Fire Safety and
Test & Tag FAQs
We're here to answer FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Workplace Fire Safety, Electrical Testing & Tagging
If you need more clarity, flick us an email, we'll answer it for you and add to our FAQs below.
What is test and tag?
Test and Tag, aka Portable Appliance Testing (PAT), is a safety procedure used to ensure that electrical appliances and equipment are safe to use. It involves testing electrical items for faults and tagging them with a label indicating their safety status.
Testing: We use specialised equipment to check the electrical appliance for safety. Tests include checking the insulation, earth continuity, and polarity of the device.
Tagging: Once tested, the item is given a tag with a barcode, date, and tester’s details. The tag indicates whether the appliance is safe to use, and when it is due for its next test.
In New Zealand, Test and Tag is a critical safety measure under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010 as well as Fire and Emergency Act 2017. These regulations mandate that employers must ensure electrical equipment is safe to use and in good condition. Test and Tag procedures are one of the ways to comply with these requirements.
Is test and tag a legal requirement?
It is a legal requirement for your appliances to be “electrically safe”. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, the term ‘Test and Tag’ refers to the process of carrying out your duty as a PCBU (Person Conducting Business or Undertaking) by verifying that your portable appliances are ELECTRICALLY SAFE. Failure to comply with this duty could result in Workplace injury, fire and fines from Work Safe.
It is also a legal requirement (Fire and Emergency Act) for owners and occupants of a building to take reasonable fire prevention precautions in relation to electrical appliances. Fire and Emergency NZ state building owners and occupiers should ensure all electrical appliances, leads and power sources are fit for purpose and regularly tested.
Who can test and tag electrical equipment?
Fire & Safety Testing are qualified to test electrical appliances and leads as well as fire extinguishers and hose reels.
Do brand new items need to be tested?
Yes. The standard states that all new equipment should be tested before being put into service.
Does office equipment need to be tested and tagged?
Yes, in New Zealand, office equipment such as computers, printers, and other electrical appliances do need to be tested and tagged as part of health and safety requirements under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010.
How often should you test and tag electrical equipment?
The standard, AS/NZS 3760:2022, lays out the testing frequency for each environment based on risk. For most workplaces testing and tagging should be done every 3 months (construction, mining), 6 (workshops, factories) or 12 months (offices, staff rooms, schools). Some sections of a workplace can be tested and tagged every five years, like computer server rooms. We can help you with this! Just ask for your free consultation.
What needs to be tested and tagged?
Every electrical item that plugs into a General Power Outlet (GPO) including single and three phase items need to be tested and tagged. For example, computers, extension cords, power boards, AC adapters, phone chargers, fridges, RCDs - fixed and portable, kettles, microwave ovens (including radiation leakage test), toasters, power tools etc.
Who needs to test & tag?
Every business needs to ensure appliances are electrically safe! If you have a workplace with just a kettle, then you need to get it tested and tagged.
What extinguisher do you use on paper fires?
Dry Powder (ABE) extinguishers are multi-purpose, suitable for Class A (e.g. paper), B, and E fires. They are typically used in situations where the fire may involve other materials (e.g., flammable liquids or electrical components). While they are effective for putting out paper fires, dry powder leaves a messy residue that can be difficult to clean.
If the fire is just paper, then water is the best option.
Can you reuse a fire extinguisher?
After any use, a fire extinguisher must be recharged or replaced.
How often do fire extinguishers need to be checked?
The owner of any hand-operated firefighting equipment installed in a building for firefighting by the building’s occupants must maintain it in accordance with NZS 4503:2005—Hand operated fire-fighting equipment. Fire extinguishers should be inspected at least once a year by a qualified professional, as part of the regular Test and Tag process. This includes checking for any visible damage, pressure levels, and ensuring the nozzle and hose are clear.
Are fire extinguishers a legal requirement in NZ?
It is legal requirement for owners and occupants of a building to take reasonable fire prevention precautions in relation to electrical appliances. Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) recommend building owners and occupiers should ensure all electrical appliances, leads and power sources are fit for purpose and regularly tested.
FENZ also strongly recommend that first aid firefighting equipment, namely fire extinguishers and/or hose reels, be provided in commercial premises. Building occupants should be trained in how to operate this equipment correctly. It's important that all fire detection and suppression equipment is well maintained and clearly identified.
If there are hazardous substances at the workplace, Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 stipulate the PCBU must ensure that each place within the workplace has the number of fire extinguishers specified.
How many types of fire extinguishers are there?
There are five types of fire extinguishers commonly found in New Zealand, each designed to combat specific classes of fires and are colour-coded accordingly:
1.Dry Powder (ABE) – White Band
Use: Multi-purpose; effective on Class A (solid combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), and Class E (electrical) fires.
2.Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – Black Band
Use: Ideal for Class B (flammable liquids) and Class E (electrical) fires.
3.Foam – Blue Band
Use: Suitable for Class A (solid combustibles) and Class B (flammable liquids) fires.
4.Water – Red Band
Use: Effective on Class A (solid combustibles) fires.
5.Wet Chemical – Yellow Band
Use: Specifically designed for Class F (cooking oils and fats) fires.
Who tests fire extinguishers?
Fire & Safety Testing are qualified to test fire extinguishers, as well as hose reels, electrical appliances and leads.
How long do dry powder extinguishers last?
In New Zealand, dry powder fire extinguishers typically have a service life of 5 years from the date of manufacture. .
What extinguisher do you use on electrical fires?
For electrical fires, the recommended fire extinguisher in New Zealand is a Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) extinguisher. This type of extinguisher is most effective for Class E (electrical) fires because it works by displacing oxygen, which helps to smother the fire. It is the preferred option due to:
•Non-conductive: CO₂ is a non-conductive gas, making it safe to use on electrical fires without the risk of electrical shock.
•Leaves no residue: Unlike dry powder or foam extinguishers, CO₂ does not leave a messy residue that could damage sensitive electrical equipment.
•Effective for small electrical fires: CO₂ extinguishers are best for electrical fires in devices like computers, electrical panels, and appliances.
Dry Powder extinguishers can be used on electrical fires, but CO₂ is preferred due to the lack of residue.
Important: Never use water on an electrical fire as it can conduct electricity and pose a risk of electrical shock.
What does a fire warden do?
A fire warden plays a critical role in maintaining fire safety in a workplace. Their main responsibility is to ensure that everyone can evacuate safely in the event of a fire and that fire safety procedures are followed. Key duties include:
Fire Safety Preparation
Fire wardens often provide or assist with fire safety training for staff, ensuring everyone understands fire prevention measures and evacuation protocols. They help identify potential fire hazards in the workplace and ensure that safety measures are in place to mitigate them. Fire Wardens should regularly check that fire extinguishers, alarms, exit signs, and emergency lighting are all in working order and not blocked.
Evacuation Practice
Fire wardens should organise twice yearly (at least) fire drills to ensure that all employees know what to do in case of a fire. They make sure that everyone is familiar with evacuation routes and procedures so they must be familiar with the evacuation plans, emergency exits, and assembly points.
During an Emergency
In the event of a fire, the fire warden's first task is to activate the fire alarm to notify everyone in the building. The fire warden leads the evacuation process, guiding people to the safest exit routes and ensuring that they head to the designated assembly point. They check specific areas (like bathrooms, kitchens, or other hard-to-see spaces) to make sure no one is left behind. If there are people with mobility issues or other needs, the fire warden ensures they are assisted in evacuating the building.
After an Evacuation
Once everyone is at the assembly point, the fire warden conducts a headcount to ensure all employees or occupants are accounted for. They report to the fire brigade or emergency services upon arrival and inform them of any missing individuals, the location of the fire, or any hazards still present in the building. The fire warden helps keep people from re-entering the building until it is declared safe.
How often should fire warden training be carried out?
In New Zealand, fire warden training should be conducted every 1 to 2 years, just like first aid training, to ensure they remain up to date with the latest procedures, equipment, and safety protocols. However, the frequency can depend on the nature of the workplace and any changes that occur, such as new staff, changes to building layout, or updates to fire safety regulations.