Introducing ‘Don’t DIY’ warning signs

The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) will take an educational approach to retail signs compliance for six months giving retailers time to adjust to the new requirements before penalties are applied.

The new retail signage requirements came into force on 1 July 2011, requiring Queensland retailers and wholesalers to display a ‘Don’t DIY’ sign for the sale of non plug-in electrical equipment.

Businesses must not sell such items to the public unless a ‘Don’t DIY’ warning sign is displayed for them.

The new laws were developed in consultation with the retail industry and aim to address the long standing electrical safety issues of unlicensed and do-it-yourself electrical work.

The type of products these laws apply to include fixed-wired electrical equipment such as split-system air conditioners, stoves, electric hot water systems and ceiling fans. The signage also needs to be displayed for electrical accessories and electrical parts such as power points, light switches and re-wireable electrical plugs and sockets.

The new ‘Don’t DIY’ warning sign requirements apply to face-to-face and online selling of electrical goods in Queensland and penalties will apply for failing to comply after the amnesty period.

A range of display options exist for the new signs and the ESO provides free downloadable ‘Don’t DIY’ warning sign templates along with the list of changes.