Severe flooding prompts building safety warning
WA’s Building and Energy has issued a warning to Kimberley residents and tradespeople to be aware of potential electrical, gas, plumbing and structural hazards in the wake of the region’s severe flooding.
The state government regulator said unlicensed people should never attempt any electrical work themselves and should not use damaged electrical appliances.
“All flood-affected homes must be electrically safe before power is restored and any building repairs commence,” said Building and Energy Acting Executive Director Nabil Yazdani.
“Only a licensed electrical contractor has the expertise to check a property’s electrical safety.
“Any shocks or tingles from metal objects at a property should be reported to Horizon Power on 13 23 51 straight away, as this can be a sign of a serious electrical fault. Horizon Power should also be contacted if the flood has caused network damage such as fallen powerlines.”
If a generator is being used, it must only be connected to the home’s electrical installation via a generator changeover switch if a network connection exists. Portable generators require a generator inlet socket that has been fitted by a licensed electrician at the switchboard.
“Never use modified male-male power leads to connect a generator to the home’s electrical installation,” Yazdani said. “These leads are illegal and incredibly dangerous due to their live parts and the risk of electrifying nearby powerlines where workers may be carrying out repairs.”
Building and Energy also warned of the potential dangers of portable gas appliances — such as barbecues, camping stoves and heaters — which must always be used outdoors to prevent exposure to carbon monoxide.
Residents and tradespeople returning to flood-damaged homes should also be cautious about hazards in the debris such as asbestos-containing materials and broken glass.
See the Building and Energy website (dmirs.wa.gov.au) for more information, including a link to Master Electricians Australia’s Suicide lead fact sheet — dangers of use on generators.
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