Work requirements
Definitions
Construction work requirements
Manufacturing work requirements
Service work and office work requirements
Definitions
There are six classes of work under the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (PDF, 1 MB), all with different requirements for electrical safety management including testing and inspection of equipment and safety switch protection.
The six classes of work are:
- construction work
- manufacturing work
- service work
- office work
- amusement work
- rural industry work.
For amusement, manufacturing and rural industry work 'specified electrical equipment':
- is equipment that is connected by a flexible cord and plug to low voltage supply; and
- has a current rating not exceeding 20 Amps.
For example, a bench grinder plugged in to a power point.
For service and office work, 'specified electrical equipment' is equipment that:
- is connected by a flexible cord and plug to low voltage supply;
- has a current rating not exceeding 20 Amps; and
- is moved during its normal use for the purpose of its use.
For example, a handheld blow dryer, portable power saw or vacuum cleaner.
'Specified electrical equipment' also includes extension leads or portable outlet devices (powerboards).
Construction work requirements
Employers and self-employed people must ensure that all electrical equipment for the performance of work is in accordance with the requirements of AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations - Construction and demolition sites (non-Queensland Government link).
An employer or self employed person whose business or undertaking is being conducted at a construction workplace and who is the principal contractor for the construction workplace must ensure that all construction wiring at the workplace is in accordance with AS/NZS 3012.
Manufacturing work requirements
Employers and self-employed people must make sure:
- double adaptors and piggyback plugs are not used
- specified electrical equipment is inspected, tested and tagged by a competent person at prescribed intervals
and
- specified electrical equipment is connected to a type 1 or 2 safety switch. This must be an installed safety switch from 1 March 2008. From 1 March 2008, portable safety switches will not be an option for manufacturing industry
- safety switches are tested at prescribed intervals
- any electrical equipment is immediately withdrawn from use if it is not safe to use
- safety switches are withdrawn from use if they are not working properly.
Service work and office work requirements
Employers and self-employed people must make sure:
- specified electrical equipment is inspected and tested by a competent person at prescribed intervals and immediately withdrawn from use if it is not safe to use
or
- specified electrical equipment is connected to a type 1 or 2 safety switch. The safety switch must be tested at prescribed intervals and withdrawn from use if it is not working properly
Last updated March 23, 2006
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