In 2022, a Queensland-based small business Director and his company were fined over $120,000 for compliance failures in performing unlicensed electrical work. Fines came after the Electrical Safety Office and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland undertook an extensive investigation following initial complaints to the ESO in 2018. Targeted audits and inspections found unsafe electrical work and wiring rules contraventions and multiple locations, culminating in the company facing 19 compliance-related charges, with the Director facing 11.
This is just one example of the consequences of failing to comply with safety duties and compliance legislation that exists to protect yourself, your business and your clients. Electricity is the most dangerous substance in your buildings, so keeping on top of relevant requirements is essential in ensuring your infrastructure is safe and compliant!
What does it take to be compliant?
Compliance ensures that electrical installation has been performed correctly, and will not endanger personnel or property on the site. In order to be fully compliant, federal and state legislation must be fully adhered to in relation to daily workplace activity.
Australia and New Zealand Federal Requirements:
- AS/NZS3000 (2018) Section 8 sets out the requirement for this across Australia and New Zealand
- AS/NZS3017 (2007) sets out the methods of inspection and testing for satisfying AS/NZ3000.
- Workplace Health and Safety Act (2018) provides a balanced and nationally consistent framework to secure the Health and Safety of workers and workplaces.
- Workplace Health and Safety bill (2019) provides a national model law and is intended to provide the basis for nationally consistent work health and safety laws.
- Workplace Health and Safety Regulations (2021) provide the basis for nationally consistent work health and safety laws.
State Requirements:
- Electrical Safety Act
- Electrical Safety Regulations
- Workplace Health and Safety Act
This legislation forms the legal requirements for inspection and testing, for anyone from electricians, to electrical contractors, to asset owners.
Ensuring Compliance…the next steps
Now we know the facts, where do we go from here? It’s essential to review the relevant legislation and ensure you’re up to date on the proper ways to test and inspect. Using digital tools can be an important step in mitigating risks surrounding paperwork. Additionally, digital tools can validate all test readings to the standards, remove the burden of admin around paperwork, automatically provide certificates of compliance to your customers, and satisfy storage requirements.
Sole has partnered with Quick Safety, a government-verified platform that utilizes Certified Australian & New Zealand Standards products, professional industry experts, and works with State Electrical Regulators to ensure your Asset is fully compliant. Quick Safety values simplicity, prioritising an accessible product that can be used without hours of training.
After 43 years in and around the industry, Quick Safety’s founder knows the pain points of the industry and designed the platform with accessibility at the forefront. Sound right for you? Head to the Quick Safety website for more info.