Autumn 2011 issue
Welcome to the tenth 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
Get recognised for your achievements in electrical safety
Has your organisation come up with a solution to an electrical safety issue? Get your achievement recognised and make your industry safer and you could be a winner!
Solar panel concerns
Concerns have been raised regarding the electrical safety of solar photo voltaic (PV) installations. Reverse polarity can occur if polarised DC isolators are connected incorrectly by the installer.
Electrical Equipment - Repair / Refurbishment / Alteration / Additions
Electrical contractors and repairers have had a busy few months after Queensland's floods and storms earlier this year.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi - preparation and response
As category 5 Cyclone Yasi approached a large area of North Queensland, Electrical Safety Office (ESO) concerns for electrical safety were top priority, with high winds and flooding expected throughout the area.
Electrical deaths in Queensland
The dangers of working with or around electricity have been tragically highlighted by the occurrence of six confirmed electrocution deaths since the beginning of 2011.
Recall notice to whitegoods repairers - OMEGA and SMEG dishwashers
By keeping up to date on the latest electrical recalls, repairers can offer an enhanced service to their customers by passing on information about recalls.
Induction from other sources
Preventing electric shock is a major part of discharging electrical safety obligations. Induced voltages from sources external to your work is a possibility when working near high voltage powerlines or radio frequency transmitters. This source of power is called induction and can create risks of electric shocks and arcing.
New voluntary self-assessment tool for electrical contractors
The Electrical Safety Office has released a second self-assessment audit package for electrical contractors in Queensland.
2010 – 2011 Electrical Safety Office audit campaign
The 2010 - 2011 audit campaign covered more than 20 project areas. For the electrical industry this includes audits of electrical contractors, electrical repairers, and businesses who employ electrical workers (those who do not have an electrical contractor licence).
National licensing
In July 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to introduce a national licensing system. This would involve establishing a governing policy body, with licensing administration and enforcement activities being undertaken on its behalf by states and territories under co-operative national legislation. In November 2010, nominations were publicly called for the position of Chair and Board members of the new National Occupational Licensing Authority. Announcements are awaited.
New laws for electrical equipment
Queensland has recently passed new laws to help protect consumers from unsafe electrical equipment.
DIY warning signs required for electrical equipment
Retailers and wholesalers selling particular types of electrical equipment to the public in Queensland must display DIY warning signs from 1 July 2011.
2011 Recalls
Latest recalls.