Electrical safety vigilance urged to help ensure a safe Christmas

Employment and Industrial Relations Minister John Mickel has urged all Queenslanders to follow a few simple tips to ensure they have an “electrically safe” Christmas and New Year.

Mr Mickel said faulty electrical goods and a failure to observe safety measures when using electricity could quickly lead to death or serious injury.

“When it comes to electricity we have to always be on high alert to the dangers involved – and particularly so at this time of year when making purchases or using electrical equipment around the home.

“Electrocution remains a constant risk if people aren’t careful – and a deadly one. People need to keep front and centre that electrocution doesn’t mean getting a nasty shock or zap – it means getting killed.

“People also need to remember that a defective household appliance or some other electrical fault can start a fire and burn a house down, again with possible deadly consequences.

“Whether it’s Christmas toys or Christmas lights, or using electrical appliances in the home or power tools in the garage, we cannot afford to drop our guard or cut corners on electrical safety. It’s just not worth the risk.

“Over this Christmas-New Year holiday period, safety is paramount in a number of areas – on the roads, on the water, and in the home. A crucial dimension of safety in the home setting is electrical safety.”

Mr Mickel said recommended safety measures included:

·Consumers are urged to ask for proof that the product meets Australian standards

·Anyone buying electrical goods over the Internet should ask for a copy of the approval certificate before purchasing it

·When buying household appliances, electrical equipment and power tools look for an approval number ensuring the product complies with Australian standards

·A person who sells second-hand electrical equipment must give the purchaser information about whether the item has been tested and found to be electrically safe or face a penalty of up to $3000 ($4000 from January 2009)

Mr Mickel said the advice from the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) urged purchasers to ask for proof that the product met Australian standards.

“Most general household products need an Australian approval before being sold. Anyone buying these electrical goods over the net should ask for a copy of the approval certificate before buying it,” he said.

“Ask the seller to show you evidence the product meets Australian safety requirements. If you are not sure of the documents they give you, get someone who does know to check it for you. An Australian issued certificate of approval is a good thing to look for."

Mr Mickel also said Queenslanders buying power tools as Christmas gifts should not put safety at risk by purchasing electrical equipment that did not meet the Australian standards.

“Power tools can be great presents for someone or handy equipment for use around the home over the holidays. However, if they do not meet Australian standards they can be very dangerous,” Mr Mickel said.

“When purchasing power tools for family or friends – or just to carry out work around the house during the Christmas break – you should look for an approval number ensuring the tool is compliant with Australian standards.”

“Purchasing second-hand can also be risky and it is recommended that before you purchase a second-hand product you ask for information about whether the item has been tested and found to be electrically safe.”

Mr Mickel said other advice for people to ensure they and their families had an electrically safe Christmas included:

·Make sure a safety switch is installed

·If using a long extension cord, do not leave it coiled up

·Don’t overload power boards

·Be aware of overhead powerlines – literally, look up and live

·Check to ensure the cord of a power tool is clear of the work area

·Use appliances and equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

·Ensure all electrical work, including repair of or replacing the cord or plug, is performed by a licensed electrician

Mr Mickel said Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office had issued 400 improvement notices during 2007-08 as part of an audit campaign designed to combat electrical incidents across the state. A range of audits were also planned for the current year, to build on the 700 carried out in 2007-08.

“The Electrical Safety Office is working closely with industry to stamp out unlicensed and DIY electrical work, promote installation and testing of safety switches, and boost awareness of living and working safely around electricity,” Mr Mickel said.

More information on electrical safety is available from the Electrical Safety Office at www.deir.qld.gov.au or by calling 1300 650 662.

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