tie or ring. No matter the format, they help identify tested equipment and support workplace safety.
And What are Test and Tag Stickers?
Test and tag stickers are exclusively the adhesive labels that electricians use to test and tag equipment.
The terms ‘test and tag labels’ and ‘test and tag stickers’ are also sometimes used interchangeably, particularly when referring to self-adhesive products. However, ‘stickers’ typically emphasises the adhesive format, whereas ‘labels’ is a broader term that can include both adhesive labels and tie-on tags. High-quality test and tag stickers are manufactured using durable materials with strong adhesives to ensure the information remains readable throughout the testing cycle.
Why Test and Tag Labels are Important
Electrical hazards can occur at any time, transforming an everyday workspace into an operational challenge in which unexpected equipment failures disrupt daily routines and affect productivity. Worse, even just a single overlooked electrical failure can cause serious repercussions that threaten a company’s future. Test and tag labels, or test and tag stickers, greatly help prevent this nightmare.
Below are more reasons why service tags are essential:
They Enhance Workplace Safety
Clearly marked equipment allows employees to identify appliances that have passed electrical safety testing. This helps prevent the accidental use of faulty equipment.
They Ensure You Follow Compliance Requirements
Many workplaces are required to implement regular electrical inspection programs. Properly completed labels show that testing has been done and provide a record for when audits and safety inspections are due.
They’re Ideal for Managing Equipment
Test and tag labels help maintenance teams track testing schedules. This is important because even just the likelihood of missed inspections already poses a threat to workplace safety and compliance.
Different Types of Test and Tag Labels
Depending on your workplace and inspection process, you may choose from several styles of test and tag labels, including:
Pass Test Labels
These are used to indicate equipment has successfully passed electrical testing. With passed equipment, minimum information is required (this includes Tested to AS/NZS 3760, Tested By, Test Date, and Next Test Due).
Fail or Out of Service Labels
The Fail Test tag must be applied to equipment that fails inspection. On this particular tag, not only does it need to state that an appliance has failed an electrical safety test, it also needs to show the “DO NOT USE” and “DANGER” signs. Of course, the electrical item must be withdrawn from service, the fault must be logged, and the responsible personnel notified of the malfunction.
Test and Tag Colours
Many businesses use the test and tag colours scheme to identify inspection periods quickly and improve visual compliance checks. The colours serve as guides to show exactly what time of year the equipment was last tested, allowing workers to easily see if its safety check is still valid.
High-risk worksites like mining and construction sites are required to follow the RGBY (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow) coding scheme, with a new tag colour assigned to specific months of the year (RED for December, January, February; GREEN for March, April, May; BLUE for June, July, August; and YELLOW for September, October, November).
Custom Test and Tag Labels
Businesses can customise labels with company logo, technician information, asset numbers, or QR codes for enhanced asset tracking. Custom test tags are beneficial for companies testing in high volume. For example, having some information pre-printed on every tag is a great way to save time by simplifying what would otherwise be repetitive tasks.
Second-Hand Test Tags
A second-hand test tag is used to prove that second-hand electrical equipment has been inspected and tested, and thus is safe for resale.
Best Practices for Using Test and Tag Labels
To maximise the effectiveness, longevity, and basically just ensure that your compliance efforts don’t go to waste, it’s wise to consider material selection, strategic placement, clear data recording, and adherence to safety standards. Here are the best practices to review:
- Applying labels to clean and dry surfaces
- Making sure labels remain visible after installation
- Writing clearly using permanent markers
- Replacing damaged or unreadable labels immediately
- Removing outdated labels before applying new ones if necessary
- Maintaining digital records alongside physical labels for easier tracking
When choosing test and tag stickers, it’s also critical to consider the durability of the material, print quality, adhesive strength, and, of course, compliance with workplace requirements. Investing in premium quality labels and stickers reduces the need for frequent replacements and improves long-term readability.
Get Test and Tag Certified with Major Training
Want to legally test and tag electrical equipment? You must complete a test and tag course with a Registered Training Provider (RTO) – like Major Training.
We offer test and tag courses for electricians and anyone working with electrical equipment in:
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Sunshine Coast
- Cairns
- Northern NSW
And we also offer private, flexible training at your own worksite. Contact us to book test and tag training today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What Are Test And Tag Labels Used For?
Test and tag labels are used to display important information after electrical equipment has been inspected and tested. They help identify whether equipment has passed or failed testing and provide details such as the test date, next inspection date, and tester information.
Are Test And Tag Labels The Same As Test And Tag Stickers?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they can refer to different formats. Test and tag stickers usually refer to self-adhesive labels applied directly to equipment, while test and tag labels may also include non-adhesive tags attached using a cable tie, ring, or other fastener.
How Are Test And Tag Stickers Attached to Electrical Equipment?
Test and tag stickers are designed with an adhesive backing that allows them to be securely applied to clean, dry surfaces on electrical equipment. High-quality stickers use durable adhesives to help them remain attached in workplaces where equipment may be exposed to handling, dust, moisture, or temperature changes.
Can I Use a Test and Tag Sticker Instead of a Tag?
While the AS/NZS 3760 standard outlines requirements for test labels, it doesn’t specify any mandated physical format. This means both stickers and tags are acceptable as long as they contain the required information and remain readable for the test interval. Light-duty tags are also acceptable as long as used in low-risk environments like corporate offices.
What Information Should Be Included On Test And Tag Labels?
A test and tag label should typically include the test date, next scheduled test date, the name of the person who performed the inspection, equipment details, and the result of the inspection. The exact information required may vary depending on workplace procedures and applicable safety requirements. In Australia, tags must also explicitly display the following texts: Tested to AS/NZS 3760.
Large companies may also expand the details provided in test and tag labels for internal data purposes, such as plant item numbers, tag numbers, and bar codes and QR codes.
Start Test and Tag Training Today
At Major Training, we make entry into the test and tag industry simple with expert support, practical resources, and hands-on training.
