ELECTRICAL SAFETY REGULATIONS 2024

1 Title These Regulations may be cited as the Electrical Safety Regulations 2024.

2 Commencement These Regulations commence on the commencement of section 253 of the Electrical Safety Act 2022.

3 Definitions In these Regulations: amusement device means an amusement device as defined in AS 3533.3 (Amusement Rides And Devices – In-Service Inspection). amusement ride means an amusement ride as defined in AS 3533.3 (Amusement Rides And Devices – In-Service Inspection). AS means an Australian Standard published by Standards Australia International Limited. AS/NZS means a Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard published by Standards Australia International Limited. class, in relation to a building or structure, means a building class as defined in the National Construction Code, published by the Australian Building Codes Board. competent, in relation to a person, means the person has acquired knowledge and skill, through training, qualifications, experience, or a combination of these, that enables the person to correctly perform the task required.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 2 construction work means: (a) construction work as defined in regulation 289 of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations 2011, but does not include work specified in regulation 114; or (b) work done in conjunction with construction work mentioned in paragraph (a). Example for definition construction work, paragraph (b) Installation of plumbing in a house under construction. date of possession, for land, means the date the purchaser or lessee of the land enters into lawful possession of the land. de-energise means to disconnect or separate from a source of supply of electricity. Note for definition de-energise To de-energise does not necessarily mean to isolate, earth, discharge or render out of commission. direct supervision, see regulation 51(1). domestic residence means a building or structure, or a part of a building or structure, that: (a) is used, or designed to be used, as a single or multiple dwelling; and (b) is not used, or designed to be used, for temporary accommodation. Examples for definition domestic residence, paragraph (b), of temporary accommodation A boarding house or a residence available for online short-term homestays. electric vehicle means a motor vehicle that: (a) uses an electric motor for propulsion, whether or not it is also fitted with an internal combustion engine; and (b) takes and stores energy from an external source of electricity; and (c) is not equipped with a fuel cell for converting hydrogen to electricity; and

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 3 (d) does not operate at extra-low voltage. Note for definition electric vehicle This includes vehicles that operate with only an electric motor as well as plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. endorsement, in relation to a restricted electrical work licence, means an endorsement on the licence, mentioned in regulation 19, that determines the scope of electrical work the licensee is entitled to perform under the licence. energy storage system includes any of the following: (a) a battery storage system; (b) a capacitor energy storage system; (c) a hybrid energy power system; (d) a system of hydrogen fuel cells; (e) a micro grid system; (f) a standalone power system; (g) a permanently connected uninterruptable power system; (h) any other system used to store energy determined by the Electricity Safety Regulator. Note definition energy storage system, paragraph (g) A permanently connected uninterruptible power system does not include a portable uninterruptible power system. general purpose socket-outlet means a low voltage socket-outlet that: (a) has a rating of 10 A; and (b) is designed to fit a three-pin flat-pin plug that complies with AS/NZS 3112 (Approval and test specification – plugs and socket-outlets); and (c) is used, intended to be used or could at some time reasonably be expected to be used, for more than one appliance. general supervision, see regulation 51(2).

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 4 hostile environment means an environment in which the normal use of electrical equipment exposes the equipment to operating conditions likely to result in damage to the equipment or a reduction in its expected life span. Examples for definition hostile environment Exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust. infringement amount, see regulation 201(2). infringement notice, see regulation 202. infringement notice offence, see regulation 201(1). manufacturing work means assembly, disassembly, fabrication, installation, maintenance, manufacturing, refurbishment or repair, but does not include the following: (a) work specified in regulation 114; (b) construction work. Examples for definition manufacturing work Installing the interior fittings of a shop, manufacturing clothes and repairing leaking pipes. minimum information, see section 4. non-combustible barrier means a wall or barrier consisting of any of the following materials: (a) brick or masonry; (b) concrete; (c) compressed cement sheeting; (d) ceramic or terracotta tiles. Note for definition non-combustible barrier Steel cladding, particle board and timber (whether painted or not) do not constitute a non-combustible barrier. physically isolated, in relation to electrical equipment, an electrical installation or an electric line, means the electrical equipment, electrical installation or electric line, or the part of the equipment, installation or line on which the electrical work is being performed, is not and cannot be connected to a source of supply by:

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 5 (a) the closure of a switch, fuse-switch, circuit-breaker, contactor, air-break or other device; or (b) the replacement or insertion of a fuse or link; or (c) the connection or reconnection of a wire, cable or conductor to a part of the installation at which partial supply is available. Note for definition physically isolated Physical isolation is disconnection from all sources of supply that renders energisation impossible without intentional and deliberate action. piggyback plug means a plug that: (a) is permanently attached to a cord extension set having a single means of connection to a low voltage supply; and (b) has one outlet facility at the rear of the plug. power conversion equipment means an electrical device that converts or manipulates one kind of electrical power from a voltage or current source into another kind of electrical power with respect to voltage, current and frequency. proximity means a distance equal to or closer than the proximity limit C(i) set out in in Schedule 2. proximity limit means a proximity limit set out in Schedule 2. purchaser, of land, means the person to whom title to the land is being transferred under the Land Title Act 2000. registered training organisation means a training organisation in the Territory that is registered under the National Vocational Educational and Training Regulator Act 2011 (Cth). residential premises, see section 4 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1999. Note for definition residential premises Residential premises include a caravan intended for occupation as a place of residence and a houseboat intended for occupation as a place of residence. risk assessment, see regulation 12(1). roof space, of a building, means a space in the building, other than a habitable room in the space, that is: (a) immediately under the roof; or

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 6 (b) if there is a ceiling under the roof or a part of the roof – the space between the roof, or that part of the roof, and the ceiling. safe work method statement, see regulation 12(2). safety switch means a residual current device. service line means an electric line that: (a) forms part of an electricity network; and (b) connects consumer terminals to other parts of the electricity network. service work means work that is not any of the following: (a) work specified in regulation 114; (b) construction work; (c) manufacturing work; (d) office work. Examples for definition service work Cleaning a motel, cleaning solar panels, cooking in a restaurant, providing health services at a health facility, selling goods from a shop, teaching at an education facility and caring for children at a childcare centre. tenancy agreement, see section 4 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1999. Trades Recognition Australia is a business unit within the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Government of Australia. trainee permit means a trainee permit referred to in section 63 of the Act. type 1 safety switch means a residual current device, whether or not portable, with a rated residual current of not more than 10 mA. type 2 safety switch means a residual current device, whether or not portable, with a rated residual current of more than 10 mA but not more than 30 mA. Wiring Rules means AS/NZS 3000, as amended from time to time.

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4 Meaning of minimum information The minimum information required for the inspection, testing or retesting of electrical equipment is: (a) in all cases: (i) the date of the inspection, testing or retesting; and (ii) the day by which the equipment must be reinspected and retested; and (b) for a test or retest performed by an individual employed or engaged by a body corporate – at least one of the following: (i) the name of the individual; (ii) the individual's electrical contractor licence number; (iii) the name of the body corporate; (iv) the body corporate's electrical contractor licence number; and (c) for a test or retest performed by an individual who is not employed or engaged by a body corporate – at least one of (i) the name of the individual; (ii) the individual's electrical contractor licence number; (iii) the electrical contractor licence number of the individual's employer; (iv) the individual's electrical work licence number.

5 Application of Division This Division applies to a person conducting a business or undertaking who has a duty under the Act to: (a) ensure the business or undertaking is safe from electrical risk; or (b) manage electrical risk at a workplace.

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6 Duty to identify hazards The person conducting a business or undertaking must identify reasonably foreseeable hazards that could give rise to an electrical safety risk.

7 Hierarchy of control measures (1) To eliminate or minimise an electrical risk at a workplace, the person conducting a business or undertaking must, so far as is reasonably practicable, first do one or more of the following: (a) substitute, in whole or in part, the hazard giving rise to the risk with something that gives rise to a lesser risk; (b) isolate the hazard from any person exposed to it; (c) implement engineering controls. (2) If an electrical risk remains after complying with subregulation (1), the person must minimise the remaining risk by implementing administrative controls, so far as is reasonably practicable. (3) If an electrical risk remains after complying with subregulation (2), the person must finally minimise the remaining risk by providing and ensuring the use of suitable personal protective equipment, so far as is reasonably practicable. Note for regulation 7 A combination of the controls set out in this regulation may be used to minimise risks if a single control is not sufficient for the purpose.

8 Maintenance of control measures The person conducting a business or undertaking must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure any control measure implemented at the workplace is: (a) fit for purpose; and (b) suitable for the nature and duration of the work; and (c) installed, set up and used correctly.

9 Review of control measures (1) The person conducting a business or undertaking must review and revise (if necessary) any control measures implemented at the workplace to do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure compliance with regulation 8.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 9 (2) Without limiting subregulation (1), the person conducting a business or undertaking must review and revise (if necessary) a control measure in the following circumstances: (a) the control measure does not control the risk it was implemented to control so far as is reasonably practicable; (b) a proposed change at the workplace is likely to give rise to a new or different electrical risk that the measure may not effectively control; (c) a new hazard or electrical risk is identified; (d) consultation by the person indicates that a review is necessary; (e) a review is requested under subregulation (4). Examples for subregulation (2)(a) 1 The results of monitoring show that the control measure does not control the electrical risk. 2 A reportable event occurs because of a serious electrical event or a dangerous electrical event. (3) Without limiting subregulation (2)(b), a change at the workplace includes: (a) a change to the workplace itself or any aspect of the work environment; or (b) a change to a system of work, a process or a procedure. (4) A health and safety representative for workers at a workplace, elected under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011, may request a review of a control measure if the representative believes on reasonable grounds that: (a) a circumstance affects or may affect the electrical safety at the workplace; and (b) the control measure has not been reviewed in response to the circumstance.

Division 2 Risk assessments and safe work method statements Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 10

10 Safe work practices The person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure the safety of all persons while electrical work is performed at the workplace by: (a) providing suitable protection to workers from any adjacent live electrical conductors or adjacent live parts of electrical equipment; and (b) ensuring workers use insulated tools and equipment when appropriate; and (c) ensuring workers use equipment and plant designed and made in accordance with recognised electricity industry practice; and (d) implementing safe work practices.

11 Multiple duties A duty imposed on a person under a provision of these Regulations does not limit or affect: (a) any duty the person has under the Act; or (b) any duty the person has under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011; or (c) any other provision of these Regulations, unless expressly provided otherwise. Division 2 Risk assessments and safe work method statements

12 Risk assessments and safe work method statements (1) A risk assessment, in relation to electrical work, means a written assessment by a competent person of the electrical risk associated with the electrical work. (2) A safe work method statement, in relation to electrical work, means a written assessment of electrical risk that: (a) identifies the nature of the electrical work; and (b) specifies the hazards associated with the electrical work and the electrical risks associated with those hazards; and

Division 2 Risk assessments and safe work method statements Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 11 (c) describes the control measures to be implemented to control the electrical risks; and (d) describes how those control measures are to be implemented, monitored and reviewed. Example of a control measure for subregulation (2)(c) Preventing public access to the area where the electrical work is being (3) Subject to subregulation (4), the person required under these Regulations to prepare a risk assessment or a safe work method statement must keep it: (a) in the case a risk assessment – for at least 28 days after the electrical work to which it relates is completed; and (b) in the case a safe work method statement – until the electrical work to which it relates is completed. (4) If a serious electrical event or dangerous electrical event occurs in connection with the work to which the assessment or statement relates, the person must keep the assessment or statement for at least 5 years after the event occurs. Note for subregulation (4) The terms serious electrical event and dangerous electrical event are defined in section 3 of the Act. subregulation (3) or (4).

13 Access to risk assessments and safe work method statements (1) A person keeping a risk assessment or safe work method statement under regulation 12(4) must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure a copy of the assessment or statement, during the period for which the assessment or statement must be kept, is: (a) readily accessible to any worker engaged by the person to perform electrical work to which the assessment or statement relates; and (b) available for inspection under the Act.

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Subdivision 1 Classes of electrical work licences

14 Classes of electrical work licences (1) Electrical work licences are classified into the following classes: (a) unrestricted electrical work licence; (b) restricted electrical work licence. (2) Unrestricted electrical work licences are classified into the following subclasses: (a) unrestricted electrical mechanic licence; (b) unrestricted electrical mechanic and fitter licence.

15 Unrestricted electrical mechanic licence (1) An unrestricted electrical mechanic licence entitles the licensee to do or supervise the following electrical work: (a) installing or changing an electrical installation or electric line; (b) maintaining and repairing electrical equipment and connecting electrical equipment to a source of electricity. (2) To be eligible for an unrestricted electrical mechanic licence, an (i) completed an apprenticeship under the Training and Skills Development Act 2016; and

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 13 (ii) obtained, during that apprenticeship, at least 12 months experience in the trade work of an electrical mechanic; and (iii) successfully completed a Certificate III in Electro-technology Electrician, or another course of instruction for electrical mechanic apprentices approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator, at a registered and experience in the trade work of an electrical mechanic; and class of 34111 Electrician (General).

16 Unrestricted electrical mechanic and fitter licence (1) An unrestricted electrical mechanic and fitter licence entitles the licensee to do or supervise all electrical work. Examples for subregulation (1) 1 Installing or changing an electrical installation or electric line. 2 Maintaining, repairing and connecting an item of electrical equipment to a source of electricity. 3 Making, operating, testing or repairing electrical equipment. (2) To be eligible for an unrestricted electrical mechanic and fitter licence, an applicant must meet the following criteria: (a) completed an apprenticeship under the Training and Skills (b) obtained, during that apprenticeship: (i) at least 12 months experience in the trade work of an electrical mechanic; and (ii) at least 12 months experience in the trade work of an electrical fitter;

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 14 (c) successfully completed the course of instruction for a Certificate III in Electro-technology Electrician, or another course of instruction for electrical mechanic apprentices approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator, at a registered training organisation. (3) An unrestricted electrical mechanic licensee is eligible for an unrestricted electrical mechanic and fitter licence if the licensee: (a) satisfies the Electrical Safety Regulator, by an examination conducted or approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator, that the worker has sufficient knowledge of the trade of electrical fitter; or (b) can demonstrate at least 12 months experience in the trade work of an electrical fitter.

17 Term of unrestricted electrical work licences An unrestricted electrical mechanic licence and an unrestricted electrical mechanic and fitter licence may be issued, renewed or reinstated for a maximum of 5 years.

18 Restricted electrical work licence (1) A restricted electrical work licence entitles the licensee to perform or supervise only the electrical work to which the licensee is entitled under an endorsement on the licence. (2) The only eligibility criteria for a restricted electrical work licence are the eligibility criteria applicable to the endorsement on the licence. (3) A restricted electrical work licence: (a) does not entitle the licensee to perform or supervise electrical installation work, unless expressly provided as being within the scope of the endorsement on the licence; and (b) does not entitle the licensee to an electrical work licence of another class or endorsement; and (c) must not be considered in deciding whether the licensee is qualified to obtain or hold an electrical work licence of another class or endorsement.

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19 Endorsements A restricted electrical work licence may have one or more of the following endorsements: (a) air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment work; (b) disconnect and reconnect work – basic electrical equipment; (c) disconnect and reconnect work – water heaters; (d) disconnect and reconnect work – explosion protected (e) disconnect and reconnect work – self-propelled, high-voltage earthmoving equipment; (f) domestic appliances and equipment work; (g) electrical cable jointer work; (h) electrical fitter work; (i) electrical line work – distribution; (j) electrical line work – transmission; (k) electronics and communication equipment work; (l) fire protection equipment work; (m) gas equipment work; (n) instrumentation and process control equipment work; (o) maritime operations work; (p) specialised commercial and industrial equipment work; (q) water plumbing equipment work; (r) other electrical work not listed above that is endorsed on the licence by the Electrical Safety Regulator.

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20 Air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment work (1) An air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment work endorsement entitles the licensee to perform the following electrical work: (a) disconnecting and reconnecting fixed wired electrical (c) attaching plugs and cords to 1 000 volts AC or 1 500 volts DC; (d) fault finding to determine component failure in equipment to 1 000 volts AC or 1 500 volts DC. (2) To be eligible for an air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment of a refrigeration mechanic under the Training and Skills Development Act 2016; and least 12 months experience in the trade work of an air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic; and (iii) successfully completed the course of instruction for an air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic at a and experience in the trade work of an air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic; and class of 342111 Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic.

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21 Disconnect and reconnect work endorsement – basic electrical (1) A disconnect and reconnect work endorsement – basic electrical equipment entitles the licensee to perform electrical work disconnecting and reconnecting composite equipment, control devices and motors. basic electrical equipment, an applicant must meet the following criteria: (b) completed an apprenticeship or traineeship as a diesel fitter / mechanical fitter; (c) obtained, during that apprenticeship or traineeship, at least 12 months experience in diesel fitting / mechanical fitting work.

22 Disconnect and reconnect work endorsement – water heaters (1) A disconnect and reconnect work endorsement – water heaters entitles the licensee to perform electrical work disconnecting and reconnecting electric water cylinders, water reticulation systems, irrigation systems including pumps, oil-fired heating and water reticulated air-conditioning systems to 1 000 volts AC or 1 500 volts DC. water heaters, an applicant must meet the following criteria: (b) completed an apprenticeship or traineeship as a plumber (c) obtained, during that apprenticeship or traineeship, at least 12 months experience in the work of a plumber; (d) holds a licence or registration issued under the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act 1983.

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23 Disconnect and reconnect work endorsement – explosion protected equipment (1) A disconnect and reconnect work endorsement – explosion protected equipment entitles the licensee to perform electrical work disconnecting and reconnecting appliances and control devices connected to low voltage installation wiring. explosion protected equipment, an applicant must meet the following criteria: (b) successfully completed a relevant course of instruction for electrical equipment in hazardous areas, or its equivalent, at a (c) demonstrate at least 12 months work experience relevant to disconnect and reconnect work for electrical equipment in explosion protected areas; (d) demonstrate a need to disconnect and reconnect electrical equipment in explosion protected areas.

24 Disconnect and reconnect work endorsement – self-propelled, high-voltage earthmoving equipment (1) A disconnect and reconnect work endorsement – self-propelled, high-voltage earthmoving equipment entitles the licensee to perform electrical work disconnecting and reconnecting electric propulsion components of engine driven, self-propelled earth moving equipment vehicles operating up to 3 300 V. self-propelled, high-voltage earthmoving equipment, an applicant high voltage installation wiring, or its equivalent, at a (b) completed an apprenticeship or traineeship as a heavy vehicle fitter / mechanic under the Training and Skills Development

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 19 (c) demonstrate at least 12 months experience as a diesel fitter / mechanical fitter.

25 Domestic appliances and equipment work endorsement (1) A domestic appliances and equipment work endorsement entitles the licensee to perform the following electrical work: (a) disconnecting and reconnecting fixed wired cooking appliances to 250 volts; (b) fault finding to determine component failure in appliances connected both by plug and cord and fixed wiring up to 250 volts. (2) To be eligible for a domestic appliances and equipment work endorsement, an applicant must meet the following criteria: (a) completed a traineeship in the trade of domestic appliance service technician under the Training and Skills Development (b) obtained, during that traineeship, at least 6 months experience in the trade work of domestic appliance service; domestic appliance service at a registered training (d) completed a training course approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator for domestic appliances and equipment work. (3) An applicant who does not meet the criteria in subregulation (2), is eligible for the domestic appliances and equipment work endorsement if the worker satisfies the Electrical Safety Regulator that the applicant has sufficient knowledge of the trade of domestic appliance service by: (a) demonstrating at least 12 months experience in the trade work of appliance repair; and (b) if the Electrical Safety Regulator approves an examination for domestic appliances and equipment work – successfully passing that examination.

26 Electrical cable jointer work endorsement (1) An electrical cable jointer work endorsement entitles the licensee to perform electrical work installing, jointing and terminating covered cables.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 20 (2) To be eligible for an electrical cable jointer work endorsement, an electric cable jointer under the Training and Skills 12 months experience in electric cable jointing work; laying, cable jointing and terminating of underground polymeric cables at a registered training organisation.

27 Electrical fitter work endorsement (1) An electrical fitter work endorsement entitles the licensee to perform electrical work making, operating, testing or repairing electrical equipment. (2) To be eligible for an electrical fitter work endorsement, an applicant electrical fitter under the Training and Skills Development 12 months experience in the trade work of an electrical fitter; (c) successfully completed the course of instruction for electrical fitter worker at a registered training organisation.

28 Electrical line work endorsement – distribution (1) An electrical line work endorsement – distribution entitles the licensee to perform electrical work installing, testing or repairing electric lines that are restricted to distribution only. (2) To be eligible for an electrical line work endorsement – distribution, an applicant must meet the following criteria: (a) completed an apprenticeship or traineeship in a relevant trade 12 months experience in the associated trade work; electrical line worker at a registered training organisation.

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29 Electrical line work endorsement – transmission (1) An electrical line work endorsement – transmission entitles the licensee to perform electrical work installing, testing or repairing electric lines that are restricted to transmission only. (2) To be eligible for an electrical line work endorsement – transmission, an applicant must meet the following criteria: (a) completed an apprenticeship or traineeship in a relevant trade 12 months experience in the associated trade work; electrical line worker at a registered training organisation.

30 Electronics and communication equipment work endorsement (1) An electronics and communication equipment work endorsement entitles the licensee to perform the following electrical work: (a) attaching flexible cords and plugs to electrical equipment to 250 volts; (b) attaching flexible cords and plugs to electrical equipment to 1 000 volts AC or 1 500 volts DC; (c) attaching flexible cables and plugs to electrical equipment connected to high voltage. (2) To be eligible for an electronics and communication equipment of electronics and communication technician under the Training and Skills Development Act 2016; and least 12 months experience in the trade of electronics and communication technician; and (iii) successfully completed the course of instruction for electronics and communication at a registered training

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 22 and experience in the trade work of an electronics and communication technician; and class of 342313 Electronics and Communication Technician.

31 Fire protection equipment work endorsement (1) A fire protection equipment work endorsement entitles the licensee to perform electrical work installing, testing and inspecting electrical equipment for fire protection. (2) To avoid doubt, a fire protection equipment work endorsement does not entitle the licensee to perform or supervise electrical installation work. (3) To be eligible for a fire protection equipment work endorsement, an of fire protection under the Training and Skills Development Act 2016; and least 12 months experience in the trade work of a fire protection equipment technician; and (iii) successfully completed a relevant course of instruction for fire protection equipment technician at a registered training organisation; and (iv) completed a training course approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator for a fire protection equipment work endorsement;

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 23 (b) if the applicant trained outside Australia: (i) successfully completed a relevant course of instruction for fire protection equipment technician at a training and experience in the trade work of a fire protection equipment worker; and class of 399918 Fire Protection Equipment.

32 Gas equipment work endorsement (1) A gas equipment work endorsement entitles the licensee to perform the following electrical work: (a) disconnecting and reconnecting type A or B gas equipment or components, including fault finding to 1 000 volts AC or 1 500 volts DC; (c) fault finding to determine component failure in type A or B gas equipment to 1 000 volts AC or 1 500 volts DC. (2) To be eligible for a gas equipment work endorsement, an applicant (a) completed an apprenticeship or traineeship in the trade of gas fitting under the Training and Skills Development Act 2016; 12 months experience in the trade work of gas fitting; (c) successfully completed a relevant course of instruction for gas fitting at a registered training organisation; (d) holds a gas fitter certificate issued under the Dangerous Goods Regulations 1985; (e) if the Electrical Safety Regulator approves a training course for a gas equipment work endorsement – successfully completed that course.

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33 Instrumentation and process control equipment work (1) An instrumentation and process control equipment work endorsement entitles the licensee to perform the following electrical work: (a) disconnecting and reconnecting process control devices (PCDs); (b) repairing and replacing plugs and cords to 250 volts AC on PCDs; (c) repairing and replacing plugs and cords to 1 000 volts AC or 1 500 volts DC on PCDs; (d) locating and repairing faults in PCDs to 1 000 volts AC or 1 500 volts DC; (e) if trained in a recognised associated trade – modifying PCDs. (2) To be eligible for an instrumentation and process control equipment of instrumentation and process control under the Training and Skills Development Act 2016; and least 12 months experience in the trade work of an instrumentation and process control technician; and (iii) successfully completed the course of instruction for an instrumentation and process control technician at a and experience in the trade work of an electronic instrument trades worker; and

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 25 class of 342314 Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (General).

34 Maritime operations work endorsement (1) A maritime operations work endorsement entitles the licensee to perform electrical work maintaining and repairing electrical equipment on maritime vessels. (2) To be eligible for a maritime operations work endorsement, an maritime operations under the Training and Skills 12 months experience in the work of a marine engine driver; (c) completed a Certificate III in Maritime Operations or a training course approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator for maritime operations.

35 Specialised commercial and industrial equipment work (1) A specialised commercial and industrial equipment work endorsement entitles the licensee to perform the following electrical work: (a) disconnecting and reconnecting commercial and industrial equipment to 1 000 volts AC or 1 500 volts DC; (c) attaching plugs and cords to 1 000 volts AC or 1 500 volts DC; (d) fault finding to determine component failure in commercial and industrial equipment to 1 000 volts AC or 1 500 volts DC. (2) To be eligible for a specialised commercial and industrial equipment (a) completed a traineeship in the trade of industrial service technician under the Training and Skills Development

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 26 (b) obtained, during that traineeship, at least 6 months experience in the trade work of commercial and industrial equipment service; industrial automation and control at a registered training (d) completed a training course approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator for commercial and industrial equipment work. (3) An applicant who does not meet the criteria in subregulation (2), is eligible for a specialised commercial and industrial equipment work endorsement if the worker satisfies the Electrical Safety Regulator that the applicant has sufficient knowledge of the trade of industrial service technician by: (a) demonstrating at least 12 months experience in the trade work of industrial service; and (b) passing an examination for specialised commercial and industrial equipment work conducted or approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator; and (c) satisfies the Electrical Safety Regulator, by an examination conducted or approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator, that the worker has sufficient knowledge of the trade of industrial service technician.

36 Water plumbing equipment work endorsement (1) A water plumbing equipment work endorsement entitles the licensee to perform electrical work disconnecting and reconnecting electric water cylinders, water reticulation systems, irrigation systems including pumps and oil fired heating and water reticulated air-conditioning systems to 1 000 volts AC or 1 500 volts DC. (2) To be eligible for a water plumbing equipment work endorsement, an applicant must meet the following criteria: plumbing under the Training and Skills Development Act 2016; 12 months experience in the work of a plumber; plumbing at a registered training organisation;

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 27 (d) holds a licence or registration issued under the Plumbers and Drainers Licensing Act 1983; (e) if the Electrical Safety Regulator approves a training course for a water plumbing equipment endorsement – successfully completed that course.

37 Other electrical work endorsed by Electrical Safety Regulator (1) The Electrical Safety Regulator may endorse a restricted electrical work licence for other electrical work specified by the Electrical Safety Regulator that is not otherwise provided for in these Regulations. (2) An endorsement for electrical work specified under subregulation (1) entitles the licensee to perform the electrical work specified in the endorsement. (3) The Electrical Safety Regulator must publish any electrical work specified under subregulation (1) on the Electrical Safety Regulator's website. (4) To be eligible for an endorsement for electrical work specified under subregulation (1), an applicant must meet the following criteria: (a) successfully completed any training requirements specified by the Electrical Safety Regulator for the endorsement; (b) obtained, during that training, experience in the required field as specified by the Electrical Safety Regulator for the endorsement; (c) hold any other licence or registration required by the Electrical Safety Regulator.

38 Term of restricted electrical work licence A restricted electrical work licence (with any endorsement) may be issued, renewed or reinstated for a maximum of 5 years.

39 Eligibility for electrical contractor licence For section 55(2) of the Act, the following criteria are prescribed: (a) the applicant holds, or at least one owner, partner or employee of the applicant holds, an unrestricted electrical work licence and has held it for at least 2 years;

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 28 (b) the applicant demonstrates that the electrical work to be performed under the licence will be performed by; (i) the holder of an electrical work licence; or (ii) a person under the supervision of the holder of an electrical work licence; (c) the person who holds the unrestricted electrical work licence under paragraph (a) has successfully completed the units of competency (contractor course) approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator; (d) the applicant holds at least $5 000 000 of public and products liability insurance for liability arising from personal injury or property damage from the electrical work performed under the

40 Nominated person on electrical contractor licence (1) The Electrical Safety Regulator must endorse an electrical contractor licence with the name of at least one owner, partner or employee (nominated person) who: (a) has successfully completed, the units of competency (contractor course) approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator; and (b) holds an unrestricted electrical work licence and has held it for at least 2 years. (2) An electrical contractor licensee may have more than one nominated person. (3) A person must not be a nominated person for more than one electrical contractor licensee. (4) An electrical contractor licensee must not change the licensee's nominated person without the approval of the Electrical Safety Regulator.

41 Removal of nominated person (1) An electrical contractor licensee must notify the Electrical Safety Regulator if a person whose name is endorsed on an electrical contractor licence under regulation 40(1) as a nominated person ceases to: (a) hold an unrestricted electrical work licence; or

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 29 (b) be an owner, partner or employee of the electrical contractor. (2) Notification under subregulation (1) must be made within 30 days after the event occurs. (3) After receiving the notice under subregulation (1), the Electrical Safety Regulator must remove the name of the nominated person from the endorsement on the electrical contractor licence.

42 Term of electrical contractor licence An electrical contractor licence may be issued, renewed or reinstated for a maximum of 3 years.

Division 3 In-house electrical licences

43 Eligibility for in-house electrical licences For section 55(2) of the Act, the following criteria are prescribed: (a) the applicant, or at least one owner, partner or employee of the applicant, holds an unrestricted electrical work licence and has held it for at least 2 years; (b) the person who holds the unrestricted electrical work licence under paragraph (a) demonstrates having practical experience for at least 2 years under that licence; (c) the person who holds the unrestricted electrical work licence under paragraph (a) has successfully completed, the units of competency (contractor course) approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator.

44 Conditions and restrictions on electrical work licence For section 50(4) of the Act, the following conditions and restrictions are prescribed: (a) the licensee must not enter into a contract for electrical work, unless the licensee is an electrical contractor licensee or an in-house electrical licensee;

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 30 (b) the licensee must not perform electrical installation work, unless the licensee holds: (i) an unrestricted electrical work licence; or (ii) a restricted electrical work licence with an endorsement authorising electrical installation work; (c) in the case of a licensee who is unable to pass a colour identification test – the licensee must wear corrective lenses while performing electrical work if required to do so by the Electrical Safety Regulator; (d) the licensee must not perform any electrical work unless it is performed: (i) as an employee of an electrical contractor licensee or an in-house electrical licensee; or (ii) for the purpose of wiring the premises or capital equipment of the licensee or the electrical contractor licensee or in-house electrical licensee employing the licensee; or (iii) without compensation; (e) any condition or restriction imposed by the Electrical Safety Regulator under section 59 of the Act; (f) if the Electrical Safety Regulator approves a continuing professional development program – compliance with the requirements of that program.

45 Conditions and restrictions on electrical contractor licence For section 51(4) of the Act, the following conditions and restrictions are prescribed: (a) any electrical work performed under the licence must be performed by the holder of an electrical work licence; (b) the licensee must not allow an electrical worker who is unable to pass a colour identification test to perform electrical work without wearing corrective lenses if the worker is required to do so by the Electrical Safety Regulator; (c) the licensee must maintain at least $5 000 000 of public and products liability insurance for liability arising from personal injury or property damage from the electrical work performed under the licence;

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 31 (d) any condition or restriction imposed by the Electrical Safety Regulator under section 59 of the Act; (e) the licensee must not perform any electrical work without having a nominated person endorsed on the licence in accordance with regulation 40.

46 Advertising by licensed electrical contractor (1) This regulation applies in relation to conduct that occurs on or after (2) The holder of an electrical contractor licence who advertises the holder's business must ensure the advertisement: (a) states the name under which the holder is licensed or the holder's registered business name; and (b) states that the holder is licensed under the Act and the identifying number of the holder's electrical contractor licence. (5) In this regulation: advertising does not include identifying the name or business of the licensee on the following: (a) an employee's uniform; (b) the licensee's vehicle; (c) the licensee's buildings or structures.

47 Conditions of in-house electrical licence For section 52(3) of the Act, the following conditions are prescribed: (a) any electrical work performed under the licence must be performed by an employee who holds an electrical work licence; (b) the licensee must not perform any electrical installation work under the licence unless the licensee employs the holder of an unrestricted electrical work licence;

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 32 (c) the licensee must not offer to perform or perform electrical work to the public; (d) the licensee must not carry on the business or undertaking of an electrical contractor.

48 Licence not transferable A licence is not transferable by the licensee.

49 Licensee contact details (1) A licensee must, without delay, give the Electrical Safety Regulator written notice of any change in the licensee's postal address, email address and telephone number.

50 Change in body corporate or partnership (1) A licensee that is a body corporate or a partnership must, without delay, give the Electrical Safety Regulator written notice of any change in: (a) the name of the body corporate or partnership; or (b) if the body corporate or partnership carries on business under a name other than its name – the name under which it carries on business; or (c) in the case of a partnership – the membership of the partnership. (2) The notice must be accompanied by the electrical contractor licence and may be accompanied by an application in the approved form about how the Electrical Safety Regulator is to act under subregulation (5).

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 33 (5) After receiving the notice and considering any accompanying application, the Electrical Safety Regulator must: (a) endorse the licence with information about the change of name or business name and reissue it to the body corporate or partnership; or (b) cancel the licence and issue a new licence; or (c) cancel the licence. (6) A new licence may be issued to a partnership with a change in its membership only if the Electrical Safety Regulator is satisfied that: (a) the entire business of electrical contracting work carried on by the partnership in the Territory before the membership change is to be carried on by the partnership after the new licence is issued; and (b) the partnership complies with the eligibility requirements for the issue of the licence. (7) To avoid doubt, a licence reissued with an endorsement of the change of the name or business name of the body corporate or partnership has, subject to the endorsement, continuing effect as the original electrical contractor licence. (8) A new licence issued by the Electrical Safety Regulator under this regulation must be endorsed with a memorandum stating the reasons for the issue of the new licence. (9) If the licence is cancelled under subregulation (5)(c), the Electrical Safety Regulator must give the body corporate or partnership a decision notice for the decision to cancel.

51 Levels of supervision (1) For sections 9(2)(f), 62(4)(a) and 63(4)(a) of the Act, direct supervision, in relation to an apprentice or trainee, means that: (a) the holder of an electrical work licence is, as far as reasonably practicable, present in the immediate work area of the apprentice or trainee at all times while the electrical work is being performed; and (b) the holder of an electrical work licence can observe the apprentice or trainee and their work; and

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 34 (c) the apprentice or trainee and the holder of an electrical work licence are able to communicate directly; and (d) while the electrical work is being performed by the apprentice or trainee, the holder of an electrical work licence: (i) provides instruction and demonstrates the correct procedures for performing the work; and (ii) monitors the work; and (iii) provides guidance; and (iv) checks, as required, that the work complies with the Act and these Regulations; and (e) when the electrical work is completed by the apprentice or trainee, the holder of an electrical work licence checks and tests the work to ensure the work is safe from electrical risk and complies with the Act and these Regulations. (2) For sections 62(4)(b) and 63(4)(b) of the Act, general supervision, in relation to an apprentice or trainee, means: (a) in the case of work specified in Schedule 1 performed by an apprentice or trainee with a specified amount of experience that requires general supervision (level 1) – the holder of an electrical work licence: (i) is present at the place where the electrical work is being performed, at all times while the work is being performed; and (ii) while the electrical work is being performed: (A) provides instruction and direction, as required; and (B) is readily available to provide advice and guidance; and (C) periodically monitors the work; and (D) checks, as required, that the work complies with (iii) when the electrical work is complete, checks and tests the work to ensure the work is safe and complies with

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 35 (b) in the case of work specified in Schedule 1 performed by an apprentice or trainee with a specified amount of experience that requires general supervision (level 2) – the holder of an electrical work licence: (i) visits the apprentice or trainee at the place where the electrical work is being carried out, at least once a day; and (ii) before the electrical work commences, provides instruction and direction, as required, regarding the electrical work; and (iii) while the electrical work is being performed: (A) is readily available or contactable to provide advice and guidance; and (B) checks, as appropriate, that the work complies with (iv) when the electrical work is complete, checks and tests the work to ensure the work is safe and complies with the Act and these Regulations.

52 Apprentices For section 62(4)(b) of the Act, prescribed work is electrical work that is: (a) performed on electrical equipment, an electrical installation or an electric line that is physically isolated; and (b) specified in Schedule 1 as requiring general supervision; and (c) performed while the apprentice is under the general supervision of the holder of an electrical work licence who is authorised under the Act and these Regulations to do that electrical work and competent to ensure electrical work is safe from electrical risk.

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53 Trainees (1) For section 63(4)(b) of the Act, prescribed work is electrical work that is: (a) performed as formal training including: (i) practical work experience facilitated by a supporting employer under the supervision of the holder of an electrical work licence; or (ii) course work facilitated by a registered training organisation; and (b) performed on electrical equipment that is physically isolated; and (c) specified in Schedule 1 as requiring general supervision; and (d) performed while the trainee is under the general supervision of the holder of an electrical work licence who is authorised under the Act and these Regulations to do that electrical work and competent to ensure electrical work is safe from electrical risk. (2) To be eligible to be issued a trainee permit, an applicant must demonstrate the need to perform electrical work as: (a) practical work experience facilitated by a supporting employer under the supervision of the holder of an electrical work licence; or (b) course work facilitated by a registered training organisation.

54 Term of trainee permit A trainee permit may be issued, renewed or reinstated for a maximum of 1 year.

55 Trainee permit not transferable A trainee permit is not transferable by the trainee.

56 Duty of person conducting business or undertaking in relation to supervision electrical work involving an apprentice or trainee must ensure all electrical work performed by the apprentice or trainee is supervised in accordance with this regulation.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 37 electrical work involving an apprentice or trainee must ensure, as far as is practicable, that the electrical work of the apprentice or trainee is supervised by the holder of an electrical work licence who: (a) is authorised by their licence to carry out the work without supervision; and (b) has successfully completed a course of training approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator in the supervision of apprentices and trainees; and (c) has appropriate technical knowledge of and experience in performing the electrical work. (3) For subregulation (2), the person conducting the business or undertaking must have regard to the following: (a) the type of electrical work to be performed by the apprentice or trainee, especially whether the work will be performed on or near a part of an electrical installation that is connected to a supply of electricity; (b) the location and general circumstances in which the electrical work is to be performed; (c) the level of competence of the apprentice or trainee; (d) the ability of the person who is to provide the supervision to provide appropriate supervision. (4) For subregulation (2), the person conducting the business or undertaking must ensure, as far as is practicable, that: (a) the person supervising the apprentice or trainee: (i) understands their responsibilities under regulation 57; and (ii) complies with regulation 57; and (b) the apprentice or trainee does not carry out electrical work on or near an energised part of an electrical installation; and (c) the apprentice or trainee knows who is supervising them.

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57 Duty of holder of electrical work licence supervising (1) The holder of an electrical work licence supervising an apprentice or a trainee must determine the appropriate level of supervision in accordance with Schedule 1 for the various tasks to be performed by the apprentice or trainee, having regard to the following: (a) the type of electrical work to be performed by the apprentice or trainee, particularly whether the work will be performed on or near a part of an electrical installation that is connected to a supply of electricity; (b) the location and general circumstances in which the electrical work is to be performed; (c) the level of experience and competence of the apprentice or trainee. (2) The holder of an electrical work licence supervising the apprentice or trainee must provide appropriate supervision of the electrical work of the apprentice or trainee in accordance with subregulation (3). (3) The holder of an electrical work licence supervising the apprentice or trainee must ensure, as far as is practicable, that: (a) the holder does not supervise the electrical work: (i) in the case of direct supervision – of more than one apprentice or trainee at a time; and (ii) in the case of general supervision (level 1) – of more than 3 apprentices or trainees at a time; and (iii) in the case of general supervision (level 2) – of more than 5 apprentices or trainees at a time; and (b) the apprentice or trainee does not carry out electrical work on or near an energised part of an electrical installation; and (c) the apprentice or trainee knows who is supervising them; and (d) the apprentice or trainee knows the level of supervision that applies to the performance of their electrical work; and (e) the apprentice or trainee understands that they are not to take instructions in relation to electrical work from anyone other than the holder of an electrical work licence supervising them.

Division 6 Other matters related to licences and trainee permits Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 39

58 Offence of failing to supervise apprentice or trainee (1) A person commits an offence if the person contravenes regulation 56 or 57.

59 Refusal of work An apprentice or trainee may refuse to perform any electrical work if, having regard to the supervision under which it is being performed, the apprentice or trainee reasonably considers that: (a) the apprentice or trainee is not competent to carry out the electrical work; or (b) performing the electrical work would create an electrical risk. Division 6 Other matters related to licences and trainee permits

60 Other eligibility criteria for electrical work licence (1) For section 55(2) of the Act, other prescribed eligibility criteria are set out in this regulation. (2) The applicant must be adequately able to understand, and read and write in, the English language without the aid of an interpreter. (3) The applicant must be trained in, and be competent to carry out, resuscitation on an individual who has stopped breathing or is unconscious because of electric shock. (4) If the Electrical Safety Regulator approves a training course in the supervision of apprentices and trainees, the applicant must successfully complete that training course. (5) For an application for a licence with any electrical line work endorsement, the applicant must be trained in, and be competent to carry out, resuscitation and low voltage rescue at a pole top or transmission tower on an individual who has stopped breathing or is unconscious because of electric shock. (6) The applicant must satisfy the Electrical Safety Regulator that the applicant is suitable to hold the licence if, at any time, the applicant: (a) was subject to disciplinary action under a law regulating the activities of electrical workers; or

Division 6 Other matters related to licences and trainee permits Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 40 (b) failed to perform a duty under a law about electrical work. (7) If required by the Electrical Safety Regulator, the applicant must provide information to satisfy the Electrical Safety Regulator that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold an electrical work

61 Colour identification test statement For sections 55(3)(b) and 62(2)(b) of the Act, prescribed information includes a statement of the results the applicant obtained in a colour identification test.

62 Further assessment For section 57(1)(a) of the Act, an assessment of the applicant's competency to perform electrical work may include the following: (a) one or more examinations or tests conducted by: (i) the Electrical Safety Regulator; or (ii) an examiner approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator; or (iii) a registered training organisation; (b) an assessment of the applicant's performance during a course of instruction.

63 Producing licence, trainee permit and other documents (1) A person supervising or performing electrical work must, on the request of an inspector or an authorised officer performing a function or exercising a power under the Electricity Reform Act 2000: (a) state whether the person is licensed to supervise or perform the electrical work; and (b) produce, as soon as reasonably practicable, the person's licence or trainee permit and any other document required to be kept by the person under the Act.

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64 Return of licence or trainee permit (1) The Electrical Safety Regulator may, by written notice, require the holder of a licence or trainee permit, or another person who has control of the licence or permit, to return the licence or permit to the Electrical Safety Regulator if the licence or permit: (a) is cancelled or suspended; or (b) has expired; or (c) must be varied. (2) A person who receives a notice under subregulation (1) must return the licence or trainee permit as soon as practicable.

65 Replacement of licence or trainee permit The Electrical Safety Regulator may issue a replacement for a licence or trainee permit that is lost, damaged or destroyed.

66 Renewal of licence or trainee permit (1) The eligibility criteria applicable to an application for a licence or trainee permit apply to an application to renew the licence or permit. (2) A licence or trainee permit must not be renewed if the person applying to renew the licence or permit would not be eligible for the licence or permit.

67 Unsafe electrical equipment do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure any unsafe electrical equipment at the workplace: (a) is disconnected or isolated from its electricity supply; and

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 42 (b) once disconnected or isolated: (i) is not reconnected until it is repaired or tested and found to be safe; or (ii) is replaced or permanently removed from use.

68 Cord extension sets and flexible cables do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure any cord extension set or flexible cable at the workplace is: (a) located where it is not likely to suffer damage, including damage by liquid; and (b) protected against damage.

69 Safety switches not use, or allow to be used, a safety switch unless it complies with AS/NZS 3760 (In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCDs) when tested. (2) A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure each safety switch, other than a portable safety switch, at the workplace is: (a) tested by a competent person in accordance with AS/NZS 3760 immediately after it is connected; and (b) tested at the intervals stated in AS/NZS 3760 in accordance with that standard.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 43 (3) A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure each portable safety switch the person has at the workplace is: (a) tested by pushing the test button on the safety switch (b) tested at the intervals stated in AS/NZS 3760 in accordance with that standard. (4) If a safety switch is not working properly, the person conducting the business or undertaking must ensure:

70 Electrical equipment in hostile environment do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure electrical equipment at the workplace is regularly inspected and tested by a competent person if the electrical equipment is: (a) supplied with electricity through an electrical socket outlet; and (b) used in a hostile environment. (2) The person conducting the business or undertaking must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure electrical equipment that is new and unused at the workplace is inspected for obvious damage before it is used. (3) The person conducting the business or undertaking must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure a record of any testing performed under subregulation (1) is kept in accordance with subregulation (4) until the electrical equipment is: (a) next tested; or (b) permanently removed from the workplace or disposed of.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 44 (4) The record of testing must specify the following: (a) the name of the person who performed the testing; (b) the date of the testing; (c) the outcome of the testing; (d) the date on which subsequent testing must be performed. (5) The record in subregulation (4) may be in the form of a tag attached to the electrical equipment tested. subregulation (1), (2) or (3).

71 Untested electrical equipment in hostile environment ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that electrical equipment is not used in a hostile environment if the equipment is not inspected and tested under regulation 70.

72 Application of Division (1) Subject to subregulation (2), this Division applies to a person conducting a business or undertaking that performs electrical work on electrical equipment. (2) This Division does not apply in relation to electrical work performed by or on behalf of a distribution entity on electrical equipment, including a powerline controlled or operated by the entity to transform, transmit or supply electricity.

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73 Testing to determine whether equipment is energised (1) Before electrical work is performed on electrical equipment, the person must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the electrical equipment is tested by a competent person to determine whether or not it is energised. (2) The person must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure: (a) each exposed part is treated as energised until it is isolated and determined not to be energised; and (b) each high-voltage exposed part is earthed after being de-energised.

74 Prohibition of electrical work on energised electrical (1) The person must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the electrical work is not performed while the electrical equipment is energised unless: (a) it is necessary for the purposes of health or safety that the electrical work be performed while the equipment is energised; or (b) it is necessary for the equipment to be energised for the work to be performed properly; or (c) it is necessary for the purposes of testing the equipment under regulation 73; or (d) there is no reasonable alternative means of performing the work. 1 Some life-saving equipment must remain energised and operating while electrical work is performed. 2 Traffic lights may need to remain energised and operating while electrical work is performed.

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75 Preventing inadvertent energising (1) While electrical equipment is not energised, the person must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the equipment is not inadvertently energised while the work is being performed.

76 Preliminary steps (1) Before electrical work is performed, other than electric line work, the person must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure: (a) the person consults with the person with management or control of the workplace; and (b) a risk assessment is conducted in relation to the proposed electrical work and records the results of the assessment; and (c) the area where the electrical work is to be performed is clear of obstructions to allow easy access and exit by the worker who will perform the electrical work; and (d) the point at which the electrical equipment can be disconnected or isolated from its electricity supply is: (i) clearly marked or labelled; and (ii) clear of obstructions so as to allow easy access and exit by the worker who will perform the electrical work; and (iii) capable of being used quickly. (2) Electrical work on energised electrical equipment is exempt from subregulation (1)(d) if: (a) the work is performed on the supply side of the main switch on the main switchboard for the equipment; and

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 47 (b) the point at which the equipment can be disconnected from its electricity supply is not reasonably accessible from the workplace.

77 Performing electrical work on energised electrical equipment (1) If the electrical equipment is energised, the person must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the work is performed: (a) by a competent person who has tools, testing equipment and personal protective equipment that: (i) are suitable for the work; and (ii) are appropriately rated for the work; and (iii) were properly tested; and (iv) are maintained in good working order; and (b) in accordance with a safe work method statement prepared in advance; and (c) subject to subregulation (4), with a safety observer present. (2) For subregulation (1)(a), the person must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the worker who carries out the electrical work uses the tools, testing equipment and personal protective equipment properly. (3) For subregulation (1)(c) the safety observer must: (a) be competent to implement control measures in an emergency; and (b) be competent to rescue and resuscitate the worker who is performing the work, if necessary; and (c) have been assessed in the previous 12 months as competent to rescue and resuscitate a person. (4) A safety observer is not required under subregulation (1)(c) if: (a) the electrical work consists only of testing; and

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 48 (b) a risk assessment is conducted under regulation 76(1)(b) that shows that there is no serious risk associated with the proposed work. Example for subregulation (4)(a) The testing of the polarity of an installed outlet. subregulation (1), (2) or (3). (7) In this regulation: safety observer means a person who observes the safe performance of electrical work on energised electrical equipment.

78 Authorised access only (1) If electrical equipment is energised, the person must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure only persons authorised by the person enter the immediate area in which electrical work is being

79 Contact with equipment being worked on (1) If electrical equipment is energised, any person performing all persons are prevented from creating an electrical risk by inadvertently making contact with an exposed energised component of the equipment while the electrical work is being

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80 Use of socket outlets in hostile environment (1) This regulation applies to the following: (a) electrical equipment used in an environment in which the normal use of electrical equipment exposes the equipment to a hostile environment; (b) electrical equipment moved between different locations in circumstances where damage to the equipment or to a flexible electricity supply cord is reasonably likely; (c) electrical equipment frequently moved during its normal use; (d) electrical equipment forming part of, or is used in connection with, an amusement device. Exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust. (2) A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure any electrical risk associated with the supply of electricity to the electrical equipment through a socket outlet at the workplace is minimised by the use of an appropriate safety switch. (3) For subregulation (2), the safety switch must have a tripping current that does not exceed 30 mA if the electricity supplied to the equipment through a socket outlet does not exceed 20 A. (4) Electrical equipment is exempt from subregulation (2) if the supply of electricity to the electrical equipment: (a) does not exceed 50 volts AC; or (b) is direct current; or (c) is provided through an isolating transformer that provides at least an equivalent level of protection to a safety switch; or (d) is provided from a non-earthed socket outlet supplied by an isolated winding portable generator that provides at least an equivalent level of protection to a safety switch.

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81 Testing of safety switches (1) A person with management or control of a workplace must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure safety switches used at the workplace are tested regularly by a competent person and are operating effectively in accordance with AS/NZS 3760 (In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and RCDs). (2) The person must keep a record of all testing of safety switches, other than any testing conducted daily, until the earlier of the (a) the day the device is next tested; (b) the day the device is permanently removed from use.

82 Approved consumer electrical equipment For section 70(1)(c) of the Act, the following laws are prescribed: (a) Electricity Act 1945 (WA); (b) Electrical Safety Act 1998 (Vic); (c) Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld); (d) Electricity Safety Act 2022 (Tas); (e) Energy Products (Safety and Efficiency) Act 2000 (SA); (f) Electricity Safety Act 1971 (ACT); (g) Electricity Act 1992 (NZ);

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 51 (h) Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 (NSW); Note for regulation 82 Section 52 of the Interpretation Act 1978 provides that a reference to a law in Australia includes any subsequent or successor law corresponding to the law mentioned in this regulation.

Division 1 Application of Part

83 Application of Part This Part does not apply in relation to electrical work performed by or on behalf of a distribution entity on electrical equipment, including a powerline controlled or operated by the entity to transform, transmit or supply electricity.

84 Exemption for streetlights The Wiring Rules do not apply in relation to streetlights.

85 Compliance with Wiring Rules (1) A person performing electrical work must perform the work in accordance with the Wiring Rules.

86 Examination and testing (1) A person who performs electrical work on an electrical installation must examine and test the installation to determine if it complies with the requirements of: (a) the Wiring Rules and any standard applicable by or under the Wiring Rules; and (b) any other requirements specified by the operator of the transmission or distribution network to which the installation is or will be connected.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 52 (2) The person must perform the examination and testing under subregulation (1) in accordance with the following: (a) the Wiring Rules and any standard applicable by or under the Wiring Rules; (b) any other requirements specified by the operator of the

87 Compliance with Wiring Rules (1) The person in control of an electrical installation must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure any structure supporting an electric line or item of electrical equipment forming part of the electrical installation complies with: (b) any direction the Electrical Safety Regulator gives for ensuring the electrical safety of the installation; and (4) If there is any inconsistency between the Wiring Rules and a direction of the Electrical Safety Regulator, the direction prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.

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88 Compliance with current standards A person performing electrical work on electrical equipment, an electrical installation or electrical infrastructure must ensure the work complies with the Wiring Rules. Note for regulation 88 The Wiring Rules require compliance with the standard that is applicable at the time of the electrical work.

89 Suitability of testing instruments If tests are required to be performed on electricity infrastructure, an electrical installation or other equipment under the Act or these Regulations: (a) the testing instruments used must be designed for and capable of correctly performing the required tests; and (b) each testing instrument must be tested and calibrated, in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and site requirements, to ensure it is in proper working order; and (c) the records of tests performed on testing instruments must be kept for at least 2 years.

90 Duty to comply with Wiring Rules (1) A person who performs electrical work on an electrical installation must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the electrical installation, to the extent it is affected by the electrical work, complies with: (b) in the case of an electrical installation used for construction work – the Wiring Rules and AS/NZS 3012 (Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites); and

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91 Duty of person conducting business or undertaking electrical work on an electrical installation must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the electrical installation, to the extent it is affected by the electrical work, complies with: (b) in the case of an electrical installation used for construction work – the Wiring Rules and AS/NZS 3012 (Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites); and

92 Electrical work involving pools, water features and water tubs (1) Subject to subregulation (2), this regulation applies to electrical work on any electrical equipment that: (a) is in, or surrounds the water container of, a swimming pool, paddling pool, spa facility, water feature or water tub; and (b) is either: (i) used for controlling, generating, supplying, transforming or transmitting electricity at extra low voltage; or (ii) operated by electricity at extra low voltage. (2) The following work is exempt from subregulation (1): (a) the plugging in of a pre-packaged water feature; or (b) replacing a component part of the equipment if the equipment is designed so that the component may be readily and safely replaced by a person without electrical knowledge or skill.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 55 (3) A person must not perform electrical work on the equipment unless: (a) the person is a licensed electrical worker; and (b) the work on the equipment is authorised under the person's licence; and (c) the equipment complies with the Wiring Rules, to the extent the equipment is affected by the work. (4) A person conducting a business or undertaking that performs work on the equipment must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure its workers comply with subregulation (3). subregulation (3) or (4).

93 Duty of person in control to fix defect (1) If an inspector or distribution entity gives written notice to the person in control of electrical equipment of any defect affecting the electrical safety of the electrical equipment, the person in control must ensure the defect is fixed.

94 Earthing (1) A person in control of a low voltage electrical installation that receives electricity distributed by a distribution entity must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the earthing for the installation complies with the requirements for an earthing and protection system that applies to the distribution entity under this (2) The works of a distribution entity must incorporate an earthing and protection system, in accordance with the Wiring Rules and any requirement specified by the operator of the transmission or distribution network to which the installation is, or will be, connected, that is capable of ensuring the following:

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 56 (a) reliable passage of fault current; (b) reliable passage of single wire earth return load currents to ground or source; (c) reliable operation of circuit protection devices; (d) safe step, touch and transfer potentials for all electrical (e) appropriate coordination with the earthing and protection systems of any other distribution entity; (f) protection against likely mechanical damage, inadvertent interference and chemical deterioration; (g) mechanical stability and integrity of connections. (3) Without limiting subregulation (2), the earthing and protection system referred to in that subregulation must comply with the following requirements: (a) if the multiple earth neutral system of earthing is used – the neutral conductor of the system must be effectively earthed; (b) each non-current carrying exposed conductive part of an electric line or generating plant must be effectively earthed; (c) each non-current carrying exposed conductive part of a substation must be effectively earthed; (d) the system must be tested as soon as practicable after its installation to prove its effectiveness; (e) any high voltage electric line must be protected by a suitable fuse, circuit breaker or equivalent device. (4) Earthing is not required under subregulation (3)(b) or (c) if the distribution entity considers that earthing is not appropriate for safety reasons in accordance with a recognised industry practice.

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95 Duty to preserve insulation of electric line (1) The person in control of an electrical installation must maintain, to a reasonable extent, the integrity of the insulation of any electric line, or connection to an electric line, that is part of the electrical installation: (a) if it is an overhead electric line – near the point of attachment of the electric line to any structure; and (b) whether or not it is an overhead electric line – near roofs or structures where it is likely that any person could come into contact with the insulated wires or connectors of the line. Examples for subregulation (1)(b) A painter or plumber.

96 Duty to ensure safety of disconnected overhead electric line (1) The person in control of an overhead electric line must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure any line that is permanently disconnected from its electricity supply is: (a) dismantled as soon as practicable after disconnection; or (b) maintained to be electrically safe and mechanically safe.

97 Contents of certificates of compliance For section 41(2)(b) of the Act, the following information is prescribed: (a) the name and contact details of the person for whom the work was conducted or performed;

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 58 (b) the details of the electrical work performed; (c) the day the electrical work was performed; (d) the name and licence number of the person completing the certificate; (e) if applicable – the number of the electrical contractor licence under which the electrical work was performed; (f) any defects or non-compliance noticed that were not rectified; (g) any other information required in the approved form.

98 Misrepresentations about electrical work (1) A person who is not authorised to do so under a licence must not represent that the person, or any other person who is not authorised to do so under a licence, may lawfully: (a) connect to a source of electricity an item of electrical equipment that may only lawfully be connected to a source of electricity by the holder of an electrical work licence; or (b) do electrical work that may only be performed by the holder of an electrical work licence.

99 Misrepresentation about contract to perform electrical work (1) A person must not represent that the person, or any other person, who is not authorised to do so under a licence, may contract to perform electrical work that may only lawfully be performed by the holder of an electrical contractor licence.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 59 Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.

100 Misrepresentation about licence (1) A person must not represent that the person, or any other person, has a licence or is authorised to do work under a licence if they do not have the licence or are not authorised to do that work under a

101 Other misrepresentation (1) A person must not represent that the person or any other person is: (a) endorsed, approved or authorised by the Electrical Safety Regulator to undertake electrical work other than as a licensee, apprentice or trainee; or (b) recommended by the Electrical Safety Regulator or any Agency.

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102 Electrical equipment with serious defect (1) An electrical worker must not connect electrical equipment to a source of electricity if the electrical equipment has a defect that presents an electrical risk.

103 Rescue and resuscitation training (1) Any person required to perform, or help in performing, electrical work must be suitably trained in rescue and resuscitation in accordance with standard practices in the electricity industry. electrical work must ensure any electrical worker who performs that work is competent in rescue and resuscitation in accordance with standard practices in the electricity industry. (5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subregulation (3) if the electrical worker's licence prohibits the worker from performing work that requires competency in rescue and resuscitation.

104 Standards for electrical equipment for construction (1) Subregulation (2) applies to: (a) a person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace where construction work is performed; and

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 61 (b) a person conducting a business or undertaking that performs construction work. (2) Subject to these Regulations, the person must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure all electrical equipment used to perform construction work complies with the requirements of the Wiring Rules and AS/NZS 3012 (Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites).

105 Electrical equipment for construction construction work must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure electrical equipment used for the performance of the work complies with AS/NZS 3012 (Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites).

106 Construction wiring (1) A person with management or control of a workplace where construction work is being performed must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure all construction wiring at the workplace complies with the requirements of the Wiring Rules and any other applicable requirements in AS/NZS 3012 (Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites).

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 62 (4) In this regulation: construction wiring means temporary electrical wiring by which electricity is supplied by an electricity entity for use in and during construction work.

107 Defence It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against a provision of this Division for contravening a requirement of this Division if the defendant complied with a provision in AS/NZS 3012 (Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites) that deals with the same matter as the requirement.

108 Double adaptors and piggyback plugs prohibited manufacturing work must not use a double adaptor or piggyback plug. manufacturing work must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure workers performing the work do not use a double adaptor or piggyback plug.

109 Safety switches manufacturing work must not use, or allow to be used, a safety switch unless it complies with AS/NZS 3760 (In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment) when tested.

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110 Specified electrical equipment (iii) is moved during its normal use for the purpose of its use. Examples for subregulation (1)(b) and (c) 1 A handheld grinder plugged into a socket-outlet. 2 A handheld electric drill plugged into a socket-outlet that is used for drilling holes in steelwork in a light engineering workshop. (2) Subject to subregulation (3), a person conducting a business or undertaking that performs manufacturing work must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the electrical equipment specified in subregulation (1) is not used to perform the work unless the equipment: (a) is inspected and tested by a competent person: (i) in the case of equipment that is double insulated – at least once every year; or (ii) otherwise – at least once every 6 months; and (b) is connected to: (i) in the case of a socket-outlet in a permanent workplace under the control of the person conducting the business or undertaking – a type 1 safety switch or type 2 safety switch that is not portable; or (ii) otherwise – a type 1 safety switch or a type 2 safety Example for subregulation (2)(b)(ii) The premises of a customer visited by the worker.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 64 (3) Subregulation (2)(b) does not apply to a socket-outlet that is: (a) more than 2.3 m above the floor; and (b) provided for the purpose of supplying electricity to a luminaire or to electrical equipment with a power rating of not more than 150 W. person immediately attaches a durable tag to the equipment that shows the minimum information for the equipment. (5) If after inspecting and testing the electrical equipment under and (6) A person conducting a business or undertaking that performs manufacturing work must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure a tag is not attached to specified electrical equipment under subregulation (4) unless: (b) both of the following apply to the equipment and tag respectively: (ii) the tag was attached by the competent person. subregulation (2), (4), (5) or (6).

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111 Manufacturing work – safety switch (1) This regulation applies to a business or undertaking that performs manufacturing work on or after 1 July 2026. manufacturing work must have a type 1 safety switch, or type 2 safety switch, that is not portable, installed for the socket-outlet if the socket-outlet: (a) has a current rating of not more than 20 A; and (b) is not more than 2.3 m above the floor. (3) A person conducting a business or undertaking that performs manufacturing work must ensure each safety switch, other than a portable safety switch, at the workplace: (a) is tested by a competent person under AS/NZS 3760 (In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment) immediately after it is connected; and subregulation (2) or (3). (6) A person conducting a business or undertaking is exempt from complying with subregulations (2) and (3) if: (a) the person is not in control of the electrical equipment for the installation of the safety switch; and (b) the person is unable to obtain permission from the person in control of the electrical equipment for the installation of the safety switch.

112 Specified electrical equipment

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 66 (iii) is moved during its normal use for the purpose of its use. service work or office work must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the electrical equipment is not used unless: (i) if the equipment is used only for office work – at least once every 5 years; or (ii) otherwise – at least once every year; or (b) it is connected to a type 1 safety switch or a type 2 safety Examples of electrical equipment used to perform service work, for subregulation (2) 1 A portable vacuum cleaner used in a hotel. 2 A handheld blow dryer used in a hairdressing salon. Example of electrical equipment used to perform office work, for subregulation (2) A power board or extension lead used to supply power to office equipment. person attaches a durable tag to the equipment that shows the minimum information for the equipment. and

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 67 is reasonably practicable to ensure a tag is not attached to specified electrical equipment under subregulation (3) unless: (b) both of the following apply: (ii) the tag was attached by the competent person. subregulation (2), (3), (4) or (5).

113 Safety switches – service work and office work service work or office work must not use, or allow to be used, a safety switch unless it complies with AS/NZS 3760 (In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment) when tested. service work or office work must ensure each safety switch, other than a portable safety switch, at the workplace: (a) is tested by a competent person under AS/NZS 3760 (3) A person conducting a business or undertaking that performs service work or office work must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure each portable safety switch at the workplace: (a) is tested by pushing the test button on the safety switch

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 68 (4) If a safety switch is not working properly, the person conducting the business or undertaking must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure:

Division 4 Electrical work related to amusement devices, rides and activities

114 Application of Division This Division applies to electrical work to assemble, operate or disassemble any of the following on the site on which it is used, intended to be used or was used: (a) an amusement device or amusement ride; (b) a thing used to provide amusement activities, including side show activities, associated with: (i) carnivals, fairs or shows; or (ii) amusement arcades or similar places; (c) a thing used to provide entertainment or advertising activities, in temporary sites, associated with shows, fairs or carnivals. Example of side show activities for paragraph (b) Providing hamburgers or fairy floss in a side show.

115 Double adaptors and piggyback plugs prohibited (1) A person conducting a business or undertaking that performs the electrical work must not use a double adaptor or piggyback plug. (2) A person conducting a business or undertaking that performs the workers performing work for the person do not use a double adaptor or piggyback plug.

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116 Specified electrical equipment supply. (2) A person conducting a business or undertaking that performs the electrical equipment is not used unless: (i) if the equipment is double insulated – at least once every year; or (ii) if the equipment is not double insulated – at least once every 6 months; and (b) it is connected to a type 1 safety switch or type 2 safety person immediately attaches a durable tag to the equipment that shows the minimum information for the equipment.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 70 and is reasonably practicable to ensure a tag is not attached to specified electrical equipment under subregulation (3) unless: (b) both of the following apply: (ii) the tag was attached by a competent person. subregulation (2), (3), (4) or (5).

117 Amusement devices and amusement rides (1) A person conducting a business or undertaking that performs the any part of an amusement device or amusement ride that is connected to the electricity supply by a plug is not used unless: (i) each time it is assembled on the site where it is intended to be used; and (ii) in any event – at least once every 6 months; and (b) for a device or ride with a current rating of not more than 20 A – it is connected to a type 1 safety switch or type 2 safety

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 71 (2) For an inspection and test under subregulation (1)(a), the competent person must: (a) determine the safety of earthing, insulation and connections; and (b) determine whether any safety switch complies with AS/NZS 3760 (In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment) when tested; and (c) make a visual examination to decide the safety of the items of electrical equipment of the device or ride, including cabling, plugs, sockets, light fittings, enclosures and motors. subregulation (1)(a), a competent person decides the equipment is person immediately makes a written record of: (a) details of the test; and (b) the minimum information for the equipment. subregulation (1)(a), a competent person decides the equipment is (a) the competent person immediately: (i) attaches a durable, conspicuous sign to the equipment that warns people not to use the equipment; and (ii) makes a written record of details of the test; and is reasonably practicable to ensure a written record of the day by which the equipment must be reinspected and retested is not made with the authority of the person unless the equipment was inspected and tested by a competent person. subregulation (1), (3), (4) or (5).

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118 Safety switches electrical work must not use, or allow to be used, a safety switch unless it complies with AS/NZS 3760 (In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment) when tested. (2) The person conducting a business or undertaking must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure each safety switch, other than a portable safety switch, at the workplace: (a) is tested by a competent person in accordance with AS/NZS 3760 immediately after it is connected; and (b) is tested in accordance with, and at the intervals stated in, AS/NZS 3760. (3) The person conducting a business or undertaking must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure each portable safety switch at the workplace: (a) is tested by pushing the test button on the safety switch (b) is tested in accordance with, and at the intervals stated in, AS/NZS 3760. (4) If a safety switch is not working properly, the person conducting a business or undertaking must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure:

Division 5 Work in proximity to exposed conductors or electrical equipment Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 73 Division 5 Work in proximity to exposed conductors or 119 Work involving danger of direct contact with live conductors (1) A person performing any work involving a danger of accidental direct contact with exposed live conductors or exposed live parts of electrical equipment must: (a) be competent and qualified to carry out the work; and (b) carry out the work with a competent assistant suitably trained in the following, except where the contrary is shown by reference to generally accepted industry practices or the particular circumstances of the case: (i) the work; (ii) resuscitation; (iii) releasing persons from live electrical apparatus; (iv) rescuing persons from poles, structures, elevated work platforms or confined spaces.

120 Work in proximity to exposed conductors or electrical (1) A person performing any work or positioning equipment in proximity to exposed conductors or exposed parts of electrical equipment must comply with this regulation. (2) The work must not be performed closer than the proximity limits set out in Schedule 2. (3) The work must be performed by a person who: (a) is suitably trained and qualified for such work beyond the proximity limits set out in this regulation for that person; or (b) is instructed in the identification of high and low voltage conductors and the safety aspects of work near live powerlines beyond the proximity limits.

Division 5 Work in proximity to exposed conductors or electrical equipment Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 74 (4) Except where the contrary is shown by reference to generally accepted industry practices or the particular circumstances of the case, the person must carry out the work with a competent assistant who is suitably trained: (a) in the work; and (b) in resuscitation; and (c) in releasing persons from live electrical apparatus; and (d) if appropriate – in rescuing persons from poles, structures, elevated work platforms or confined spaces. (5) Despite subregulation (3), electrical work may be performed closer than the proximity limits if: (a) suitable barriers or earthed metal shields are installed between the person performing the work and the conductors or electrical equipment; or (b) the work consists only of testing equipment that is designed so that the approach limits cannot be complied with; or (c) the work consists of earthing the conductors or equipment and is performed after the exposed conductors are isolated and proved to be de-energised. (6) When calculating proximity for this regulation: (a) a person includes any article of clothing worn by the person, and any conductive object the person is handling; and (b) a person does not include any object that alone or with another object: (i) is an extension of the person; and (ii) is insulated and tested to be safe for use on and near the exposed conductor or exposed part of electrical equipment; and (c) a machine includes anything the machine is handling, other than: (i) a person; or (ii) a handheld object a person is handling; and (d) a vehicle or vessel includes anything the vehicle or vessel is carrying or otherwise handling.

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121 Performance of high voltage live line work (1) A person must not perform high voltage live line work on electrical equipment unless: (a) the person and work are authorised under regulation 126(1); and (b) the work is performed under a high voltage live line work management plan in accordance with regulation 122.

122 High voltage live line work management plan (1) A person in control of electrical equipment must prepare a high voltage live line work management plan in accordance with this regulation before performing high voltage live line work. (2) The high voltage live line work management plan must include procedures developed in accordance with each of the following standards: (a) AS 5804.1 (High-voltage live working – General); (b) AS 5804.2 (High-voltage live working – Glove and barrier work); (c) AS 5804.3 (High-voltage live working – Stick work); (d) AS 5804.4 (High-voltage live working – Bare hand work).

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 76 (3) The high voltage live line work management plan must be developed in conjunction with each of the following: (a) representatives of workers who are to perform high voltage live line work under the plan; (b) if the high voltage live line work involves the works of an electricity entity – the electricity entity; (c) other persons who might reasonably be expected to have an interest in the performance of the high voltage live line work. (4) The high voltage live line work management plan must be approved by: (a) an electrical engineer who has professional expertise in the performance of high voltage live line work; or (b) a person with expertise that, in the opinion of the person in control of the electrical equipment, is equivalent to the expertise mentioned in paragraph (a).

123 Work in proximity to exposed high voltage conductors or (1) A person performing work or positioning equipment in proximity to exposed high voltage conductors or exposed parts of high voltage electrical equipment must ensure the work is authorised in writing by the operator of the electricity infrastructure or electrical installation affected under regulation 126.

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124 Direct contact with exposed high voltage electrical equipment (1) A person must not perform work by direct contact with exposed high voltage conductors or exposed parts of high voltage electrical equipment unless the exposed high voltage conductors or exposed parts of high voltage electrical equipment are: (a) shown by testing to be isolated from all sources of electricity (b) earthed. (2) If the conductor or equipment cannot be directly contacted to prove isolation from all sources of electricity supply, it is sufficient for compliance with subregulation (1) if: (a) written instructions are given for the isolation of the conductor or equipment from all sources of electricity supply; and (b) the conductor or equipment is earthed by a lockable earthing switch designed to be safely operated if the high voltage conductor or equipment is not isolated from all sources of supply.

125 Live high voltage line work (1) A person must not perform work on exposed live high voltage conductors or exposed live parts of high voltage electrical equipment unless authorised under regulation 126(2).

126 Authorisations – high voltage (1) A person in control of electrical equipment may, in writing,authorise a person to perform high voltage live line work in relation to the electrical equipment.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 78 (2) An operator of electricity infrastructure or an electrical installation may, in writing, authorise a person to perform electrical work on exposed live high voltage conductors or exposed live parts of high voltage electrical equipment. (3) An authorisation may only be issued if the person issuing it is satisfied that the person to be authorised: (a) successfully completed a course of training provided by a training provider approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator; and (b) is assessed by the training provider as competent to perform work on exposed live high voltage conductors or exposed live parts of high voltage electrical equipment. (4) The authorisation must state the voltage of the equipment or powerlines on which the work is performed.

127 Regular assessment (1) A person who authorises a person under regulation 126(1) or (2) to perform high voltage live line work on more than one occasion must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the person is regularly assessed in accordance with that regulation while authorised.

128 Roof spaces de-energised (1) This regulation applies to work performed in a roof space of a Class 1 building, Class 2 building or Class 10 building. (2) A person with management or control of the workplace must ensure the building's electrical installation is de-energised by a competent (3) A person must not perform work in a roof space of a building unless the building's electrical installation is de-energised by a competent

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 79 (4) If the roof space of a building in which electrical work is performed is divided into separate parts that prevent a person from moving from one part of the roof space to another part, and each part relates to a separate dwelling, the requirement to de-energise the building's electrical installation under subregulations (2) and (3) only applies to the part of the roof space in which the work is to be (5) Subregulations (2) and (3) do not apply to electrical work performed by a competent person to test, service or commission an appliance or other equipment in, or accessible by means of, the roof space, to the extent necessary to energise the appliance or equipment, if: (a) it is necessary to energise the appliance or equipment for the purposes of testing, servicing or commissioning the appliance or equipment; and (b) a written risk assessment is conducted or a safe work method statement for the work is prepared; and (c) the competent person is satisfied that any electrical risk identified by the assessment or statement is or can be reduced as low as reasonably practicable and the work can be carried out safely. Examples of an appliance or equipment for subregulation (5) A gas appliance, air conditioner or antenna. (6) Subregulations (2) and (3) do not require the de-energising of the (a) service apparatus that is part of a building's electrical installation; (b) a supply cable that is part of a building's electrical installation if: (i) the cable is from a solar power system, wind turbine or battery; and (ii) it is not reasonably practicable to de-energise the cable; (c) any other part of the building's electrical installation if it is not reasonably practicable to de-energise that part. (7) In this regulation: service apparatus means any works, apparatus or system, including any part of the works, apparatus or system and any other

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 80 equipment or plant used in conjunction with the works, apparatus or system that are capable of being used, or are intended to be used, for the purpose of conveying, measuring or controlling electricity supplied from any electric network to the position on any premises at which delivery of the electricity is, is capable of being, or is intended to be, made to the consumer.

129 Offence related to electrical work in roof spaces (1) A person commits an offence if the person contravenes regulation 128.

130 Training for assessment of electrical risk insulation in a building must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the person and any other persons employed or engaged by the person are trained in performing an assessment of the electrical risk from the installation of ceiling insulation.

131 Installation standard insulation in a building must ensure the installation complies with (a) the Wiring Rules; (b) AS/NZS 1680 (Interior and workplace lighting); (c) AS/NZS 2293 (Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings); (d) the National Construction Code. Note for subregulation (1)(a) The Wiring Rules deal with recessed luminaires and auxiliary equipment.

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132 Energised equipment in ceiling prohibited insulation in domestic residence must ensure any electrical equipment in the ceiling is not energised before starting the installation.

133 Assessment of electrical risk and control measures insulation in a building other than a domestic residence must, before starting the installation: (a) prepare a safe work method statement of the electrical risk for the work; and (b) implement any control measures necessary to eliminate or minimise electrical risk.

134 Electrically conductive ceiling insulation on joists prohibited insulation must ensure ceiling insulation that is readily able to conduct electricity is not installed on any joists in the ceiling of a building. Note for subregulation (1) The insulation can be installed against the roof where it is unlikely to come into contact with a source of electricity.

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135 Metal or other conductive fasteners for ceiling insulation prohibited (1) A person conducting a business or undertaking installing ceiling insulation must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure ceiling insulation is not fastened with metal or any other form of conductive fastener. (2) A worker installing ceiling insulation must not fasten ceiling insulation with metal or any other form of conductive fastener.

136 Standards (1) A person performing electrical work involving a photovoltaic array must perform the work in accordance with this regulation. (2) The electrical work must comply with the following: (a) the Wiring Rules; (b) AS/NZS 5033 (Installation and safety requirements for photovoltaic (PV) arrays); (c) AS/NZS 4777.1 (Grid connection of energy systems via inverters); (d) AS/NZS 1170.2 (Structural design actions Part 2: Wind actions); (e) any requirements of the network operator applicable to photovoltaic arrays;

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 83 (f) any requirements for construction applicable in high wind areas under the Building Code as adopted under the Building Regulations 1993. Note for subregulation (2)(f) The Building Code sets out high wind areas and refers to Wind Region C (cyclonic) as defined in AS/NZ 1170.2.

137 Enclosure of photovoltaic array (1) This regulation applies in relation to the ownership or installation of photovoltaic arrays on and after 1 July 2026. (2) Subject to subregulation (3), any photovoltaic array that is free standing and is less than 2.5 m from the ground surface must be enclosed in a manner that prevents: (a) unauthorised access to the array; and (b) damage to the array caused by animals. (3) The photovoltaic array is not required to be enclosed if: (a) a written risk assessment is undertaken by a competent (b) the risk assessment shows a low risk of unauthorised access and a low risk of damage to the photovoltaic array. (4) A person commits an offence if the person: (a) owns or installs a photovoltaic array that is free standing and is less than 2.5 m from the ground surface; and (b) does not enclose the photovoltaic array in accordance with

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138 Power conversion equipment (1) A person performing electrical work involving power conversion equipment for a photovoltaic array must ensure the equipment is safely located and marked in accordance with this regulation. (2) The power conversion equipment must be kept at least 30 cm away (3) A non-combustible barrier must be installed on any wall that: (a) is within 30 cm of the power conversion equipment; and (b) separates the power conversion equipment from a room in a domestic residence that is used for normal living activities; and (c) is not already a non-combustible barrier or does not consist of a metallic material of a minimum thickness of 0.2 mm. Note for subregulation (3)(c) Steel cladding, sheet metal (aluminium, steel, tin and zinc) are acceptable metallic materials. (4) For subregulation (3), the barrier must: (a) extend vertically at least 30 cm above and below the power conversion equipment; and (b) extend horizontally at least 30 cm wider than the width of the power conversion equipment.

139 Isolators prohibited on roof (1) A person must not install an isolator for a rooftop photovoltaic array on the roof of a class 1 building.

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140 Disconnection points (1) A person must, as far as reasonably practicable, install all disconnection points for a rooftop photovoltaic array within 1.25 m of the rooftop access point.

141 Signage (1) A person installing power conversion equipment for a photovoltaic array located indoors in a building used for commercial purposes must mark the location of the equipment in accordance with this (2) The location of the power conversion equipment must be marked: (a) at the main switchboard; and (b) at the sub-board; and (c) on the fire indicator panel block plan (where applicable). (3) For subregulation (1), the wording of either of the following is sufficient: INVERTER LOCATIONS INVERTER LOCATION Battery: ___________ or __________________ Solar: ____________ __________________

142 Installation of energy storage systems (1) A person performing electrical work involving an energy storage system must: (a) perform a risk assessment prior to commencing the work; and

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 86 (b) ensure the work complies with: (i) the Wiring Rules; and (ii) AS/NZS 5139 (Electrical installations – Safety of battery systems for use with power conversion equipment).

143 Smoke alarm – indoors (1) This regulation applies in relation to any installation of an energy storage system located inside a domestic residence and under the same roof as a habitable room that occurs on or after 1 July 2026. (2) A person performing the installation must ensure a smoke alarm is installed in accordance with this regulation. (3) The smoke alarm must be: (a) located above or close to the energy storage system in any place where the energy storage system is located; and (b) integrated with any other smoke alarms in the building in which the energy storage system is located.

144 Safety – indoor installation (1) A person performing electrical work installing an energy storage system located inside domestic residence and under the same roof as a habitable room must ensure the energy storage system is safely located, marked and shielded in accordance with this (2) The energy storage system must be located at least 60 cm away

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 87 (3) A line at least 50 mm in width must be marked in prominent and permanent paint on the floor at least 60 cm from the edges of the (4) A non-combustible barrier must be installed on any wall that: (a) is within 30 cm of the energy storage system; and (b) separates the energy storage system from a habitable room in the domestic residence; and (c) is not already a non-combustible barrier. (5) The non-combustible barrier must: (a) extend vertically from: (i) the floor to the ceiling or a point 1.20 m above the energy storage system; or (ii) if the energy storage system is installed more than 60 cm above the floor – at least 60 cm below the energy storage system to the ceiling or a point 1.2 m above the (b) extend horizontally at least 60 cm wider than the width of the (c) if the ceiling is less than 1.2 m above the energy storage system – extend across the ceiling from the wall covering an area at least 60 cm beyond the front and sides of the energy storage system. (6) For subregulation (5), any floor joists or floor of an elevated building above the energy storage system are taken to be part of the ceiling.

145 Safety – outside installation (1) A person performing electrical work installing an energy storage system located outside a building must ensure the energy storage system is safely located, marked and shielded in accordance with this regulation.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 88 (2) The energy storage system must be located at least 60 cm away (3) A line at least 50 mm in width must, so far as is reasonably practicable, be marked in prominent and permanent paint on the ground at least 60 cm from the edges of the energy storage system. (4) A non-combustible barrier must be installed on any wall that: (a) is within 30 cm of the energy storage system; and (b) separates the energy storage system from a habitable room in the building; and (c) is not already a non-combustible barrier. (5) The non-combustible barrier must: (a) extend vertically from the ground to a point 90 cm above the (b) extend horizontally at least 60 cm wider than the width of the

146 Storage of combustible materials (1) A person must not store or keep any combustible materials or substances: (a) within 60 cm from the edges of the energy storage system; or (b) within the space above the area within 60 cm from the edges of the energy storage system. (4) For subregulation (1), combustible materials includes foliage and other vegetation.

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147 Signage – general (1) This regulation applies in relation to any installation of an energy storage system that occurs on or after 1 July 2026. (2) A person installing an energy storage system must install a durable, conspicuous sign in accordance with this regulation. (3) The sign must be located as follows: (a) on the outside of the building, other than a class 1 building; (b) in the case of a building used for commercial purposes: (i) at the main switchboard; and (ii) at the sub-board; and (iii) on the fire indicator panel block plan (where applicable). (4) The signage on the outside of the building must: (a) be reflective; and (b) in the case of a chemical battery – include the battery chemistry or the United Nations Number of the battery chemistry; and (c) consist of one of the following logos in which the white letters "ES" are at least 10 cm in height on a green background: . Note for subregulation (4) The following is a list of some of the energy storage system chemistry numbers: UN number Chemical type 2794 Flooded lead acid 2795 Nickel cadmium 2800 Valve regulated lead acid 3090 Lithium metal 3292 Sodium 3480 Lithium ion (including ion polymer)

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3496 Nickel-metal hydride (5) The signage referred to in subregulation (3)(b) must consist of one of the logos mentioned in subregulation (4)(c) in which the white letters “ES” are legible and in a size appropriate for the location. Maximum penalty: 5 penalty unit.

148 Fire indicator panels (1) A person installing an energy storage system in a building with a fire indicator panel must ensure the location of the energy storage system is marked prominently on the fire indicator panel block plans for the building.

149 Signage – commercial operations (1) A person conducting a business or undertaking who charges batteries with lithium chemistry in or around a building must install a durable, conspicuous sign in accordance with this regulation if the batteries: (a) are used as part of a commercial operation; and (b) charge at 60 Ah or more; and (c) are used to power equipment used in the commercial operation. Lawnmowing or gardening businesses that use battery operated equipment. (2) The signage must: (a) be placed on the outside of the building; and (b) be reflective; and

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 91 (c) include the battery chemistry or the United Nations Number of the battery chemistry; and (d) consist of one of the following logos in which the letters "ES" are at least 10 cm in height: . Note for subregulation (2) The following is a list of energy storage system chemistry numbers: UN number Chemical type 3090, 3091 Lithium metal 3480, 3481 Lithium ion (including ion polymer)

150 Registration – commercial operations (1) The owner of a commercial operation must register the operation in accordance with this regulation if: (a) the owner uses an energy storage system as part of the commercial operation; and (b) the energy storage system uses lithium chemistry; and (c) the energy storage system charges at 60 Ah or more at any time. (2) Registration under this regulation must be lodged in the form approved by, and manner determined by, the Electrical Safety Regulator within 30 days after the operation begins using the (3) The following information must be included in the registration: (a) the address of the building and the place within the building where the energy storage system is located;

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 92 (b) the contact details of the owner or occupier of the building.

151 Notice of ceasing operation (1) The owner of a commercial operation registered under regulation 150 must give written notice to the Electrical Safety Regulator if the owner ceases using the energy storage system. (2) The notice must be lodged in the form approved by, and manner determined by, the Electrical Safety Regulator within 30 days after the operation ceases using the energy storage system.

152 Smoke alarms (1) This regulation applies in relation to any installation inside a building of an electrical connection point for an electric vehicle that occurs on or after 1 July 2026. (2) Subject to subregulation (3), the following persons must ensure a smoke alarm is installed in accordance with this regulation: inside the building of an electrical connection point for an electric vehicle; (b) the owner of the building inside of which an electrical Note for subregulation (2) An electrical connection point for an electric vehicle is a power supply device that supplies electrical power for recharging plug-in electric vehicles. It is not a general purpose socket or outlet.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 93 (3) No smoke alarm is required to be installed in a building if: (a) the building is used for commercial purposes; and (b) the building is equipped with a fire suppression system above all electrical connection points for electric vehicles; and (c) a written risk assessment was undertaken by a competent (d) the risk assessment shows that smoke alarms would not minimise the risk more than the fire suppression system. (4) The smoke alarm must be: (a) located on the ceiling above any electrical connection point; and (b) integrated with any other smoke alarms in the building inside of which the electrical connection point is installed. (5) If there are multiple electrical connection points for electric vehicles in proximity to each other, one smoke alarm may be installed for every 2 electrical connection points.

153 Signage – inside building (1) This regulation applies in relation to any installation inside a building, other than a class 1 or class 10 building, of an electrical connection point for an electric vehicle that occurs on or after (2) The following persons must install a durable, conspicuous sign in accordance with this regulation: inside the building of an electrical connection point for an electric vehicle; (b) the owner of the building inside of which an electrical

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 94 which the white letters "EV" are at least 10 cm in height on a blue . (4) The sign must be located: (a) at every vehicle entrance to the building; and (b) in proximity to any place where an electrical connection point for an electric vehicle is installed.

154 Signage – on land or outside building (1) This regulation applies in relation to any installation of an electrical connection point for an electric vehicle on land or outside a building that occurs on or after 1 July 2026. (2) The following persons must install a durable, conspicuous sign in accordance with this regulation: on land or outside a building of an electrical connection point for an electric vehicle; (b) the owner of the land or building outside of which an electrical which the white letters "EV" are at least 10 cm in height on a blue .

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 95 (4) The sign must be located in proximity to any place where an electrical connection point for an electric vehicle is installed.

155 Other signage (1) This regulation applies in relation to an installation inside a building of an electrical connection point for an electric vehicle that occurs on or after 1 July 2026. (2) A person installing an electrical connection point for charging an electric vehicle must: (a) install a durable, conspicuous sign on the main switchboard and meter box of the building in accordance with subregulation (3); and (b) in the case of commercial building with a fire indicator panel – ensure the location of the electrical connection point for an electric vehicle is marked prominently on the fire indicator panel block plans for the building. which the white letters "EV" are at least 5 mm in height on a blue . (4) A person commits an offence if: (a) the person contravenes subregulation (2); and (b) the conduct occurs on or after 1 July 2026.

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156 Protection for freestanding electrical connection points for electric vehicles (1) This regulation applies in relation to any installation of a freestanding electrical connection point for an electric vehicle that occurs on or after 1 July 2026. (2) The following persons must ensure any freestanding electrical connection point for an electric vehicle is protected from damage and electrical risk in accordance with subregulation (3): (a) a person performing electrical work involving the installation of a freestanding electrical connection point for an electric vehicle; (b) the owner of the building where a freestanding electrical (3) The freestanding electrical connection point must: (a) be protected from damage by a vehicle and safe from electrical risk by a physical barrier; and (b) in the event of damage – be safe from electrical risk.

157 Duties related to service lines (1) Subject to subregulation (2), the person in control of electricity infrastructure that is connected to an electricity network by a service line must provide and maintain: (a) in the case of an overhead service line – the apparatus used to attach the service line to the electrical infrastructure; or

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 97 (b) in the case of an underground service line – the entrance, support, protection and termination of the service line. Examples of apparatus for subregulation (1)(a) A service riser bracket and timber backing for the distribution entity's ‘J' hook. (2) Subregulation (1) does not require the person in control of the electricity infrastructure to provide or maintain the insulation of any apparatus, whether or not the apparatus was provided by the

158 Inspection of clamps and apparatus (1) A distribution entity must, at reasonable regularity, inspect and maintain the insulation of the clamp or apparatus supplied by the person in control of the electricity infrastructure for the purposes of any joint needed for consumer terminals. (2) A distribution entity commits an offence if the entity contravenes

159 Structure supporting electric line or equipment (1) The person in control of electricity infrastructure must ensure any structure supporting an electric line or item of electrical equipment forming part of the electricity infrastructure complies with the requirements of: (b) any direction the Electrical Safety Regulator gives to ensure electrical safety. (2) If there is an inconsistency between the Wiring Rules and a direction of the Electrical Safety Regulator, the direction prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.

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160 Trimming of trees near overhead electric line (1) The person in control of an overhead electric line, other than one owned by an electricity entity, must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure trees and other vegetation are trimmed, and other reasonable measures are taken, to keep the line electrically safe. Maximum penalty: 40 penalty units.

161 Consultation with owner or occupier before remedial action to clear vegetation (1) For the purposes of section 90 of the Act, an electricity officer on behalf of an electricity entity may give written notice to the owner or occupier of land at least 14 days before entering the land if the owner or occupier fails to comply with section 89(5) of the Act. (2) The notice must state the following: (a) the reason for, and the date and time of, the proposed entry; (b) the nature of the work to be performed in clearing vegetation from the land; (c) the arrangements to make good any damage caused or the terms of any compensation to be paid for damage caused; (d) the owner's or occupier's right of review under subregulation (3). (3) An owner or occupier of land who receives a notice under this regulation may have the following reviewed by NTCAT: (a) the proposed arrangements to make good any damage caused;

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 99 (b) the proposed terms of any compensation to be paid for damage caused; (c) any action taken to make good any damage caused; (d) any compensation paid for damage caused. Division 3 Proximity to powerlines and electricity

162 Proximity to powerlines (1) Subject to subregulation (3), a person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that no person, plant or thing at the workplace comes closer to an overhead or underground powerline than proximity limit A, B, C(i) or C(ii) set out in Schedule 2 opposite the powerline with the voltage specified in that Schedule. (2) For Schedule 2, the proximity limits apply as follows: (a) proximity limit A applies to a person suitably qualified and trained to work in proximity to exposed high and low voltage conductors or exposed parts of high and low voltage electrical (b) proximity limit B applies to a person who has been instructed in the identification of high and low voltage overhead conductors and the safety aspects of work near live powerlines; (c) proximity limit C(i) applies to a person using power operated tools; (d) proximity limit C(ii) applies to a person using manually operated tools. (3) If it is not reasonably practicable to comply with subregulation (1), the person conducting the business or undertaking must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure: (a) a risk assessment is conducted for the proposed electrical work; and (b) control measures implemented are consistent with: (i) the risk assessment; and

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 100 (ii) if an electricity entity is responsible for the electric line – any reasonable requirements of the entity made under section 93 of the Act. subregulation (1) or (3).

163 Erection of buildings in proximity to powerlines (1) For section 91(1) of the Act, the prescribed safety requirements are set out in this regulation. (2) A building or structure must not be erected under a powerline constructed to operate at any voltage. (3) A building or structure must not be erected above or below an underground powerline. (4) A building or structure must not be erected within the following distances of an underground powerline as measured from vertical planes extending above and below each outer edge of the conductor comprising the powerline or, in the case of a powerline that consists of more than one conductor, each outer edge of each outer conductor: (a) 2 m for an underground powerline designed to operate at a voltage of 11 kV or less; (b) 3 m for any other underground powerline. (5) A building or structure must not be erected where the distance between the building or structure and the position to which a conductor in a powerline might swing or sag is less than the distance set out in Table 1 in Schedule 3. (6) This regulation does not apply to the following structures and power lines: (a) a fence that is less than 2 m in height; (b) a powerline installed specifically to supply electricity to the building or structure by the operator of the transmission or distribution network from which the electricity is being supplied.

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164 Prohibition of certain activities in proximity to powerlines (1) A person must not engage in any conduct prohibited by subregulations (2) to (5) without the written authority of the distribution entity. (2) Material must not be placed closer to the position to which a powerline may swing or sag than the distance set out in Table 1 in Schedule 4. (3) A machine, vehicle or vessel equipped with an elevating component or shear legs must not be operated in a way that a part of the machine, vehicle, vessel or its load is closer to the position to which a powerline may swing or sag than the distance set out in Table 1 in Schedule 4. (4) Conductors of circuits or other cable system must not be attached or kept attached to electricity infrastructure. (5) Conductors of circuits, or other cable system, must not be erected or maintained closer to the circuit of a powerline than the distance set out in Table 3 in Schedule 4. (8) When calculating proximity for this regulation: (a) a person includes any article of clothing worn by the person, and any conductive object the person is handling; and (b) a person does not include any object that alone or with another object: (i) is an extension of the person; and (ii) is insulated and tested to be safe for use on and near the powerline; and (c) a machine includes anything the machine is handling, other than: (i) a person; or (ii) a handheld object a person is handling; and

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 102 (d) a vehicle or vessel includes anything the vehicle or vessel is carrying or otherwise handling.

165 Register of underground powerlines (1) A distribution entity must keep a register describing the nature and location of each underground powerline that is under the control of the entity. (2) The operator of an electricity network in an area must be notified by any distribution entity of the nature and location of any underground powerline installed in the area by that distribution entity. (3) The information given by a distribution entity under subregulation (2) must be recorded in the register kept under (4) A distribution entity must make available the information contained in the register on request by a member of the public during normal business hours.

166 Placement of materials in proximity to electricity infrastructure (1) A person must not engage in any conduct prohibited by subregulation (2) or (3) without the written authority of the operator of the electricity infrastructure. (2) Material must not be placed or kept closer to electricity infrastructure consisting of a supporting or protective structure or equipment for aerial lines than the distance set out in Table 1 in Schedule 4. (3) A circuit or other cable system must not be erected closer to a structure forming part of electricity infrastructure, other than a structure supporting the circuit or system, than the distance set out in Table 4 in Schedule 4.

167 Placement of materials in proximity to supporting structures the electricity infrastructure, place or maintain any material closer

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 103 than the relevant distance set out in Table 1 in Schedule 4 to electricity infrastructure consisting of a supporting or protective structure or equipment for aerial lines.

168 Placement of materials in proximity to substations the electricity infrastructure: (a) place or maintain any timber or inflammable material within 3 m in any direction of a wall or fence surrounding a (b) impede access to any door, gate or entrance of a substation or interfere in any way with the free flow of air through an opening or fitting used for ventilation in the walls of a (c) place or maintain any material adjacent to a wall or fence of a (d) plant or nurture vegetation near or adjacent to a wall or fence of a substation, so as to enable unauthorised access to the substation.

169 Prohibition of burning in proximity to electricity infrastructure the electricity infrastructure, burn any material in proximity to electricity infrastructure that creates a risk of damage to the infrastructure or outages or flashovers.

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170 Protection of underground powerlines the electricity infrastructure of which the line forms part: (a) place or maintain, or cause to be placed or maintained, a corrosive, abrasive, heavy or deleterious material or substance above an underground powerline; or (b) make an opening in the ground surface that may endanger an underground power line; or (c) remove, tamper with or cover any underground line marker.

171 Entangled objects (1) A person must not, without the authority of the operator of the electrical infrastructure or electrical installation, pull or interfere with an object resting on or entangled in the electricity infrastructure or the electrical installation. (4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subregulation (2) if the conduct is reasonably necessary to prevent or reduce injury to a person or property.

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172 Altering ground levels near electricity infrastructure the electricity infrastructure, engage in the following conduct in a manner that may alter the level of the ground at a place so as to infringe a permissible clearance distance under these Regulations: (a) cut away, excavate or remove, or cause to be cut away, excavated or removed, earth or material supporting electricity infrastructure so as to endanger the stability of the infrastructure; (b) make an excavation deeper than 0.3 m within 3 m of: (i) a pole structure or stand, not being a tower or tower structure supporting electricity infrastructure; or (ii) a pole or bed log to which is affixed a staywire used to support electricity infrastructure; (c) make an excavation deeper than 0.5 m within 10 m of a tower or tower structure supporting electricity infrastructure; (d) make an excavation deeper than 0.3 m within 0.6 m of a wall, fence or foundation of a substation; (e) place material or construct an artificial surface above ground level: (i) below an electric line or within the vertical projection of points to which a conductor of the electric line may sway; or (ii) adjacent to electricity infrastructure. (2) The allowable depth of an excavation under subregulation (1) is determined by reference to: (a) if the ground level unaffected by previous works is known – that level; (b) if not known – by reference to the current ground level. Maximum penalty: 25 penalty units.

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173 Transportation (1) A person who drives a vehicle carrying a load or equipment on the vehicle or on a trailer attached to the vehicle that exceeds the height limit established under the Motor Vehicles Act 1949 must ensure: (a) the distance between the load being transported and an aerial line along the route taken is greater than the relevant distance set out in Table 5 in Schedule 4; and (b) arrangements approved by the operator of the electricity infrastructure of which the aerial line is part have been made before, and are observed during, transportation. (2) The person must give written notice of the proposal to transport the load to the operator of the electricity infrastructure at least 3 clear business days before the commencement of the transportation with the notice clearly stating the following: (a) the nature of the vehicle or trailer and the load; (b) the height and width of the load; (c) the date and the time of the proposed transportation; (d) the starting point and finishing point of the transportation; (e) the proposed route; (f) the name and contact address of the person; (g) that the person must pay the reasonable costs that are incurred by the operator in considering the proposal, approving the transportation arrangements or facilitating the transportation; (h) any other particulars that the operator may in the circumstances require.

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174 Recovery of costs (1) An operator of electricity infrastructure may charge, in advance, the reasonable costs referred to in regulation 173(2)(g). (2) An amount equivalent to the reasonable cost referred to in regulation 173(2)(g) is a debt due and payable to the operator of the electricity infrastructure charging it.

175 Obstruction of road (1) A person must not obstruct a road under the control of an operator of electricity infrastructure or otherwise do anything to prevent or impede access to the electricity infrastructure.

176 Interference or damage of road (1) A person must not interfere with or damage the surface of a road made by an operator of electricity infrastructure that is used for the purposes of works. Maximum penalty: 25 penalty units.

177 Removal of danger on road An operator of electricity infrastructure may, without notice any person, remove any thing that causes or may cause a danger to people or property using or on a road under the control of the operator of electricity infrastructure.

178 Cathodic protection systems (1) The owner or operator of a cathodic protection system must ensure it does not adversely affect the integrity or safety of any electrical installation or supply system through corrosion.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 108 (2) The owner or operator of a cathodic protection system that has an anode immersed in water or a marine environment must, within 90 days before starting to operate the system, perform tests to ensure the potential difference between any 2 accessible points spaced 1 m apart in the water or marine environment is not more than 3 volts when the system is energised. (3) Subregulations (1) and (2) do not apply to a cathodic protection system that: (a) is installed on any floating mobile structure, fishing equipment, fixed offshore structure (not connected with land above sea level) or the internal surface of any apparatus, equipment or structure; or (b) uses only galvanic anodes.

179 Giving improvement notice (1) A distribution entity may give a person in control of an electrical installation an improvement notice if the entity believes on reasonable grounds that the installation is not safe from electrical risk. (2) The improvement notice may require the person to: (a) remedy the electrical risk; or (b) prevent a likely electrical risk from occurring; or (c) remedy the things, circumstances or conduct causing the electrical risk or likely electrical risk. (3) The person in control of an electrical installation who receives an improvement notice under this regulation may have it reviewed by NTCAT.

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180 Contents of improvement notices (1) An improvement notice given under regulation 179 must include the (a) the grounds on which the notice is being issued; (b) the provision of the Act or these Regulations that the distribution entity believes is causing the electrical risk or likely electrical risk; (c) a summary of the facts of the alleged electrical risk or likely electrical risk; (d) the specific period within which the remedy or preventive action is required to be completed; (e) the person's right of review under regulation 179(3). (2) The improvement notice may include the measures to be taken to remedy the electrical risk or likely electrical risk. (3) The measures required to be taken and the period within which they are to be completed must be reasonable in the circumstances.

181 Extension of time for compliance with improvement notices (1) A distribution entity may, by written notice, extend the time to comply with its improvement notice. (2) The time may be extended more than once. (3) No extension may be given after the time to comply has expired.

182 Compliance with improvement notice (1) A person to whom an improvement notice is given under regulation 179 must comply with the notice within the period specified in the notice. (2) A person commits an offence if the person: (a) is given an improvement notice; and (b) does not comply with the notice within the period specified in the notice or any extension of time made under regulation 181.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 110 (4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subregulation (2) if the defendant did all that was reasonably practicable to comply with the notice, including engaging a contractor to perform the work. (5) The defendant has a legal burden of proof in relation to the defence under subregulation (4).

183 Changes to safety management and mitigation plan (1) An electricity entity with a safety management and mitigation plan approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator must not make any change to the plan until the proposed change is: (a) assessed by a competent and independent third party in accordance with section 77(4) and (5) of the Act; and (b) approved by the Electrical Safety Regulator. (2) The Electrical Safety Regulator may approve a change in a safety management and mitigation plan submitted by an electricity entity under subregulation (1) if satisfied that the plan as changed meets the requirements of section 78(2) of the Act. (3) The Electrical Safety Regulator must give the electricity entity a decision notice if it approves or refuses to approve a change to its safety management and mitigation plan.

184 Notice to purchaser of land about potential risks (2) A person who transfers land must give the purchaser of the land a written notice in accordance with this regulation. (3) The notice must specify the following in relation to the land: (a) whether there is a service line above a swimming pool or spa facility; (b) whether there is a service line above a structure;

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 111 (c) whether there is a meter box or other electrical equipment within 3.5 m of a swimming pool or spa facility; (d) whether there is a meter box or other electrical equipment within 1.5 m of a hot tub with a capacity of less than 5 000 L; (e) whether all network isolators are clearly labelled; (f) whether any cavities or holes were left by a meter box that was relocated and if they were appropriately filled; (g) whether any multiple earth neutral system of earthing complies with the Wiring Rules; (h) whether metering neutral bar metallic mounting bolts need to be covered with insulating material if not installed behind the kilowatt hour meter; (i) whether the connection to the earth stake is mechanically protected; (j) whether the earth stake is labelled; (k) whether the earth location is marked on the switchboard; (l) whether the terminal connections are painted with galvanised paint. Examples for subregulation (2)(c) and (d) Other electrical equipment include a solar inverter, an energy storage system, a switchboard, an air conditioning unit and an electrical driven generator. (4) The notice must not be false or misleading in a material particular. (5) The notice must be given before the day the land is transferred. (6) A person commits an offence if the person: (a) transfers land on or after 1 July 2026; and (b) contravenes this regulation.

185 Duty of purchaser to rectify potential risks

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 112 (2) A purchaser of land with a domestic residence must do all that is reasonably practicable to ensure the following: (a) no service line exists above a swimming pool or spa facility on the land; (b) no service line is above any structure on the land; (c) no meter box or other electrical equipment is closer than 3.5 m of a swimming pool on the land; (d) no meter box or other electrical equipment is closer than 1.5 m of a hot tub with a capacity of less than 5 000 L; (e) all network isolators are clearly labelled; (f) any cavities or holes left by a meter box are relocated and appropriately filled; (g) any multiple earth neutral system of earthing complies with the Wiring Rules; (h) any metering neutral bar metallic mounting bolts are covered with permanent insulating material if not installed behind the kilowatt hour meter; (i) the connection to the earth stake is mechanically protected; (j) the earth stake is labelled; (k) the earth location is marked on the switchboard; (l) the terminal connections are painted with galvanised paint. Note for subregulation (2)(i) Silicon is not considered acceptable because it can be removed. (3) Any work required to comply with subregulation (2) must be completed within 90 days after the day the land is transferred or such longer period as the Electrical Safety Regulator may allow. (4) A person commits an offence if the person: (a) is the purchaser of land transferred on or after 1 July 2026; and (b) the person contravenes subregulation (2) or (3).

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186 Notice to purchaser of land about approved safety switches (2) A person who transfers the land must give the purchaser of the land a written notice regarding safety switches in accordance with this (3) The notice must specify the following: (a) in the case of land transferred on or after 1 July 2026 – whether an approved safety switch is installed for all general purpose socket-outlets in the domestic residence; (b) in the case of land transferred on or after 1 July 2028 – whether an approved safety switch is installed for every other circuit in the domestic residence. (4) The notice must include the following information: (a) the full names of the transferor and purchaser; (b) the addresses of the transferor and purchaser immediately after the date of transfer of the land; (c) the property details of the land; (d) the date of the agreement to transfer the land; (e) the date of transfer of the land; (f) whether an approved safety switch is installed for all required circuits; (g) whether any approved safety switches were tested; (h) whether any approved safety switches were not functional after testing; (i) the location and identity of any approved safety switches that were not functional after testing; (j) any other information required by the Electrical Safety Regulator. (5) The notice must not be false or misleading in a material particular.

Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 114 (6) The notice must be given or made before the date of possession for the land. (7) A person commits an offence if the person: (a) transfers land on or after 1 July 2026; and (b) contravenes this regulation.

187 Notice to Electrical Safety Regulator – approved safety switches (1) A person who transfers land with a domestic residence on or after 1 July 2026 must give the Electrical Safety Regulator a copy of the notice required under that regulation. (2) The notice must be given within 90 days after the day the land is transferred.