Test and Tag Requirements NZ
New Zealand workplaces must keep electrical equipment electrically safe and maintained in a safe condition. Testing and tagging is one recognised way to help inspect, test and document equipment safety, but it is not a blanket legal requirement for every item in every workplace.
What WorkSafe says
WorkSafe's guidance explains that employers and other duty holders must make sure electrical equipment is safe and maintained in a safe condition. Visual inspection, testing and tagging can be useful parts of an electrical-safety system, but the law does not impose one universal testing-and-tagging rule for every workplace item.
AS/NZS 3760
AS/NZS 3760:2022 covers in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCDs. Whether and how it applies depends on the environment, equipment and your workplace safety system. Construction environments can also involve additional requirements and guidance.
Testing intervals are not one-size-fits-all
The frequency of checks can differ substantially between a low-risk office and a construction or workshop environment. Do not copy a generic interval from another industry without first understanding your own equipment and risk environment.
When an item fails
Equipment identified as unsafe should be removed from normal use or otherwise controlled until the issue is resolved. Work that is prescribed electrical work must be carried out by an appropriately licensed electrical worker.
How Tagshield can help
We can discuss the equipment you use, the workplace environment and your existing testing records, then plan an appropriate Test & Tag visit. For legal or regulatory interpretation specific to your organisation, obtain qualified professional advice.
The legal duty is electrical safety
WorkSafe’s public guidance focuses on keeping electrical equipment electrically safe and maintained in a safe condition. Testing and tagging is one recognised way to inspect, test and document equipment, but it should not be described as one universal legal rule applying to every item in every workplace.
AS/NZS 3760
AS/NZS 3760 is commonly used for in-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. The correct approach and interval depend on the equipment and environment. Businesses should use current competent advice and any site-specific requirements rather than relying on an old generic interval chart.
Construction sites
Construction and demolition environments can have additional electrical-safety expectations because portable tools, leads, RCDs and temporary equipment are exposed to tougher conditions. Principal-contractor rules and applicable standards should be confirmed for the actual site.
Failed equipment
When equipment is identified as unsafe, it should be removed from normal use or otherwise controlled. Repairs that are prescribed electrical work must be completed by an appropriately licensed electrical worker.
Records
Useful records help identify the equipment, the result and future follow-up. Records should support real workplace management rather than becoming a paperwork exercise that is disconnected from the actual assets.
Official source
For current regulatory guidance, refer to WorkSafe New Zealand and the applicable standards or professional advice for your workplace.
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