Product Overview

Summary: This Appliance Safety Inspection Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step method for inspecting electrical and other workplace appliances to ensure they are safe, compliant and fit for use. It helps Australian businesses systematically identify faulty or non-compliant equipment before it causes electric shock, fire, or injury, supporting WHS obligations and duty of care.

Appliances are used in almost every Australian workplace, from construction sites and workshops to offices, schools and healthcare facilities. When these appliances are not regularly inspected and maintained, they can quickly become a serious source of risk, including electric shock, burns, fire, or secondary injuries from unexpected equipment failure. This Appliance Safety Inspection Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, repeatable process for checking the safety of portable electrical appliances, fixed equipment where relevant, and other powered devices used in your workplace.

The SOP guides businesses through planning and scheduling inspections, conducting visual checks and, where applicable, electrical testing (such as test and tag), documenting findings, and removing unsafe equipment from service. It clarifies who is responsible, what must be inspected, how often, and the minimum controls required to manage risk in line with Australian WHS legislation and applicable standards. By implementing this procedure, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, improve the reliability of their equipment, and significantly reduce the likelihood of avoidable incidents, regulatory non-compliance, or costly downtime caused by unsafe appliances.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of electric shock, burns and fire by identifying unsafe appliances before they fail in service.
• Ensure consistent, documented appliance inspections that support compliance with WHS legislation and Australian Standards.
• Streamline inspection scheduling, tagging, and record-keeping across multiple sites or departments.
• Improve equipment reliability and uptime by detecting damage, wear and misuse early.
• Support clear decision-making on when to remove, repair or replace appliances, reducing confusion and ad‑hoc practices.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Electrical Test and Tag Technicians
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• Lab Managers and Technicians
• Workshop Supervisors
• Construction Site Supervisors
• ICT / AV Technicians responsible for equipment
• School and TAFE Facilities Officers

Hazards Addressed

• Electric shock from damaged cords, plugs or housings
• Burns from overheating or malfunctioning appliances
• Electrical fires caused by short circuits, overloading or poor connections
• Trip hazards from poorly routed or damaged leads identified during inspection
• Secondary injuries due to sudden appliance failure (e.g. moving parts stopping or jamming)
• Exposure to live parts during unprotected or unauthorised repairs
• Use of non-compliant or counterfeit electrical appliances

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Applicable Appliance Types
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Regulatory and Standards Compliance
• 5.0 Inspection Planning and Frequency Requirements
• 6.0 Pre-Inspection Preparation and Isolation Requirements
• 7.0 Visual Inspection Checklist (Cords, Plugs, Housings and Labels)
• 8.0 Electrical Testing Procedure (Including Test and Tag)
• 9.0 Criteria for Pass, Fail and Conditional Use
• 10.0 Tagging, Labelling and Out-of-Service Controls
• 11.0 Recording, Reporting and Data Retention Requirements
• 12.0 Managing Non-Conformances and Corrective Actions
• 13.0 Special Considerations for High-Risk Environments (e.g. Construction, Wet Areas, Healthcare)
• 14.0 Training, Induction and Communication Requirements
• 15.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure
• 16.0 References, Forms and Inspection Checklists

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites (where applicable)
• AS/NZS 3820: Essential safety requirements for electrical equipment
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)