GP practices working toward RACGP accreditation through AGPAL or QIP often assume their equipment testing is sorted because it’s “up to date” — but accreditation surveyors are checking for something more specific than a recent test date. Here’s what the RACGP Standards actually expect for medical equipment, and where practices commonly fall short.
What the RACGP Standards Require
The RACGP Standards for General Practices (5th edition) require practices to maintain equipment that is safe, fit for purpose, and appropriately maintained — with evidence available at the time of your AGPAL or QIP survey. That evidence needs to cover electrical safety testing intervals, calibration records for equipment like vaccine fridges, and a clear record of when equipment was last serviced.
Where GP Practices Commonly Fall Short
- Vaccine fridge records — temperature logs exist, but calibration certificates for the monitoring equipment itself are missing or expired.
- Electrical safety testing gaps — equipment purchased between accreditation cycles that never entered the testing schedule.
- No single source of truth — testing records split across paper files, old emails, and a previous provider’s system, making it hard to produce a complete picture quickly when a surveyor asks.
Getting Survey-Ready Without the Scramble
The practices that find accreditation straightforward are the ones with a running testing programme rather than a pre-survey catch-up. Our RACGP, AGPAL & QIP compliance page covers the standard in more detail, and a PPM contract keeps electrical safety testing and vaccine fridge calibration on a fixed schedule so records are always current. See our GP & medical centres sector page for how we work with practice managers on this.
FAQ
How often does GP practice equipment need electrical safety testing?
Intervals depend on a risk assessment referencing AS/NZS 3551, taking equipment type and usage into account. We can help set up a schedule that satisfies both the standard and your accreditation timeline.
Do vaccine fridges need separate calibration from general electrical testing?
Yes, vaccine fridge temperature monitoring equipment needs its own calibration records, separate from electrical safety testing of the fridge unit itself.
What if our accreditation survey is coming up soon and records are incomplete?
Contact us and we’ll prioritise assessing your current position and getting outstanding testing and records sorted as quickly as possible.
Can you manage testing across multiple practice locations?
Yes, we work with multi-site practices to keep testing schedules and records consistent across all locations.
Get Your Practice Accreditation-Ready
Talk to us about a testing programme that keeps your equipment records current for every AGPAL or QIP cycle. Contact Nova Biomedical for a quote.
