From: Tibor Bode
The qld government made this press release today. It will effect all IP owners (existing and new) who have properties without electrical safety switch installation, which became compulsory in 1992 (according to my sparki).
Here is the release
Premier & Trade, Peter Beattie
05/08/02
State Takes Drastic Action To Cut Electrocutions & Shocks
The State Government is taking drastic action to turn Queensland's appalling electrical safety record into the best in Australia, Premier Peter Beattie announced today (Monday).
"We are taking concerted action to deal with the fact that Queensland has had the highest per capita rate of household electrocutions in Australia," said Mr Beattie.
Mr Beattie and Industrial Relations Minister Gordon Nuttall announced:
. New regulations to make safety switches compulsory within three months of the sale of a home;
. An advertising campaign designed to prompt people to fit safety switches;
. Queensland's first stand-alone electrical safety legislation will be introduced into Parliament this week.
"Queensland is the first state in Australia to make safety switches compulsory in all homes, with new regulations to take effect from September 1," said Mr Beattie.
"Forty-three people died in domestic electrical accidents between July 1992 and December 2000.
"Another six people died in domestic electrical incidents last year, and almost 2000 were injured through faulty appliances and cords, home handywork and renovations.
"The tragedy is that most of these deaths could have been prevented by an electrical safety switch, at a cost of about $200 each.
"The cost of a safety switch is a small price to pay to save a life."
Mr Nuttall said: "Under these new regulations, a purchaser will be required to have a safety switch installed within three months of taking over a property if it does not already have a safety switch.
"The laws will apply to all homes, units and flats, including estate, family law and mortgagee transfers.
"Sellers must declare - on both the standard sales contract and the property transfer form - whether the home has a safety switch.
"Legally, it will be up to the buyer to ensure the safety switch is installed.
"While these devices are only compulsory on the sale of a home, I would urge all Queenslanders to install a safety switch as soon as possible for the best chance of protection against electrical injury or even death.
In the event of an electric shock, a safety switch will cut the power in 1/30 of a second, in time to save a life.
"A circuit breaker is NOT a safety switch. A circuit breaker will only protect equipment. You need a safety switch to protect lives.
"The legislation we are introducing this week involves a completely new model of regulating electrical safety in Queensland.
"For the first time in this state we will have a stand-alone electrical safety regulator and new laws which clearly separate electrical safety from the commercial aspects of regulating the industry.
The reforms include:
. A new Commissioner for Electrical Safety to provide independent advice to the Government on electrical safety.
. A new Electrical Safety Board to develop strategies to improve electrical safety
. New, increased penalties and new on-the-spot fines
. A new State-wide Inspectorate with specialist electrical inspectors to administer and enforce the Act
. Introduction of Safety Management Plans by which all distributors, for the first time, will be required to have a comprehensive safety plan to manage their overall electrical networks.
. Bans on most live electrical work and improved electrical safety for anyone working around, or with, electricity through live work or working near live parts
The new legislation also means increased audits of electrical work in homes and businesses; tougher restrictions on live electrical work; higher standards for electricity suppliers; and greater enforcement of safety laws.
The Department of Industrial Relations will work in close partnership with industry, electrical contractors and workers to ensure the new safety reforms are clearly communicated and understood.
The new laws will also apply to other workers such as tree loppers and crane drivers working around power lines or other live electrical circuits.
"The Government has established a 1300 number for all enquires relating to safety switches. The number is 1300 650 662. Additionally, details of safety switches can be located on the Department of Industrial Relations website: www.dir.qld.gov.au." said Mr Nuttall.
Media Contact: Leisa Schultz 07 3225 2210
Tibor
The qld government made this press release today. It will effect all IP owners (existing and new) who have properties without electrical safety switch installation, which became compulsory in 1992 (according to my sparki).
Here is the release
Premier & Trade, Peter Beattie
05/08/02
State Takes Drastic Action To Cut Electrocutions & Shocks
The State Government is taking drastic action to turn Queensland's appalling electrical safety record into the best in Australia, Premier Peter Beattie announced today (Monday).
"We are taking concerted action to deal with the fact that Queensland has had the highest per capita rate of household electrocutions in Australia," said Mr Beattie.
Mr Beattie and Industrial Relations Minister Gordon Nuttall announced:
. New regulations to make safety switches compulsory within three months of the sale of a home;
. An advertising campaign designed to prompt people to fit safety switches;
. Queensland's first stand-alone electrical safety legislation will be introduced into Parliament this week.
"Queensland is the first state in Australia to make safety switches compulsory in all homes, with new regulations to take effect from September 1," said Mr Beattie.
"Forty-three people died in domestic electrical accidents between July 1992 and December 2000.
"Another six people died in domestic electrical incidents last year, and almost 2000 were injured through faulty appliances and cords, home handywork and renovations.
"The tragedy is that most of these deaths could have been prevented by an electrical safety switch, at a cost of about $200 each.
"The cost of a safety switch is a small price to pay to save a life."
Mr Nuttall said: "Under these new regulations, a purchaser will be required to have a safety switch installed within three months of taking over a property if it does not already have a safety switch.
"The laws will apply to all homes, units and flats, including estate, family law and mortgagee transfers.
"Sellers must declare - on both the standard sales contract and the property transfer form - whether the home has a safety switch.
"Legally, it will be up to the buyer to ensure the safety switch is installed.
"While these devices are only compulsory on the sale of a home, I would urge all Queenslanders to install a safety switch as soon as possible for the best chance of protection against electrical injury or even death.
In the event of an electric shock, a safety switch will cut the power in 1/30 of a second, in time to save a life.
"A circuit breaker is NOT a safety switch. A circuit breaker will only protect equipment. You need a safety switch to protect lives.
"The legislation we are introducing this week involves a completely new model of regulating electrical safety in Queensland.
"For the first time in this state we will have a stand-alone electrical safety regulator and new laws which clearly separate electrical safety from the commercial aspects of regulating the industry.
The reforms include:
. A new Commissioner for Electrical Safety to provide independent advice to the Government on electrical safety.
. A new Electrical Safety Board to develop strategies to improve electrical safety
. New, increased penalties and new on-the-spot fines
. A new State-wide Inspectorate with specialist electrical inspectors to administer and enforce the Act
. Introduction of Safety Management Plans by which all distributors, for the first time, will be required to have a comprehensive safety plan to manage their overall electrical networks.
. Bans on most live electrical work and improved electrical safety for anyone working around, or with, electricity through live work or working near live parts
The new legislation also means increased audits of electrical work in homes and businesses; tougher restrictions on live electrical work; higher standards for electricity suppliers; and greater enforcement of safety laws.
The Department of Industrial Relations will work in close partnership with industry, electrical contractors and workers to ensure the new safety reforms are clearly communicated and understood.
The new laws will also apply to other workers such as tree loppers and crane drivers working around power lines or other live electrical circuits.
"The Government has established a 1300 number for all enquires relating to safety switches. The number is 1300 650 662. Additionally, details of safety switches can be located on the Department of Industrial Relations website: www.dir.qld.gov.au." said Mr Nuttall.
Media Contact: Leisa Schultz 07 3225 2210
Tibor
Last edited by a moderator:
