The Minister for Industrial Relations has called on workers, helpers and homeowners cleaning up the flood mess to take particular concern to avoid the danger of live electricity.
The Minister, Grace Grace said that with many businesses and properties flooded, one of the immediate safety priorities following water-damage events was electrical safety.
“The best way to check the electrical safety of your property is to use a licensed electrician to inspect and carry out verification tests on your switchboard, wiring, equipment and appliances that may have been water damaged,” Ms Grace said.
“If there’s any chance they’ve been damaged by water, stay away from switchboards, and warn others to do the same,” she said.
Ms Grace said that if rain had penetrated roof space, homeowners should turn the power off before going up to check for damage.
“Have a licensed electrician check any electrical appliances or equipment you know or suspect that may have been submerged or water-logged,” she said.
“And never, ever be tempted to do your own electrical work.”
Ms Grace said the golden rule was never, under any circumstances, to do it yourself as it was potentially life-threatening.
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen, Mick de Brenni said Queenslanders needed to be aware that solar panels continued to generate power even if their home was disconnected.
Mr de Brenni said the Electrical Trades Union and Queensland’s publicly-owned power companies would mobilise Operation Energise to support vulnerable households and community groups that were flooded to be reconnected.
“Licensed electricians will go into homes and community groups who need it most, check them for safety and get the power reconnected,” Mr de Brenni said.
The Minister said residents in need of electrical reconnection help could call 1800 ETUYES (1800 388 937).
