Queensland retailers and wholesalers will soon be required to display a ‘Don’t DIY’ sign for the sale of non plug-in electrical equipment, after amendments were made to the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002.

From 1 July 2011, all businesses that sell non plug-in electrical equipment to the public must not sell such items unless a ‘Don’t DIY’ warning sign is displayed for the item.

Products that will attract the signage are those requiring electrical work to be performed for the correct operation of the product to perform as designed.  These include fixed-wired electrical equipment such as:

• split-system air conditioners
• stoves
• ovens
• electric hot water systems
• ceiling fans

The signage will also need to be displayed for electrical accessories and electrical parts such as:

• power points
• light switches
• re-wireable electrical plugs and sockets.
• motors
• solenoids

Five display options exist for the new signs, which require the sign to be displayed:

• in close proximity to the point of display of the item
• as part of the price tag of the item
• on a label attached to the packaging or the actual item
• as part of the packaging of the item
• on a label attached to the item.

The new DIY warning sign requirements apply to face-to-face and online selling of electrical goods in Queensland and penalties apply for failing to comply.

The Electrical Safety Office provides free ‘Don’t DIY’ warning signs templates and list of the changes at www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au.