Autumn 2009 issue
Welcome to the fifth 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.
Electrical Safety Outlook is 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
Working near live parts as dangerous as working live
Electrical workers know the dangers of working live but working around live parts, whether low or high voltage, can also be dangerous.
Supervising electrical apprentices
Electrical apprentices require supervision for their safety and the safety of others.
Review of electrical safety codes of practice
The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) is currently in the final stages of reviewing the four existing codes of practice that support the Electrical Safety Act 2002.
Electrical Safety Plan for Queensland
Queensland has a new electrical safety plan. The Electrical Safety Plan for Queensland 2009–2014 was developed by the Electrical Safety Board in consultation with industry and the Electrical Safety Office (ESO).
Disciplinary actions taken against electrical contractor and employee
An electrical worker who left a number of serious defects at a job has been suspended.
Award for ESO's Brian Richardson
Brian Richardson from the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) received an Australia Day Achievement Award from the former Department of Emergency Services for his assistance with fire investigations.
Fatalities - a sad reminder to stay safe
Two recent electrical fatalities highlight the need for vigilance around electricity.
Compact fluorescent lamps save energy
Environmental concerns are driving the introduction of many new products with compact fluorescent lamps, one of the more energy efficient alternatives available for lighting.
Audit update
The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) has issued an increased number of improvement notices as part of its strategy to improve compliance with safe systems of work around electrical parts and supervision of trainees and apprentices.
ESO out and about at apprentice awards
Electrical Safety Office (ESO) Principal Inspectors Clint Hodges and Gary Page recently attended the CSR Electrical Apprenticeship Award function at the Pioneer Sugar Mill at Brandon. There were about 30 apprentices in attendance ranging from year 1 to 4.
Rewarding safe work practices
Queensland businesses of all sizes can nominate for Workplace Health and Safety Queensland’s 2009 Work Safe Awards from 28 April.
Pay your electrical worker licence renewal online
Queensland electrical worker licence holders can now pay their licence renewals online using a credit card or BPay.
Electrical safety forums - working on or near exposed live parts
More than 1400 electrical workers attended electrical safety forums run by the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) around Queensland throughout February and March.
ESO forges relationship with Hong Kong
The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) has been working closely with the Government of Hong Kong’s Electrical Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) to exchange ideas and create industry benchmarks.