COMPLIANCE GUIDE
CHILDCARE REFORM HIGHLIGHTS ELECTRICAL TESTING GAPS IN WA
Updated April 2026
7 min read
CECSWNL Act 2012 - WHS Act 2022 - AS/NZS 3760
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Quick Answer:
WA chilcare centres are legally required to maintain electrical appliance testing, RCD testing, exit and emergency lighting testing and fire equipment servicing under the CECSWNL Act 2012 s.167 and WHS Act 2022. In the new compliance climate gaps in these areas can now directly affect funding eligibility.
Why childcare reform has raised the stakes for electrical compliance
Childcare providers across WA are under increased scrutiny as National Child Safety Reforms and new funding conditions roll out from September 2025 and January 2026. Much of the public focus has landed on headline changes - 24 hour incident reporting, vape bans, and digital safety reforms - but less attention has been paid to the everyday safety standards facilities are expected to maintain.
Electrical testing and tagging, RCD testing, and fire equipment servicing aren’t new requirements. But in the current compliance climate, non-compliance now carries greater consequences. At Perth Test and Tag Solutions, we’re helping WA childcare centres stay on track with testing requirements under AS/NZS 3760, AS/NZS 3012, AS 1851 and AS 2293 - ensuring they remain safe and funding-eligible.
Electrical compliance requirements at a glance - WA childcare
Electrical appliance testing
AS/NZS 3760:2022
RCD Testing
WHS Act 2022 s.165
Exit & emergency lighting
AS/NZS 2293
Fire equipment servicing
AS 1851 - AS 2444
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Electrical appliance testing
AS/NZS 3760:2022 - AS/NZS 3012
Testing and tagging of all plug-in electrical appliances is legally required for childcare facilities in WA. This covers everything from computers and kitchen appliances to portable heaters and power tools used on site.
What’s at stake - funding, not just fines.
Under the new Labour funding conditions active from January 2026, non-compliance with safety obligations can result in funding withdrawal - not just regulatory penalties. Facilities that cannot demonstrate up-to-date testing records across electrical, RCD, emergency lighting and fire equipment servicing are at risk. A compliance certificate from PTTS provides documented evidence for audits and inspections.
Residual Current Device (RCD) Testing
WHS Act 2022 s.165
RCD Testing must be conducted every 6 months at childcare facilities. Records of all testing must be kept until the next test or until the device is removed.
Exit & Emergency Lighting Testing
AS/NZS 2293 - WHS Act 2022
Emergency lighting must be tested biannually via a 90-minute discharge test, confirming that exit fitting remain illuminated for the full duration. This is critical in childcare settings where safe evacuation of young children depends entirely on functioning emergency lighting during a power outage or emergency.
Learn more about exit and emergency lighting testing in Perth
In this article:
Why reforms raise the stakes
Compliance requirements at a glance
Electrical appliance testing
RCD testing
Emergency lighting testing
Funding risk - whats at stake
How PTTS can help
Book a childcare compliance check
All 4 services in one visit.
Compliance certificate issued within 48 hours.
Perth metro & regional WA
or call 08 6109 8591
Written By:
PTTS Technical Team
Certified technicians, Perth WA
Content reviewed against CECSWNL Act 2012, WHS Act 2022, and current Australian Standards for electrical and fire compliance.
HOW PTTS HELPS WA CHILDCARE CENTRES STAY COMPLIANT
Perth Test and Tag Solutions provides all four compliance services under one booking - electrical appliance testing to AS/NZS 3760, RCD timed trip testing, 90-minute emergency lighting discharge tests, and fire equipment servicing to AS 1851 and AS 2444. Every service includes a compliance certificate, with next-due dates, giving facilities clear documentation for regulators, insurers, and funding bodies.
Our technicians are experienced with the specific requirements of childcare environments and can work around operating hours to minimise disruption to your centre.