Is your business complying with electrical safety and hazards?
The key requirements businesses and their staff need to know and comply with in Queensland.
In Queensland, businesses are required to comply with a range of electrical safety requirements to ensure the safety of their employees and customers who enter their premises.
Here are some of the key requirements business owners should be aware of and comply with:
1. Electrical safety inspections
Businesses are required to have regular electrical safety inspections conducted by a licensed electrician to identify any potential electrical hazards.
Refer to: AS/NZS 3019
2. Electrical equipment maintenance
Electrical equipment used in the workplace must be maintained in good working condition to prevent electrical hazards e.g. coffee machines, commercial fridges, extension leads, power boards, etc. This includes regularly testing and tagging equipment to ensure it is safe to use.
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3. Electrical safety training
Employers must ensure that employees who work with electrical equipment receive appropriate electrical safety training to understand the risks associated with electricity and how to use equipment safely.
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4. Electrical safety signage
Businesses are required to display appropriate electrical safety signage, such as warning signs and emergency shutdown procedures, to ensure employees and customers are aware of potential electrical hazards.
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5. Electrical safety switches
Also known as Residual Current Devices (RCDs), these must be installed in workplaces to provide protection against electric shock. These devices are designed to detect and immediately shut off the electrical supply if there is an electrical shock occurring to earth. They are required to be performance tested every 12 to 24 months, depending on the activities conducted in the workplace.
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6. Electrical test and tags
Any item that plugs into a power point is most likely required to be tested & tagged. The interval varies depending on the risk classifications - typically from every 3 months for construction sites, 6 & 12 months to not required at all if RCD’s are in place in some office environments.
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7. Exit and Emergency lighting
All exits and emergency lights must be tested every 6 months to ensure they run for 90 minutes on battery by simulating a loss of power. The results of the duration test, any defects and maintenance history should be recorded and stored in a paper or digital log book.
Queensland fire service do randomised site inspections to confirm compliance and issue penalties for non compliance.
Refer to: AS/NZS2293
8. Thermal scan
As part of your risk reduction and preventative maintenance a thermal scan of electrical systems can provide early detection of an electrical fault or potential fire hazard. Some insureres require it as a minimum to renew policies. Some insurers offer a premium discount if you regularly check your electrical systems with a thermal scan service.
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9. Compliance with codes and standards
Businesses must comply with relevant codes and standards, including the Wiring Rules and Electrical Safety Act, to ensure electrical safety in the workplace.
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10. Using a qualified electrical expert for your compliance needs.
All of these requirements must be fulfilled by a licensed and qualified electrician (Master Electrical in QLD preferred) otherwise you risk not being compliant and therefore your insurance may not cover you in the event of an incident.
For example: Electrical Embassy qualifications:
The importance of compliance
These requirements are set by the government to ensure the safety of everyone working in any commercial or industrial space. They are to be avoided at your own financial and legal peril.
Creating a safe environment for your employees and customers should be the first priority of any workplace.
At Electrical Embassy, we’re your trusted local authority in electrical services, including commercial and industrial electrical compliance and services.
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