About electrical incidents
Electrical work is dangerous. Queenslanders die every year in electrical accidents.
But electrical safety reforms like the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (PDF, 788 KB) are making a difference.
The Electrical Safety Plan for Queensland 2003-2008 complements the legislative reforms. It’s about reducing the incidence of injury and death caused by electricity.
Five priority areas are being targeted to improve electrical safety:
- contact with electric lines
- incidents in dwellings mainly due to problems with fixed wiring, appliances or electrical cords
- incidents in workplaces, other than those specifically involved in the electrical industry
- incidents involving the electricity supply industry
- incidents involving the general electrical industry, including the different categories of electrical work licences, restricted electrical workers and electrical contractors who conduct businesses involving electrical work, including repairs
Electrical inspectors play a key role in improving Queensland’s electrical safety.
What is a serious electrical incident?
Section 11 of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 defines a serious electrical incident, and includes incidents that results in death, or a shock or injury requiring medical treatment by a doctor, caused by electricity.
What is a dangerous electrical event?
Section 12 of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 defines a dangerous electrical event, and it includes events involving electrical equipment causing significant property damage; or unlicensed or unauthorised work; or unsafe activity or equipment is found.
A dangerous electrical event may arise, for example, when:
- a person is not electrically safe in a situation involving high-voltage electrical equipment, regardless of whether a shock or injury is sustained;
- someone does electrical work:
- without a licence;
- unsafely; or
- incorrectly.
Last updated March 24, 2006