Test n Tag Requirements in Schools

Every school has a responsibility to provide a safe workplace for their teachers, students, and contractors. The recent communication from the Department of Education in Queensland has clarified the requirement to conduct Test and Tag. As per their guidance and the AS/NZS 3760 standard, if the cord is subject to flex in a hostile environment, it needs to be tested. To learn more about test and tag appliance requirements in Queensland schools, keep reading.

Importance of test n tag in schools

When it comes to providing a safe environment for children and staff in schools, electrical safety is paramount. Test and tag of appliances and electrical equipment is an essential preventative workplace safety measure. When electrical testing is conducted at regular intervals, hazards can be identified. This ensures you’re prepared for any dangers that could occur and have strategies in place to manage them. Minimising harm in schools and workplaces is our number one priority. Make safety your priority with Voltec Maintenance – your trusted test and tag appliance professionals.

Want to learn more about the importance of test n tag and tag? Read our blog.

Key Test n Tag Areas  in Schools

If you have any electrical equipment in your building or workplace, you should have it tested & tagged. Any equipment that is connected to electrical supply is applicable and must be tested. This includes any equipment that is being used for the first time, is currently in use or has been recently serviced/repaired. Here is a list of common areas in schools that require test and tag on appliances.

Primary Schools 

• Contractor’s cleaning equipment
• Staffroom kitchen areas
• Libraries
• Tuckshop areas
• Maintenance gear
• Arts and crafts gear such as glue guns
• Office Environments – 5 yearly testing recommended

High Schools 

• Laboratories (predominately yearly)
• Workshops and home economics (Mostly 6 monthly)
• Contractor’s cleaning equipment
• Staffroom kitchen areas
• Libraries
• Tuckshop areas
• Maintenance gear
• Drama and Theatre Items (the items you use – to be tested at 1 year. If it is redundant equipment, 5 yearly test and tag intervals could potentially apply)
• Office environments – 5 yearly testing recommended

Want a free quote for test n tag in your school? Contact us today.

General equipment that requires test and tag tags

• Microwave
• Coffee Machine & kettle
• Laptop Bays
• TV & DVD units
• Computers
• Printers
• Telephones
• Photocopiers
• Multimedia equipment (e.g. projectors, smartboards)
• Manual arts tools (e.g. drills, electric saws, etc.)
• Home economics appliances (e.g. electric mixers, toasters, irons, etc.)
• Portable items, such as extension leads and power boards that move around.

Want to learn more about what appliances need test and tag tags? Contact us today.

What are the test and tag intervals for schools in Queensland?

In Australian schools, electrical appliances need to have regular test and tag intervals, stated in the AS/NZ 3760 standard. The standard is applicable to schools as a workplace, and includes the following information regarding test frequency:

• All appliances in an environment where the equipment or flexible cord is subject to flexing in normal use, open to abuse, or is in a hostile environment, need to be tested every 12 months.
• All appliances in an environment where the equipment or cord is not subject to flexing in normal use and is not open to abuse, nor in a hostile environment, need to be tested every 5 years.
• Residual Current Devices (RCD) more commonly known as safety switches are to be tested and tagged on a case-by-case basis as per AS/NZS 3760. The timeframes for RCDs usually vary between 3, 6 and 12 months and 2 years.

Need more information about test and tag intervals? See the table below or contact us for more information.

How long does it take to test and tag appliances in schools?

The test and tag service time depends on the specific appliance being tested. However, our team will generally take a full day in an environment where items are readily accessible on site. For a more accurate timeframe for testing in schools, contact us today.

How can I make the test n tag process simpler?

Try to get each department to lay out the portable appliances, such as, manual art tools, irons, hand-mixers, vacuums, etc., ready for the technicians to conduct testing and place test and tag tags on the items. However, it is important to limit the number of portable items from classrooms and offices which may be fixed and not subject to flex, in case the power board or extension lead is needed. Having a store of 12 monthly tested items could be of use, as it means more areas could be tested at 5 years, which will save the school some money.

How Can Voltec Maintenance Help Test N Tag in Your School?

All schools have a responsibility to safely manage the risks associated with electrical equipment stored and used on the school site. Testing and tagging needs to be carried out by a competent person, who is a licensed electrician. The Voltec Maintenance team are qualified electricians who hold all necessary licences to perform test n tag services. We also create a scope of testing during the quoting process to ensure everyone understands what testing needs to be conducted.

To learn more about our test and tag intervals and services, contact us today.