Electrical safety
Did you know every householder in NSW has a legal
responsibility to keep their home safe, including the way it uses electricity?
Or, that if you own or run a business you are responsible
for the electrical safety of employees and everyone else on your
premises?
Five simple rules
The good news is meeting your responsibilities is much easier if you remember five simple rules:
1. Regular maintenance
It’s vital to keep your appliances, electrical wiring, fittings, switchboard and earthing connections (particularly for properties over 25 years old) in good working order. If you ever have, or suspect a problem, always contact a licensed electrician. You can check if your electrician is properly licensed by asking to see their electrical contractor’s licence, doing a licence check or by calling Fair Trading on 13 32 20.
2. Certificate of compliance
If you have electrical work done, your electrician should give you a uniquely numbered ‘Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work’ to show the work has been tested and checked to ensure it complies with the regulations. Your electrician may be required to provide a copy of the certificate to the electricity network operator.
3. Safety switches
If you haven’t already done so, seriously consider installing an electrical safety switch. If you already have a safety switch, be sure to test it every three months and if it fails, have a licensed electrician check it. Also, if your house was built before 1977 it is unlikely to have an earth rod and you should seriously consider having one installed.
4. Contact your landlord or agent
If you’re renting, report electrical problems to your landlord or managing agent immediately. These should be repaired as a priority as landlords have a legal obligation to ensure all electrical installations and fittings on their property are kept in safe order.
5. Report electrical accidents
By law you must report any electrical accident where medical treatment is required, either by calling your electricity provider or the Office of Fair Trading on 13 32 20. Employers must also report such accidents to WorkCover.
What to do in an emergency
If urgent medical attention is required, call 000 for assistance. You should also call the emergency number on your electricity bill to arrange to make your electrical installation safe.
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