ESOLAR – electrical safety
What you need to know about the new electrical safety requirements for domestic roof spaces
New electrical safety regulations commenced 1 January 2025 for anyone working in or entering domestic roof spaces in
Queensland.
These updates to the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 —mandating that power must be switched off at main switchboard(s) before entry or work occurs—significantly reduces electrical risk and ensures a safer environment for workers.
Who needs to comply?
If you are entering a domestic roof space to conduct any type of work—whether it’s a routine task or something more specialised—you must comply with these new requirements.
This includes, but is not limited to, workers in the following fields:
- electrical work (including air-conditioning installation)
- plumbing
- pest control
- insulation installation
- gas fitting
- roof and ceiling repairs
- insurance assessors.
These requirements apply when any part of the worker enters the roof space for any purpose, including to quote or inspection.
The regulations cover residential buildings such as houses, townhouses, row houses, boarding houses, guest houses, and some hostels, as well as apartment buildings and non-habitable structures like sheds, carports, and private garages.
Key safety requirements
Before accessing a domestic roof space, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and workers must ensure the electrical installation is de-energised by switching off power at the main switchboard(s). This step is crucial to preventing accidental contact with live wires, which can lead to serious injury or even fatal electrocution.
Entry into a domestic roof space is strictly prohibited unless the power is turned off, except in limited prescribed circumstances where additional safety measures must be followed.
Exceptions and additional safety measures
The legislation provides for limited circumstances in which work, or entry may occur in an energised roof space. Where work occurs under these circumstances, strict additional safety protocols must be implemented including:
- conducting, documenting, and recording a risk assessment
- preparing a statement for the work which must
- identify the work or entry.
- specify the hazards associated with the work or entry.
- specify the risks associated with the hazards.
- describe the measures to be implemented to control the risks.
- describe how the measures are to be implemented, monitored and reviewed.
Further information
To learn more about these regulatory changes, visit WorkSafe Queensland. Alternatively, you can:
- watch the webinar providing a summary of the changes to the ES Regulation
- watch the webinar about the new requirements for carrying out work in or entering domestic roof spaces.