Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is reminding tradespeople, including plasterers, working to repair flood-damaged Victorian homes to ensure a licensed electrician makes the property safe before work commences.

ESV inspectors have attended multiple homes in the Shepparton area over the past week finding exposed and live electrical wires after flood-damaged plaster had been removed.

Under Section 43A the Electricity Safety Act 1998, a person carrying out building works cannot create an unsafe situation by modifications that leave access to live electrical equipment.

ESV is urging all tradespeople working on flood-affected properties to contact a licensed electrical worker to ensure a property is safe before undertaking repairs, including any building works that will expose live electrical wiring.

The electrical worker will ensure the property is de-energised, removing any risk of a tradesperson receiving an electrical shock.

“We know that so many communities are reeling from the recent floods, but we need to ensure we all stay safe,” ESV commissioner and chairperson Marnie Williams says.

“If you are part of the effort to repair homes and buildings over the next few months, please contact a licensed electrical worker to make it safe before you start.”

Over the past month, high rainfall and flash flooding have impacted numerous communities across the state.

For more energy safety advice for flood victims, please visit this link.