Electrical safety laws

As well as being required to comply with the 'Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011', the electrical industry also has specific safety legislation via the Electricity Reform Act 2000 and the Electricity Reform (Safety and Technical) Regulations 2000.

The 'Electricity Reform Act 2000' creates the position of the Electricity Safety Regulator who monitors and regulates safety and technical standards with respect to electrical installations through NT WorkSafe inspectors and specifically the Electrical Safety Team (who are all experienced licenced electricians).

The Electricity Safety Regulator also provides advice and assistance to licenced electrical workers as well as individual home owners, occupiers and persons conducting a business or undertaking.

The 'Electricity Reform (Safety and Technical) Regulations' provide for the installation, testing and certification of electrical work carried out. Electrical contractors are required to:

  • consult with their customers
  • provide an electrical installation that is fit for purpose
  • test the electrical installation to ensure it is safe to use, and
  • provide their customers with a Certificate of Compliance for the work performed.

The Regulations include safe work practices to assist employers and safeguard electrical workers. Additionally, provisions are made for other persons to work or operate safely in proximity to electrical infrastructure.

Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations 2011

In the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations 2011, Part 4.7 – General electrical safety in workplaces and energised electrical work - electrical safety in the workplace is addressed.

The Electricity Safety Regulator has directed that where inspectors encounter a direct conflict between the two laws, the 'Electricity Reform Act 2000' and Regulations will apply to technical non-compliance, and the 'Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011' and Regulations will apply to work practice or process non-compliance.

Licensing requirements

All electrical industry workers are required to be licensed in the Northern Territory. The Electrical Workers and Contractors Licensing Board are responsible for issuing electrical licences in the Northern Territory under the Electrical Workers and Contractors Act 1978.