Hazardous area installations

If you perform electrical work in hazardous areas it is worth a refresher on your obligations under the Electrical Safety Act 2002.

Electrical equipment selected for use in hazardous areas MUST comply with the Wiring Rules and the electrical equipment MUST be installed in accordance with the installation requirements of AS/NZS 2381.1 or AS/NZS 61241.14 as appropriate.

Work on electrical equipment in a hazardous area should only be performed by people with appropriate electrical worker qualifications and who are competent as detailed in AS /NZS 2381.1.

Competency may be demonstrated in accordance with AS/NZS 4761, competencies for working with electrical equipment for hazardous areas (EEHA), or equivalent training and assessment framework.

Electrical workers must test the electrical work performed and an electrical contractor must issue a certificate of test and safety/compliance to the person for whom the work was performed.

Electrical work performed in a hazardous area needs to be audited by an accredited hazardous area auditor before being connected to supply (refer section 153 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (PDF File, 1.02 MB)). Find an accredited auditor.