Managing foil ceiling insulation electrical safety risks – for householders and tradespersons
This information bulletin provides information about the electrical safety risks associated with foil ceiling insulation.
Electrical safety risks.
There are electrical safety risks associated with ceiling spaces where foil ceiling insulation has been laid on the ceiling structure. In such cases the foil insulation is likely to cover, and has the potential to make contact with, electrical cables/equipment and other services in the ceiling space.
Ceiling insulation faults, defective electrical cables (e.g. perished or rodent-damaged cable insulation) and home maintenance activities may, over time, result in electrification of the foil insulation. These factors increase the risk to householders, and to tradespersons undertaking work in ceiling spaces. Some of the associated risks may include electrocution, serious electric shock and burns.
Advice to householders and tradespersons.
NT WorkSafe has the following safety advice for householders and tradespersons needing to access the ceiling space of a house fitted with foil insulation. This advice applies whether or not the foil insulation has been electrically checked by a Licensed Electrical Contractor since its installation.
To reduce risks.
Householders and tradespersons should not enter the ceiling space of a house where foil ceiling insulation is installed.
Electrical Work in roof spaces
It is important to note that the Electrical Safety Legislation also has specific requirements in relation to electrical work performed in roof spaces. In particular:
- A person in charge of a roof space as a workplace must ensure that the building’s electrical installation is de-energised by a competent person.
- A person must not perform work in a roof space of a building unless the building’s electrical installation is de-energised by a competent person.
- The requirement for the building to be de-energised (as stated above) do not apply to work carried out by a competent person in the roof space relating to the test, service or commission of an appliance or other equipment accessed by means of the roof space, provided that:
- Energisation is required for testing, servicing or commissioning of the appliance or equipment.
- A written risk assessment is conducted for the work.
- The competent person is satisfied that any electrical risk identified by the risk assessment is or can be reduced as low as reasonably practicable and the work can be carried out safely.
It is an offence if a person contravenes the above requirements in the Electrical Safety Regulations (sections 128 and 129) and a monetary penalty applies.
To summarise - If access to the ceiling space cannot be avoided.
Householders and tradespersons should ensure that all sources of electricity supply to the premises are isolated before entry to the ceiling space.
- This may include the identification and isolation of all sources of electricity supply to the premises by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
- If there is another source of power connected to the house, such as a solar panel or generator, this must also be isolated before accessing the ceiling space.
- Simply turning off all main switches at the switchboard/s may not isolate all sources of electricity supply to the premises.
Further advice.
- NT WorkSafe considers that the safe removal of foil from the ceiling space provides the greatest level of electrical safety.
- Alternatively, householders should consider the installation of safety switches for all final sub-circuits and sub-mains located in the ceiling space by a licensed electrical contractor.
- Should an electric shock be experienced, no matter how slight, the victim should immediately seek medical assistance. It should also be reported immediately to NT WorkSafe on 1800 019 115.
- Contact with any metal parts in the home should be avoided and all activity in the ceiling space suspended until the electrical installation is verified electrically safe.
Additional information
Legislation
- Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (Section 19)
- Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations 2011 (Regulation 147)
- Electrical Safety Act 2022 (Section 31)
- Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 (Regulation 87)