Master Electricians Australia has welcomed the passing of new smoke alarm legislation in the Queensland Parliament, but are now calling on the State Government to act on electrical safety switches.

The legislation passed in the Queensland Parliament requires every Queensland residence to be fitted with photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in all bedrooms, as well as hallways of residences, over a 10-year phased rollout.

MEA Queensland State Manager, Gary Veenstra, commended the move by the State Government, which will come into effect from January 1 2017.

“Master Electricians Australia lead the way on electrical safety and we welcome the passing of legislation that will see the mandatory fitting of photoelectric alarms in all Queensland homes over the next 10 years,” Mr Veenstra said.

“Photoelectric alarms have been proven to be the most effective smoke alarm for alerting people to fires early and these laws are an important step forward in electrical safety.”

Mr Veenstra has now called on the State Government to take urgent action on electrical safety switches, which can turn off the flow of electricity in just a few thousands of a second if the circuit is interrupted.

Most Australian homes have safety switches on only one or two circuits, while some homes are only fitted with circuit breakers, which protect appliances and electrical fittings but not human beings.

“A safety switch will cut the flow of electricity faster than the critical phase of a heart beat,” Mr Veenstra said.

“In most of the electrical deaths we have seen this year, a safety switch would almost certainly have saved lives.

“We now call on the State Government to lift the standards and require a safety switch on all circuits in all Queensland homes.

“But in the meantime, we urge home owners not to leave their lives and safety up to politicians.  Safety switches are relatively low-cost devices, and they could save the lives of your loved ones.

“Next time you are having electrical work done at home, ask your electrician to install safety switches on all circuits.”

Gary Veenstra is available for interview. 

Please phone The SAS Group on 07 3221 9222 or 0467 792 013.