Workplaces across Victoria
Industries
Different workplaces face different equipment risks, access needs and testing schedules. Choose your industry for practical guidance.
Construction & Trades
Practical testing records for tools, leads, power boards, site sheds and trade equipment.
Offices & Retail
Organised records for workstations, chargers, displays, kitchen appliances and back of house equipment.
Hospitality
Testing and records for commercial kitchens, staff areas, front of house equipment and shared appliances.
Warehouses & Workshops
Testing support for portable tools, chargers, production areas, extension leads and workshop equipment.
Schools & Community
Clear records for classrooms, offices, halls, kitchens, maintenance areas and shared use spaces.
Property & Facilities
Consistent records for common areas, contractor equipment, managed sites and planned programs.
Workplace interval guide
Typical testing intervals by industry.
These maximum intervals are a practical guide based on AS/NZS 3760:2022 and AS/NZS 3012:2019. The correct schedule depends on the equipment, its environment, how it is used and your workplace risk assessment.
| Industry or environment | Typical maximum interval | Planning notes |
|---|---|---|
| Construction and demolition | 3 months | Portable tools, leads and outlet devices on site follow the construction requirements in AS/NZS 3012:2019. |
| Factories, workshops and manufacturing | 6 months | Use this interval where equipment is exposed to production activity, moisture, dust, heat, vibration or rough handling. |
| Warehouses and commercial cleaning | 6 months | Frequently moved equipment and equipment used in harsher areas may need the shorter interval. |
| Hospitality and commercial kitchens | 6 or 12 months | Kitchen equipment exposed to moisture, heat and frequent movement may require six monthly testing. Lower risk areas may suit twelve monthly testing. |
| Schools, community venues and public spaces | 12 months | Frequently moved equipment and leads generally use this interval. The final schedule should reflect the equipment, its environment and the workplace risk assessment. |
| Offices and retail | 12 months | Portable items that are moved or handled generally use this interval. The final schedule should reflect the equipment, its environment and the workplace risk assessment. |
| Residential style accommodation | 2 years | This applies to relevant equipment in accommodation settings, subject to the actual use and environment. |
| Equipment supplied for hire | Before each hire, then no more than 3 months | Inspect and test before hire. Equipment remaining on hire also needs periodic inspection and testing. |
Mixed workplaces need mixed schedules. An office may contain a commercial kitchen or workshop, and a school may include maintenance tools as well as protected classroom equipment. Each area should be assessed according to its real conditions.
Visual checks should continue between scheduled tests. Any damaged item should be removed from service and reviewed by a competent person. Testing is also required after repairs or servicing that could affect electrical safety.
This guide does not replace the full standards or advice for a particular workplace. Source guidance: WorkSafe Victoria electrical safety guidance and AS/NZS 3760:2022.