Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has gazetted new regulations regarding Electrical Safety in the amusement industry.

The amusement industry now has it own section in these new regulations.

The new regulations came into force on the 1 March 2006 and while there is a settling in period, they will be strictly enforced from 1 September 2006.

The main issue covers the duties of an operator regarding the testing of equipment after hooking up to power.

A copy of the requirements can be found on the Queensland government website at: www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/ElectricalSR02.pdf

ALAARA will arrange a meeting with Workcover in Brisbane prior to the exhibition in August, at a date to be advised to further discuss these regulations.

There was also a Safety Alert issued in July 2005 on unsafe plugs and socket outlet connectors particularly for generators. This is also an issue which will be enforced by Workcover and is available on the following website: www.dir.qld.gov.au/electricalsafety/publications/alerts/amusement/index.htm

Operators working in Queensland are advised to acquire a copy of these amendments and alerts to keep this industry safe.