What You Should Know About the New Queensland Roof Space Safety Regulations.
Queensland has enacted new standards to improve electrical safety in household roof areas, effective January 1, 2025. These laws are intended to protect workers from electrical risks while entering roof areas, which include pest control services. If you are a Queensland homeowner or pest control professional, it is necessary that you understand these changes to adhere to and maintain safety standards.
Key Takeaways from the New Regulations
- Before accessing any roof area, cut off electricity.
- Turn off electricity before accessing any roof area, if any power cannot be switched off due to specific circumstances, provide a risk assessment and safety statement.
- Failure to comply can result in penalties up to $6000, with workers facing up to $1500.
What’s Expected from Workers
For pest treatment experts, turning off the electricity before entering the roof space is an essential requirement. This may include inspecting the main power switch, and if you are unsure, checking out a licensed electrician is recommended.
Pest Control Workers Should Follow Best Practices
- Ensure electricity is turned off before entering the building by checking switches and appliances.
- Use lockout tags to prevent switches from being activated.
- Give homeowners enough notice to be ready before turning off the electricity.
What Homeowners Must Do
To comply with the new safety regulations, homeowners must work with pest control professionals. Here’s what you need to do:
- Follow the pest control professionals’ advice to turn off electricity.
- Be prepared for a temporary power outage by charging electronics ahead of time and informing family members.
- Do not turn back on the electricity until the pest control professionals give you permission.
- Enter the roof space only when electricity is turned off to ensure safety.
Exceptions to the Rule
In some cases, turning off the electricity may be impractical. Pest controllers must take extra precautions if the homeowner depends on needed electrical equipment that must remain operational. In these situations, a risk and safety assessment are necessary to ensure a professional’s safety while working on a power roof area.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the new requirements will result in fines. If a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) fails to observe the safety precautions, they may be fined up to $6000. Workers may face fines of up to $1500. To avoid penalties, everyone involved must strictly adhere to these standards.
What Happens if a Hazard is Discovered in the Roof Space?
If a pest controller encounters an unanticipated electrical danger while working, they must stop immediately and update their risk assessment and safety statement. Safety is the number one concern, and if new electrical dangers are detected, work should not begin until it is proven safe.
How the New Regulations Affect Pest Management Services
The new standards require pest control companies in Queensland to follow more intense guidelines when entering residence roof areas. Professionals’ and residents’ safety is essential, and it is now mandatory to turn off electricity or have a complete risk assessment in place even when it is insufficient.
Get Your Pest Control Services Compliant with Annual Pest Management
Annual Pest Management is dedicated to offering safe and effective pest control services. We ensure that our professionals follow to most recent roof space safety rules to keep both of our teams and your property safe. If you need a pest inspection or control services, call us immediately to set up an appointment. We’ll make sure your home is pest-free and that all work is done in compliance with Queensland’s new safety regulations.