CMEIG recognises and appreciates the recent clarity provided by WorkSafe Queensland and the Queensland Electrical Safety Office, regarding licensing and training requirements for working on electric vehicles.
In 2023, CMEIG published its position related to Queensland's review of the electrical safety laws, identifying that:
- Clarity was needed on whether earthmoving machines with diesel-electric, plug-in hybrid electric, hybrid-electric and battery powered-electric powertrains, were indeed considered to be electric vehicles for the purposes of the Queensland electrical safety laws.
- CMEIG was working diligently with AUSMASA on upskilling pathways to work on electric vehicles and that a practical solution was needed to upskill rather than to retrain the existing workforce as licensed electricians. This approach is illustrated below:
What this means?
WorkSafe Queensland has now published guidance confirming that:
- Earthmoving machines with the aforementioned powertrains (i.e. diesel-electric, various hybrid and battery electric earthmoving machines) are indeed electric vehicles for the purpose of Queensland electrical safety laws i.e. earthmoving machines are not electrical equipment.
- Electrical licensing requirements do not apply for work on the propulsion parts of electric vehicles.
The published guidance can be viewed here: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/hazards/electricity/electric-vehicle-guidance