Queensland electrical safety changes cover roof spaces and water equipment

The Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024 implements further recommendations from the review of Queensland’s Electrical Safety Act 2002.

From 1 January 2025, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and workers must de-energise relevant electrical installations or meet additional safety measures before entering or working in a domestic building’s roof space.

The roof-space requirements apply across all industries, including gas fitting, plumbing, pest control, insulation, roof and ceiling repairs, and electrical work such as air-conditioning installation. They formalise the existing safe practice of switching off power before roof-space entry.

Buildings covered include houses, apartments, town houses, sheds, guest houses, small hostels and boarding houses.

Also from 1 January 2025, requirements for electrical work on energised equipment will extend to electrical work near it. This covers work within three metres of an exposed energised part and responds to the risk of arc flash.

From 1 April 2025, water equipment will become prescribed electrical equipment under the legislation. The change uses new powers under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and recognises that extra-low-voltage equipment can create a current in water, potentially causing paralysis and drowning.

PCBUs, including designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers, will need to meet supply chain duties to ensure water equipment used in homes and workplaces is electrically safe. Electrical work on water equipment will continue to require a licensed electrical worker.

How Blue Safe can help: Our free WHS self-check can help you review your business’s general safety arrangements and identify areas that may need closer attention as requirements change. Take the free WHS self-check