What type of framework is in place to ensure safe electrical installations in your area?
We have just moved from a totally deregulated industry, too try and reverse a high trend in electrical incidents.
In Queensland Australia, new legislation and inspectorate was introduced last year. This has reintroduced sample inspections and limits on working live.
This includes powers to fine and or revoke licences of electrical workers, who have performed substandard or dangerous work.
Below is a cutting from our Sunday paper 12th Oct 2003.
"Fourteen tradesmen have been fined or had their licences suspended and two have been successfully prosecuted under new safety laws.
One of the court cases, in relation to unlicensed electrical work, resulted in a $20,000 penalty being handed down and a conviction recorded.
Electrical safety inspectors have also issued 20 on-the-spot fines for more than 80 offences, including the sale of equipment not approved or properly labelled.
The poor and potentially deadly workmanship included a wall socket made out of a soft drink can, and safety switches not connected.
Industrial Relations Minister Gordon Nuttall this week told State Parliament on the first anniversary of the Queensland Electrical Safety Act that the laws were brought in to help reduce the number of people killed and injured in accidents involving electricity.
"It's no secret that Queensland has had one of the worst electrical records in the country," he said.
In the financial year to June 1997 there were 20 electrical deaths in Queensland. There have been an average 11 deaths a year since then -- until 2002-3, with just one recorded.
The government has appointed 22 specialist inspectors to oversee the legislation.
In one case, a worker's licence was suspended after he left exposed live cables when connecting a hot water system. His negligence led to the homeowner receiving an electric shock.
And a supplier was forced to recall battery chargers for children's electric scooters. The chargers overheated and melted, resulting in exposed parts at a voltage which could have killed or seriously injured the rider."
Have those of you who have seen the deregulation of industry, seen a noticeable dropping of standards and safety?
[This message has been edited by Dapo (edited 10-12-2003).]
