Electrical safety campaign

A campaign highlighting important electrical safety messages began in Tasmania earlier this month.

Attorney General and Minister for Justice and Workplace Relations Steve Kons said the 30 second television advertisements were a graphic reminder of the benefits of safety switches in homes and of the need to always use a licensed electrical contractor.

"Since 1992 safety switches have been mandatory in all new residences and in those where major electrical changes are undertaken," Mr Kons said.

"However, there are still thousands of Tasmanian homes that don't have them.

"We'd like all Tasmanians to consider installing one "“ for as little as $200 they may well save a life."

Kons said safety switches work by switching power off immediately when electricity is detected leaking to earth at a level that could be dangerous.

"Safety switches can prevent electrocution which might result from such things as faulty appliances, damaged electricity cables, and dangerous practices such as trying to remove toast with a knife from a toaster that is still switched on.

"In fact, that's one of the examples used in the television advertisements to illustrate the fact that safety switches save lives.

"Another of the advertisements uses the images of a wife screaming for her husband at the base of a ladder to the roof after the lights have gone out.

"It's obvious that she thinks he's been electrocuted, and brings home the importance of always using a licensed electrician."

Kons said investigations into electrical incidents often reveal electrical work carried out by an unlicensed person, with damage from overheating, no earthing or exposure to live parts are common findings.

The advertisements are an initiative of the Electricity Standards and Safety Branch of Workplace Standards.