Electrical regulations and standards provide a safe and functional workplace

For a safe, functional workplace you need electrical equipment you can rely on, installed by electricians who know their stuff. But making sure your business conforms to electrical regulations and standards is not as straightforward as it might seem.

For example, most of us know that we should only hire electrical contractors who are licensed, but according to Malcolm Richards, CEO of Master Electricians Australia, even that can be tricky.

"Each year, there are numerous cases of governments prosecuting electricians for operating without a licence," Malcolm says.

So who can you turn to if you smell a rat?

Your state safety regulator can provide electrical regulations

Each Australian state and territory administers its own laws relating to electrical regulations, safety, supply and efficiency. While the roles and responsibilities of each regulator vary from state to state, most ensure that electricians operate with a licence, to the safest electrical standards.

They also perform a number of other important tasks to help ensure the safety and functionality of electrical work. These include:

• Monitoring and auditing electrical contractors
• Enforcing compliance with safety and electrical regulations
• Recalling faulty electrical appliances and equipment
• Providing consumers with important information about electrical regulations, safety and efficiency

A licence is your guarantee electrical regulations will be met

According to Malcolm, an unlicensed electrical contractor is much more likely to perform inferior work because they lack the necessary skills and education. At best this could result in faulty wiring; at worst it could mean fire, injury or even death.

"In most cases the work carried out by electricians who've been prosecuted for not having a licence has been unsafe," says Malcolm. "The reason most of these people don't have a licence is that they couldn't pass the licensing test."

Do your homework

The best way to make sure an electrician is licensed is to check on your state regulator's website. "They have online databases of all the licensed electricians – all you need to do is look them up and make sure they're on the list," says Malcolm.

Australian electrical regulations and standards

Electrical regualtions and standards for appliances and equipment are generally created by Standards Australia, which is a committee of industry, community and government representatives. State regulators often refer to these standards when devising electrical safety legislation.

Buying electrical equipment that meets Australian standards is one proven way to avoid costly and potentially life-threatening faults down the track.  

The bottom line

When hiring electrical contractors or purchasing new electrical equipment, be mindful that you often get what you pay for. That photocopier or kettle that was cheaper at the checkout may end up costing you more down the track in repairs and lost productivity. 

Remember, when it comes to a safe, happy, functional workplace, contractors that comply with all the electrical regulations and electrical standards are the way to go. If in doubt, seek advice from your state electrical safety regulator.