Important updates to Electrical Safety Act

There have been two recent changes to the Electrical Safety Act 2002.

Under section 64C of the Act, the Electrical Licensing Committee may now direct an electrical work licence holder to undertake a competency reassessment where there are reasonable grounds to believe the licence holder may not be competent.

Under section 121AA of the Act, a person’s electrical work licence may be immediately suspended if the regulator forms a reasonable belief that:

• the person may be responsible for electrical work which has caused a death or grievous bodily harm; or
• the person has otherwise carried out electrical work that poses an imminent serious risk to the health or safety of any person.

In these circumstances, the regulator will then refer the person to the Electrical Licensing Committee for a disciplinary hearing.

These amendments directly target unsafe electrical work and unsafe electrical work practices and are in addition to existing penalties and disciplinary actions available under the ES Act.

Licence holders are also reminded to update their details with the Electrical Safety Office. Renewal letters are sent to electrical workers and contractors approximately six weeks before expiry. The letter provides important information needed to renew licences (licence number, serial number and customer reference number).