Forms and publications

This package is the second of two voluntary electrical contractor self-assessment audits. The

This self assessment audit aims to help you to meet your obligations under the Electrical Safety legislation

Electricity is essential in rural industry to power a wide range of equipment and activities. Electrical equipment will only function effectively if it is properly installed, used and maintained. In 2002, Queensland introduced dedicated electrical safety laws to prevent people from being killed or injured; and property from being destroyed or damaged by electricity. The laws are the Electrical Safety Act 2002, the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 and several codes of practice, including the Code of Practice Working Near Exposed Live Parts and the Code of Practice Electrical Equipment Rural Industry.

This brochure contains information about safety switches, partially exposed pins, electrical leads, powerpoints and appliances as well as information on how to contact a licensed electrician.

Keep your family and friends safe. Safety switches save lives. Stay safe with electricity. Don’t do your own electrical work - Arabic version

Keep your family and friends safe. Safety switches save lives. Stay safe with electricity. Don’t do your own electrical work - Chinese version

Keep your family and friends safe. Safety switches save lives. Stay safe with electricity. Don’t do your own electrical work - Vietnamese version

Never attempt to do your own electrical work - it is dangerous, illegal and can be fatal. Always get a licensed electrician to do any electrical work.

General safety advice for the installation and operation of decorative lighting around the home and business.

In Queensland it is illegal for unlicensed people to perform electrical work. Significant penalties of up to $30,000 can apply to individuals. Even if you think that you know what you are doing, never attempt to do your own electrical work – it’s dangerous, illegal and can be fatal. Always get a licensed electrician to do any electrical work.

General safety advice for plumbers working with and around metal water pipes and electricity.

Under Queensland law owners and operators of rural businesses must assess electrical risks on a regular basis and take appropriate safety measures.

A safety switch can help guard against an electrical tragedy in your home. Safety switches are designed to cut the supply of electricity in a fraction of a second when a harmful level of electricity is detected leaking to earth.

Don't take risks with electricity, keep your family and friends safe.

Leisure time and water go well together, but water and electricity don't! Bare feet and wet skin lower the body's electrical resistance, meaning that the effects of an electrical shock on a person in or near water are likely to be more severe than in other places.

As an employer or self-employed person you have an obligation under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 to ensure that persons performing work for your business or undertaking, involving contact with, or being near to exposed live parts, are electrically safe.

Preparation management for before, during and after storms, cyclones and floods.

Plan for electrical safety before storm, cyclone and flood season with this handy tick-and-flick checklist.

The Code of Practice Electrical Equipment—Rural Industry gives practical advice about how to manage electrical risk in rural industry work. Included in the code are relevant provisions of the Act and Regulation that must be complied with. Where wording in the code says a measure must be used, the measure is a regulatory provision. Where the code advises that a measure should be used, this means that it is a way of meeting an obligation under the Act. You must either follow the code or use another way that is at least as effective as the code.

The Code gives benchmarks for performing electrical work in ways that are electrically safe. The Code provides guidance on managing electrical risk only; no guidance on other risks is provided.

The Regulation prescribes requirements for the performance of live work and codes of practice give practical advice on ways to manage the obligations set down in the Act and to meet the requirements of the Regulation.

This Code gives practical advice on ways for an electricity entity to manage electrical safety risks associated with earthing systems, underground cable systems, and supporting structures for overhead lines forming parts of the works of an electricity entity.

The Code gives practical advice on ways to manage electrical risk when working near exposed live parts. This Code will apply to people such as plant operators, painters, people erecting or working on scaffolds, sign makers and people working with irrigation pipes near exposed live parts. The practical guidance provided in this code may be relevant to electrical workers when they are performing electrical work near another exposed live part eg installing the electrics on a bill board next to electric lines.

The chief executive of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General can appoint someone to act in the capacity of an accredited auditor of high voltage installations under Part 10 of the Electrical Safety Act 2002. They hold office on the basis that they comply with these conditions.

The chief executive of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General can appoint someone to act in the capacity of an accredited auditor of hazardous area installations under Part 10 of the Electrical Safety Act 2002. They hold office on the basis that they comply with these conditions.

The purpose of this fact sheet is to give practical advice and provide information about legislative requirements of working on hazardous areas installations.

The purpose of this fact sheet is to give practical advice and provide information about legislative requirements of working on high voltage installations.

In Queensland, the majority of electrical installations employ the multiple earth neutral (MEN) earthing system.

Grid connected solar PV systems are now common on many homes and buildings in Queensland. These systems, when installed and maintained correctly, do not present any more risk.

If you run a business that sells certain types of electrical equipment to the public in Queensland, from 1 July 2011, you must display ‘Don’t Do-It-Yourself’ (‘Don’t DIY’) warning signs.

This information details the new safety requirements for the installation of ceiling insulation in Queensland from 9 March 2010.

The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) reminds all workers of the risks associated with induced voltages when working on de-energised or non-commissioned electric lines, within close proximity to existing energised high voltage (HV) lines.

The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) reminds all plumbers of their electrical safety obligations when their task involves the performance of electrical work, and provides the following advice to assist you in meeting those obligations.

This fact sheet aims to ensure that electrical work performed by refrigeration and air-conditioning tradespeople who hold an electrical work licence, is performed in an electrically safe manner and that the work is tested to ensure it is electrically safe.

Business operators, managers and workers should work together to put in place health and safety measures and ensure appropriate staff training is conducted to minimise the risk of serious injuries or possible fatalities.

Certain incidents must be reported, in the approved form, to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland or the Electrical Safety Office. Workplaces must also keep records of particular incidents for a certain time.

Electrical distribution entities can use this form to pay their electrical safety contribution for a financial year in accordance with the requirements of the Electrical Safety Act 2002.

Use this form to apply for a certificate of approval of a type of electrical equipment.

Use this form to apply for a modification to an existing certificate of approval for a type of electrical equipment.

Supplementary form for a modification to an existing certificate of approval for a type of electrical equipment.

Guideline to assist in applying for transfer of registration of an electrical equipment certificate of approval.

Use this form to register a registrable cathodic protection system.

Technical Schedule Relating to a Registrable Cathodic Protection installation in Water or a Marine Environment.

Use this form to apply for an electrical work licence (apprentice).

Use this form to apply for an electrical work licence/permit (other than apprentice).

This guide is designed to assist you with your application for the renewal of your current electrical work licence or reinstatement of your electrical work licence that has been expired for less than one year or recognition of an electrical work licence that has been expired for more than one year.

Use this form to apply for appointment as an accredited auditor for installations or prescribed electricity entities safety management systems.

A person (including a corporation or body corporate), whose interests are affected by a decision made by an inspector (or other person under the Act), can apply for a review of the decision.

Use this form to apply for a Queensland electrical contractor licence.

This guide is designed to assist you with your application for the renewal of your current electrical contractor licence or reinstatement of your electrical contractor licence that has been expired for less than one year.

Use this form to update or add an additional qualified person to an electrical contractor licence.

Use this form to apply for a restricted electrical work licence/permit (other than apprentice).

Use this form to change details of the licence or request a replacement or additional card.

This approved form is used when a prescribed electricity entity’s safety management system is first put into effect or is modified.

Use this form to apply for a review of a licensing decision.

Use this form to apply for a electrical work licence (permit holders).

Use this form to apply for a renewal of approval of electrical equipment.

This guide is designed to assist you with your application for an extension of a certificate of approval of a type of electrical equipment.

Use this form to apply for a renewal of appointment as an accredited auditor.

Use this form to apply for an additional Queensland electrical work permit.

For an electrical work licence application other than apprentice.

For an electrical work licence application - apprentice.

This form is designed to assist in documentation verification.

Statutory declaration to be used by Queensland applicants when applying to the department.

Statutory declaration to be used by interstate applicants when applying to the department.

Statutory declaration to be used by New Zealand applicants when applying to the department.

Elevating work platforms are frequently used for work near powerlines because they are designed to provide work access at height. Working near exposed and electrically live parts without proper precautions has the potential to kill or seriously injure.

This guide provides prescribed electricity entities (network owners and operators) and other stakeholders options and recommendations for applying the legislative requirements under the Act and Regulation for implementing and maintaining safety management systems for their works.

The Electrical Safety Act 2002 places obligations on a wide range of persons, including employers, persons in control and electricity entities, to ensure electrical safety. In particular, an electricity entity has an obligation to ensure their works are electrically safe and operated in a way that is electrically safe. This includes the requirement to inspect, test and maintain works.

Safe use advice for battery chargers intended for household and similar use with a rated voltage of no more than 250V.

Safe use advice for electric blankets, pads and other flexible appliances that heat the bed or human body and are intended for household and similar use. These appliance should have a rated voltage of not more than 250V.

Safe use advice for electric clothes dryers for drying textiles on racks located in a warm air flow and for electric towel rails intended for household and similar use with a rated voltage of no more than 250V.

Safe use advice for stationary electric cooking ranges, hobs, ovens for household or similar use with a rated voltage of not more than 250V for single phase appliances and 480V for other appliances.

Safe use advice for electric dishwashers for household use for washing and rinsing dishes, cutlery and other utensils with rated voltage of not more than 250V for single phase appliances and 480V for other appliances.

Safe use advice for electric floor treatment and wet scrubbing machines intended for household and similar use with a rated voltage of not more than 250V.

Safe use advice for electric food waste disposers intended for household and similar use with a rated voltage of not more than 250V.

Safe use advice for electric deep fryers, frying pans, woks, and other appliances intended for household and similar use with a rated voltage of not more than 250V.

Safe use advice for electric appliances with a cooking function such as baking, roasting and grilling intended for household and similar use with a rated voltage of not more than 250V.

Safe use advice for electric heat pumps, including sanitary hot water heat pumps, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers incorporating sealed motor compressor and fan coils. Rated voltage is no more than 250V for single phase appliances and 480V for other appliances.

Section 43 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 requires that electrical contractors have public liability insurance for at least $5,000,000 under a contract of insurance approved by the chief executive.

Safe use advice for electric dry irons and steam irons including those with a separate water reservoir or boiler whose capacity does not exceed five litres for household and similar purposes with rated voltage of not more than 250V.

Safe use advice for electric kitchen machines intended for household and similar use with a rated voltage of not more than 250V.

Safe use advice for appliances for heating liquids intended for household and similar use with a rated voltage is no more than 250V.

Safe use advice for electric massage appliances, for household and similar use with a rated voltage of no more than 250V for single phase appliances and 480V for other appliances.

Safe use advice for microwave ovens with a rated voltage of no more than 250V.

Safe use advice for portable electric heating tools and similar appliances with a rated voltage of not more than 250V.

Safe use advice for electric pumps for liquids having a temperature not exceeding 90 degrees Celsius intended for household and similar use. Rated voltage is no more than 250V for single phase appliances and 480V for other appliances.

Safe use advice for electric range hoods to be installed above household cooking ranges and cooking appliances with a rated voltage of no more than 250V.

Safe use advice for appliances whose rated voltage is no more than 250V for single phase appliances, 480V for other appliances and 24V dc for appliances when battery operated.

Safe use advice for electric room heaters intended for household and similar use with a rated voltage of no more than 250V for single phase appliances and 480V for other appliances.

Safe use advice for electric sewing machines, for household and similar use, with a rated voltage of no more than 250V for single phase appliances and 480V for other appliances.

Safe use advice for electric shavers, hair clippers and similar appliances intended for household and similar use, with a rated voltage of no more than 250V.

Safe use advice for the safety of electric appliances incorporating devices for exposing the skin to ultraviolet and infrared radiation, intended or household and similar use. The appliance rated voltage being not more than 250V volts for single phase appliances and 480V volts for other appliances.

Safe use advice for electric appliances for skin or hair of people or animals and is intended for household and similar use with a rated voltage of not more than 250V.

Safe use advice for electric spin extractors for household and similar use, with a capacity not exceeding 10 kg of dry cloth and a drum peripheral speed not exceeding 50 m/s with rated voltage of not more than 250V for single phase appliances and 480V for other appliances.

Safe use advice for vacuum and water suction cleaning appliances for household and similar purposes, including vacuum cleaners for animal grooming, centrally-sited vacuum cleaners, motorised cleaning heads and current carrying hoses associated with a particular vacuum cleaner with a rated voltage of no more than 250V.

Safe use advice for warming plates, warming trays and similar appliances intended for household and similar use with a rated voltage of not more than 250V.

Safe use advice for electric washing machines intended for washing clothes and textiles for household and similar use. With a rated voltage no more than 250V for single phase appliances and 480V for other appliances.

Safe use advice for electric instantaneous water heaters intended for household and similar use and intended for heating water below boiling temperature. Rated voltage is no more than 250V for single phase appliances and 480V for other appliances.

Electrical Safety Outlook is a publication produced for electrical licence holders and others involved in the industry. It provides news and practical information about our industry on a range of topics from policy development to dealing with asbestos on the job.

Ministerial Notice - Ceiling insulation and electrical safety

Proposals for mandatory fitting of safety switches on all residential electrical installations in Queensland.

The Electrical Safety Plan for Queensland 2009–2014 (the Plan), has been developed to build on the achievements of the past five years and to further improve electrical safety for tomorrow’s Queensland. The Plan’s goal over the next five years is the elimination of all preventable electrical deaths. The Plan uses an evidence-based approach to specifically target areas where past electrical fatalities have occurred and also increasingly focus on areas of concern related to serious electrical incident reports and possible emerging issues. This approach aims to reduce electrical fatalities by reducing serious electrical incidents, which are often precursors to fatalities.

Although Queensland’s five year moving average of electrical fatalities has been below the national average for the past six years, there is no room for complacency. The slight upward trend of recent years needs to be addressed and strategies put in place to align with the five year goal of this Plan—to eliminate all preventable electrical fatalities in Queensland.

In developing the new Electrical Safety Plan for Queensland 2009–2014, the Board aimed to ensure it could be easily understood, would help create a greater awareness of electrical safety issues, and encourage compliance with the legislation. I believe we have achieved this. The plan states that the Board’s vision is the ‘elimination of the human costs to individuals, families and the community of deaths, injury and destruction that can be caused by electricity’. The five year goal is ‘the elimination of all preventable electrical deaths’.

The new stand-alone electrical safety legislation fundamentally changed Queensland’s approach to electrical safety; establishing a Commissioner for Electrical Safety, an Electrical Safety Board and three Board committees to advise the Minister on electrical safety issues. Additionally, an independent State-wide electrical safety inspectorate was established to administer and enforce the new legislative requirements.

Over the past five years there has been a high level of cooperation, not only between the Department and the Board, but also with employers, unions and other stakeholders. This collective effort towards improving electrical safety has been pivotal in making significant progress and it is this approach that is also reflected in the Electrical Safety Plan for Queensland 2009-2014.

The Electrical Safety Plan for Queensland 2009–2014 (the Plan), has been developed to build on the achievements of the past five years and to further improve electrical safety for tomorrow’s Queensland. The Plan’s goal over the next five years is the elimination of all preventable electrical deaths. The Plan uses an evidence-based approach to specifically target areas where past electrical fatalities have occurred and also increasingly focus on areas of concern related to serious electrical incident reports and possible emerging issues. This approach aims to reduce electrical fatalities by reducing serious electrical incidents, which are often precursors to fatalities.

Implementation of the strategies contained in this plan has seen improvement in electrical safety in Queensland on a number of fronts. Examples include more effective electrical licensing and related disciplinary options; more focused and transparent compliance and enforcement initiatives; strengthened electrical equipment approvals; extensive community engagement and education programs; and the increasing integration of safety switches into Queensland homes and workplaces.

There have been 17 fatalities involving powerlines over the past 10 years. Ten of these involved unsafe work practices of nonelectrical workers, four involved contact with fallen powerlines and three involved unsafe electrical work practices. Electrical fatalities involving contact with underground powerlines have also been an issue in recent years, and as such this has now been included in the powerlines priority area.

The new stand-alone electrical safety legislation fundamentally changed Queensland’s approach to electrical safety; establishing a Commissioner for Electrical Safety, an Electrical Safety Board and three Board committees to advise the Minister on electrical safety issues. Additionally, an independent State-wide electrical safety inspectorate was established to administer and enforce the new legislative requirements.

Outline of the plan in a graphical format.

This policy outlines standards which are considered to satisfy the chief executive that an applicant meets the general, eligibility, financial and insurance requirements for an electrical licence.

Electrical safety awareness - Electrical Technicians and Appliance Servicing 2010 - A presentation by the Electrical Safety Office

The Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Risk Management presentation covers the latest risk management practices which came into effect on 1 January 2010. This presentation also covers related changes that are reflected in four other revised and re-issued electrical safety codes of practice, as well as general electrical safety obligations.

Electrical safety awareness - Electrical Technicians and Appliance Servicing 2011 - A presentation by the Electrical Safety Office

This presentation aims to reinforce how you and your work can stay electrically safe.

Electrical safety forum presentation on working on and near live electrical parts.

Powepoint presentation to support wiring rules information seminars run by the Electrical Safety Office, regarding AS/NZS 3000:2007.

Effective 1 November 2009, all Queensland insulation installers, whether or not operating under the Australian Government’s Home Insulation Scheme, will be required to take additional electrical safety measures as provided in the Electrical Safety (Installation of Ceiling Insulation) Notice 2009, to protect themselves and Queensland householders. Non-compliance is a breach of electrical safety obligations – significant penalties apply.

A national competition policy review of the licensing aspects of the Electricity Act 1994 has been conducted in accordance with Queensland Treasury’s Public Benefit Test (PBT) Guidelines. A PBT report, prepared by an independent consultant company ACIL Consulting Group in January 2002, concluded that continuation of the current licensing approach was justified to ensure the safety of electrical workers, other workers and consumers. It considered the arrangements were appropriate and did not propose any reduction to them.

The safety switch reliability research project was aimed at benchmarking the failure rate of Queensland’s safety switch population. By researching this general failure rate and identifying the significant influencing factors, control measures for managing the ageing population may be better understood and augmented.

Risk assesment training register for installation of ceiling insulation.

Section 43 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 prescribes the insurance requirements for an Electrical Contractor Licence.

Sample template for licensed electrical workers in Queensland.

This certificate template can be used as either a certificate of testing and safety or a certificate of testing and compliance.

This certificate template can be used as either a certificate of testing and safety or a certificate of testing and compliance.