Archive 2009

4 September 2009

Compulsory Mains Powered Smoke Alarms for Residential Properties

From 1 October 2009 mains powered smoke alarms must be fitted in all existing residential buildings prior to sale and when a new tenancy agreement is signed for rental properties. If there are no tenancy changes in rental properties, then mains powered smoke alarms must be fitted by 1 October 2011. These requirements are mandatory under the Local Government (Miscellaneous provisions) Act 1960 section 248 and the Local Government Act 1995 section 9.60, and the Building Amendments Regulations 2009.

30 May 2009

Compulsory RCDs (Safety Switches) for Residential Properties

New legislation is currently being passed (comes into effect on 9 August 2009) by the state government to enforce owners and landlords to install two RCDs to each residential property if one or both are not in existence. Owner-occupied residents will require the installation to occur prior to the transfer of the title or no later than 24 months after the legislation comes into effect. In the case of a rental property the installation will be required prior to entering into a tenancy agreement with a new tenant or making the property available for rent, lease or hire. This legislation also applies to switchboards servicing common property. This legislation is in addition to the mains powered smoke alarm legislation coming into effect.

To view the story that was published in The West Australian, click here.

19 May 2009

Have You Trimmed Your Trees?

All properties are currently being inspected and if trees are too close to power lines, Western Power will leave a notice recommending that you have your trees professionally trimmed.

For everyone's safety, if the trees have not been trimmed to the specified distance after 30 days, they will arrange for this to be done at your cost.

Please work with Western Power and act quickly to ensure the safety of our community.

Did you know property owners and home occupiers are responsible for keeping trees on their property clear all year round?

For more information, visit the Western Power website.

21 April 2009

Down Lights Can Be Dangerous

A review of FESA fire data for the period 2002 to 2009 reveals a substantial increase in roof space fires which have occurred when heat from a down light (in particular low voltage dichroic down lights) has come into contact with insulation or other combustible material.

These fires have resulted in damage ranging from smouldering cellulose and bagged insulation, charred roof timbers, burnt transformers through to severe fire damage to the entire home.

FESA and Energy Safety have identified that the main causes are as outlined in the Joint Position Statement from FESA, Energy Safety, Western Power and NECA.

FESA, Energy Safety, Western Power and NECA recommendations to the community:

• Always use a Licensed Electrician and ask to see their Electrician’s Licence
• Ask your Licensed Electrician to show you the commercially available barriers to keep insulation and combustibles away from the back of down lights
• Request a Licensed Electrician to inspect all down lights and transformers and ensure a non-flammable / mechanical barrier is installed to prevent insulation or other combustible material covering them
• Always use fittings and guards that meet Australian Standards
• Never allow the installation of electrical equipment that produces heat into or against insulation products or roof timbers
• Following ANY works in the roof space, request your Licensed Electrician or insulation installer to inspect all down lights and transformers to ensure they are clear of insulation or other material so that any heat produced from a down light or other heat source is allowed to dissipate

For more information, view the Joint Position Statement from FESA, Energy Safety, Western Power and NECA.

To view the story that was aired on A Current Affair, click here.

17 April 2009

The Cost of Electricity is About to Rise

The State Government has announced an increase in the price of electricity.

This follows a report by the Office of Energy which found existing tariffs did not reflect the true costs of supply electricity to homes in the Perth metropolitan area. Apart from the introduction of the GST, this is the first increase to residential tariffs in Perth since 1997. During this time the cost of producing and supplying electricity has continued to rise.

As a result, from 1 April, residential tariffs will increase in two stages as outlined at the Synergy Tariff Increases website.

Rebates for residential customers will increase to assist with tariff increases. Visit Synergy Rebates website to see if you are eligible.

Price rises are never welcome but by making small but significant changes to how you use electricity, will go a long way to helping keep your power bills down.

9 March 2009

Compulsory RCDs (Safety Switches) for Residential Properties: A Little Too Late

New rules to make homes safer are due this year, but will come too late for 12-year-old Jay Jammal who was killed by an electric shock (Source: Perth Now).

Safety switches became mandatory in new houses after 1990. Since 2000 this was expanded in WA to require at least two for each new house. But older housing has no protection, even though it would be of greatest benefit for houses with ageing wiring. Four out of five houses built before 1990 do not have a safety switch. Many families similar to Jay's are living in these houses unaware they are not protected.

Thirty-three out of the 38 electrocutions in WA homes in the past 16 years could have been prevented if a safety switch had been installed. In the past 12 months, a safety switch could have saved five lives - including Jay's.

Safety switches detect minute changes in the electrical current balance of a circuit, so that if a person touches a live part of an appliance or cable accidentally, the safety switch trips the circuit rapidly.

Commerce Minister Troy Buswell wants the new rules in place before the end of the year.

Go Fusion Electrical emphasises the importance of installing safety switches in every home in Perth and for home owners to test the safety switch monthly. Our team of qualified electricians also conduct annual safety switch tests using sophisticated technology to ensure the safety switch will work if the need arises.

To view the story that was published in The Sunday Times, click here.

3 February 2009

Electrical Installation Safety Assessment Scheme

Energy Safety is presently planning regulations to establish a home electrical installation safety assessment scheme. This scheme will allow participating electrical contractors to undertake electrical installations safety assessments and prepare a report confirming that the electrical installation is safe to use or list any defects and recommending remedial action required to make the installation safe.

Buyers making an offer to purchase a property will be able to add a condition to real estate contracts similar to subject to finance or subject to a building and termite inspection. It is also beneficial for home owners or tenants who just want to know whether their home is safe.

Draft regulations will be made available in early 2009.

2 January 2009

Compulsory RCDs (Safety Switches) for Residential Properties

New legislation is currently being passed by the state government to enforce owners and landlords to install two RCDs to each residential property if one or both are not in existence. Owner-occupied residents will require the installation to occur prior to the transfer of the title or no later than 24 months after the legislation comes into effect. In the case of a rental property the installation will be required prior to entering into a tenancy agreement with a new tenant or making the property available for rent, lease or hire. This legislation also applies to switchboards servicing common property. This legislation is in addition to the mains powered smoke alarm legislation coming into effect.

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