Whether you are a weekend renovator or a tradesperson, portable electrical power tools make the job easier. But they should never be taken for granted. Electricity is unforgiving. Power tools must comply with Australian safety standards. A significant increase in the number of non-compliant power tools on sale in NSW has recently been detected. This is cause for real concern because this equipment is potentially lethal. Purchasers of portable electric power tools should report suspect sales to NSW Fair Trading.

Tips for the general public

The Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 (and relevant orders and regulations under it) require that portable electrical tools offered for sale to the general public:

• comply with Australian Standards AS/NZS3100 and AS/NZS3160
• be approved by NSW Fair Trading, and
• be marked with an Australian approval number or mark.

When buying a portable electrical power tool, make certain you ask the sales person to show you the approval number or the approval mark.

What to look for

Australian approval numbers start with a letter designating the State, followed by a number. For example, NSW12345 means the tool has been approved by NSW Fair Trading. If the item bears an approval number of say, V12345 then it has been approved by the Victorian Office of the Chief Electrical Inspector.

Alternatively, the tool could be marked with the Australian Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) which looks like this:

What to avoid

Power tools without an Australian approval number or mark could be unsafe. Buyers should also be aware that overseas approval numbers or approval marks such as CE or GS are not recognised in Australia. Do not buy this equipment! Report these dealings to NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20.

Tips for tradespeople

Currently, electrical power tools promoted exclusively to industry need not be approved by NSW Fair Trading but they must comply with minimum safety standards as required by the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2006. In addition, all electrical tools sold in Australia are required to comply with Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements and appropriate marking (shown below) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

Builder beware

Imported, unapproved power tools are currently being sold at bargain prices at building sites in NSW, Victoria and South Australia. These include hammer drills, sanders, jigsaws, tile saws and drills.

The tools come in carry cases bearing well-known trade names.The cases may be marked with a voltage or voltage range that does not include 240V or are equipped with different flexible cords or plugs that do not fit Australian power outlets and are not acceptable in Australia.

The power tool carry case may also include a travel adaptor to enable the unit to be used in Australia. This practice is not acceptable, as the units are required by law to be fitted with an Australian approved plug.

These unapproved electrical power tools are being distributed by direct selling at building sites and similar locations by fly-by-night operators looking to make easy money. They are not concerned about the safety implications.

Builders should be very wary of building site sales. Suspect deals should be reported to NSW Fair Trading as quickly as possible.

What to look for

Employers, self-employed persons and employees are reminded of their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000. For example, employers must ensure the safety of their employees at work and workers must take reasonable care for the safety of other persons at their place of work. Severe penalties apply for breaches of this Act. Although electrical power tools promoted to industry do not have to be approved by NSW Fair Trading, you should request evidence from the seller that they comply with the minimum safety standards as prescribed by the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2006.

What to avoid

If the tool is not fitted with an Australian plug or does not come with the usual warranty cards or instruction manuals, then chances are it does not comply with Australian safety standards. Do not buy it! Report these dealings to NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20.

Penalties

Any person who offers to supply or supplies non-compliant, unapproved or unmarked power tools to the general public risks a maximum penalty of $825,000 for a corporation or $82,500 and/or 2 years imprisonment for an individual.

Help stamp out unsafe power tools

NSW Fair Trading investigators regularly visit shops, market stalls, field days and auctions. They have the power to seize unapproved or unsafe electrical power tools. Fair Trading also has the power to order any person found selling unsafe tools to carry out a public recall of such goods.

You can help the Fair Trading in this important task by reporting all suspect deals. If you have any concerns about the safety of portable electrical power tools being offered for sale, let NSW Fair Trading know about it. In the interests of safety, we must stamp out the illegal sale of non-compliant and dangerous power tools.

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