The Queensland state government has introduced new mandatory safety measures to minimise the risks associated with electrically conductive foil ceiling insulation.
Industrial Relations minister, Cameron Dick, has introduced a Ministerial Notice under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 that requires insulation installers to arrange an inspection by a licensed electrical contractor before foil insulation is installed in a ceiling.
The installers must also ensure that safety switches are installed on all circuits in the ceiling space before work commences. Foil insulation must also be marked and separated from any wiring that cannot be protected by a safety switch.
The Electrical Safety Office had, according to Dick, advised that there was a large stockpile of foil insulation products in Queensland and the surplus stock could be sold legally at discounted prices and installed outside any new federal scheme.
"The Queensland government is concerned that these foil products could be rushed into the marketplace and exacerbate any electrical risks that already exist," he said.
"The Electrical Safety Office has previously issued electrical safety alerts advising that installation defects, vermin damage, the natural ageing of electrical cables and home maintenance activities can result in the electrification of foil insulation over time."
The new notice, applied from 10 March, 2010, will complement any new compliance regime and will provide a clear regulatory framework for addressing the safety issue.
