New requirements for carrying out work in or entering domestic roof spaces commence 1 January 2025.
From 1 January 2025, new requirements will apply to PCBUs and workers who carry out work in or otherwise enter domestic roof spaces. These requirements are not limited to licensed electrical workers. These requirements seek to embed safe work practices to protect those carrying out work in or entering the roof space of a domestic building, from electrical risk.
New requirements provide that PCBUs must ensure that workers only carry out work in or otherwise enter a domestic roof space where either the relevant electrical installations in the building are de-energised or either of the prescribed circumstances apply.
The new regulation recognises that the most effective way to reduce electrical risk when working in or entering a domestic roof space is to de-energise the building's relevant electrical installations.
You can de-energise an electrical installation by turning off the power at the main switchboard. You don't need to be an electrician in order to turn the power off.
Where a prescribed circumstance applies, you must comply with additional safety requirements.
A prescribed circumstance recognises that it is either not reasonably practicable to carry out the work or entry while the installation is de-energised, or you need the power on in order to test, service or commission a thing, being something other than electrical equipment.
It may not be reasonably practicable to carry out the work or entry while the electrical installation is de-energised because there is a solar panel installed on the roof with an energised supply cable running through the roof. You may have discovered this because you saw a solar panel installed or you asked the homeowner if one was installed.
Alternatively, you may need the power on in order to test, service or commission a thing, being something other than electrical equipment. This could include servicing an extra-low voltage data cable.
Watch the video below for further information.