Queenslanders urged to put up Christmas lights safely

Queenslanders Urged to Put Up Christmas Lights Safely

Essential Energy is reminding Queenslanders to prioritise electrical safety when putting up Christmas lights this festive season. Queenslanders are being urged to check their Christmas lights, powered decorations and equipment thoroughly before switching them on.

Work Group Leader Steven Plant urges people to ensure Christmas lights are in good working order before using them, offering practical advice for households across the state.

Key Electrical Safety Advice for Festive Displays

"If you're pulling Christmas lights, powered decorations and extension leads out of storage, check their condition before you plug them in and don't use them if there are any signs of damage," Plant said.

He recommends the following steps to reduce electrical hazards around the home:

• Check that all wires, fittings and connections show no fraying, cracking or exposed conductors
• Make sure any power boards being used have surge protection built in
• Ditch double adaptors or piggyback plugs that can overload circuits
• Only use lights designed and tested for their intended application

Buying Equipment That Meets Australian Standards

"If you're buying new lights, choose a reputable local dealer who is required to sell products that meet Australian safety standards," Plant added.

Christmas lights must meet safety standards set for equipment sold within Australia, giving buyers confidence their purchase has undergone appropriate testing. Reputable retailers ensure their stock complies with these benchmarks, unlike many overseas sellers.

"It's not worth risking your safety to save a few bucks by buying cheap and dodgy lights online from overseas," he said.

For workplaces and businesses managing seasonal decorations alongside broader safety obligations, maintaining proper documentation around equipment inspection remains a core part of workplace health and safety practice. Organisations should also review how festive displays interact with existing power infrastructure, particularly where extension leads run near walkways or shared spaces.

For further guidance on staying safe around powerlines and electrical infrastructure, read our article on Queenslanders urged to stay alert around powerlines. Rural and regional workers can also benefit from our piece on farm workers urged to put safety first, which covers broader seasonal safety considerations.

Essential Energy has previously issued similar reminders; see our related coverage of Essential Energy urges safety with Christmas lights for additional context on this annual campaign.

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