Autumn 2008 issue
Welcome to the second edition of the Electrical Safety Outlook newsletter
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 installation issues.
Electrical Safety Outlook will be published four times a year, and can be delivered directed to your email address.
We welcome your comments and input.
Peter Lamont
Executive Director
Electrical Safety Office
In this issue
New Register of licensed electrical workers
If you employ electrical workers, from 1 March 2008 new laws mean you need to keep a register of licensed electrical workers.
Floods expose electrical dangers
The recent flooding of around 3000 homes in Mackay has highlighted a number of electrical safety issues for both the general public and industry workers.
Obligations for building and installing
Builders installing electrical household appliances or offering them as a package in the sale of the new house, should be aware they have obligations under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 regarding the safety of the appliances.
Don't work live
Electrical work must only be carried out by a licensed electrician and with the power turned off. Live work can expose people and property to serious electrical risk and should only be performed in very limited circumstances.
Electrical fatalities 2007-08
There have been four electrical related fatalities in Queensland from 1 July 2007 to 31 March 2008.
Downlight dangers
Fire safety and electrical safety regulators across Australia have raised concern about an increase in building fires caused by heat from recessed lighting setting fire to building material and other materials.
Importing electrical appliances
If you import electrical appliances for sale in Australia you have specific obligations under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 regarding the safety of the appliances you import.
Dangerous roof wiring practices
The Electrical Safety Office is warning workers about wiring practices undertaken before the 1986 edition of the Wiring Rules for situations like shallow-pitched or flat roofs.
High voltage and hazardous area installations
Certain electrical work (installation work) in hazardous areas must not be connected to an electricity supply unless the work has been inspected and tested by an accredited auditor to ensure its safety.
Wiring Rules seminars a hot ticket
Record attendances at the Wiring Rules seminars being held around the state have resulted in extra seminars being scheduled to cope with the demand.
Safety switch research project
Many of Australia’s domestic residences are protected by safety switches of various designs and some are now several decades old.
Update on audits
The Electrical Safety Office is currently implementing an audit program that supports the Electrical Safety Plan for Queensland
$25,000 fine a 'huge wakeup call' for unlicensed electrical contractor
Electric shock and serious burn injuries to a worker has given an unlicensed electrical business in Cairns a 'huge wake-up call' and a major overhaul of the company's policies and guidelines.
Your questions answered
The following information answers questions raised about two stories in the previous edition of Electrical Safety Outlook (Summer 07).