Spring 2009 issue
Welcome to the seventh 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. However the Summer 2009 edition was not published due to the timing of the State Election.
We welcome your comments and input.
Peter Lamont
Executive Director
Electrical Safety Office
In this issue
Electrical danger for insulation installers
Federal Government rebates for installing ceiling insulation are a boost for the industry and the environment, but the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) has warned installers not to underestimate the dangers involved.
Electrical apprentices safety pilot program a success
The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) is set to expand a successful pilot training program next year to raise safety awareness among Queensland’s apprentice electricians.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander electrical safety awareness initiative
Staff from the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) recently visited Cherbourg Aboriginal community as part of a program to improve awareness of electrical safety issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
New safety switch proposals for public discussion
The Electrical Safety Office is seeking input to proposals for new requirements for the retrofitting of safety switches to lighting and power circuits in all forms of domestic accommodation in Queensland.
Equipotential bonding, pool fencing and electrical safety
The issue of equipotential bonding for pools is now covered under new pool fencing laws which came into effect on1 December for new pools and from late in 2010 for existing pools.
2009 Queensland Work Safe Award - electrical safety winner
Stanwell Corporation Limited was recognised in the 2009 Queensland Work Safe Awards announced on 29 October by winning Category 5 - the best solution to an identified electrical safety issue.
New Risk Management Code of Practice
The Electrical Safety Office is preparing to introduce a new code of practice for the electrical industry from January 2010.
New system recommended to ensure electrical equipment safety
The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) is working on a new Electrical Equipment Safety System aimed at eliminating shock, injury and property damage resulting from the sale, supply and use of unsafe electrical equipment.
New recall powers
The Queensland Government’s ability to recall unsafe electrical equipment was recently strengthened by an amendment to the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (the Act). The amendment ensures the government can act quickly if there is evidence an electrical product poses a community safety risk.
Disciplinary actions taken against an electrical contractor
In a recent hearing of the Electrical Licensing Committee the holder of an electrical work licence was fined and his licence suspended.
Electrical safety forums – Far North, North and Central Queensland
Electrical Safety inspectors have continued to host Electrical Safety Forums for electrical workers, safety managers and their employers to learn about and discuss the need to work safely with, and around electricity.
Amendments to the Electrical Safety Regulation
The Electrical Safety Amendment Regulation (No2) 2009 recently introduced changes to Queensland’s electrical safety legislation.