Safety first is the focus for new lighting upgrade rules

The safety of installers and consumers is at the forefront of new rules for replacing compact fluorescent lamps with energy efficient LED lamps under the state’s energy upgrades program.

Under the new rules from the Essential Services Commission, which manages the nation’s biggest energy efficiency program - Victorian Energy Upgrades - installers will have to adhere to additional safety supervision and training requirements.

The commission’s director of Victorian Energy Upgrades Jeff Cefai says the new rules are part of a major expansion of the program.

“This year, the program has been expanded to allow high-efficiency LED lamps to be used to replace millions of less efficient compact fluorescent lamps in homes and businesses across Victoria.

“This is a huge potential market which will benefit householders and business owners with lower energy costs, and also reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.

Mr Cefai says the new rules will require licensed electricians to be involved at every stage of the installation.

“Feedback from the sector during consultation on the new rules firmly supported the need for licensed electricians to manage any potential risks, especially given the anticipated volume and scale of this work,” he said.

Installers will also have to be trained on how to deal with mercury risks and spillages.

The use of a licensed electrician will also provide better warranty cover to consumers and their properties.