Businesses in Queensland that engage in the sale of electrical equipment to the public must prominently showcase a 'Don't Do-It Yourself' (Don't DIY) warning sign on the items for sale.

If you sell specific electrical equipment to the public in Queensland, you must use 'Don't DIY' signs, whether in face-to-face or online transactions. Note that exemptions apply for activities like garage sales, jumble sales, and fêtes, unless these events involve commercial selling.

How should the sign be designed?

There are two categories of signs with various display options:

For Multiple Items: This sign is intended for multiple items within a display area and should convey: 'ALL ELECTRICAL WORK MUST BE PERFORMED BY A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN.' It needs to be placed in close proximity to the items on display. It's permissible to use a single sign for various items of specific electrical equipment in the vicinity, ensuring clear visibility and readability from where each item requiring the signage is exhibited.

Download samples

• portrait small (PDF, 0.04 MB) - 4 sign per page
• medium (PDF, 0.03 MB) - 2 signs per page
• large (PDF, 0.02 MB) - 1 sign per page
• various large (PDF, 0.12 MB)

For Single Items: This choice is designed for a particular item and should convey: 'MUST BE INSTALLED BY A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN.'

This sign can be showcased in various manners:

• Integrated into the price tag of the item
• Affixed to the packaging of the item
• Incorporated into the packaging of the item
• Attached to the item as a label.

When opting for one of these presentation methods for individual items (or model types), it is crucial to ensure the sign remains easily visible and readable.

Download samples

• various sizes (PDF, 1.3 MB)
• landscape small (PDF, 0.6 MB) - 6 signs per page
• landscape medium (PDF, 0.53 MB)- 2 signs per page
• landscape large (PDF, 0.14 MB)- 2 signs per page
• portrait small - 4 signs per page
• portrait medium - 3 signs per page
• portrait large - 2 signs per page
• portrait largest - 1 sign per page

What Should the Signs Contain?

Both types of signs must encompass the following elements:

• Feature a symbol resembling a red circle with a red diagonal line over the letters 'DIY' in black uppercase.
• Possess a white background.
• Be explicit and easily readable to guarantee visibility and comprehension at all times in the area where the electrical equipment is showcased for sale.

The necessity for signs to be 'unambiguous and clearly legible' ensures that, irrespective of size, the sign is printed and presented in a manner that allows it to be continuously visible and readable by anyone in the location where the specific electrical equipment (to which the sign pertains) is exhibited for sale.

Products Mandated to Display Signs

Signage is obligatory for any electrical equipment that requires installation by a licensed electrical contractor or licensed electrical worker in Queensland.

Examples encompass:

• Fixed-wired electrical equipment
• Air conditioners
• Stoves
• Ovens
• Electric hot water systems
• Ceiling fans
• Light fittings
• Electrical accessories
• Socket outlets
• Light switches
• Electrical cable
• Wall switches
• Plugs
• Cord extension sockets
• Electrical parts
• Electrical motors
• Switches
• Solenoids
• Elements.

It is noteworthy that some versions of the listed examples may not be subject to the signage requirement. For instance, a light fitting or ceiling fan specifically designed for 'DIY' installation (connecting into an existing batten holder) or a switch or relay designed for 12-volt automotive use might not necessitate the signage.

Definition of 'Sell'

'Sell' is interpreted as:

• Selling by wholesale, retail, or auction.
• Supplying in trade or commerce or under an arrangement.
• Hiring.
• Agreeing, attempting, or offering to sell.
• Keeping or exposing for sale.
• Causing or permitting to be sold.

'Point of Display' Meaning

For this requirement, 'point of display' denotes either:

• Where an item is exhibited in a shop, warehouse, or other physical space.
• Where an item is presented on an online shop's website at the place where a customer may purchase or place a bid for the item.

If preferred, businesses can develop their own signage to suit their specific retail environment. However, they must ensure it complies with the requirements of Part 8, Division 1 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013.

Penalty for Non-compliance

Failure to display the required sign will result in a maximum penalty of 40 units for individuals or $20,000 for corporations.