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Don’t Get Fined! The 2026 Guide to UETDRMP018 LVR & CPR Renewal Requirements

  • Writer: Brent Lethbridge
    Brent Lethbridge
  • 5 days ago
  • 3 min read
The New Standard: UETDRMP018

In the fast-paced world of electrical contracting on the Mid North Coast, keeping your credentials up to date is more than just a box-ticking exercise—it’s a legal necessity. Whether you’re a sole trader in Port Macquarie or managing a large crew in Kempsey or Taree, staying compliant with SafeWork NSW and the latest national units is critical for both safety and your bottom line.

As of 2026, the industry has seen significant shifts in training standards. If you haven't checked your certificate lately, you might be training for a unit that has been superseded. Here is everything the local electrical industry needs to know about the new LVR and CPR requirements.


The New Standard: UETDRMP018


For years, UETDRMP007 was the unit code every sparky knew by heart. However, in line with modern workplace health and safety (WHS) expectations, UETDRMP018 (Perform rescue from a live low voltage panel) has officially taken over.

While the core goal remains the same—saving a life during an arc flash or electrocution incident—the new unit places a much heavier emphasis on:

  • Enhanced Risk Assessment: More rigorous site-specific hazard identification.

  • Updated PPE Protocols: Ensuring rescue kits and personal protective equipment meet 2026 Australian Standards.

  • Mandatory Prerequisites: You cannot be issued a Statement of Attainment for LVR without a current HLTAID009 (Provide CPR) certificate.


Who Needs LVR and CPR Training?


Many businesses mistakenly believe only the person "on the tools" needs the qualification. Under the SafeWork NSW Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice, the requirements are broader.


1. Licensed Electricians and Apprentices

If you are working on or near live low-voltage equipment (up to 1000V AC or 1500V DC), you must be competent in rescue and resuscitation.


2. Safety Observers (Spotters)

This is where many Mid North Coast businesses fall short. According to AS/NZS 4836:2023, a safety observer is mandatory for most live work. That observer must hold a current LVR and CPR qualification. If your apprentice is acting as your spotter but hasn't refreshed their CPR in 14 months, you are in breach of safety regulations.


3. ASP Level 2 Providers

For those working on the Essential Energy network across the Mid North Coast, annual regulatory training is a non-negotiable requirement for maintaining your authorisation.


How Often is LVR Training Required?


This is the most common question we get from Port Macquarie tradies. While some First Aid certificates last three years, the electrical industry operates on a much tighter loop.


  • CPR (HLTAID009): The Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and SafeWork NSW recommend renewal every 12 months.

  • LVR (UETDRMP018): Most network providers (like Essential Energy) and Tier 1 construction sites require an annual refresher.


In 2026, insurance companies are increasingly checking the "currency" of these certificates during claims. If an incident occurs and your LVR/CPR is 13 months old, your Public Liability insurance may be at risk.


Why Train Locally in Port Macquarie?


Sending your team to Sydney or Newcastle for training isn't just a logistical nightmare—it’s an unnecessary expense.


Onsite Training for Businesses: For local contractors, onsite group training is the gold standard. Instead of losing five sparkies for a whole day as they travel to a training center, SALT Training Academy can come to you. This allows your team to train with their actual LVR kits, ensuring that if a real emergency happens, they aren't fumbling with unfamiliar gear.


What Happens if You Aren't Compliant?


SafeWork NSW has significantly increased penalty units for the 2025-2026 financial year. A failure to provide a safe system of work—which includes having trained rescue personnel on-site—can lead to:

  • Heavy Fines: Penalties for PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) can reach into the hundreds of thousands for serious breaches.

  • Work Stopages: Principal contractors on Mid North Coast projects are now using digital inductions that automatically "red-flag" workers with expired LVR/CPR competencies.

  • Licensing Issues: The NSW Fair Trading department can audit your training records during license renewal or after a reported electrical incident.


Checklist: Is Your Business Ready?


  1. Check the Dates: Do all staff have a CPR certificate issued within the last 12 months?

  2. Verify the Code: Does your LVR certificate list the current UETDRMP018 unit?

  3. Inspect the Kits: Are your Low Voltage Rescue kits in-date and inspected?

  4. Local Booking: Is your next refresher booked with SALT Training Academy the only Port Macquarie provider to avoid the "expired ticket" rush?


Compliance doesn't have to be a headache. By staying on top of the annual UETDRMP018 and HLTAID009 LVR & CPR certification requirements, you protect your workers, your license, and your business reputation on the Mid North Coast.


 
 
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