• Implementation of conditions for the recognition of Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) registered products in New Zealand
• Auckland market audit
• Claude the Cat is back!
• WorkSafe Energy Safety office closed during Christmas

WorkSafe New Zealand published three regulatory notices in August 2022 which set conditions for the recognition of:

• EESS registered products
• New South Wales regulatory approvals

for deemed approval of declared articles in New Zealand.

The notices can be found at Gazette notices | WorkSafe.

The EESS notices further implement the transition from the direct recognition of Australian certification and regulatory approvals to the adoption of the EESS equipment registration. From 1 January 2023, the new conditions will apply to product entering New Zealand under the EESS.

However, the current acceptance of Australian certification and regulatory approvals for declared articles will remain until the transition is completed. This allows suppliers to continue supplying products while they plan to transition the declared articles they supply to the EESS for New Zealand.

WorkSafe intends to complete the transition to the EESS, with conditions, by revoking the current acceptance of Australian certification and regulatory approvals for declared articles from 1 January 2025.

We are developing a bulletin which will provide further clarification of how those notices should be interpreted and implemented. More on this soon.

WorkSafe Energy Safety undertook a market monitoring exercise at two popular Auckland markets in November.

WorkSafe provided advice and information to several stall holders selling gas and electrical products to members of the public. Many of these stall holders had not had contact with WorkSafe in the past.

We found a few stall holders who we had engaged with previously and who were still supplying non-compliant products.

We also handed out three infringement notices. 

One stall holder, who attempted to obstruct WorkSafe as well as selling unsafe gas appliances, is still under investigation.

This summer Claude reminds New Zealanders to identify the risks and behave safely when powering their summer holiday activities.

Claude’s message for campers is to check gas bottles and connections for leaks and make sure to use them in a well-ventilated area. And for those tackling outdoor DIY projects, to ensure an RCD safety switch is used when firing up the power tools.

You’ll see the campaign on billboards, radio, social media, some websites as well as in campgrounds and Bunnings and Mitre 10 stores across the country.

We are taking a break over the Christmas and New Year holidays. Our offices will be closed over the holiday period. The last working day of the year will be Friday, 23 December 2022. Our offices will reopen on Monday, 9 January 2023.  

Please note that we are not an emergency response service. If you are reporting an immediate hazard such as the smell of gas or fallen powerlines, call 111 immediately.

Workplace gas and electrical accidents should be reported to us by calling 0800 030 040 and selecting Option 4. Non-workplace events can be reported on our website.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!