Queensland adopts new electrical safety laws

Retailers and wholesalers selling particular types of electrical equipment to the public in Queensland are subject to new laws to help protect homeowners and renovators. Businesses selling particular types of electrical equipment are now required to display a 'Don't DIY' warning, said Electrical Safety Office Director of Policy, Tony Leverton.

"The signage indicates the legal requirement for certain electrical equipment to be installed by a licensed electrical contractor," said Leverton. Some of the products that will require signage include fixed-wire electrical equipment such as split-system air conditioners, stoves, ovens, electric hot water systems, ceiling fans and electrical accessories such as power points, light switches and re-wireable electrical plugs and sockets. Electrical parts such as electrical motors, switches, solenoids and elements will also require signage.

The new laws were implemented from 1 July 2011. The laws, said Leverton, 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. Businesses are now be required to choose from five display options for the new signs, which require the sign to be displayed: in close proximity to the point of display of the item; as part of the price tag of the item; on a label attached to the packaging or the actual item; as part of the packaging of the item; and on a label attached to the item.

The new 'Don't DIY' warning sign requirements apply to face-to-face and online retailing of electrical goods in Queensland. "A six-month phase-in period will give retailers time to adjust to the new requirements before penalties will be applied. These new amendments will send a clear message that installing electrical equipment is dangerous and must always be carried out by a licensed electrical contractor," noted Leverton.