Industry practitioners would be well aware that the Government of Western Australia has declared a State of Emergency and a Public Health Emergency in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. There are now Directions under the Public Health Act and the Emergency Management Act on various topics e.g...
This page contains frequently asked questions on COVID-19. Is social (physical) distancing required at work? Social (also called physical) distancing must be followed at work as far as practicable, based on principles published by the Department of Health . The extent of social distancing will...
This page contains frequently asked questions about vaping. Is vaping hazardous? Yes, vaping can be hazardous. The nature of the hazard will depend upon factors such as the liquid used in the e-cigarette and the health status of the individual. In 2019, there were 2290 cases of lung injury...
Explanation of changes to designations and delegations for gas inspectors What changes have been made? The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation & Safety - Building & Energy Division has developed standard form instruments for: designation of Gas Inspectors under the Energy Coordination...
The three-month public consultation period for developing recommendations for the adoption of the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations in Western Australia ended on 26 November 2019. A total of 68 submissions provided a range of views on WHS topics. The Work Health and Safety Bill 2019...
This page provides information for employers and employees about silica and some of the legal duties relating to protecting workers from developing silicosis. Silica is found in sand, stone, concrete and mortar. It is also used in the manufacture of a variety of products including composite stone...
Regulation 28 of the Gas Standards (Gasfitting and Consumer Gas Installations) Regulations 1999 requires a registered gasfitter to attach an approved badge or label in an approved place on completion of gasfitting work. Subregulation 28 (6) provides for the Director of Energy Safety to exempt a...
Guidelines for testing domestic gas appliances for carbon monoxide (CO) spillage using CO measuring equipment. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct use of your testing equipment. Before carrying out any testing, ensure your equipment has been calibrated within the past 12...
Having gasfitting work done? Make sure you use a licensed gas fitter whenever you have gasfitting work done. Having gasfitting work done publication The brochure contains information when you have gasfitting work done other than servicing. Information includes: ensuring you use a licensed gas...
This guideline has been developed to assist appliance designers, gas fitters and Type B inspectors in the design and approval of gas fuelled theatrical or other special effects to ensure compliance...
The department's mental health and wellbeing inspectors have developed a series of resources on workplace mental health and wellbeing. The concepts presented may assist workplaces to discuss, consult...
The Western Australian occupational safety and health laws require employers to take care of the safety and health of their workers and others at the workplace. This includes: providing and...
In early 2020, an air-conditioning installer suffered a fatal electric shock while working in the roof space of a house. In Western Australia, it is a legal requirement to de-energise and isolate all...
While it is reasonable to be concerned about the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, there are a number of actions you can take to look after your mental health during this challenging time. Access...
It is reasonable for employees to experience increased worry, anxiety and stress about the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Managing the risk to mental health during this time means employees will have...
Safe Work Australia has created an easy to follow infographic to advise workplaces on the steps they should take if a worker comes down with a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19.
The Western Australian strategy and framework for the prevention and management of work-related musculoskeletal disorders are intended as useful resources for stakeholders who can influence...
ThinkSafe is the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s flagship online publication for workplace safety and health in Western Australia. ThinkSafe magazine - September 2021 ThinkSafe...
THIS DOCUMENT IS NO LONGER CURRENT AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE FOR HISTORICAL PURPOSES ONLY. The public comment period on the Work Health and Safety Regulations for Western Australia closed on 26...
WA’s energy safety regulator is reminding campers that outdoor gas appliances must only be used in the open air to avoid potentially lethal exposure to carbon monoxide. Building and Energy’s warning comes as West Australians gear up for a summer in the great outdoors with portable gas-fuelled equipment such as barbecues, cookers, heaters and fridges. “Outdoor use means the open air,” WA Director...
Asbestos Awareness Week 2020 runs from 23-29 November 2020. Please take this opportunity to ensure your workplace asbestos management systems are up to date, and that workers are aware of these systems. And remember – buildings built before 1990 are likely to contain materials with asbestos content. Follow the links for more information: Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Industry checklist...
The Work Health and Safety Bill 2019 was passed by Parliament on 3 November 2020 and is awaiting royal assent. When assented, the WHS Act will not be operational until regulations are complete. Work to develop the regulations is presently underway and will continue in 2021. The new Work Health and Safety Act 2019 (WHS Act) will replace the current Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, and...
Background Recently, there has been several reported incidents relating to the failure of LP Gas installation regulators where the downstream piping, apparatus and appliances were exposed to dangerously high pressures.
LP Gas regulator without over pressure protection, by Gas
LP Gas regulator without over pressure protection Fig 1: Example of a 33 year old LP Gas installation regulator that does not incorporate over...
Building and Energy continues to receive requests from gas fitters and builders for variations in order to comply with the requirements of outdoor gas water heaters installed at heights above 2.5m. The requests are often due to the gas fitter receiving a Notice of Defect (NOD) for non-compliance from an installation inspector. Before installing an outdoor gas appliance refer to the relevant...
Heating appliances will soon be emerging from hibernation as cooler weather sets in, particularly with many of us working from home this winter. If you are using a gas heater, our colleagues at Building and Energy have issued a timely warning about the dangers of exposure to carbon monoxide, which can leak from faulty, poorly maintained or misused gas appliances. Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘...
Water Corporation, in consultation with Building and Energy, made changes to their water meter relocation process as of 29 April 2020. The changes are designed to better align processes with water services legislation and plumbing regulations, as well as to improve safety when working on or near Water Corporation assets. Key changes to the water meter relocation process: The customer will need to...
WA’s energy safety regulator is sharing vital electrical and gas safety tips for people working from home and starting to prepare for cooler weather. Building and Energy is encouraging householders to check that their electrical and gas equipment is safe, in good working order and compliant with Australian standards. “People are using electrical appliances in home offices and for projects around...
WA’s gas safety regulator is urging people to avoid potentially lethal exposure to carbon monoxide by ensuring their gas appliances are well maintained, used correctly and not subject to product safety alerts. Building and Energy’s warning comes as Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (27 April to 3 May) gets underway and households prepare for cooler weather. Director of Energy Safety Saj Abdoolakhan...
While the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic is changing rapidly, we remain focussed on delivering our services while adhering to advice from Government to protect the health and safety of our staff and the wider community. The department is planning for a range of scenarios and endeavouring to ensure continuity of service. A number of functions can be performed remotely or by using our online...
