A little preparation makes a test and tag visit quicker, less disruptive and more useful. This checklist covers the things that most often slow a visit down or leave gaps in the records.

Two weeks before

Get a rough count. Walk the office and estimate how many plug-in items there are: computers, monitors, printers, kitchen appliances, chargers, extension leads and power boards. It does not need to be exact, but it helps with pricing and with planning how long the visit will take. A device and its detachable lead may be counted separately if both are tested.

Identify anything that must stay powered. Servers, network switches, firewalls, phone systems, UPS units and anything that supports shared services need a separate conversation. They should not be unplugged as part of a routine office visit. Tell us about them up front so they can be reviewed, scheduled for an agreed maintenance window, or deferred.

Tell us about your existing records. If you already have an asset register or previous test results, share the format before the visit. Consistent asset IDs make it far easier to compare results over time.

Choose a time that suits. Daytime visits are simplest, but evening and weekend appointments may be available by arrangement if you would rather avoid disrupting staff.

The week before

Let staff know. Explain that some equipment will be switched off and unplugged briefly. Ask people to save their work and close documents at the agreed time.

Nominate a contact. Choose someone who can grant access, answer questions and authorise disconnections on the day. If an item fails, this is the person we will notify.

Talk to your IT provider. If workstations will be shut down, your IT support may want to know. Arrange for someone to confirm that equipment and services are working after reconnection.

Sort out access. Think about locked offices, comms cupboards, security sign-in, parking and alarm times, especially for after-hours visits.

On the day

Make plugs and leads reachable. Most delays come from equipment wedged behind heavy furniture or cabinetry. Items that cannot be reached safely are recorded as inaccessible rather than skipped silently, but it is better to test them.

Keep sensitive equipment clearly marked. A simple "do not unplug" note on server and network equipment helps everyone.

Expect brief interruptions. We agree the sequence with your contact so that disruption is predictable.

Afterwards

Review the exceptions first. Your report lists failed, deferred, inaccessible and excluded items separately from passes. Those are the items that need action.

Remove failed items from use. Repairs are outside a test and tag service and should be handled by an appropriately authorised provider.

Keep the register somewhere useful. A spreadsheet-friendly CSV makes it easy to filter by location or retest date and to plan the next visit.

Printable checklist

  • Approximate item count, by area
  • List of equipment that must stay powered
  • Existing asset register or previous results, if any
  • Preferred date and time of day
  • Staff notified to save work
  • Nominated on-site contact
  • IT provider informed
  • Access, parking and alarm arrangements
  • Plugs and leads accessible