Test and Tag Course

Lesson 1 • Protective Earth and Insulation Concepts

Explains how earthing and insulation prevent dangerous fault currents from reaching users. Provides the technical rationale for the two main electrical tests performed later.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Hazards in the Workplace

Identifies shock, arc flash, fire, and overload as primary electrical hazards. Connects hazard recognition to the protective purpose of test and tag programs.

Lesson 3 • How Electricity Works

Covers voltage, current, resistance, and power as they apply to workplace appliances. Builds the conceptual base needed to understand why testing is necessary.

Lesson 4 • Personal Protective Equipment for Testing

Specifies PPE required when inspecting and testing electrical appliances. Establishes safe work habits before students begin hands-on testing activities.

Lesson 1 • Roles and Competency Requirements

Defines who is authorized to perform test and tag work and what qualifications are required. Distinguishes the tagger's role from that of a licensed electrician.

Lesson 2 • Relevant Standards and Codes of Practice

Introduces the electrical safety standards and codes that govern in-service inspection and testing. Students learn to locate and interpret normative requirements.

Lesson 3 • Scope of Test and Tag Requirements

Defines which equipment, environments, and industries require formal test and tag programs. Clarifies exemptions and borderline cases students will encounter in the field.

Lesson 4 • Workplace Health and Safety Obligations

Outlines employer and worker duties under occupational health and safety legislation. Frames test and tag as a legal control measure, not merely a best practice.

Lesson 1 • Documenting and Categorizing Visual Findings

Introduces a pass, fail, and monitor classification system for visual inspection outcomes. Accurate categorization drives correct tagging and follow-up actions.

Lesson 2 • Purpose and Limits of Visual Inspection

Establishes visual inspection as a mandatory precursor to electrical testing, not a substitute. Clarifies what visual checks can and cannot detect.

Lesson 3 • Inspecting Appliance Bodies and Controls

Addresses casing damage, missing guards, contamination, and control integrity on the appliance itself. Connects physical condition to internal electrical risk.

Lesson 4 • Inspecting Plugs and Connectors

Covers correct pin configuration, casing integrity, and wiring security inside plugs. Defective plugs are a leading cause of electrical incidents and must be identified reliably.

Lesson 1 • Ancillary Test Instruments

Introduces multimeters, RCD testers, and socket outlet testers as tools that complement the PAT. Each instrument's role in a complete test and tag workflow is defined.

Lesson 2 • Types of Portable Appliance Testers

Compares manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic PAT models by function and application. Selecting the right tester type affects testing speed, accuracy, and compliance.

Lesson 3 • Calibration and Pre-Use Verification

Covers calibration requirements, verification checks, and known-good reference testing. Using an out-of-calibration tester invalidates all results and creates compliance risk.

Lesson 4 • Tester Controls and Display Interpretation

Explains all controls, indicators, and output displays common to portable appliance testers. Correct interpretation of readings is essential for valid pass or fail decisions.

Lesson 1 • Earth Continuity Testing

Covers the procedure, test current, and pass resistance limits for earth continuity on Class I appliances. A failed earth continuity test means the appliance must be removed from service immediately.

Lesson 2 • RCD Testing Procedures

Covers trip-time and trip-current testing of residual current devices installed in leads and boards. RCDs are a critical last line of defense and must be verified as functional.

Lesson 3 • Polarity and Socket Outlet Testing

Addresses active, neutral, and earth polarity verification at fixed outlets and extension leads. Reversed polarity creates shock risk even when appliances appear to function normally.

Lesson 4 • Insulation Resistance Testing

Explains test voltage selection, connection points, and minimum resistance thresholds for insulation tests. Correct voltage selection prevents appliance damage and ensures valid results.

Lesson 1 • Tag Placement and Attachment

Defines correct tag placement on plugs, cords, and appliance bodies for maximum visibility. Poorly placed tags are missed during pre-use checks and reduce the program's effectiveness.

Lesson 2 • Removing and Replacing Existing Tags

Explains when old tags must be removed and how to handle conflicting or damaged tags found on equipment. Leaving superseded tags creates confusion and potential non-compliance.

Lesson 3 • Tag Types and Their Functions

Distinguishes pass tags, fail tags, and out-of-service tags by purpose, color convention, and required information. Using the wrong tag type undermines the entire safety communication system.

Lesson 4 • Completing Tag Information Correctly

Specifies every mandatory data field on a compliant tag, including tester ID, date, and next test due date. Incomplete tags are a common audit failure and may void compliance records.

Lesson 1 • Why Records Are Legally Required

Explains the evidentiary and compliance value of test records in the event of an incident or audit. Connects documentation quality directly to legal protection for the tagger and employer.

Lesson 2 • Digital Record Systems and Software

Introduces PAT management software and cloud-based record systems used in professional test and tag work. Digital systems reduce transcription errors and automate retest scheduling.

Lesson 3 • Completing Test Records Accurately

Specifies the data fields required on individual test records, including measured values and pass or fail outcomes. Accurate measured values allow trend analysis and early fault detection.

Lesson 4 • Asset Register Creation and Management

Covers how to create and maintain an asset register that tracks every item of tested equipment. A complete register enables scheduling, traceability, and gap identification.

Lesson 1 • Testing IT and Office Equipment

Covers the modified test parameters required for computers, printers, and other IT equipment. Sensitive electronics require lower test voltages to avoid internal component damage.

Lesson 2 • Testing Appliances with Heating Elements

Explains how heating elements affect insulation resistance readings and how to interpret results correctly. Testers must distinguish normal element characteristics from genuine insulation faults.

Lesson 3 • Testing Extension Leads and Power Boards

Covers the full test sequence for extension leads, including polarity, earth continuity, and insulation. Extension leads are among the most frequently failed items in any workplace.

Lesson 4 • Testing Power Tools and Hand Tools

Addresses the specific inspection and test requirements for drills, grinders, saws, and similar tools. Power tools are high-risk items due to mechanical stress on cords and casings.