Product Overview

Summary: This Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step‑by‑step method for inspecting and testing electrical appliances to keep your workplace safe and compliant. It helps Australian businesses systematically manage electrical risks, document test results, and demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation.

Portable electrical appliances are present in almost every Australian workplace, from construction sites and workshops through to offices, schools and healthcare facilities. Damaged cords, faulty plugs and poorly maintained equipment are a leading cause of electric shock, burns and electrical fires. This Portable Appliance Testing Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, repeatable process for inspecting, testing and tagging portable electrical equipment, ensuring that risks are identified early and managed before they result in harm.

The SOP guides users through preparation, visual inspection, electrical testing, tagging, recording of results and follow‑up actions for failed items. It clarifies who is authorised to conduct testing, how often appliances should be checked in different environments, and the minimum records required to demonstrate compliance during audits or regulator inspections. By implementing this procedure, organisations can standardise their test and tag practices across multiple sites, reduce reliance on ad‑hoc contractor methods, and show clear evidence that they are meeting their duties under Australian WHS laws and relevant electrical safety standards.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, compliant test and tag practices across all sites and work areas.
• Reduce the risk of electric shock, burns and electrical fires from damaged or faulty appliances.
• Demonstrate due diligence and compliance with WHS and electrical safety legislation during audits and inspections.
• Streamline recordkeeping with clear requirements for test logs, tagging and defect reporting.
• Support efficient training and induction of new technicians, maintenance staff and supervisors.

Who is this for?

• Electrical Test and Tag Technicians
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Construction Site Supervisors
• Office and Building Managers
• School and TAFE Maintenance Coordinators
• Aged Care Facility Managers
• Lab and Workshop Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Electric shock from damaged cords, plugs or housings
• Electrical burns from exposed live parts
• Electrical fires caused by faulty or overloaded appliances
• Trip hazards from poorly managed extension leads and power boards
• Use of non‑compliant or unapproved electrical equipment
• Uncontrolled re‑use of failed or unsafe appliances

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations (PAT, RCD, Class I and Class II equipment)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Required Test Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 6.0 Pre‑Testing Requirements and Identification of Equipment
• 7.0 Risk Assessment and Environmental Considerations (wet areas, construction, offices)
• 8.0 Visual Inspection Procedure for Portable Appliances
• 9.0 Electrical Testing Procedure (earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, RCD testing)
• 10.0 Tagging Requirements, Colour Coding and Labelling Conventions
• 11.0 Retest Intervals by Environment and Equipment Type
• 12.0 Managing Non‑Conforming or Failed Equipment (isolation, repair, disposal)
• 13.0 Recording, Reporting and Data Management of Test Results
• 14.0 Contractor Management and Verification of External Test and Tag Providers
• 15.0 Emergency Response and Incident Reporting for Electrical Events
• 16.0 Training, Competency and Refresher Requirements
• 17.0 Audit, Review and Continuous Improvement of the PAT Program

Legislation & References

• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCDs
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state/territory Acts)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (and equivalent state/territory regulations) – Managing electrical risks at the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace