Electrical Safety Amendment Regulation (No.1) 2006
The Electrical Safety Amendment Regulation (No.1) 2006 (PDF, 250 KB) makes changes to the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (PDF, 1 MB) to provide a more targeted regulatory framework for electrical safety in leased domestic residences, the rural industry, the amusement industry and the manufacturing industry.
The Amendment Regulation impacts on:
- Safety switch requirements for leased domestic residences
- Classes of work:
- Changes in the naming of classes of work
- Changes in requirements for manufacturing work
- A new class for amusement work
- A new class for rural industry work.
Safety switch requirements for leased domestic residences
From 1 March 2006, owners of leased domestic residences must have a safety switch installed for the power circuit of the residence within six months of a residential tenancy agreement being entered into, or by 29 February 2008 (whichever is the sooner).
From 1 March 2008, owners of leased domestic residences must have a safety switch installed for the power circuit of the residence after a residential tenancy agreement has been entered into.
This change gives tenants of domestic residences the same level of protection as owner occupiers.
Changes to the naming of classes of work
From 1 March 2006 the classes of work are:
- construction work (formerly Class 1 work)
- manufacturing work (formerly Class 2 work)
- service work (formerly Class 3 work)
- office work (formerly Class 4 work).
There are two new classes of work:
- amusement work
- rural industry work.
Changes in the requirements for manufacturing work
By 1 March 2008 specified electrical equipment used in manufacturing work must be protected by a fixed safety switch. Previously a portable safety switch was an option.
New class for amusement work
This class of work covers certain activities at shows, fairs and carnivals. The amendment clarifies electrical safety requirements in the amusement industry.
New class for rural industry work
This amendment increases electrical safety requirements for rural workplaces. From 1 March 2006, there will be no exemption from electrical safety regulatory provisions for rural industry.
Employers and self-employed people will now be required to:
- visually check electrical equipment before use
- assess their workplaces for risk factors outlined in the Regulation
- adopt control measures to minimise any risks
- have any specified electrical equipment used where there are stated electrical risk factors:
- inspected and tested annually, or
- connected to a fixed or portable safety switch.
The introduction of the Code of Practice for Electrical Equipment - Rural Industry supports the regulatory changes for rural industry work by providing practical advice on how to manage electrical safety on farms.
Last updated April 21, 2006
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