QLD Roof Space Safety Regulations for Pest Technicians and Homeowners

Hey there, homeowners!

We have some important information about QLD Roof Space Safety Regulation for Pest Technicians and Homeowners.

If your home has a roof space and you are planning on a Pest Technician entering the area for a Termite Inspection or Pest Control, you may have heard about the updated safety requirements in Queensland. These changes are all about keeping you and the tradespeople working in your roof space safe from electrical & fire hazards.

As of 1st January 2025, Queensland will implement updated safety measures that require mains power to be turned off at the electrical switchboard before any work is carried out in a roof space. This updated legislation falls under the Queensland Electrical Safety Regulations 2024.

Why are these changes important?

Roof spaces can be hazardous, especially when it comes to electrical wiring.

The new regulations aim to:

Protect Technicians from possible contact with live wiring.
Minimise fire risk caused by electrical faults.
Ensure compliance with the latest safety standards.

What’s Changing for the homeowner?

The new rules in Queensland state that whenever a tradesperson enters your roof space, the power to your home must be turned off/de-energised from the electrical switchboard. This is to prevent possible electrical accidents while work is being carried out in your roof.

Here’s what you need to know based on your home’s setup:

If You Don’t Have Solar Panels or Overhead Wiring:
- Either you or the technician will need to turn off the power at the switchboard before the roof space inspection begins. It’ll only be for the time it takes to complete the roof space inspection.
If You Do Have Solar Panels or Overhead Wiring:
- A licensed electrician will be required on-site to turn off the power for the electrical switchboard and solar switch/es. This ensures everything is properly de-energised before anyone enters the roof space.
What Happens if you don’t want the power to be turned off or it can’t be turned off?
- If for any reason you choose not to turn the power off or it can’t be turned off (due to medical equipment etc) during the termite inspection or pest control, that is ok. The technician just won’t be able to inspect the roof space and it will be written as a restriction in your termite inspection report, due to Queensland Government Regulations.
Power-off Duration:
- Anywhere from 10-30 minutes depending on the work being caried out.

Why Is This Legislation Important?

The short answer: safety. There have been tragic incidents in the past where tradespeople were electrocuted while working in roof spaces. These new rules are in place to prevent that from happening and to protect everyone involved. Remember, it’s not what you can see, it’s what you can’t see that is the danger.

What Does This Mean for You?

It might be a little inconvenient, especially if power needs to be turned off temporarily. But remember, it’s all about keeping you, your home & the technician safe.
If for any reason you or the technician can’t turn off the power, the roof space inspection won’t take place, and it will simply be written as a restriction in your report.
We suggest making sure all phones, tablets & laptops are charged prior to technicians arrival, and computers are turned off just before roof access is needed and main electrical board is switched off.

A Quick Heads-Up About Liability:

We just want to clarify, while it’s highly unlikely turning the power off and on again will cause any malfunctions in your home, We at LessPest More Control are not responsible for any issues or costs that may arise if you have chosen to turn the power off for the roof space inspection.
If you choose not to turn off the power, please notify the office before your service date.

What Happens if the Rules Aren’t Followed?

Here’s the thing: If we don’t follow these safety procedures, we risk losing our license and could face a $6,000 fine. So, it’s important for everyone to follow these new safety regulations to make sure everything and everyone stays safe.

Wrapping Up:

We understand that this new legislation may take some adjusting to, however safety always comes first.

These new safety regulations are an important step for reducing electrocution risk and ensuring the safety of tradespeople that work daily in these situations. Here at LessPest More Control we uphold and are committed to these safety standards, whilst continuing to deliver professional and quality service to your home.

Need More Information?

If you have any questions or need clarification on how these changes might affect your upcoming roof space inspection or pest control, feel free to get in touch! We’re here to help and make this process as easy as possible.

For more information please visit:

WorkSafe Queensland

Queensland Government Electrical Safety

CALL US TODAY

0497 006 400