Queenslanders urged to make electrical safety a priority during flood cleanup

Queenslanders urged to make electrical safety a priority during flood cleanup, according to the Electrical Safety Office, which is reminding workers and property owners to stay alert around damaged equipment as communities begin recovery.

The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) reminds workers and property owners to prioritise electrical safety during cleanup after the floods.

Why Flood-Damaged Equipment Poses a Hazardous Risk

Head of the ESO, Donna Heelan, urged homeowners to use licensed electricians to inspect and carry out verification tests on switchboards and other electrical equipment before restoring power to any home.

"If there's any chance they've been damaged by water, stay away from switchboards and warn others to do the same," Ms Heelan said.

"If the rain has got into your roof space, make sure you turn off the power before you go up there to check for damage."

"Have a licensed electrician check any electrical equipment or appliances you reckon may have been submerged or water-logged."

"And never, ever be tempted to do your own electrical work. The golden rule is never, under any circumstances, to do it yourself as this is potentially life-threatening."

Additional Hazards to Watch For During Cleanup

Beyond switchboards and wiring, flood-affected properties often carry other hazards that raise the overall risk to workers and residents. Older homes may contain asbestos materials that become friable once wet, so avoid disturbing damaged sheeting, insulation or roofing during cleanup — asbestos fibres pose serious long-term health risks when released into the air.

Rooftop solar systems also require careful attention. Solar panels and associated equipment can remain energised even when mains power is switched off, creating an emergency-level risk for anyone attempting DIY repairs. A licensed electrician should assess solar equipment before any cleanup work begins near panels, inverters or associated wiring.

• Never touch switchboards or solar equipment that may have been submerged
• Assume all flood-affected electrical equipment is hazardous until inspected
• Avoid disturbing suspected asbestos materials during property cleanup
• Turn off power at the mains before inspecting roof spaces
• Engage licensed professionals for all equipment checks, including solar systems

An Extraordinary Weather Emergency

Parts of south-east Queensland are underwater following heavy rains.

"This is an extraordinary weather event, and it should be treated very seriously. I urge everyone to stay home if safe to do so and call for help if you need it," Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said last Saturday.

Read the full story on the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland website.

Protecting Your Community and Workplace

Recovery efforts place significant strain on both households and local trades, so following proper verification steps protects everyone involved. Employers overseeing workplace cleanup operations should ensure equipment inspections are documented and that no untrained staff attempt electrical repairs.

For businesses managing flood recovery across multiple sites, our Electrical, HVAC and Solar Safety Packages provide practical documentation to support compliant equipment checks. You can also review our Electrical Safety Checklist for a structured approach to post-flood inspections.