Tragedy struck in Nollamara, Western Australia, over the weekend when an electrical worker lost their life while working in a roof space. The incident has prompted Building and Energy, the authority responsible for electrical safety regulations, to issue a critical reminder to all tradespersons to prioritize safety and switch off mains power before entering a roof space.

Roof spaces in homes can be hazardous areas, presenting serious electrical risks and the potential for electric shocks. Such hazards are not confined to electrical work alone, and they affect tradespersons working in both residential and commercial premises.

To mitigate the risks associated with roof space work, the law mandates that all tradespersons entering a property’s roof space must turn off the power at the main switchboard/meter box before commencing any work. This precautionary measure applies to all types of work carried out in roof spaces, including non-electrical tasks.

Building and Energy has highlighted specific hazards that tradespersons may encounter in roof spaces:

• Exposed live electrical conductors or wiring.
• Unenclosed joints in conductors, which increase the risk of electrical accidents.
• Deteriorated electrical cabling, commonly associated with older buildings, poses serious risks if disturbed during work.
• Past electrical work by an incompetent person may be substandard and unsafe, creating hidden dangers.
• Damaged cables, such as those chewed by rodents, can expose electrical conductors.
• Metallised foil insulation may become energized due to poor installation practices.
• Additional Safety Measures

Building and Energy offers further roof space safety tips for tradespersons planning to work in these areas. The primary step is to switch off the electricity at the main switchboard/meter box by turning the main switch to the “OFF” position before starting work. More comprehensive information on working safely in roof spaces can be found on the Building and Energy website, or in our latest article A Wake-Up Call for Contractors in Roof Spaces.

Related Articles

• A Wake-Up Call for Contractors in Roof Spaces.
• Electrical safety regulator investigating Nollamara death
• A guidance note: Working in roof spaces

In a proactive effort to promote safety, Building and Energy is distributing free safety stickers to be placed on manholes and switchboards. These stickers serve as a visual reminder for tradespersons to turn off the main switch at the property’s switchboard or meter box before entering the roof space.

The unfortunate incident in Nollamara serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks faced by electrical workers and other tradespersons when working in roof spaces. As the investigation continues, it is vital for all tradespersons to observe the reminder from Building and Energy to prioritise safety and adhere to the necessary safety measures before entering any roof space.

Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased worker during this difficult time.