We know regulations are complex, so below we highlight a few important clauses and recommendations to help you understand and comply with health and safety at work, fire & emergency and electrical safety regulations:

The owner and occupants of a building must take reasonable fire prevention precautions in relation to electrical wiring, equipment, and appliances, including portable electrical equipment and appliances. Ref 1

Building owners and occupants must take responsibility for ensuring any electrical equipment or appliances are in good condition. Ref 2

A person conducting business or undertaking (PCBU) must ensure the provision and maintenance of safe plant. (Plant includes appliances). Ref 3

A PCBU who manages or controls fixtures, fittings, or plant at a workplace must ensure that the fixtures, fittings, or plant are without risks to the health and safety of any person. Ref 3

A person who owns or operates appliances must not use, and must not allow any other person to use, the appliances if the appliances are electrically unsafe. Ref 4

A fitting or appliance is deemed to be electrically safe if it has a current tag issued in accordance with AS/NZS 3760. Ref 4

Ensure all electrical appliances, leads and power sources are fit for purpose and regularly tested. Ref 2

A PCBU with management or control of a workplace (that has hazardous substances):

• must ensure each place within the workplace has the number of fire extinguishers specified.

• must ensure each fire extinguisher is located so that it is (a) clearly visible; (b) readily accessible.

• must ensure each fire extinguisher has a classification and rating of at least 30B. Ref 5

Some form of fire detection and suppression system should be provided in commercial premises. Ref 2

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) strongly recommend that first aid firefighting equipment, namely fire extinguishers and/or hose reels, be provided in commercial premises. Ref 2

Building occupants should be trained in how to operate first aid firefighting equipment correctly. Ref 2

It is important that all fire suppression equipment is well maintained and clearly identified. Ref 2

The owner of any hand-operated firefighting equipment installed in a building for firefighting by the building’s occupants must maintain it in accordance with NZS 4503:2005—Hand operated fire-fighting equipment. Ref 1

References:

1.     Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fire Safety, Evacuation Procedures, and Evacuation Schemes) Regulations 2018  https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2018/0096/latest/whole.html

2.     https://www.fireandemergency.nz/building-fire-safety/building-and-designing-for-fire-safety/owner-responsibilities/

3.     Health and Safety at Work Act 2015  https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2015/0070/latest/DLM5976660.html

4.     Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010  https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2010/0036/latest/DLM2763501.html

5.     Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017  https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2017/0131/latest/DLM7309401.html