Safety switches needed in Qld homes, says MEA

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has called for safety switches to be mandatory in all Queensland homes following a review of the state’s electrical safety regulations. The organisation urged the Queensland Government to order legislation to this effect immediately.

MEA Chief Executive Malcolm Richards said proposed amendments to regulations support the increasing need for the state to make safety switches on all capable circuits compulsory in all Australian homes.

“The proposed amendments agree that the installation of safety switches is fundamental to electrical safety in our state and recommend government to provide for an increased coverage of safety switches,” Richards said.

“The suggested changes would also vary the safety switch requirement for the fitting of safety switches to socket outlets not exceeding 20 amps, which is consistent with current Queensland requirements.

“Yet this is simply not going far enough toward full protection against the high risk of serious electrical accidents.”

Richards said a proposal by MEA to extend the coverage of safety switches in Queensland homes has been the subject of a previous Regulatory Assessment Statement (RAS) which was pending further consideration by the government.

“The Safety Switch RAS was originally released in November 2011; however, no further action has been taken following the end of the consultation period,” he said.

“An MEA research report found that although around 60% of Australian homes have at least one safety switch, this does not represent total protection for the home’s occupants or tradespeople who may need to access the roof space.

“This prompts the question as to why, with the overwhelming evidence on the effectiveness of these life-saving devices, government has still failed to legislate making the fitting of safety switches on all capable circuits compulsory in all Australian homes.

“There is absolutely no excuse for complacency regarding electrical-related injuries and fatalities when the solution is known. We urge the Queensland Government to take action quickly before lives are unnecessarily lost.”