New electrical safety regulations will soon come into force in Queensland.

The state is introducing measures to further protect workers and the community from electrical hazards. 

The laws, which will be implemented in two stages, are part of the Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024 (ESOLA Regulation), which stems from recommendations made in a review of Queensland's Electrical Safety Act 2002.

From 1 January 2025, businesses and workers performing tasks near or on electrical installations will be required to de-energise electrical equipment before entering domestic roof spaces. 

This mandate covers not only electrical work but also applies to industries such as gas fitting, plumbing, pest control, insulation activities, and roof repairs. 

The rules extend to a range of buildings, including houses, apartments, and guest houses.

“These new requirements embed existing safe practices of turning the power off before entering a roof space,” the Electrical Safety Office says. 

The regulations also address the dangers of arc flash, broadening the scope of electrical safety rules to include work conducted near energised electrical equipment. 

Workers operating within three metres of exposed energised parts must adhere to strict safety measures to mitigate risks.

A further significant change takes effect on 1 April 2025, when water equipment will be classified as prescribed electrical equipment. 

This new regulation is designed to prevent electrical currents in water, which can cause paralysis and drowning. 

The safety measures are intended to ensure that water equipment used in homes and workplaces complies with supply chain safety duties, and only licensed electrical workers will be permitted to conduct electrical work on water-related equipment.