Release of CECG6923 - Safety in Design Guidelines for Contestable Works

What is happening?

Essential Energy has introduced CECG6923 - Safety in Design Guidelines for Contestable Works, establishing the minimum requirements for applying Safety in Design processes in all contestable design activities completed on Essential Energy’s network. The guideline has been developed to support designers in implementing their Safety in Design obligations under legislative requirements.

The guideline is available on Essential Energy’s Document Library. A Safety in Design Register template has also been developed and is available on the Essential Connections Support Page and can be accessed by searching “Safety in Design” or by following the link.

The guideline provides designers with a structured, lifecycle‑focused approach to identifying, assessing, and managing hazards associated with electrical infrastructure design. It outlines Safety in Design principles and methodologies, duty holder responsibilities under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025.

These guidelines should now be applied to all contestable designs. Designers shall ensure risks are eliminated, or where elimination is not reasonably practicable, minimised so far as is reasonably practicable, and incorporated into the design process and documentation.

The following documents are required as part of a design submission:

• A Safe Design Report
• A Safety in Design Risk Register

These guidelines reinforce the legislative responsibilities of designers, clarify Essential Energy expectations, and promote safer outcomes across construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of assets. Accredited Service Providers may either utilise the Safety in Design Risk Register template provided or ensure that their own Safety in Design processes and documentation meet, at a minimum, the requirements specified in this guideline.

From 1 May 2026, the minimum requirements outlined in the guidelines will be assessed by Essential Energy during the design review.

What do you need to do?

1. Review CECG6923 - Safety in Design Guidelines for Contestable Works via the Document Library.
2. Apply the Safety in Design process and documentation requirements to all current and future contestable designs.
3. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.
4. Ensure all design submissions include the required Safe Design Report and Risk Register.

Further Information

If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.