If you've ever looked at the tags on your workplace equipment and wondered why some are green, some are blue, and some are red, you're not alone. Tag colours are one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of test and tag in Australia.
Here's the short version: tag colours are a practical scheduling tool, not a legal requirement. What actually keeps you compliant is the information printed on the tag — not its colour.
What actually has to be on a tag
Under AS/NZS 3760, what matters is the information a tag carries, not its colour. A compliant tag shows:
- The date the item was tested
- The date the next test is due
- The name or ID of the person who tested it
- Confirmation that the item passed
As long as this information is present and accurate, the item is compliant — regardless of the tag's colour.
So why the different colours?
Many test and tag providers rotate through a set of colours (commonly red, green, blue, and yellow) so that each testing period has its own colour. If your last round was “green” and this quarter's tags are “blue”, any green tag still on the floor instantly stands out as potentially overdue.
It's a practical scheduling tool — nothing more, nothing less.
Important: Because colour rotation is a convention rather than a rule, different providers may use different colour schemes, and colours can vary by testing frequency or by region. That's why you shouldn't rely on colour alone to judge whether an item is in date — always read the retest date printed on the tag.
Common colour rotation schemes
While there's no single “official” colour order, a common rotation used by many Australian providers is:
Your provider may use a different order or different colours entirely. The key point is that the colour changes with each testing round, so outdated tags are easy to spot visually.
What about “out of service” tags?
If an appliance fails a test, it's typically tagged with a red “FAIL” or “OUT OF SERVICE” tag and must be taken out of use immediately. This is separate from the colour rotation — a fail tag means the item is unsafe and must be repaired or replaced before it can be used again.
The takeaway
Don't get caught up on which colour is “correct.” What keeps you compliant is that every appliance carries a legible tag with a valid retest date, and that you re-test on schedule for your environment. The colour just makes it easier to manage.
If your workplace has a mix of old and unclear tags, a fresh round of testing resets everything to one clear, current system — so you always know what's due and when.
Need a fresh round of test and tag?
We'll re-tag everything on-site with clear, current tags and provide same-day compliance certificates. Automatic reminders included.
Note: This article is general information. Confirm your specific compliance requirements with a qualified professional.