New campaign urges Queenslanders to install safety switches on every circuit

Published Wednesday, 05 April, 2017 at 02:10 PM

Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Grace Grace

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace today launched a safety campaign to better protect Queenslanders against electrical shock in their homes.

Ms Grace said the ‘One safety switch may not be enough’ campaign encourages Queenslanders to install safety switches on every circuit.

“Safety switches which save lives – it’s that simple,” Ms Grace said.

“Unlike circuit breakers which protect equipment, safety switches help protect us, our family and anyone visiting our home from potentially fatal electric shock.

“Safety switches turn off the power in a fraction of a second when leakage of current is detected.

“This can happen if there’s a faulty power point or electrical appliance, or you accidentally hit a live cable while drilling into a wall or gardening.

“Without a safety switch protecting you on that circuit, you and your family are potentially at risk.”

Safety switches have been a mandatory requirement for power and lighting circuits in new homes, rentals and older homes as they’re sold for a few years now. But the risk is still there on other circuits.

“A safety switch can only protect you if it’s fitted to the circuit that’s been damaged, whether it’s for air conditioning, the stove, hot water, or the pool,” Ms Grace said.

“And that’s the reason we are launching this campaign – to get the message out that one safety switch may not be enough.”

Six deaths in Queensland homes over recent years would have been prevented had a safety switch been fitted to all circuits.

“Six people who would still be alive today but for the lack of a simple, inexpensive safety device,” Ms Grace said.

“So next time you get electrical work done, why not get the electrician to put in some extra safety switches.

"They aren’t expensive at all, and if the sparkie is already out your place, you won’t pay an additional call out fee.

“It’s well worth it for the added protection for you and your family.”

The online and social media campaign includes a Facebook competition and free advice from our electrical safety experts, and will run for a month.

More details are available at worksafe.qld.gov.au/safetyswitches

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548