Roof spaces

There are serious electrical safety risks in roof spaces.

Whether you are a homeowner or a tradie, there is one simple thing you can do to make it safer before you go up into the roof space - turn off all the main power switches at the switchboard.

Stay safer up there, switch off down here.

Queensland's electrical safety laws

Queensland's electrical safety laws require all persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and workers to comply with requirements for carrying out work in or entering the roof space of a domestic building. This includes a mandatory requirement to de-energise the relevant electrical installations for the building (i.e., turn the power off at the switchboard).

Learn more about requirements for PCBUs and workers carrying out work in or entering domestic roof spaces.

Also learn more about how to meet your electrical safety and work health and safety duties when working in ceiling spaces.

Turn the power off

PCBUs and workers must turn the power off when carrying out work or entering domestic roof spaces.

Homeowners are encouraged to turn the power off when entering a roof space. To also help our workers stay safe in your roof space, take steps to be prepared for the power to be turned-off including:

• know where your switchboard is located
• charge phones and laptops in advance
• negotiate a time for the work or entry to be done that suits your work or family needs
• place warning stickers on the roof space manhole and switchboard to remind persons to turn the power off before going into the roof.

Even with the power off at the switchboard, there is still a risk of electric shock because the service lines coming in off the street or solar supply cables are still live.

Our message is to "stay safer up there" and we recognise that turning off all the main power switches at the switchboard does not mitigate all risk, but it does reduce the risk.

Once you've turned the power off, tape the switches or label them so someone else doesn't turn them back on while you're working in the ceiling. Always let someone know you're going up into the roof space.

When you're up in the roof space:

• even with the power off, avoid contact with electrical cables and equipment as some circuits may still be live
• use torches and cordless tools
• make sure your circuits are protected by a safety switch. Don't forget to test the safety switch before you go up into the roof space.

Never do your own electrical work - it's illegal and can invalidate your home insurance. Installing or repairing electrical equipment or cables must only be done by a licensed electrician.

Other roof space hazards

• solar PV systems have DC supply cables that may be live during daylight hours
• damaged electrical cables or equipment that should be repaired by a licensed electrician
• insulation material that should be checked to ensure it is not covering any electrical fittings or equipment, especially down lights
• heat, working at height, dangerous vermin, sharp objects and asbestos containing materials.