What Are the Electrical Safety Check Requirements in a Workplace?

To ensure electrical safety in a commercial building, it’s important to have the electrical equipment inspected and tested regularly. Depending on the size of the building and the electrical system within it, inspections should be conducted every one to three years by competent test and tag specialists. These professionals will check for code violations or potential hazards, such as overloaded electrical circuits or exposed electrical wiring. They will also test the electrical system to ensure it is functioning correctly.



The electrical safety regulation defines a competent person for inspection and testing purposes as “a person who has the necessary training, qualifications, and experience to carry out electrical inspection and testing.”

Inspection and testing should be carried out by a competent person on all electrical equipment that could pose a risk to people or property, including:

• Electrical wiring
• Switches and sockets
• Circuit breakers and fuses
• Portable electrical equipment
• Electrical appliances

The following are the relevant Australia standards:

• AS/NZS 3760: 2010 - In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS/NZS 3012: 2010 - Electrical installations - Construction and demolition sites

| Read more about Electrical Safety Standards NSW

Scheduling a regular electrical safety check is critical for any business or property owner. By law, all commercial buildings must have their electrical system inspected by a test and tag specialist at least once every five years. But depending on the age of the building and its electrical system, more frequent inspections may be necessary.

For example, if you own an older building with an outdated electrical system, you should have it inspected more frequently to meet current electrical codes and standards. If you’ve made any recent renovations or additions to your property that required electrical work, an inspection is also necessary to ensure that the work was done correctly and safely.

Another benefit of an electrical safety check, or inspection, is that they can help save you money in the long run. Many commercial buildings are equipped with outdated electrical systems that aren’t capable of handling the demands of today’s businesses. As a result, these electrical systems are often overloaded, leading to expensive repairs or replacements down the line.

By getting an inspection regularly, you can identify any potential problems with your electrical system before they become expensive repairs. This can help you save money in the long run and keep your business up and running smoothly.

Testing and tagging electrical equipment is a legal requirement in all Australian workplaces. The frequency of testing and tagging will depend on the type of workplace, the electrical equipment being used, and the level of risk involved.

Workplaces with higher levels of risk, such as construction sites or factories, will need to have their electrical equipment tested more frequently than office buildings or shops. Equipment used more often will also need to be tested more often than infrequently used items.

Some electrical equipment, such as power tools and extension cords, may need to be tested more often than other types of equipment.

Testing and tagging electrical equipment is an important part of electrical safety in the workplace. By having your electrical equipment regularly inspected and tested, you can help to prevent accidents and injuries from happening.

If you are unsure how often your equipment should be tested, talk to a qualified test and tag specialist. They will be able to advise you on the best interval for testing and tagging based on the type of workplace and electrical equipment being used.

| Read more about How Often Should Your Electrical Equipment Be Tested and Tagged