What are the requirements in Victoria?
Electrical equipment supports almost every part of an aged care home, from preparing meals to keeping residents comfortable. A planned test and tag program helps facilities manage this equipment alongside everyday checks, servicing and maintenance.
Under Victoria's Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, employers must provide a safe working environment so far as is reasonably practicable. Their duties also extend to people other than employees who could be affected by the business, including residents and visitors. These duties apply across Victoria, whether a facility is in Melbourne or a regional community.
WorkSafe Victoria says regular testing and tagging is necessary to identify electrical faults that visual checks may miss. Its guidance ties the nature and frequency of testing to the equipment, its environment and its use. Facility managers should therefore establish an appropriate schedule rather than assume every appliance has the same annual deadline.
How does test and tag fit with aged care standards?
Standard 4: The environment, within the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, requires safe equipment that meets older people's needs and a clean, safe and comfortable service environment. It applies to Australian Government-funded residential aged care providers registered in Category 6, including respite care.
Test and tag records can support a facility's equipment safety program, but a pass tag alone does not demonstrate compliance with every aged care requirement. Cleaning, suitability, maintenance and the way equipment is used also need attention. Keep electrical testing connected to the wider maintenance system so concerns reach the right person.
Which equipment should be included?
Begin with a walk-through of resident rooms, lounges, staff areas, kitchens, laundries, offices and maintenance stores. Build an inventory of plug-in equipment for the competent tester to assess. Examples include televisions, lamps, fans, kettles, vacuum cleaners, computers, chargers, extension leads and power boards.
For each area, note who owns the equipment, how it is used and whether it can be disconnected. Include spare appliances in storage and equipment shared between wings. A room-by-room list is a useful way to find items that a simple estimate might miss.
Separate portable appliance testing from fixed wiring, switchboards and specialist equipment servicing. Confirm the scope before booking so each type of work reaches a provider qualified to carry it out.
How often should aged care equipment be tested?
WorkSafe refers to AS/NZS 3760:2022 for portable equipment inspection and testing guidance. Use the applicable standard, manufacturer instructions and a site risk assessment to establish intervals. Equipment exposed to moisture or frequent movement may need different arrangements from equipment in a protected office.
Ask your provider to document the interval and its basis for each equipment group. For example, treat a vacuum cleaner used across several wings and a reception computer as separate assessment decisions. Do not automatically assign either interval simply from the room name.
Review the plan when equipment moves, its use changes or repeated damage appears. Keep RCD testing on an appropriate separate schedule: an appliance test does not establish that its supplying safety switch works correctly.
What about residents' personal appliances?
A resident may bring a favourite lamp, television or electric shaver into their room. A practical admission process should explain the home's electrical equipment policy to residents and families, identify incoming appliances and arrange assessment before use where required by that policy and the facility's risk assessment.
Make it easy for families to report additional items brought in later. Agree who arranges checks and what happens if an appliance needs repair or replacement. Record ownership clearly so personal belongings remain traceable when rooms change or residents leave.
Handle these conversations respectfully. Where an item cannot be used safely, involve the resident or their representative in finding a suitable alternative.
Medical and care equipment need a confirmed scope
Flag powered beds, hoists, pressure care systems and other equipment used in care before the visit. Ask the facility's clinical or equipment maintenance lead to confirm the correct inspection, servicing and electrical safety arrangements for each device. Do not assume an ordinary appliance test covers all of its safety functions.
Arrange specialist assessment where needed and follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. Any equipment supporting a resident's care needs an agreed interruption plan, with appropriate alternative support available before it is disconnected.
Arrange testing around residents and care routines
Nominate a facility contact and agree access with the care team. A useful booking brief includes room numbers, approximate item counts, meal times, rest periods, restricted areas and infection prevention procedures. Identify equipment that must remain available and arrange suitable testing windows.
For a large home, consider a staged visit by wing or department. Let residents and staff know what to expect, keep corridors clear and confirm how the technician will gain permission to enter occupied rooms. Build time into the plan to reconnect equipment and have the responsible staff member confirm it is ready for use.
Respond to faults and keep useful records
Check equipment before use and report damage immediately. A current tag does not guarantee continued safety. Remove faulty items from service and arrange appropriately qualified repair or replacement; do not wait for the next scheduled visit.
A practical facility register should connect each asset number with a recognisable description, room or department, ownership, test date, result and next planned test. Ask for a clear list of failed items and equipment that could not be accessed, so an incomplete visit is not mistaken for a completed site.
Allocate each action to a named person and record its resolution. For multiple facilities, use consistent site names and keep records with the correct home. This makes it easier for care managers and maintenance teams to find the information they need.
Organise test and tag for your aged care facility
Ace Test & Tag can help plan portable electrical equipment testing, asset recording and retest arrangements within an agreed scope. Share your facility's location, approximate equipment count, number of wings and access requirements so the visit can be organised around daily operations.
For facilities across Victoria, contact Ace to confirm availability for your location and discuss a practical testing plan. Flag medical equipment and any specialist requirements when requesting your quote.
Get a plan for your workplace
Ace can review your rough scope and suggest a practical booking plan for your Victorian workplace.