Article summary:
– Queensland is revamping its electrical safety laws to address the challenges of emerging technologies in energy generation and storage as well as extra-low voltage items that pose an electrical safety risk like batteries.
– The proposed changes expand the definition of electrical equipment and installations, strengthen industrial manslaughter laws, and provide greater powers for Safety Representatives.
– These updates aim to ensure a safer electrical landscape for Queenslanders by adapting to the evolving energy sector.
Queensland is taking significant strides to enhance electrical safety with a comprehensive modernisation of its existing laws. The proposed Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 aims to bring the state’s regulations up to speed with the ever-evolving landscape of electrical technology and workplace safety.
Why update laws from 2002?
The current Electrical Safety Act 2002 was not designed to address the complexities of our modern energy systems, which have seen significant advancements in technologies such as e-bikes, smart homes, and solar with battery setups. While these advancements have brought convenience and progress, they’ve also introduced new safety hazards. The updated legislation aims to bridge the gap between the law and the reality of how Queenslanders use electricity today.
Key changes: What you need to know
- Broader definitions: The bill expands the definitions of “electrical equipment” and “electrical installation.” This means the law will now cover a wider range of devices and systems, including those that pose a risk even at extra-low voltage (think e-scooter batteries or certain smart home components).
- Emerging energy tech: The updated definition of “electrical installation” specifically targets new energy generation and storage systems like home solar and battery setups. This ensures that these systems are installed and maintained safely by licensed professionals.
- Expanded safety laws: The bill doesn’t just focus on technology. It also expands industrial manslaughter laws by including bystanders killed because of negligent conduct, and tougher penalties for negligent businesses. The bill also gives more rights to safety representatives to document workplace hazards through photos, measurements, videos, and tests.
- Training standards: Enables the regulator to set minimum standards for Registered Training Organisations providing work health and safety training.
We applaud the Government’s proactive response to ensure emerging energy technology is implemented safely by appropriately skilled and trained licensees. It is vital the safety of our industry’s workers, businesses and stakeholders are maintained. We particularly welcome the proposed integration of battery and other storage technology within the definition of ‘electrical installation’.
MEA previously advocated against the expansion of the industrial manslaughter laws, noting the inequitable impact such laws have on small and medium entities (SMEs), based on case history and jurisdictional comparisons.
MEA remains concerned that extending industrial manslaughter laws to cover bystanders may result in unfair results for SME owners, who have significantly less resources than large corporations.
The Bill has also empowered safety representatives with greater rights on worksites, now granting permit holders the authority to document workplace hazards through photos, measurements, videos, and tests.
MEA has been heavily involved in the consultation process, advocating for appropriate balance between safety representatives and licenced electrical workers. We advocated against changes that may place undue burden on our members.
Stay tuned for further updates as this important legislation progresses.
