When do I need a Queensland hazardous area auditor? According to the ‘Queensland Electrical Safety Regulation 2013’, a person must not connect or reconnect an electrical installation located in a hazardous area, to a source of electricity after electrical installation work or electric line work (the electrical work) has been performed on the electrical installation unless:
(a) the electrical work has been inspected by an accredited auditor; and
(b) the accredited auditor has confirmed that the electrical installation, to the extent it is affected by the electrical work, has been tested to ensure it is electrically safe and complies with the requirements of the wiring rules and any other standard applying under this regulation to the electrical installation.
What does the Queensland hazardous area auditor check? It is the primary role of the accredited auditor to confirm that the installation complies with the Wiring Rules and is electrically safe prior to energisation or re-energisation. It is the accredited auditors responsibility to ensure that their findings are evaluated against applicable standards, electrical safety legislation, and supported by objective evidence. During and after the audit our accredited Queensland hazardous area auditors have a number of obligations they must meet:
- Ensure inspection findings are objective, technically correct and assessed against legislative
requirements, Australian Standards and best practice methodology, - Ensure work is undertaken in accordance with the accredited auditor’s instrument of
appointment, - Ensure that prior to accepting a proposal to conduct a hazardous area or high voltage
installation inspection all conflicts of interest are recognised, documented and managed
appropriately,
Our Queensland hazardous area auditors will validate the following key areas as a minimum:
- Review the hazardous area classification report and associated drawings.
- Review applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Review the Hazardous Area Verification Dossier including classification designs, specifications, approvals, maintenance records and drawings.
- Inspect hazardous area and confirm electrical equipment has been selected and installed in accordance with the hazardous area classification and complies with the Wiring Rules. Confirm all testing required by the Wiring Rules has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with the hazardous area classification designs and associated drawings.
Who pays for the Queensland hazardous area auditor? The responsibility and cost of engaging an accredited Queensland hazardous area auditor rests with the person in control of the electrical installation or through contractual arrangements with the person who will connect or reconnect an electrical installation located in a hazardous area to a source of electricity.
“This following information represents and opinion only of a general nature, the specifics of each individual situation must be taken into account with reference to the relevant Legislation, Codes of practice and Australian standards. Professional advice should be sort if there is any doubt.”