Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't comply to the Occupational Health
and Safety Regulations ?

This may sound harsh but non-compliance can lead to jail terms or fines for key personnel in your work place, and most important a staff member or youself can be severely or fatally injured.

What equipment needs tested ?

Any appliance within a business that has a flexible cord that plugs into either a single phase 240V power outlet or 3 phase 415V power outlet needs to be tested regularly to ensure that the appliance is electrically safe to use within the workplace. This equipment needs to be tested, and continue tested in order to adhere to Occupational Health and Safety regulations, and comply with Australian Standards AS / NZ 3760.

How does the regulation apply to you regarding extension cords and flexible leads ?

All employers and self-employed people must locate and protect extension leads and flexible cables so they are not damaged by anything (including liquid). For example, using a suitable cover to provide protection against crushing or other damage in pedestrian and vehicle traffic areas.

Do I need a safety switch at work ?

The Electrical Safety Act 2002 states that an employer or self-employed person has an obligation to ensure that the person’s business or undertaking is conducted in a way that is electrically safe.

Electrical safety regulations impose different requirements depending on the type of work done.

Are safety switches failsafe ?

Nothing is failsafe. You should regularly check your safety switch. Just like a smoke detector or other safety device, if it is not working properly, it cannot protect you.

It is also important to make sure your electrical appliances, electrical wiring, extension leads and other electrical equipment are regularly checked and kept in good working order.

How do I know if I have a safety switch ?

Check by looking at your switch board for a TEST/RESET button. That tells you have a safety switch installed. When you open your switchboard you should see something like this

Typical switchboard this shows the main switch, safety switch with test button and circuit breakers.

All homes have circuit breakers or fuses. These are designed to protect the wiring and appliances within your home, only safety switches are designed to protect people.

What do I do when I have an electrical safety audit coming up ?

Obtain all prevoius safety testing information, phone Be Smart Electrical and we will re-test your work environment and update your existing equipment register.

What areas of Queensland do Be Smart Electrical service ?

Be Smart Electrical, provides Brisbane, Redcliffe, Caloundra, Caboolture, Maroochydore, Nambour, Noosa and Gympie with high quality on-site services for all aspects of electrical appliance testing and risk assessment, equipment safety inspections and maintenance.