Summer 2007 issue
Welcome to the first 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 dealing with asbestos on the job.
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
New safety switch regulations for rental accommodation
From 1 March 2008 owners of domestic rental accommodation in Queensland must install a safety switch in all properties that do not currently have one.
Safety switches in manufacturing industry
From 1 March 2008 all manufacturing workplaces must have a safety switch protecting all specified electrical equipment.
The importance of electrical safety after flooding
With Queensland’s summer storm season here, the chance of equipment being flooded increases. Because of the risks, the ESO is urging Queenslanders to have a licensed electrician check appliances or equipment that have come into contact with water before use.
Fault currents
High levels of energy dissipated during faults can cause damage to plant and property or injury to people. It is important to consider fault currents when working on, or near live parts and to design protection systems correctly.
Safety audits
One of the many activities for improving electrical safety at workplaces and Queensland homes is the Electrical Safety Office’s statewide compliance audit program.
Licensing for air conditioner installers
For many years the Electrical Safety Office has been raising awareness of the importance of using qualified tradespeople when installing air conditioners.
Electrical trade skills for overseas workers
Employers wishing to employ electrical workers, need to be sure they get the right documentation from people applying to migrate to Australia under the Skilled Migration Program.
Electrical safety in construction
Construction wiring in Queensland must meet the same standards as wiring in a completed building. The change was made in 2003 to ensure greater electrical safety for everyone in the construction industry.
Electrical fatalities 2006–07
Queensland’s rate of electrical fatalities remain well below the national average.
New mandatory licence to remove 10m2 or more of bonded asbestos
Anyone removing bonded asbestos measuring 10 square metres or more must obtain a new ‘B’ class licence from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.
Electrical contractor fined for grievous bodily harm
NQ Mining Services Pty Ltd, a North Queensland electrical contractor, was fined $37,500 plus investigation and professional costs for breaching the Electrical Safety Act 2002. The fine was handed down on 14 August 2007 for breaches of sections 27(b) and 30 (2) of the Act.
Reappointment of Commissioner for Electrical Safety
Jack Camp has been re-appointed Commissioner for Electrical Safety. This is Mr Camp’s second five-year term.
New wiring rules
New national wiring rules have been released specifying safety requirements for the design, construction and verification of electrical installations in Australia.
Presentations for industry
The Electrical Safety Office runs seminars throughout the year to provide important safety information to the electrical industry.
Changes to the Electrical Safety Act 2002
New amendments to the Electrical Safety Act 2002 come into force in early 2008.
Switchboard rescue and resuscitation
Employers must ensure that workers performing or helping to perform electrical work are competent in rescue and resuscitation of workers injured while working live.