The Electrical Safety Office, Queensland’s electrical safety regulator, is encouraging all automotive businesses whose operations involve flammable materials and hazardous areas to ensure they are implementing the correct safety procedures in the workplace.

The aim is to reduce the risk of electricity being an ignition source in a hazardous area which may lead to a fire and explosion. For example, those businesses where flammable liquids, vapours, gases, and combustible dust are used, stored, handled, or generated.

When managing hazardous areas, it is essential that the possibility of an ignition source is eliminated or limited, this includes electrical equipment as an ignition source. Electrical equipment associated with a hazardous area must be suitably rated and effectively earthed to ensure that any ignition risks are adequately controlled.

The person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must assess the risk of fire and explosion and have hazardous areas classified by a competent person.

Click HERE to access relevant information including a self-assessment tool that the PCBU can use to ensure explosive atmospheres are effectively controlled.