JAG 09/3196

Electrical Safety Office QueenslandTelephone 1300 650 662Website www.justice.qld.gov.au

Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 Electrical Work

Department of Justice and Attorney-General

Electrical Safety Office Queensland

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Contents

Part 1 : Introduction ................................................................................................. 3

1.1 Application and scope of Code ................................................................................ 3

1.2 Legislative framework ............................................................................................... 3

1.3 What is a code of practice? ...................................................................................... 4

1.4 What is this Code about? .......................................................................................... 5

1.5 This Code includes .................................................................................................... 5

1.6 This Code does not include ....................................................................................... 6

1.7 How is this Code set out? ......................................................................................... 7

1.8 What is ‘electrical work’? .......................................................................................... 7

1.9 Obligations under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 ...................................................... 7

1.10 How can I meet my obligations? .............................................................................. 7

1.11 Defences for failing to meet your electrical safety obligation .................................. 8

1.12 Penalty for failure to meet your electrical safety obligation ..................................... 8

Part 2 : Risk Management .................................................................................... 10

2.1 Risk .......................................................................................................................... 11

2.2 The risk management process ................................................................................ 11

2.3 Common electrical risks ..........................................................................................14

2.3.1 Electrical risks and causes of injury .............................................................................. 14

2.4 Instruction, training and supervision ......................................................................15

2.4.1 Types of training ........................................................................................................... 16

Part 3 : Working De-energised ................................................................................17

3.1 Scope .......................................................................................................................17

3.2 Regulatory requirement ...........................................................................................17

3.3 General ....................................................................................................................17

3.4 Low voltage isolation and access .............................................................................18

3.4.1 Switching, de-energising and re-energising .................................................................. 18

3.4.2 Isolating and disconnecting .......................................................................................... 18

3.4.3 Proving de-energised ................................................................................................... 20

3.4.4 Altering isolation for testing, fault finding and energising ........................................... 22

Part 4 : Working Live .............................................................................................. 23

4.1 Scope ...................................................................................................................... 23

4.2 Regulatory requirement .......................................................................................... 23

4.3 Important issues when working live ....................................................................... 23

4.3.1 Documentation ............................................................................................................ 23

4.3.2 Conductive materials ................................................................................................... 24

4.3.3 Work position .............................................................................................................. 24

4.3.4 Safety observer (electrical) .......................................................................................... 25

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4.3.5 Emergency planning .................................................................................................... 26

4.3.6 Safety barriers and signs ............................................................................................. 27

4.3.7 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ............................................................................. 28

4.4 What to use to work safely – tools, instruments and equipment used for electrical work ........................................................................................................................ 28

4.4.1 General ........................................................................................................................ 28

4.4.2 Selection, testing, maintenance of tools, instruments and equipment ........................ 30

4.4.3 Use of instruments and test devices .............................................................................31

4.4.4 Instruments and test devices ........................................................................................31

4.4.5 Ladders, portable pole platforms and scaffolds .......................................................... 32

4.5 Testing and fault finding – providing the work is safe ............................................. 32

4.5.1 General ........................................................................................................................ 32

4.5.2 Ensuring correct connections (including polarity) ........................................................ 33

Appendix A: Meaning of terms used in this Code .................................................. 37

Appendix B: Further information ........................................................................... 59

B.1 Common sources of electrical risks ........................................................................ 59

B.1.1 Identifying sources of electric shock ............................................................................ 59

B.1.2 Tripping of supply on powerlines ................................................................................. 60

B.1.3 Working near sources of arcing, explosion or fires ...................................................... 60

B.1.4 Working in unsafe atmospheres .................................................................................. 62

B.1.5 Isolation and access .................................................................................................... 62

B.2 Other electrical risks to be addressed .................................................................... 65

B.2.1 Working in and around trenches, pits and underground ducts .................................... 65

B.2.2 Working with ladders, scaffolds, portable pole platforms ........................................... 65

B.2.3 Working with elevating work platforms (EWP) ............................................................. 67

B.2.4 Working on or from poles and towers .......................................................................... 75

B.2.5 Tagging out of service .....................................................................................................81

B.2.6 Excavation near energised cables ...................................................................................81

B.2.7 Vegetation management, chainsaws and electrical workers .......................................... 83

B.2.8 Use of tools ................................................................................................................... 83

B.3 General elements of a safe system of work ............................................................. 84

B.4 High voltage isolation and access........................................................................... 84

B.4.1 General ........................................................................................................................ 84

B.4.2 High voltage isolation and access system ................................................................... 85

Appendix C: Exclusion zones for electrical parts ...................................................88

Appendix D: Electrical Safety Act 2002 ..................................................................94

Appendix E: Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 ...................................................... 95

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Part 1 : Introduction

1.1 Application and scope of Code

• ThisElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Electrical Work(theCode)replacestheCode of Practice - Electrical Work 2002.

• ThisCodewasmadeon18December2009.

• ThisCodecommencedon1January2010.

• ThisCodeexpires10yearsaftertheabovecommencementdate.

1.2 Legislative framework

TheQueenslandElectrical Safety Act 2002(theAct)isdirectedateliminatingthehumancosttoindividuals,familiesandthecommunityofdeath,injuryanddestructionthatcanbecausedbyelectricitynotonlyinworkplaces,butthroughoutthecommunity.

TheActsetsouttheobligationsthatentities,employers,employees,workers,designers,manufacturers,importersandpersonsincontrolofelectricalequipmentmustmeetinordertocomplywiththerequirementsofthelaw.

Thefundamentalprincipleofthelegislationistosetlegalrequirementstoensuretheelectricalsafetyoflicensedelectricalworkers,otherworkers,licensedelectricalcontractors,consumersandthegeneralpublic.

TheWorkplace Health and Safety Act 1995(WHSAct)placesobligationsoncertainpersonstoensurehealthandsafetyintheworkplace.Workplacehealthandsafetyisensuredwhenpersonsarefreefromdeath,injuryorillnessandtheriskofdeath,injuryorillnesscreatedbyworkplaces,relevantworkplaceareas,workactivitiesorplantorsubstancesforuseataworkplace.

Intermsofelectricalsafety,wheretheActandtheWHSActbothapply,theActtakesprecedence.

TheElectrical Safety Regulation 2002(theRegulation)prescribes,amongotherthings,therequirementsforworkingaroundliveelectricalparts.

WhilethisCodegivespracticaladviceonwaystomanageobligationsoftheAct,itdoesnotprovideadviceaboutallelectricalsafetyobligations.FourothercodesofpracticemadeundertheActare:

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• Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Working Near Exposed Live PartsTheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Working Near Exposed Live Partsgivespracticaladviceonwaystomanageelectricalriskwhenworkingnearexposedliveelectricalparts.Thecodeappliestopeoplesuchasplantoperators,painters,peopleerectingorworkingonscaffolds,signmakersandpeopleworkingwithirrigationpipesnearexposedliveelectricalparts.Thepracticalguidanceprovidedinthecodemayberelevanttoelectricalworkerswhentheyareperformingelectricalworknearanotherexposedlivepart.

• Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Electrical Equipment Rural IndustryTheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010–Electrical Equipment Rural Industrygivespracticaladviceonawayofdischargingaperson’selectricalsafetyobligation.Includedinthecodearewaystoidentifyandmanageexposuretorisksofinjuryandpropertydamagecauseddirectlyorindirectlybyelectricity.

• Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - WorksTheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010-Worksprovidespracticaladviceforanelectricityentitytomanageelectricalsafetyrisksassociatedwithearthingsystems,undergroundcablesystemsandsupportingstructuresofoverheadlinesformingpartoftheworksofanelectricityentity.

• Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Risk Management TheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010–Risk Managementgivespracticalwaysofmanagingelectricalsafetyrisks.ThecodeclearlydefinesandexplainsthefivestepriskmanagementprocessthatobligationholdersundertheActshouldperformtomakesureallelectricalrisksareminimised.

Referencestolegislation,AustralianStandardsandotherdocumentsinthisCodearecurrentatthetimeofprinting.Fromtimetotime,amendmentsaremadetolegislation.Theusershouldthereforechecktoensureapplicablelegislationiscurrentatthetimeofreading.

1.3 What is a code of practice?

Acodeofpracticeisadocumentmadeundersection44oftheAct.Itgivespracticaladviceonwaystodischargeelectricalsafetyobligations.Includedinacodearewaystoidentifyandmanageexposuretorisksofinjuryandpropertydamagecaused,directlyorindirectly,byelectricity.

Undersection45oftheAct,thecodeofpracticedoesnotstateallthatapersonmustdo,ormustnotdo,todischargetheirelectricalsafetyobligation.

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However,thepersonfailstodischargetheelectricalsafetyobligationifthey:

• contravene,orotherwiseactinconsistentlywith,thecodeofpractice;and

• donotfollowawaythatisaseffectiveas,ormoreeffectivethan,thecodeofpracticefordischargingtheelectricalsafetyobligation.

1.4 What is this Code about?

ThisCodeprovidespracticaladviceandgivesbenchmarksforperformingelectricalworkinwaysthatareelectricallysafe.Itprovidesguidanceonmanagingelectricalriskonly;noguidanceonotherrisksisprovided.ThisCodehasbeendesignedtoreflectthetwowaystoperformelectricalwork:workingde-energisedandworkinglive.

AppendixAcontainsthemeaningoftermsusedinthisCode.

1.5 This Code includes

ThisCodeappliesto:

• electricalworkers;

• employersofelectricalworkersandself-employedelectricalworkers;

• electricalcontractors;and

• personsnotrequiredtoholdanelectricalworklicenceundersection55oftheAct.

ThisCodefocusesonlyontheelectricalaspectsofworkperformedbythefollowingclassesoflicence:

• restrictedelectricalworklicenceholders;

• electricalworktrainingpermitholders;

• licensedelectricallinespersons;

• licensedelectricaljointers;

• licensedelectricalfitters;and

• licensedelectricalmechanics.

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1.6 This Code does not include

• Approvedworkperformedunderahighvoltagelivelinemanagementplan,asprescribedinsection13oftheRegulation,isnotcoveredbythisCode.However,highvoltagelivelineworkersaresubjecttothisCodeforelectricalworkactivitieswhilenotperforminghighvoltagelivelinework.InformationonhighvoltageisolationandaccessiscontainedinAppendixB.4.

• FunctionaloperationssuchasswitchingperformedregularlytooperateelectricalequipmentarenotcoveredbythisCode.However,switchingtoprovideelectricalaccessispartofthisCode.

• PracticalguidanceprovidedintheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010–Working Near Exposed Live Partsmayberelevanttoelectricalworkerswhentheyareperformingworkoneitherliveorde-energisedparts.

• Apartfromcorrectconnections(includingpolarity)thisCodedoesnotaddresstheinspectionandtestproceduresdetailedinsection8ofAS/NZS30001.

• ThisCodedoesnotcovergeneralhealthandsafetymatters,suchaspreventingfallsfromheights.TheserequirementscanbesuppliedbytheDepartmentofJusticeandAttorney-General’sWorkplaceHealthandSafetyQueensland.Thisinformationmaybeobtainedonlineatwww.worksafe.qld.gov.au.

• Informationmayalsobefoundfromsourcesincluding:

- SafeWorkAustralia;

- ElectricityNetworksAssociation;

- AustralianRadiationProtectionandNuclearSafetyAgency;and

- StandardsAustralia.

1 Furtherinformationoninspectionandtestingcanbeobtainedfromcodesandstandardsproducedbyothersourcesincluding:Manufacturesandsuppliers,ElectricityNetworksAssociationofAustralia,StandardsAustralia;andotherrelevantindustryassociations.

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1.7 How is this Code set out?

• Parts1and2outlinegeneralinformationabouttheCode,thelegislationandriskmanagement.

• Parts3and4provideguidanceonworkingde-energisedandworkinglive.

• TheappendicescontaindefinitionsandfurtherguidelinesonhowtoperformworkthatiselectricallysafealongwithrelevantpartsoftheActandtheRegulation.

1.8 What is ‘electrical work’?

Thedefinitionofelectricalworkfromsection18oftheActiscontainedinAppendixA:MeaningoftermsusedinthisCode.

1.9 Obligations under the Electrical Safety Act 2002

Sections29to40oftheActimposeobligationsonpersonswhomayaffecttheelectricalsafetyofothersbytheiractsoromissions.

Forexample,anemployerhasanobligationtoensuretheirbusinessorundertakingisconductedinawaythatiselectricallysafe.Thisincludesidentifyingelectricalrisks,assessingtheriskofinjuryorpropertydamagethatmaybeattributedtorisksandtakingnecessaryactionstominimiseexposuretotherisk.

Thefulllistofobligationholdersisincludedinpart2,division2,oftheAct.

1.10 How can I meet my obligations?

Undersections41to45oftheAct,therearethreemethodsoutlinedtoassistyouinmeetingyourelectricalsafetyobligations:througheitherregulations,ministerialnotices,orcodesofpractice.

Whereapplicable,youmustcomplyinthefollowingmannertomeetyourobligations.

• Ifaregulationisidentifiedasprescribingawayofdischargingyourelectricalsafetyobligation,youwillfailtomeetyourobligationifyoucontravenetheregulation.

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• Ifaministerialnoticeprescribesawayofmeetinganelectricalsafetyobligationinrelationtoanelectricalrisk,youwillfailtomeetthatobligationifyoucontravenetheministerialnotice.

• Ifacodeofpracticestatesawayofmeetingyourelectricalsafetyobligation,youwillfailtomeetthatobligationifyou:

- contravenethecodeoractinawayinconsistentwiththecode;and

- donotfollowawaythatisequallyeffectiveto,ormoreeffectivethan,thecodeofpracticefordischargingyourelectricalsafetyobligation.

IfthisCodeisinconsistentwiththeRegulation,thentheRegulationprevailstotheextentoftheinconsistency.

IfthisCodeandtheRegulationareinconsistentwithaministerialnotice,theministerialnoticeprevailstotheextentoftheinconsistency.

YoushouldalsorefertoPart2ofthisCodeonriskmanagementformeetingyourobligationsgenerally.

1.11 Defences for failing to meet your electrical safety obligation

Undersections46and47oftheAct,ifchargedwithabreachofobligation,youcanprovideavaliddefencebyestablishingthattheoffencewasduetocausesbeyondyourcontrol.Inthisinstance,youcannotclaimasadefencethosesectionsoftheCriminalCoderelatingtoanaccidentalactoromission,oramistakenbelief.

Wheretherewasnoregulation,ministerialnoticeorcodeofpracticethattoldyouhowtomeetyourelectricalsafetyobligationunderthecircumstances,youcanseektoestablishthatyouchoseanappropriateway,tookreasonableprecautionsandexercisedproperdiligencetodischargethesafetyobligation.

1.12 Penalty for failure to meet your electrical safety obligation

Undersection27oftheAct,apersononwhomanelectricalsafetyobligationisimposedmustdischargetheobligation.

Maximumpenalty:

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• ifthebreachcausesmultipledeaths:2000penaltyunitsorthreeyearsimprisonment;

• ifthebreachcausesdeathorgrievousbodilyharm:1000penaltyunitsortwoyearsimprisonment;

• ifthebreachcausesbodilyharm:750penaltyunitsoroneyear’simprisonment;or

• otherwise:500penaltyunitsorsixmonthsimprisonment.

ThisCodeshouldbereadinconjunctionwiththeAct,theRegulation,andotherrelevantcodesofpractice.HardcopiesofthesedocumentsareavailablefromtheQueenslandGovernmentBookshopbyphoning(07)38838700or1800801123(outsideBrisbane),orbyvisitingwww.bookshop.qld.gov.au.

FurtherinformationonelectricalsafetyisavailablefromtheDepartmentofJusticeandAttorney-Generalwebsiteatwww.electricalsafety.qld.gov.auorbyphoningtheInfolineon1300650662.

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Part 2 : Risk Management

‘Riskmanagement’isdefinedbytheAustralian/NewZealandStandardAS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Managementas‘thecoordinatingofactivitiestodirectandcontrolanorganisationwithregardtorisk’.

Theterm‘hazard’isoftenusedasanidentifierofpotentialsourcesofrisk.Howeverinthepracticalapplicationofriskmanagementprinciples,itistheriskitselfthatmustbeaddressed.TheAS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management Standard(theStandard)referstotheidentificationofrisk,whilethetermhazardisusedinWorkplaceHealthandSafetyandElectricalSafetylegislationinthesamecontext.Similarly,’riskcontrol’isreferredtointheStandardas‘risktreatment’.Thesedistinctionsaredefinitionalonlyandtheterms‘risk’and’treatment’areusedinthiscodeforthepurposesofclarityandconsistencywiththeStandard.

TheriskmanagementprocessrequiredbytheWHSActissystematicallydividedintofivesteps:

1. identifyhazards(risksundertheStandard),basedonexperience,recordeddataandotherinformation;

2. assessrisksthatmayresultbecauseofthehazards(risks)bymakinganevaluationofthelevelofriskstothehealthandsafetyofworkers,basedontheconsequencesandlikelihoodofharm;

3. decideoncontrolmeasures(risktreatmentmeasuresundertheStandard)fromthehierarchyofcontrol(risktreatmenthierarchy)i.e.eliminate,substitute,isolateorengineerouttherisks,orreducethemthroughadministrativemeasuresorpersonalprotectiveequipmenttopreventorminimisetheleveloftherisks.Thisshouldbeachievedbyselectingthehighestordercontrol(treatment)methodpossibleandthenproceedingdownthelistinorder;

4. implementtheselectedcontrol(treatment)measure(s)intheworkplace;and

5. monitorandreviewtheeffectivenessofthecontrol(treatment)measurestoensurethattheyareworkingcorrectlytocontroltherisksandthatnootherriskshavebeenintroduced.

NOTE:CompliancewiththeriskmanagementprocessdoesnotexcuseapersonfromensuringworkplacehealthandsafetyorfromcomplyingwithanobligationundertheAct.

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Effectiveriskmanagementinvolvesidentifyingalloftherisksintheworkplace,andthencarryingoutariskassessmentforeach,toassessitsseverity,beforedecidingitspriorityfortreatment.Whencarryingoutariskassessment,determinetherisksthathavethegreatestpotentialtocauseharmandagreaterlikelihoodofoccurring.Theserisksarecontrolled(treated)first,followedbythelessseriousrisks.

Attentionshouldbegiventorisksthatmaybeeasytofixbutmayhavelowriskpriorityscores(e.g.powerleadsacrossthefloor).Theserisksshouldbefixedpromptly.Particularattentionshouldbegiventorisksthatmayhaveverylowlikelihoodofcausingharmbutmayresultinmajorconsequences.

TheActrequiresthatelectricalworkandassociatedequipmentbeelectricallysafe(sections29to40);thatis,freefromelectricalrisk.Electricalriskcanbemanagedthroughtheriskmanagementprocessasdescribedbelow.Specificapplicationsoftheriskmanagementprocessarecoveredinrelevantfollowingparts.

In many circumstances, the risks associated with undertaking electrical work near exposed live parts can be equivalent to those associated with live electrical work. Evaluation of the risks and development of risk treatment measures as described in Part 5 of the Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Risk Management will provide assistance in developing safe work practices.

2.1 Risk

Riskisthelikelihoodandconsequenceofinjuryorharmoccurring.

Forexample,iftheriskiselectricity,therethelikelihoodthataworkermightbeelectrocutedbecauseoftheexposuretoelectricalliveparts.

Thedegreeofriskwilldependontheamountofexposuretotherisk.Withregardtoelectricity,thiswouldrelatetoaspectsoftheelectricityi.e.voltage,frequencyofexposure,anddegreeofrisktreatmentmeasuresinplace.

2.2 The risk management process

Effectiveriskmanagementinvolvesidentifyingalloftherisksintheworkplaceandthencarryingoutariskassessmentforeach,toassesstheseverityofarisk,beforedecidingitspriority.

Whencarryingoutariskassessment,determinetherisksthathavethegreatestpotentialtocauseharmandagreaterlikelihoodofoccurring.Theserisksaretreatedfirst,followedbythelessseriousrisks.

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AssetdownintheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Risk Management,therearefivebasicstepsintheriskmanagementprocess:

Step 1 - Identify all risks by:

• observing,inspecting,investigating,communicatingandconsulting;and

• makingarecordoftherisksidentified.

Step 2 - Assess the risks by:

• assessingandprioritisingtherisks;

• dealingwiththehighestpriorityrisksfirst;and

• dealingwithlessrisksorleastsignificantriskslast.

Step 3 - Decide on measures to treat the risks by:

• eliminatingtherisk;

• ifeliminationoftheriskisnotpossible,selecttheserisktreatmentmeasuresinthefollowingorderofpreference:

- substitutione.g.usingmachineswithbetterguardingorusinganinstrumentwithahigherinstallationcategory;

- isolation(notadministrative)e.g.removeorseparatepeoplefromtherisk;

- minimisationbyengineeringe.g.modifyaswitchboardtoreducetheamountofexposedliveparts;

- applicationofadministrativemeasurese.g.usingsigns,trainingorpoliciestotreatrisk;and

- useofpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE),equipmentorclothingdesignedtoprotecttheworker.

Step 4 - Implement appropriate risk treatment measures that will:

• adequatelytreattherisks;

• notcreateotherrisks;and

• allowworkerstodotheirworkwithoutunduediscomfortordistress.

Step 5 - Monitor the risk treatment measures and review the process:

A: Monitor

• Havethetreatmentmeasuresbeenimplementedasintended?

• Arethetreatmentmeasuresadequate?

• Didtheimplementationoftreatmentmeasurescreateotherrisks?

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B: Review

• Hasanythingchangedovertimesincetheriskprocesswasimplemented?

• Isthetreatmentofrisksstilladequate?

• Wastheriskmanagementprocessconductedeffectively?

Forfurtherinformationonriskmanagementandguidelinesonhowtocompleteariskassessment,pleaserefertotheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010-Risk Management.

ThefivestepriskmanagementprocessisillustratedinFigure1.

Step 1 Identify risks

Step 2 Assess and prioritise

risks

Step 3 Decide on risk treatment measures including risk

treatment hierarchy

Step 4 Implement risk

treatment measures

Step 5 Monitor and review Consultation

should be carried out at each step of

this process

Preparation: • Define the context.

• Identify tasks, activities, work processes and practices for assessment

Figure 1: The five step risk management process

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2.3 Common electrical risks

2.3.1 Electrical risks and causes of injury

Thecommonelectricalrisksandcausesofinjurycanbebrokenintothreebroadcategories.Thesecategoriesare:

• Electric shockcausinginjuryordeath.Theelectricshockmaybereceivedbydirectcontact,trackingthroughoracrossamedium,orbyarcing.

• Arcing, explosion or firecausingburns.Theinjuriesareoftensufferedbecausearcingorexplosionorbothoccurwhenhighfaultcurrentsarepresent.

• Toxic gassescausingillnessordeath.Burningandarcingassociatedwithelectricalequipmentcausesarangeofgasesandcontaminantstobepresent.Compoundsrangingfromozonetocyanideandsulphuricacidscanbepresentaswellastheriskssuchaslowoxygencontentintheair.

Thethreecommonelectricalrisksmaybepresentindividuallyorcombined.

Forexample,ifafaultoccurredinthemainswitch-roomofalargeshoppingcentreallthreeoftheelectricalriskscouldbepresent.Thepresenceofstepandtouchpotentialsshouldbeaddressedaswellasthepotentialforanexplosion.Further,burningmaterialssuchasPVCandepoxyresinscancausetheatmospheretobecomehazardous.

Undersection11(2)(a)oftheRegulation,partsthatarenormallyenergisedorthatmaybecomeenergisedunderfaultconditionsmustbetreatedasliveuntilthepartsareprovende-energised.Thecategoriesofcommonelectricalrisks,listedabove,arerelativelyclear.However,aselectricityisnotusuallydetectedbysight,smellorsound,theidentification(orrecognitionofthepotential)oftheriskscanbemoredifficult.RefertoPart2.3ofthisCodeforguidanceregardingtheidentificationofrisksandAppendixBforfurtherinformationonelectricalrisks.

Areas,outsidethescopeofthisCode,thatshouldalsobeaddressedinclude:

• Theflammableatmosphereinbatteryroomsorhazardouslocations.

• Workinginconfinedspaces.

• Electricfieldstrengthandmagneticfieldstrengths.Thesefields,especiallyifthesourceofthefieldisadirectcurrent,cancauseinterferencewithcardiacpacemakersandothermedicallyimplantedelectronicdevices.Precautionsshouldalsobetakentopreventotherriskssuchasflyingmetalobjects.

• Preventingfalls,e.g.whenworkingatheight.

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• Useofexplosivepoweredtools.

• Workingonroadways.

• Theuseofhazardoussubstancessuchaspoisons,chemicals,solvents,syntheticresins,formsofasbestosandpolychlorinatedbiphenyls(PCB).

• Theuseofflammablegasessuchasliquidpetroleum,oxygen,acetyleneetc.

• Theuseofexplosives.

2.4 Instruction, training and supervision

UndertheWorkplace Health and Safety Act 1995,sections28and29,apersonwhoconductsabusinessorundertakingmustprovideinstruction,trainingandsupervisiontopersonstowhomtheyoweanobligation.Section30oftheElectrical Safety Act 2002,whichsetsdowntheobligationofanemployertoensuretheirbusinessorundertakingisconductedinawaythatiselectricallysafe,includesanimpliedrequirementtoprovidetrainingtoensurethattheymeettheirobligation.

Workerswhoarelikelytobeexposedtoelectricalrisksandanyonesupervisingtheseworkersshouldbetrainedandprovidedwithinformationandinstruction.

Trainingshouldbeappropriatetothetypeofworktobeperformed.Insomecases,formaltrainingmayberequired.Inothers,on-the-jobtrainingmaybemoreappropriate.Thespecialneedsofworkersshouldbetakenintoaccountindecidingonthestructure,contentanddeliveryoftraining.Thisassessmentshouldincludeliteracylevels,workexperienceandspecificskillsrequiredforajob.

Adequateandappropriatetrainingisawayofmanagingtherisksassociatedwithelectricalrisks.Thiscanbedoneby:

• determiningwhoneedstobetrained;

• determiningwhattrainingisrequired;

• determininghowtrainingwillbedelivered;

• ensuringthatthetrainingisprovided;

• evaluatingthetraining;and

• keepingtrainingrecords.

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Theamountoftrainingwillbedeterminedby:

• thenatureoftheworkplacerisks;

• thedegreeofassociatedrisk;

• thecomplexityofwork,suchasoperatingproceduresandequipment;

• otherrisktreatmentmeasuresbeingimplemented;and

• thequalificationsandexperienceoftheworker.

2.4.1 Types of training

Therearedifferenttypesofelectricalsafetytrainingthathavedifferentpurposes,including:

• Inductiontraining:forworkerswhencommencingemploymentorwhennewtothejob.Thistrainingisgeneralandmayinvolveaworkplacetour,andinformationaboutconditionsofemployment,administration,organisationalstructure,emergencyproceduresandworkplaceamenities.

• Supervisorandmanagementtraining:providedtohelpensurethatthesupervisionandmanagementoftheelectricalsafetyissuesareappropriatelycarriedoutintheworkplace.

• Specificjobtrainingorfamiliarisationtraining:providinginformationabouttheelectricalandotherrisksassociatedwiththejob.

• Specificelectricalrisktraining:providinginformationabouttherisksassociatedwithworkingnearexposedliveparts.

• Ongoingtrainingorrefreshertraining:providedperiodicallytoensurethatworkcontinuestobeperformedsafely.

• Emergencyprocedurestraining:providedtoensureworkersknowwhattodointheeventofanemergency,includingidentifyingpersonswithspecificemergencyrolesandresponsibilities.

• Firstaidtraining:providedtoensureappropriateproceduresarefollowedforadministeringfirstaid.

• JobspecifictrainingrequiredunderaRegulatione.g.safetyobserverandhighvoltagelivelineworktraining.

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Part 3: Working De-energised

3.1 Scope

Thispartprovidesguidelinesforcreatinganelectricallysafeworkenvironmentbyremovingsourcesofelectricalriskby:

• de-energisinglowvoltage;and

• de-energisingandearthinghighvoltageparts.

Theseguidelinesapplytobothalternatinganddirectcurrentsystems.

3.2 Regulatory requirement

Forregulatoryinformation,refertoAppendixEforalistofrelevantsectionsoftheRegulation.

3.3 General

Anemployerorself-employedpersonshouldensurethataneffectiveprocessofisolationandaccessisusedtoprotectelectricalworkersandothers.Asafesystemofworkshouldbedevelopedwithpeoplewho:

• arerepresentativeoftheelectricalworkers;and

• haveskillsandknowledgeintheareaofwork.

Apersonincontrolofelectricalequipmentshouldmakesurethat,whereisolationandaccessiscomplex,therearesufficientinstructionstoensuretheprocessisperformedsafely.

Instructionsforisolationandaccessshouldbedocumentedwhere:

• complexisolationandaccessistobeperformed;

• isolationandaccessistobeperformedonacomplexelectricalsystem;or

• bothoftheaboveapply.

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3.4 Low voltage isolation and access

3.4.1 Switching, de-energising and re-energising

Assetdowninsection12oftheRegulation,switching,de-energisingandre-energisingmustbeperformedunderasafesystemofworkincludingthepreparationofadocumentedriskassessment.

Switchingincludes,butisnotlimitedto,switchingforisolationorreturntoserviceandsynchronising.Theelectricalsafetyofworkersandothersshouldbeaddressedwhenswitching.

Otherelectricalsafetyconsiderationsthatshouldapplytode-energising,theprocessofde-energisingandre-energisingconnectingpartsfromallsources,include:

• thecapacityofswitchingdevicestomakeandbreakloadcurrents,includingin-rushcurrents;

• thecapacityofswitchingdevicestomakeandbreakfaultcurrents;

• connectingsourcesthatmaynotbesynchronisedorhavethesamephaserelationship;and

• creatingcirculatingcurrentswithinringfeedsofnetworks.

Contingencyactionstobetaken,shouldafaultoccur.Examplesincludewhatformofactionshouldbetakenif:

• themainswitchisacircuitbreakerandthebreakertripstheinstantitisclosed;

• ifathermaloverloadtripsamotor;and

• asafetyswitch(residualcurrentdevice)trips.

3.4.2 Isolating and disconnecting

Isolating

Subjecttosections11and12oftheRegulation,anypartsworkedonmustbeisolatedandprovedde-energisedunlessasafesystemofworkexistsandpermissionhasbeengrantedtoworklive.

Beforeyoucarryoutworkthatisde-energised,youmustensurethatsupplyiseffectivelyisolated.Undersection11(2)oftheRegulation,eachexposedpartistreatedasifitisenergiseduntilitisisolatedandprovednottobeenergised.

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Mattersthatshouldbeaddressedintheisolationprocessinclude:

• de-energisingthepartsfromallsourcesofelectricalpotential;toeffectivelyde-energiseparts,anumberofisolationpointsmayberequired;

• removingrisksfromothersourcesofenergye.g.springtensionorhydraulicpressurewithinmechanisms;and

• finally,conclusivelyprovingthatthepartsarede-energisedsothatelectricshockisnotpossible.

Bothelectricalandnon-electricalworkersshouldclearlyunderstandthemethodorsystemsusedtoisolateandmaintainisolation.Isolationpointsforthejobshouldbeexplainedand,wherepractical,showntoeachoftheworkers.

Awarningorsafetysignshouldbeattachedinaprominentpositiononeachisolationpointordevice.

Isolationcanbeachievedbymethodsorsystemsusinglocksorrenderingthemechanisminoperableoracombinationofthese.Insituationswhereisolationpointsareabletobeaccessedbyotherpeople,itisimportantthattheisolationmethodorsystemisnotabletobeinadvertentlyoreasilycompromised.

Withoutproperauthority,peopleshouldnotalter,removeorchangethestatusofatag,lock,orthemethodusedtorenderthemechanisminoperable.

Disconnecting

Undersection90(3)oftheRegulation,outofservicetagsmustbeusedtoidentifyequipmentormachinerythatisfaultyornotsuitableforuseandhasbeentakenoutofservice.Theelectricalequipmentormachinerymustbeisolatedandtaggedoutofservice.

Outofservicepartsshouldbeleftinasafemanner.Sinceoutofservicetagsapplytoelectricalaswellasnon-electricalpersons,thesafetyofallshouldbeaddressed.

Whereisolationandaccessisrequired,thesafesystemofworkshouldstatewhethertaggingoutofserviceistooccurinadditiontoisolationandaccess.RefertoAppendixB.2.5forfurtherinformation.

Forexample,taggingonthejobofreplacinga45kWmotoronafeedwaterpumpwhilemaintenanceisbeingperformedontheintake‘footvalve’wouldinclude:

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• circuitsforthepumpsupply,startercontrolandcontrolandtelemetrycircuitswouldbeisolatedandprovedde-energised;

• outofservicetagswouldbeplacedinkeylocationse.g.onthestarter;and

• personaltags,locks,methodsofrenderingthemechanisminoperable,oracombinationofthesewouldthenbeinstalled.

3.4.3 Proving de-energised

Undersection11(2)(a)oftheRegulation,exposedpartsmustbeprovedde-energisedbeforeworkbegins.Withintheelectricityindustry,anextensiverangeofdevicescanbeusedtoprovepartsde-energised.Ingeneral,whenprovingde-energised,aworkershouldatleastknow:

• Howtodeterminewhetherthedeviceisfitforpurpose.

• Howtodeterminewhetherthedeviceiswithintest,inspectionorcalibrationdates,asapplicable.

• Howtocorrectlyoperatethedevice,includingselftestfunctions,asapplicable.

• Thetechnicallimitationsofthedevice,testerorequipmentused:

- thethresholdvalueofpick-upforthedevicee.g.forseriestestlampsindicationofvoltages,candependontheoperatorandlightconditions;

- whetherthedevicewilldetectthepresenceofDConACcircuitsandviceversa;

- whetherthedeviceindicatesinductiononacircuit;

- whetheracleanconnectionisrequiredforaccuratereadings;and

- ifthedeviceistobeusedoutdoors,whetherthedeviceiswaterresistantorwaterproof.

• Theactionsrequiredtocompletetheprocessofconfirmingthetesterisoperatingcorrectly,provede-energisedandre-confirmthetester.Theseactionsshouldincludebeingabletodetermine:

- Istheuseofself-testmodepreferredtotestingthedeviceonaknownlivesource?

- Howcanthedevicebeprovenifthereisnoself-testmodeandnoknownsourceofsupply?

- Thesequenceofactionsrequiredtoprovethepartde-energised.

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• Whatisdeemedaconclusivetesti.e.thereisconclusiveproofthatthepartisde-energised.

• Whatisdeemedaninconclusivetestorincorrecttestandwhatactionshouldbetakentoresolvethesituation.

Themethodusedtoprovede-energisedmustbeeffective.Forexample,apanelvoltmetershouldnotbeusedastheonlyindicationthatapartisde-energised.

Proving cables de-energised before work

Whereworkistobeperformedonacable,thecableshouldbede-energised.Ifthecable’sconnectionsareexposed,theconnectionsandattachedlivepartsshouldbeprovedtobede-energisedandidentifiedbeforeworkstarts.

Cutting cables

Particularattentionisdrawntocuttingcables.Bothendsofthecableshouldbecheckedforisolationpriortocutting.

Ensuringthataninsulatedorcoveredcableisde-energisedcanpresentdifficulties.Additionalprecautionsshouldbetakenregardlessofwhetherthecableislowvoltage,highvoltageoracontrolcable.

Forexample,theactionofcuttingamulti-corecontrolcableislikelytocreateariskifsecondarycurrentfromacurrenttransformerispresent.Thisriskmaynotbeinitiallyapparenti.e.thecablecuttersmaynotbedamagedwhenthecableiscut.Ahighvoltagemaydevelopacrosstheopencircuitedsecondarywindingcausinganelectricshock,arcingorafaultatalaterstage.

Dependingonthesituation,alternativeprecautionsmayinclude:

• usingacablespikingorstabbingdevicethatisfitforpurpose;or

• acombinationofprovingde-energisedandphysicallytracingthecable.

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3.4.4 Altering isolation for testing, fault finding and energising

Attimeselectricalworkersneedtoalterisolationtobeabletotestorfaultfind,orboth,onenergisedparts.Typicalexamplesarethetestingperformedbeforereturningequipmenttoserviceandcommissioningnewequipment.

Testing,faultfindingorboth,andthealterationofisolationpointsshouldbeperformedinlinewithasafesystemofwork.Thesafesystemshouldaddressandcontrolexposuretoelectricshockandelectricalexplosion.

Mattersthatshouldbeaddressedwhenisolationpointsarealteredinclude:

• ensuringtheisolationsystemormethodiseffectiveandnotcompromised;

• eliminatingaccesstotheequipmentforallpersonsnotdirectlyinvolvedinthework;and

• contingencyplansifthetestfailsorahazardoussituationisdiscovered.

ReferalsotoPart4.5ofthisCodefordetailsofrisksassociatedwithtestingandfaultfinding.

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Part 4 : Working Live

4.1 Scope

Thispartprovidesguidelinesforsafeelectricalworkpracticeswhencarryingoutlowvoltagelivework,withintherestrictionssetdownbytheRegulation.Thepartcovers:

• importantissueswhenworkinglive;

• theselectionanduseoftools,instrumentsandequipmentforlivework;and

• testingandfaultfinding(thispartincludestheimportanceoftestingtoconfirmcorrectconnections–includingpolaritytest–toensureelectricalsafety).

4.2 Regulatory requirement

Forregulatoryinformation,refertoAppendixEforalistofrelevantsectionsoftheRegulation.

4.3 Important issues when working live

4.3.1 Documentation

Ifitisnotpossibletoworkde-energisedthedecisiontoworklivemustbedocumented.Theoccasionsthatliveworkispermittedisrestrictedbysection12oftheRegulation.Section12oftheRegulationalsohasanumberofrequirementse.g.asafesystemofworkmustexistbeforeworkinglive.Thedevelopmentofasafesystemofworkincludesthepreparationofadocumentedriskmanagementstrategy.Asafesystemofliveworkshouldbedevelopedwithpeoplewho:

• arerepresentativeoftheelectricalworkers;and

• haveskillsandknowledgeintheareaofwork.

RisktreatmentmeasureschosenforliveworkshouldnotrelysolelyonitemssuchasflameretardantorflameresistantclothingandPPE.Appropriatetreatmentmeasurescaninclude:

• isolatingasmanyofthesourcesofelectricpotentialaspossible;thismayinvolveworkinglive,thoughsurroundingpartsneednotbelive;

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• reducingthefaultlevele.g.performingtheworkoutofhourswhenthesupplycanbefedfromonlyonetransformeroragenerator;

• usingasafetyswitch(residualcurrentdevice)e.g.testinganappliance;and

• insituationswhereuninterruptiblepowersupplies,backupgenerators,autore-closing,orautochangeoversystemsareinstalled,thesefacilitiesshouldbedisabled.

4.3.2 Conductive materials

Workerscanbeexposedtotherisksofelectricshock,arcingandexplosionwithoutmakingdirectcontactwithexposedliveparts.Othermaterialscanprovidecurrentpathsfortheelectricshock,faultcurrent,orboth.

Allmaterialsshouldberegardedasconductive,unlessprovedotherwise.Gasesandliquidsshouldberegardedasconductivematerials.

Particularcareshouldbetakenwhenexposedlivepartsarenearearthedsituations.Theelectricshockpathtoearthcanbeviaconductivematerials,suchasconcrete,timberwithahighmoisturecontentorwater.

Metallicpersonalitems,suchaswatchesandwatchbands,shouldnotbewornwhenworkingnearexposedliveparts.Objectsofthiskindcanresultinelectricshocks.Inaddition,burnssustainedneartheseitemscanbeworsebecausetheobjectsretainheatandprovidecontactpointsforcurrenttoflow.

Examplesofothermetalobjectsthatshouldnotbewornwhenperformingelectricalworkinclude:

• neckchains;

• rings;

• bracelets;

• earrings;

• bodypiercings;and

• metalspectacleframes.

4.3.3 Work position

Topreventelectricshock,youshouldworkfromapositionwhereanycontactwithelectricitywouldrequireadeliberatemovementtotouchenergisedpartsorcreateacurrentpath.Adequateworkingclearancetoallowsafeaccessandegressfromtheworkposition,inthecaseofanemergency,shouldbemaintained.

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Examples:

• Choiceofbodypositionshouldbesuchthatifyoumadeaninvoluntaryactionsuchassneezing,youwouldnottouchexposedlivepartse.g.faultfindingonaProgrammableLogicController(PLC)whoseinputsarenexttoliveexposedparts.

• Whenworkinginanawkwardposition–suchastestingcomponentstowardstherearofawashingmachineviathefrontpanele.g.inalaundromat–theworksystem,includingbodyposition,shouldbesuchthatnoelectricshockpathcanbecreated.

• Performingphasesequencingorrotationtestingonoverheadmainsoratanundergroundpillar,theworksystem,includingbodyposition,shouldbesuchthatnoelectricshockpathcanbecreated.

Ifacircuitbreakerhasthefacilitytoberemotelyoperated,thepreferredworkpositionshouldbecommunicatedtoworkers.Forexample,isoperatingacircuitbreakerbystandingattheunitacceptable,or,isitpreferredtouseremotecontrolfacilities?

4.3.4 Safety observer (electrical)

Undersection12(1)(j)oftheRegulation,asafetyobserver(electrical)whoobservestheperformanceoftheliveworkmustbeusedwhenperformingliveelectricalwork,unlesstheworkinvolvestestingelectricalequipmentandadocumentedriskassessmentshowstheworkisnothighrisk.

Whereliveworkisperformed,thefollowingshouldapply:

• Theroleofthesafetyobserver(electrical)shouldbeclearlycommunicatedandunderstood.Theirroleistowarntheworkerorworkersofdangeraswellastoperformrescueandresuscitation,asrequired.

• Asafetyobserver(electrical)shouldhavetheauthoritytostoptheworkbeforetherisksbecometoohigh.

• Thesafetyobserver(electrical)shouldnotcarryoutanyotherworkorfunctionthatcompromisestheirroleasasafetyobserver.

• Thesafetyobserver(electrical)shouldbeabletocommunicateeffectivelywiththeworkerorworkers.Specialistequipmentmaybenecessaryinsituationswherethereisabarriertocommunication.

• Thesafetyobserver(electrical)shouldnothavetoobservemorethanonetaskatatime.

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• Asafetyobserver(electrical)shouldnotbesituatedintheworkbasketoftheelevatingworkplatform.

• Tomeetanelectricalsafetyobligation,asafetyobserver(electrical)shouldnotberegardedasthesolerisktreatmentmeasuretoensureelectricalsafety.

• Thesafetyobserver(electrical)mustbecompetenttohelpwiththeelectricalwork.

• Thesafetyobserver(electrical)mustbecompetentinisolationtechniqueswhereappropriate.

Whenworkingnearexposedliveparts,asafetyobserver(electrical)maybeusedasoneformofrisktreatmentmeasure.

Examples of work near exposed live parts include:

• faultfindingataswitchboardthathasahighprospectivefaultcurrentlevel;

• installingandreplacingcomponentsataswitchboard;

• wheretheworkerisinthe‘safetyobserverzone’i.e.neartheexclusionzoneforexposedliveparts;and

• performingcomplexfaultfinding.

Forfurtherinformationonthefunctionsofasafetyobserver(electrical)whenworkingnearexposedliveparts,pleaserefertotheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Working Near Exposed Live Parts.

4.3.5 Emergency planning

Ifapersonsustainsaninjuryduetoelectricalrisks,promptandtimelyactioncansignificantlyreducetheinjury’sseverity.Quickactionmayevensavealife.

Afteranelectricalincident,thereisstillariskofinjurybecauseofthethreecommonelectricalrisks(refertoPart2.3).Itiscrucialtheresponsebeappropriatetoelectricalrisk.Forexample,inalivelowvoltagesituation,rescuemaybeacceptable.However,shouldarescuerequireeitherthevictim,therescuer,orbothtointrudeintoexclusionzonesforexposedlivehighvoltage,isolationandprovingde-energisedshouldbeperformed.

Inaneffectivesafesystemofwork,workersshouldbecompetentatreactingtoelectricalincidentstopreventinjuryorfurtherinjury.Emergencyactionsshouldbetakenthatsuittheworkbeingdone.

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InlinewithAS/NZS 4836 Safe working on low-voltage electrical installations,section9.1,thesafesystemofworkrequiredbeforeliveworkcommencesshouldstipulatethatanypersonreceivinganelectricshockorinvolvedanelectricalincidentshouldreceivemedicalattention.Atrainedmedicalpractitionerisqualifiedtocheckforotherpossibleeffectsofelectricshock.

Processesandproceduresthatshouldbeconsideredinclude:

• Responsetohighvoltageincidentsandinjuries.Thisshouldinclude:

- formsofisolationandaccess;

- rescueandescapefromanEWP;

- cardiopulmonaryresuscitation;and

- firstaidincludingtreatmentofburns.

• Responsetolowvoltageincidentsandinjuries.Theseshouldincluderescueproceduressuchas:

- lowvoltagepolerescue;

- lowvoltageswitchboardrescue;

- confinedspacerescuee.g.rescuefromlowvoltagecablepits;

- rescueandescapefromanEWP;

- cardiopulmonaryresuscitation;and

- firstaidincludingtreatmentofburns.

4.3.6 Safety barriers and signs

PhysicalsafetybarriersandsignscanbeusedtotreatelectricalriskssuchasthosementionedinAppendixB.1.

Barriersandsignsmaybedesigned,erectedorinstalledto:

• protecttheelectricalworkerfrommakingcontactwithliveparts;

• ensurethataccesstoandegressfromtheworklocationofliveworkallowsforclear,unobstructedpassage;and

• warnothersanddirectpeopleawayfromliveparts.

Aphysicalsafetybarriershouldconsistofanon-conductivematerialsuchhaswoodorplasticoralternatively,correctlyearthedsteelandbestrongenoughtowithstandtheimpactfromfallingobjectsorloosematerial.Beforeanybarriersareerected,ariskassessmentmustbecarriedoutbyanappropriatelyqualified

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persontoensuretheappropriatedesignandthatcorrectmaterialsareused.Thebarriermustbeerectedsafely.Thismayentailisolatingtheelectricitysupplywhilethebarrierisinstalled.Abarriermaybetemporaryorpermanentandshouldclearlydesignatethesafeworkareabydefiningtheapproachpathtoapieceofequipment.

4.3.7 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

RefertoPart2fortherisktreatmenthierarchy.ThehierarchylistsPPEasthelast–orleastpreferred–option.

PPEshouldbefitforpurposeanditscorrectapplication,use,maintenanceandtestingshouldbeexplainedtousers.

ExamplesofPPEapplicationsinclude:

• Reducingrisksratherthancompoundingriskse.g.ifanexplosionoccursatthighheightthatcausestheenergytoventupwards.Inthissituation,adustcoatoranincorrectlyfittedfaceshieldcouldtraptheexplosionratherthanprotectsomeonefromit.

• Preventionorreductionoftheeffectsofelectricshockandburnsmaybecontrolledby:

- usingclothingthatcoversthearms,legsandbody;theclothingshouldhaveflameresistantorretardantpropertiese.g.cottonorwool,andcontainnometallicthreadsorexposedconductivemateriale.g.ziporrivetsinjeans;

- usingnon-conductivefootwear,suchassteeltoecappedbootsorshoesmanufacturedtoasuitablestandard;and

- usinginsulatinggloves.

4.4 What to use to work safely – tools, instruments and equipment used for electrical work

4.4.1 General

Ingeneralindustry,tools,instrumentsandequipmentthatarepoorlymaintained,inappropriatelyusedornotfitforpurposecancauseinjuries.Withelectricalwork,thereistheaddedriskofelectricshockorlargereleasesofenergyfromarcingandexplosion.

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Thetools,instrumentsandequipmentusedbyelectricalworkersoftenhavespecialdesigncharacteristics.Forexample,manyareinsulatedasarisktreatmentmeasure.However,regularmaintenanceandinspectionarerequired.Otherwise,certaindangerscanarisee.g.theinsulatingmediummightconcealamechanicaldefectthatcouldcauseanopencircuitintheleadofatestingdevice.

Tools,instrumentsandequipment,includethefollowingdevices:

• insulatedhandtoolswheretheinsulationisrelieduponasarisktreatmentmeasure;

• rescueandescapekits;

• portableshortcircuitsandearthdevices;

• operatingrods,includingmeasuringsticks;

• mechanicalequipmentsuchasserialhoistsforlinework;

• cablespikingorstabbingequipment;

• laddersandpoleplatforms;

• insulatingmatsandcovers;

• harnesses,lanyardsandfallrestraintdevices;and

• instrumentsandtestingdevicesusedforprovingde-energised,testingandfaultfinding.

Workersshouldbecompetentinthesafeuseofthedeviceincluding:

• beingabletousethedevicesafelyandinthemannerforwhichitwasintended;

• beingabletodetermine,byinspection,thatthedeviceissafeforusee.g.thedeviceisnotdamagedandisfitforpurpose;

• understandingthelimitationsoftheequipmente.g.whentestingtoproveanACcircuitisde-energised,whetherthedeviceindicatesthepresenceofhazardouslevelsofDC;

• beingawareoftheelectricalsafetyimplicationsforotherswhenthedeviceisbeingusede.g.whetherthedevicecausestheelectricpotentialoftheearthingsystemtorisetoahazardouslevel;and

• knowingwhattodotoensureelectricalsafetywhenaninconclusiveorincorrectresultisobtained.

ReferalsotoAppendixB.2.8forinformationaboutthegeneraluseoftoolsforelectricalwork.

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4.4.2 Selection, testing, maintenance of tools, instruments and equipment

Whenselectingormaintainingtools,instrumentsandequipment,youshouldaddressanumberoffactorstoensureelectricalsafety.Asaminimum,thefollowingissuesaretobeaddressed:

• Thedevicemustbefitforpurpose.

• Equipmentandtestinstrumentsthatcanbevisuallyconfirmedasfunctioningcorrectlyshouldhavevisualconfirmationofcorrectfunctioneachtimebeforeuse.

• Equipmentandtestinstrumentsthatarenotabletobevisuallyconfirmedasfunctioningcorrectlymustbetestedatleasteverysixmonthstoensureproperworkingorder.

• Repairsandmaintenanceshouldmeetappropriatestandardsandmanufacturer’sinstructions.

Appropriateguidanceandstandardsfortesting,inspecting,calibratingandmaintainingthesedevicescanbeobtainedfromsourcesthatinclude:

• manufacturesandsuppliers;

• industrygroups;

• nationalandinternationalcodesandstandardssuchasthoseproducedby:

- StandardsAustraliae.g.ASandAS/NZSpublications;and

- InternationalElectrotechnicalCommissione.g.IECpublications.

Whenselectingdevicesthefollowingshouldbeavoided:

• flameproducingdevices,sinceflameconductselectricity;and

• fireextinguishersthatcontainconductivemediumssuchaswater.

Whenworkingnearexposedlivepartsorworkinglive,thetoolsandequipmentusedshouldbenon-conductiveorinsulated.Examplesinclude:

• torches;

• telescopicdevicese.g.antennas,dentistsmirrors;

• rulersandtapemeasures;

• insulatedtoolse.g.screwdrivers,pliers,cablecutters,spanners,crimpers;and

• electricalorhydraulicpoweredtools.

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4.4.3 Use of instruments and test devices

Whenusinginstrumentsandtestdevices,theworkpracticeshouldinclude:

• Immediatelybeforeandafteruse,thedeviceshouldbeinspectedandfunctionalchecksperformedtoconfirmthatthedeviceisoperatingcorrectly,asappropriate.

• Theworkpracticesemployedduringuseshouldnotonlybesafebutinlinewithdocumentedprocedures.Thesedocumentedproceduresshouldaddressmanufacturer’sinstructions.

4.4.4 Instruments and test devices

Whenselectinginstrumentsandtestdevices,thefollowingshouldbeaddressed:

• Thedevice’sfunction,rangeandclassofaccuracyshouldbeappropriatetobothworkandconditions.

• Toensureelectricalsafety,thecombinationofleadsandinstrumentusedshouldbecapableofwithstandingtheimpulsevoltagesandfaultcurrentlevelsthatcouldbeexperiencedatthelocation.

Therelevantprotectivecategory–orInstallationCategory–ofinstrument,deviceandleadsshouldbechosenasarisktreatmentmeasureforimpulsevoltagesandprospectivefaultcurrents.TheInstallationCategoryisaninherentsafetydesigncriterion.Note:InstallationCategoryisasafetyfocusandisnotassociatedwithinstrumentaccuracy.

Theratingfortestinstrumentsandtestprobesusedon415/240VmainsvoltageequipmentconnectedonthesupplysideofamainswitchboardshouldbeInstallationCategoryIII(3)orIV(4).

TypeAprobes(leads)shouldbeusedformeasuringsupplyvoltages(415/240VAC).

Therefore,workerswhoperformlivetestingorfaultfindinginswitchboardsshoulduseatleastCategoryIII(3)deviceswithTypeAprobes.

Ifthecombinationoftheprobetypeandinstallationcategoryoftheinstrumentisinadequate,alternativemeasuresshouldbetaken.Thesemeasuresinclude:

• obtainingamoresuitableinstrument,deviceandleadcombination;or

• usingotherappropriatemeanstoensureelectricalsafety;fusedleadsorprobesmaybeasuitablerisktreatmentmeasure,buttheyshouldbefitforpurpose.

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Whenselectingavoltageindicatingdevice,considerationshouldbegiventowhetherasingleordoubleprobedeviceismoresuitablee.g.aproximitytesteroramultimeterstyle.

Forexample,aproximitytesterthathasaselftestfacilityandafail-safedesignmaybeappropriatetotesttoprovede-energisedinsomelowvoltagesituations.However,whenmeasuringthevoltageataneutrallink,adoubleprobevoltmeterwithatrailingearthleadismoreappropriate.

4.4.5 Ladders, portable pole platforms and scaffolds

RefertoAppendixB.2.2.

4.5 Testing and fault finding – providing the work is safe

4.5.1 General

Whenfaultfinding,testing,applyingapotentiallyfataltestcurrent,oracombinationofthese,thecommonelectricalrisksarelikelytobepresent(refertoPart2.3).ConsultAppendixB.1forinformationonthesourcesoftheserisks.Totreatrisksofthiskind,asafesystemofliveworkasoutlinedinPart4.3ofthisCodemustbeinplace.

Wherearecognisedtestcannotordoesnotsatisfactorilydeterminethatpartsareelectricallysafe–includingprovingthatallconnectionsarecorrect(includingpolarity)–orwhereanydoubtexists,thefollowingshouldapply:

• Ensuretheelectricalworkoraffectedpartoftheelectricalworkisisolated,disconnected,andmadesafe.

• Makesuretheelectricalworkremainssafelyisolateduntilthematterisresolved.Resolutionmaytaketheformoffurtheradviceandassistancebeingreceivedandactedon.

Toensureelectricalsafety,proceduresforfaultfindingandtestingshouldalsoaddressthefollowing:

• Consideringthecharacteristicsofthetestinstrumenttobeusedandanyresultanteffects,includingtechnicallimitations.Forexample,whenchoosingavoltageindicatingdevicetotestatalowvoltageswitchboard,anappropriateclassofdevicewithanappropriateinternalimpedancewillensureaccurateandvalidtestswhilemaintainingelectricalsafetybynotintroducinghazardouscurrentsandpotentialsintotheearthingsystem.

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• Provingthecorrectoperationofthetestinstrument,bothbeforeandaftereachtest.Ifatestprocedureisinterrupted,thesequenceoftestingandconfirmationshouldberestarted.

• Givingclearinstructiononwhatisseenasaconclusiveteste.g.whatconstitutescorrectconnections(includingpolarity).

• Providingclearinstructiononwhatisregardedasaninconclusivetest.

Iftheprocedureincludesarequirementforinspections,thecriteriafortheinspectionsshouldbeclearlyidentified.

Wheremorethanoneelectricalworkerisinvolvedintheprocessofinstalling,testing,energising,disconnectingandrectifying,anemployerorself-employedpersonshouldensurethatanelectricalworkerisassignedtoensuringelectricalsafetyismaintainedatalltimes.

Anemployerorselfemployedpersonshouldmakesureapersonisclearlyresponsiblefortheoverallintegrityoftheelectricalworkandtesting.

Electricalworkersshouldberegularlytrainedandassessedintheunderpinningknowledgeandpracticalaspectsoftestingacrosstherangeofvariablestheworkerwillencounter.

Clearguidelinesshouldbeprovidedonwhichtestinstruments,orcombinationoftestinstrumentsandequipment,touseincludingaccessoriessuchastrailingearthleads.

4.5.2 Ensuring correct connections (including polarity)

Importance of testing for correct connections (including polarity)

Failuretoensurecorrectconnections(includingpolarity)cancauseseriousincidentsandmayresultinsevereandevenfatalinjuries.Examplesofhazardoussituationsresultingfromincorrectconnections(includingpolarity)include:

• Transposinganactiveandneutral,oranopencircuitneutralconnection,resultinginexposedconductivepartsofaninstallationbecomingenergised.Inthissituation,dangerouspotentialsarecreatedbetweenmetalwork,suchastapsandsinks,andearth.

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• Onthelowvoltagedistributionnetwork,bondingaphasetoearthinsteadofbondingtheneutraltoearth,thuscausingdangerousstepandtouchpotentialsatthebaseofapole.

WhenanactiveandneutralaretransposedinaMultipleEarthedNeutral(MEN)system,theearthedmetalwork–suchastaps–becomelivei.e.thereisasignificantpotentialtoearth.Anerrorofthiskindwillusuallymeanthesupplycannotbeisolatedtoaninstallationviathemainswitch.Inthisinstance,theproblemarisesbecausethemainswitchisintheneutralandatleastoneactiveisnotswitched.

Connectionsmustbetestedtoconfirmthattheyarecorrect.Thetestsmustbeperformedwhenanynewworkisenergised.Thesameappliestoanyalterationsoradditions,orboth.Testingtoprovecorrectconnections(includingpolarity)greatlyreducestheriskofdeathorsevereinjuryassociatedwithincorrectconnections(includingpolarity).

Whereconsumer’smainsareconnectedtoanoverheadservicelineandametallicpin,eyeboltorothersimilarfixtureisrequiredtobeeffectivelyearthedinaccordancewithsection144oftheRegulation,apolaritytestingproceduremustensurethattheearthingofthemetallicpartdoesnotinvalidatethepolaritytest.

Usingthecorrecttestprocedureswillensuretheelectricalworkissafeandwillprotecttheworker,otherworkersandthepublicduringandaftertesting.

Situations when testing correct connections (including polarity) are required

Examplesofwhentestsofcorrectconnections(includingpolarity)arerequiredincludewhen:

• electricalinstallationorrepairworkisconnectedtosupply;

• itemsofelectricalequipment,suchasstovesandhotwatersystems,areconnectedtosupply;

• consumers’mainsorsubmainshavebeenrepairedorreplaced;

• newconsumers’mainsorsubmainsareinstalled;

• lowvoltagebridgesareconnectedorreconnectedonlowvoltagemains;

• connectionstotransformersorgeneratorsaremadeorremade;

• serviceconnectionstostreetlightstandardsaremade,remadeoraltered;

• anewlowvoltageserviceisinstalled;

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• anexistingserviceisdisconnectedorreconnected;or

• adistributionsystemisinitiallyenergisedorwhenanyadditionoralterationtothesystemcouldaffectelectricalsafety.

Procedure for ensuring correct connections (including polarity)

Testproceduresshouldbeproperlydocumentedandeffectivelycommunicatedtotheappropriatepersons.

Theminimumstepsshouldincludeprovingthecorrectelectricalrelationshipexistsbetweenthe:

• active/s;

• neutral;

• earthing,bondingconductorsorboth;and

• independentearthusedfortesting.

Boththesourceofsupplyandtheelectricalworkmayrequiretesting.Forexample,ifathree-phasegeneratoristosupplyaninstallation,thesource–inthisinstance,thegenerator–andtheinstallationrequiretestingbecauseincorrectconnection/smayexistateitherorbothlocations.

Theelectricalworkerresponsibleforensuringcorrectconnections(includingpolarity)mustbecompetentinconfirmingconnectionsarecorrect.Section12(1)(e)oftheRegulationrequiresthatthepersonperformingtheliveworkhastheappropriatetraining.

Precautions when testing for correct connections (including polarity)

Itisnotacceptabletorelyonequipmentfunctionasameansoftestingconnections.Examplesofunacceptabletestmethodsinclude:

• relyingonmotorormeterrotationorbothasareliabletest;or

• assumingthat,becauseaprotectivedevicehasnotoperated,theconnectionsarecorrect.

Withinthetestprocedure,anindicationshouldbegivenastowhatthetestisproving.Theelectricalworkerfollowingtheprocedureshouldbeabletoclearlyidentifyexactlywhatheorsheistestingfor.Forexample,isthetestpurelyapolaritytest,ordoesitincludeothermeasuressuchasprovingthatthereisnoalternativesourceofsupply?

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Installationsshouldnotbeconnectedtode-energisedlowvoltagesources.

Theinstallationearthingsystemshouldnotbeusedforteststoearthunlesstheinsulationbetweentheneutralandearthingsystemhasbeenprovenacceptable.Anindependentearthmaybeused.Theinstallationearthingshouldnotbeusedbecause,asthetestisperformed,thepotentialoftheearthingsystemmayrisetoalevelthatcausesanelectricalrisk.Inthissituation,theimpedanceofthetestingdevicedirectlyaffectsthelevelofpotentialrise.

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Appendix A: Meaning of terms used in this Code

Electrical Safety Act 2002=theActElectrical Safety Regulation 2002=theRegulationElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Electrical Work =theCodeWorkplace Health and Safety Act 1995=theWHSAct

Access permit or authoritymeansadocumentthatformspartofasafesystemtowork,toprovideelectricallysafeaccesstohighvoltageparts.Atleastonesetofearthsandshortcircuitsmustbeappliedbeforeanaccesspermitorauthorityisissued.Underanaccesspermitorauthority,earthsandshortcircuitsshouldnotberemoved.

Anappliance(seesection13oftheAct)isadevicethatconsumeselectricityatavoltagegreaterthanextralowvoltageandinwhichtheelectricityisconvertedintoheat,motionoranotherformofenergyorissubstantiallychangedinitselectricalcharacter.

Althoughalightfitting,includingitsbulbortube,isanappliance,thebulbortube,takenalone,isnotanappliance.

Associated equipment,(seesection17oftheAct)foranelectricline,meanssomethingordinarilyfoundinassociationwiththeelectricline,especiallyforthepurposeofprotecting,insulatingorsupporting,orsupportingtheoperationof,theelectricline.

Examples of associated equipment:

• abracket,casing,coating,covering,duct,frame,insulator,pillar,pipe,pole,towerortubeenclosing,surroundingorsupportingawireorconductor;or

• anairbreak,circuitbreaker,switch,transformerorotherapparatusconnectedtoawireorconductor.

Authorised person,foranelectricalpart,(seesection59oftheRegulation)meansapersonwho:

(a) hasenoughtechnicalknowledgeandexperiencetodoworkthatinvolvescontactwith,orbeingnearto,theelectricalpart;and

(b) hasbeenapprovedbythepersonincontroloftheelectricalparttodoworkthatinvolvescontactwith,orbeingnearto,theelectricalpart,orisauthorisedtoactforthepersonincontroloftheelectricalpart.

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Cathodic protection systemmeansasystembywhichastructureincontactwithgroundorwaterisprotectedfromelectrolyticcorrosionbyadirectelectriccurrentflowingbetweenthestructureandanelectricalconductorthroughthegroundorwater.

Chief ExecutiveistheDirector-GeneraloftheQueenslandDepartmentofJusticeandAttorney-General.

Competent person(seeschedule9oftheRegulation)meansapersonwhohasacquiredthroughtraining,qualificationsorexperience,theknowledgeandskillstodothetask,forexampletoinspectandtestelectricalequipmentinasafeway,includingknowledgeof:

(i) relevantAustralianStandards;

(ii) relevantcodesofpractice;and

(iii)otherrelevantlegislation.

Construction work(seeschedule9oftheRegulation):

Workis construction workifitis:

(a) worktoerect,construct,extend,alter,convert,fit-out,commission,renovate,repair,refurbish,disassembleordecommissionastructure,orpartofastructure;or

(b) workconnectedwithsitepreparation,excavationandlandscapingforworkmentionedinparagraph(a);or

(c) theassemblyorinstallationofprefabricatedcomponentstoformastructure,orpartofastructure,forworkmentionedinparagraph(a);or

(d) thedisassemblyofprefabricatedcomponentsforworkmentionedinparagraph(a)that,immediatelybeforethedisassembly,formedastructureorpartofastructure;or

(e) anactivitythatisaprescribedactivity.

Workisnot construction worktotheextentitiscarriedoutataworkplace,aspartofabusinessorundertaking,iftheworkistoerectorconstructastructurethat,whenerectedorconstructed,isintendedtobetransportedtoanotherplacee.g.constructionofamanufacturedhomeorprefabricatedbuilding.

Constructionworkistakentostop:

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(a) whentheconstructionworkattheworkplacewheretheconstructionworkisbeingperformedendsandpossessionoftheworkplaceisreturnedtotheclient;or

(b) iftheclientremainsinpossessionoftheworkplacewheretheconstructionworkisbeingperformedwhiletheworkisperformed,whentheconstructionworkattheworkplaceends.

Constructionworkplacemeans:

(i) aworkplacewhereconstructionworkisperformed,iftheconstructionwork:

- isaprescribedactivity;or

- isnotaprescribedactivityandtheestimatedfinalpricefortheconstructionworkismorethan$80,000;or

(ii) aplaceintendedtobecomeaconstructionworkplaceunderparagraph(a)whenworkstartsattheplace.

Cranemeansamachineforraisingorlowering(luffing)aloadandmovingithorizontally(slewing).Itincludesanytypeofcrane,includinganelevatingworkplatform,whetherindependentoranintegralpartofanotherpieceofequipment.Thisdefinitionincludesanagriculturaltractor,oranyotherapparatususedorcapableofbeingusedforraising,lowering,handlingortransportingmaterialsorequipmentinasimilarmanner.Thedefinitionalsoincludesanysupportingstructureandanyotherequipmentancillarytotheuseofthecraneorapparatus,butexcludesanygrabcraneorfloatingcrane.

Amobile cranemeansamachinethat:

(a) isusedprimarilyforraisingorloweringafreelysuspendedload;

(b) iscapableoftravellingoverasupportingsurfacewithouttheneedforfixedrunways(includingrailwaytracks);and

(c) reliesonlyongravityforstability,withnoverticalrestrainingconnectionbetweenitselfandthesupportingsurface,andnohorizontalrestrainingconnection(otherthanfrictionalforcesatsupporting-surfacelevel)thatmayactasanaidtostability.

A tower cranemeansacranewithaboomthatismountedonatowerstructureandincludesself-erectingtowercranes.

Adangerous electrical event(seesection12oftheAct)isanyofthefollowing:

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• Thecomingintoexistenceofcircumstancesinwhichapersonisnotelectricallysafe,if:

- thecircumstancesinvolvehighvoltageelectricalequipment;and

- despitethecomingintoexistenceofthecircumstances,thepersondoesnotreceiveashockorinjury.

• Thecomingintoexistenceofboththefollowingcircumstances:

- ifapersonhadbeenataparticularplaceataparticulartime,thepersonwouldnothavebeenelectricallysafe;and

- thepersonwouldnothavebeenelectricallysafebecauseofcircumstancesinvolvinghighvoltageelectricalequipment.

• Aneventthatinvolveselectricalequipmentandinwhichsignificantpropertydamageiscauseddirectlybyelectricityororiginatesfromelectricity.

• Theperformanceofelectricalworkbyapersonnotauthorisedunderanelectricalworklicencetoperformthework.

• Theperformanceofelectricalworkbyapersonif,asaresultoftheperformanceofthework,apersonorpropertyisnotelectricallysafe.

Examples for the above paragraph:

• theconnectionofelectricalequipmenttoasourceofsupplyinvolvingincorrectpolarityorotherincorrectconnection;

• theperformanceofelectricalworkasaresultofwhichanexposedwireisleftincircumstancesinwhichitcanbeenergisedbytheoperationofaswitchorcircuitbreakerortheinsertionofafuse;

• thediscoverybyalicensedelectricalworkerofelectricalequipmentthathasnotbeenmarkedasrequiredunderthisAct.

De-energisemeanstheprocessofdisconnectinglinesorapparatusfromallsourcesofelectricalenergyusuallybytheprocessofswitching.De-energiseddoesnotmeanisolatedordischarged,orboth.

Direct contact(seesection60oftheRegulation):

(1) Apersonisindirect contactwithanelectricalpartif:

(a) thepersonistouchingtheelectricalpartwiththeperson’sbarehandsoranotherpartoftheperson’sbody;or

(b) thepersonistouchingaconductiveobjectwiththeperson’sbarehandsoranotherpartoftheperson’sbody,andtheconductiveobjectistouchingtheelectricalpart;or

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(c) anarticleofclothingwornbythepersonistouchingtheelectricalpart;or

(d) anarticleofclothingwornbythepersonistouchingaconductiveobject,andtheconductiveobjectistouchingtheelectricalpart.

(2) Operatingplantisindirect contactwithanelectricalpartif:

(a) anypartoftheoperatingplantistouchingtheelectricalpart;or

(b) anythingtheoperatingplantishandlingistouchingtheelectricalpart.

(3) Avehicleisindirect contactwithanelectricalpartif:

(a) anypartofthevehicleistouchingtheelectricalpart;or

(b) anythingbeingcarriedorotherwisehandledbythevehicleistouchingtheelectricalpart..

Dischargedmeansconnectedtothegeneralmassoftheearthinsuchamannerastoremoveanyresidualelectricalenergye.g.applyingearthsandshortcircuitstohighvoltagepartsbeforegainingaccess.

Dischargedalsomeansstoredenergyhasbeenreleasede.g.aclosingspringinacircuitbreaker,hydraulicpressureinasystem,orenergystoredinabattery.

Disconnectedmeansthatthepartsarenotconnectedtoanelectricalsource.Disconnectionmaybeachievedbyde-energising,isolating,separatingorbreakingconnections,orthroughallofthesemethods.Apartthatisdisconnectedmaystillrequiredischargingtoremoveallelectricandotherenergy.

Earthed(seeschedule9oftheRegulation)meansconnectedtothegeneralmassofearth.

Earth moving machinemeansanyitemofplantusedforexcavating,transporting,unloadingcompactingorspreadingearth,overburden,rubble,spoil,pavingmaterial,aggregateorsimilarmaterial.Thetermincludesbackhoesandbulldozers.

Earths, portable earthing devices(PED),refertoearthsandshortcircuits.

Earths and short circuitsmeansportableearthingdevices,earths,earthswitchesetc.Theuseofearthsandshortcircuitsshouldbepartofasafesystemofworkonhighvoltageparts.Who,whenandwhytheearthsandshortcircuitsareapplieddetermineswhethertheyaredesignatedasoperatororworkingearthsandshortcircuits.

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Earthingandshort-circuitingformonepartofasystemtocreateanelectricallysafeenvironment.Thepurposeofearthingandshort-circuitingis:

• tosafelydischargeinducedorresidualvoltage;

• intheeventthatthecircuitbecomesenergized,tocausetheoperationofprotectionequipmenttotripthesupply;and

• tolimittheriseinpotentialdifferenceattheworkarea.

Electrical equipment(seesection14oftheAct)isanyapparatus,appliance,cable,conductor,fitting,insulator,material,meterorwire:

• usedforcontrolling,generating,supplying,transformingortransmittingelectricityatavoltagegreaterthanextralowvoltage;or

• operatedbyelectricityatavoltagegreaterthanextralowvoltage;or

• operatedbyelectricityofanextralowvoltage,iftheequipmentformspartofanelectricalinstallationlocatedinahazardousarea;or

• thatis,orthatformspartof,acathodicprotectionsystem.

However,’electricalequipment’doesnotincludeanyapparatus,appliance,cable,conductor,fitting,insulator,material,meterorwireformingpartofavehicleif:

• itformspartofaunitofthevehiclethatprovidespropulsionforthevehicle;or

• itssourceofelectricityisaunitofthevehiclethatprovidespropulsionforthevehicle.

Examplesofthingsthatarenotelectricalequipment:

• theheadlightsofavehicle;

• ignitionsparkplugsofamotorvehicle;

• theinteriorlightingsystemofavehicle,ifpoweredfromabatterychargedbytheenginethatdrivesthevehicleorbythevehicle’smovement.

Examplesofthingsthatarenotpreventedfrombeingelectricalequipment:

• interiorlightingorasocketoutletinacaravan,ifthelightingoroutletisoperatedbyalowvoltagegeneratingsetorconnectedtolowvoltagesupply;or

• arefrigerationunitinafooddeliveryvehicleoperatingatlowvoltagefromasourceseparatefromthepropulsionunitforthevehicle.

Referalsotosection69oftheRegulationforfurtherinformationonelectricmotorsformingpartofvehicles.

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Electrical equipment work(seesection19(3)oftheAct)iselectricalworkotherthanelectricalinstallationworkorelectriclinework.

Examples of electrical equipment work:

• repairingsubstationelectricalequipment;

• repairinganelectricrange,whetherornotitispartofanelectricalinstallation;or

• installing,jointingorterminatingcoveredcables.

Electrical installation(seesection15oftheAct):

(1) An electrical installationisagroupofitemsofelectricalequipment.

(2) However,agroupofitemsofelectricalequipmentisanelectricalinstallationonlyif:

(a) alltheitemsarepermanentlyelectricallyconnectedtogether;

(b) theitemsdonotincludeitemsthatareworksofanelectricityentity;and

(c) electricitycanbesuppliedtothegroupfromtheworksofanelectricityentityorfromageneratingsource.

(3) Anitemofelectricalequipmentcanbepartofmorethanoneelectricalinstallation.

(4) Forsubsection2(a):

• anitemofelectricalequipmentconnectedtoelectricitybyaplugandsocketoutletisnotpermanentlyelectricallyconnected;and

• connectionachievedthroughusingworksofanentitymustnotbetakenintoconsiderationfordecidingwhetheritemsofelectricalequipmentareelectricallyconnected.

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Examples of an electrical installation:

• Theswitchboard,wiring,lighting,socketoutletsandotherelectricalequipmentpermanentlyconnectedforashopinashoppingcentre.

• Theswitchboard,wiring,lighting,socketoutletsandotherelectricalequipmentpermanentlyconnectedforahouseorresidentialunit.

• Theswitchboard,wiring,lighting,socketoutletsandotherelectricalequipmentpermanentlyconnectedforashoppingcentre.Theelectricalinstallationfortheshoppingcentregenerallyincludestheelectricalinstallationsfortheindividualshops.

• Theswitchboard,wiring,lighting,socketoutletsandotherelectricalequipmentpermanentlyconnectedforaresidentialunitcomplex.Theelectricalinstallationfortheresidentialunitcomplexgenerallyincludestheelectricalinstallationsfortheindividualresidentialunits.

• Theswitchboard,wiring,lighting,socketoutletsandotherelectricalequipmentpermanentlyconnectedwithinacaravan.

Anelectric line(seesection16oftheAct)isawireorconductororassociatedequipmentusedfortransmitting,transforming,orsupplyingelectricityatavoltagegreaterthanextralowvoltage.

However,an’electricline’doesnotinclude:

• awireorconductordirectlyusedinconvertingelectricityintoanotherformofenergy;or

• awireorconductorwithintheinternalstructureofabuilding.

Examplesofthingsthatarenotelectriclines:

• acordforconnectinganairconditioningunit,computer,lamp,televisionortoastertoasupplyofelectricity;or

• apowerorlightingcircuitwithinabuilding.

Electric line work(seesection19(2)oftheAct)iselectricalworkassociatedwithanelectricline.

Examples of electric line work:

• erectinganaerialconductorthatispartoftheworksofanelectricityentityorofanelectricalinstallation;

• installingormaintainingstreetlightingcircuits;or

• testinganoverheadelectricallinetoensureitiscorrectlyconnected.

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Electrical part(seesection59oftheRegulation)means:

• anexposedpart;or

• anoverheadinsulatedelectricline.

Electrical placemeansalocationwhereanelectricalinstallation,electricalequipment,worksofanelectricityentityoracathodicprotectionsystemislocated,includingapremises,place,landorwater.

Electrical risk(seesection10(1)oftheAct)means:

• inrelationtoaperson,therisktothepersonofdeath,shockorinjurycauseddirectlybyelectricityororiginatingfromelectricity;or

• inrelationtoproperty,therisktothepropertyof:

- damagecausedbyacathodicprotectionsystem;or

- lossordamagecauseddirectlybyelectricityororiginatingfromelectricity.

Electrically safe(seesection10(2)oftheAct)means:

• forapersonorproperty,thatthepersonorpropertyisfreefromelectricalrisk;and

• forelectricalequipmentoranelectricalinstallation,thatallpersonsandpropertyarefreefromelectricalriskfromtheequipmentorinstallation;

• forthewayelectricalequipment,anelectricalinstallationortheworksofanelectricityentityareoperatedorused,thatallpersonsandpropertyarefreefromelectricalriskfromtheoperationoruseoftheequipment,installationorworks;

• forthewayelectricalworkisperformed,thatallpersonsarefreefromelectricalriskfromtheperformanceofthework;

• forthewayabusinessorundertakingisconducted,thatallpersonsarefreefromelectricalriskfromtheconductofthebusinessorundertaking;and

• forthewayelectricalequipmentoranelectricalinstallationisinstalledorrepaired,thatallpersonsarefreefromelectricalriskfromtheinstallingorrepairingoftheequipmentorinstallation.

Electrical safety(seesection10(3)oftheAct),forapersonorproperty,meansthepersonorpropertyiselectricallysafe.

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Electrical safety notification(seesection206oftheAct).Thechiefexecutivemayissueanotification(electrical safety notification)that:

• isdirectedatdesigners,manufacturers,importersorsuppliersgenerally,oratstateddesigners,manufacturers,importersorsuppliers;and

• statesrequirementsabouttheuseorsupplyofstatedelectricalequipment,orastatedtypeofelectricalequipmentincluding,ifappropriate,requirementsaboutpreventingtheuseorsupplyoftheelectricalequipmentortypeofelectricalequipment.

Electrical work(seesection18oftheAct)isthemanufacturing,constructing,installing,testing,maintaining,repairing,altering,removing,orreplacingofelectricalequipment.

Examples of electrical work:

• installinglowvoltageelectricalwiringinabuilding;

• installingelectricalequipmentintoaninstallationcouplerorinterconnecter;

• replacingalowvoltageelectricalcomponentofawashingmachine;and

• maintaininganelectricityentity’soverheaddistributionsystem.

However,thefollowingarenot‘electricalwork’:

(a) Installingorremovingelectricalequipmentbyconnectingittoelectricity,ordisconnectingitfromelectricity,byaplugandsocketoutlet.

(b) Repairingorreplacingnon-electricalcomponentsofelectricalequipment.

Examples for paragraph (b):

• repairinghydrauliccomponentsattachedtoanelectricmotor;and

• replacingadrivebeltonawashingmachine.

(c) Replacingacomponentformingpartofelectricalequipmentiftheelectricalequipmenthasbeendesignedsothatthecomponentisreadilyandsafelyabletobereplacedbyapersonwithoutelectricalknowledgeorskill.

Examples for paragraph (c):

• replacingafuse;and

• replacingthebulbinalightfitting.

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(d) Assembling,making,modifyingorrepairingelectricalequipmentinaworkplaceregisteredundertheWHSAct,thatisprescribedunderaregulationforthisparagraph,ifthatistheprincipalmanufacturingprocessattheworkplace,andarrangementsareinplace,andaredetailedinwrittenform,forensuringthat:

(i) theworkisdonesafelyandcompetently;and

(ii) theequipmentistestedtoensurecompliancewithrelevantstandards.

(e) Building,underthesupervisionofanelectricityentity,anoverheadelectriclineonstructuresthatdonotalreadycarryanenergisedoverheadelectricline.

(f) Buildingorrepairingducts,conduitsortroughs(channels)whereelectricalwiringwillbeorisinstalled,if:

(i) thechannelsarenotintendedtobeearthed;

(ii) wiringinstalledinthechannelsisnotenergised;and

(iii)theworkisdoneunderthesupervisionofapersonlicensedtoperformelectricalinstallationwork.

(g) Laying,cuttingorsealingundergroundcablesthatarepartoftheworksofanelectricityentitybeforetheinitialconnectionofthecablestoanelectricitysource.

(h) Recoveringundergroundcablesthatarepartoftheworksofanelectricityentityafterdisconnectionfromanelectricitysource.

(i) Altering,repairing,maintainingorrecoveringanoverheadelectriclinethatispartoftheworksofanelectricityentity,iftheworkisperformedundertheentity’ssupervisionand:

(i) ifthelineisnotonsupportssupportinganotherelectricline-thelinehasbeenisolatedfromanelectricitysourcesothattheclosureofaswitchcannotenergisethesectionofthelinewhereworkisbeingdone;or

(ii) ifthelineisonsupportssupportinganotherelectricline-bothlineshavebeenisolatedfromanelectricitysourcesothattheclosureofaswitchcannotenergisethesectionofthelinewheretheworkisbeingdoneoranadjacentsectionoftheotherline.

(j) Erectingstructuresforthesupportofelectricalequipment.

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Example of structures:

• electricpolesandtowers.

(k) Locating,mountingorfixinginplaceelectricalequipment,otherthan:

(i) makingorterminatingelectricalconnectionstotheequipment;or

(ii) installingsupplyconductorsthatwillconnecttheequipmenttoasupplyofelectricity.

(l) Assistingalicensedelectricalworkertoperformworkonelectricalequipmentunderthedirectsupervisionoftheelectricalworker,ifperformingtheworkdoesnotinvolvethepersondirectlycontactingliveelectricalequipment.

(m) Maintainingthestructuralpartsoftheelectricaltractionsystemonarailway,otherthanoverheadelectriclines,thatformspartoftheworksofanelectricalentity,iftheworkisstructuralworkperformedunderasafesystemofwork.

(n) Workperformedbyapersononelectricalequipmentif:

(i) theelectricalequipmentisnotenergised;

(ii) theworkisprescribedunderaregulationforthisparagraph;and

(iii)itisnecessaryforthepersontoperformtheworktomeettheeligibilityrequirementsforanelectricalworklicence.

Elevating work platformmeansatelescopingdevice,scissordevice,orarticulatingdeviceoranycombinationofthosedevicesusedtomoveandpositionpersonnel,equipmentandmaterialstoandfrom,oratworklocationsaboveorbelowthesupportsurface.

Energise(seeschedule2oftheAct)meansenergisebyelectricity.

Exclusion zone(seesection61oftheRegulation):

(1) Theexclusionzone,forapersonforanelectricalpart,orforoperatingplantoravehicleforanelectricalpart,meansthedistancefromthepartstatedfortheperson,plantorvehicleinAppendixC.

(2) ForapplyingAppendixCtoaperson,thepersonincludesanyarticleofclothingwornbytheperson,andanyconductiveobjectthepersonishandling.

(3) ForapplyingAppendixCtooperatingplant,theoperatingplantincludesanythingtheoperatingplantishandlingotherthan:

(a) aperson;or

(b) ahandheldobjectthepersonishandling.

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(4) ForapplyingAppendixCtoavehicle,thevehicleincludesanythingthevehicleiscarryingorotherwisehandling.

(4A) Despitesubsections(2)to(4),theperson,operatingplantorvehicledoesnotincludeanobject,forexample,atool,thataloneorwithanotherobjectorobjectsisanextensionfromtheperson,operatingplantorvehicleiftheobject:

(a) isaninsulateddevice;and

(b) thedevicehasbeentestedandfoundtobesafeforuseonandneartheelectricalpart.

(5) ForapplyingAppendixCtooperatingplantoperatedbyanauthorisedpersonorinstructedpersonwhodoesnothaveasafetyobserveroranothersafesystemasrequiredundertheschedule,theauthorisedpersonorinstructedpersonmustbetakentobeanuntrainedperson.

(6) However,theexclusionzone,foranelectricalpart,foroperatingplantoperatedbyanauthorisedpersonorinstructedpersonfortheelectricalpart,istakentobethesameastheexclusionzoneforanauthorisedpersonorinstructedpersonfortheelectricalpartif:

(a) theoperatingplantisfittedwithadevicecapableofstoppingtheoperationoftheoperatingplantimmediatelytheoperatingplantisattheexclusionzoneforanauthorisedpersonorinstructedpersonfortheelectricalpart;

(b) thereisinplaceasafesystemofworkfortheuseoftheoperatingplant;

(c) thesafesystemofworkhasbeendevelopedinconsultationwithpersonswhoarebroadlyrepresentativeofindustrialorganisationsofemployeeswhosememberscommonlyoperateoperatingplantoftheoperatingplant’stype;and

(d) withoutlimitingparagraph(b),thesafesystemofworkensuresthedevicementionedinparagraph(a):

(i) isoperatingproperly;and

(ii) issetforatleastthecorrectexclusionzonedistance.

(7) AreferenceinAppendixCtoavehicledoesnotincludeareferenceto:

(a) anaircraft;or

(b) avehiclethatisoperatingplant.

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Examples for paragraph (b):

• TiptrucktippingaloadwouldnotbeavehicleforAppendixC.

• HoweveratiptrucktravellingbetweensiteswouldbeavehicleinAppendixC.

• AvehiclethatincludesanelevatedworkplatformbeingusedforclearingvegetationwouldnotbeavehicleforAppendixC.However,whentheplatformisnotbeingusedforclearingvegetation,thevehiclewouldbeavehicleforAppendixC.

(8) ForapplyingAppendixCtooperatingplant,areferenceto‘anothersafesystem’isareferencetoasystemofworkthat:

(a) hasbeendevelopedinconsultationwithpersonswhoarebroadlyrepresentativeofindustrialorganisationsofemployeeswhosememberscommonlyoperateoperatingplantoftheoperatingplant’stype;and

(b) provides,forpersonsandproperty,thesamelevelofelectricalsafetyas,oragreaterlevelofelectricalsafetythan,thelevelofelectricalsafetyprovidedwithasafetyobserver.

Extra low voltage(seeschedule2oftheAct)meansvoltageof50VorlessACRMS,or120Vorlessripple-freeDC.

Ferro-resonancecanbedescribedasavoltagemultiplicationcircuitonapowersystem.Thephenomenoncauseshigherthannormalsystemvoltagesonthehighandlowvoltagesystems,e.g.700voltsphasetophaseonthelowvoltagesystem.Ferro-resonanceoccurswhenamodestsizedcapacitanceiseitherinseriesorinparallel,withnon-linearinductance,suchasanironcoredtransformer.

Inpowersystems,ferro-resonanceismostcommonlyfoundinthefollowingconditions:

• athree-phasedistributiontransformerisenergisedviaanundergroundcableofmoderatelength;

• thereiseithernoload,orverylightloadonthetransformer;and

• acombinationofthecapacitanceandinductanceexists,andsingle-phaseswitchingoccurse.g.operationofahighvoltagefuseorasynchronousoperationofsingle-phasehighvoltageswitchingdevices,suchasadropoutfuseunitorsomeringmainunits.

Free from electrical risk(seesection10(4)oftheAct),forapersonorproperty,meansthattheelectricalrisktothepersonorpropertyisaslowasreasonablyachievable,havingregardto:

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• likelihoodofharm;and

• likelyseverityofharm.

Hand excavationmeansusingtoolssuchasshovels,picks,mattocks,crowbars.Handexcavationdoesnotincludetheuseofequipmentsuchasjackhammers.Evenwhenhandexcavatingcautionmustbeexercisedwhenworkingclosetolivecables.

Handling(seesection59oftheRegulation)includesanyofthefollowing:

(a)carrying;

(b)connectedto,whetherornottemporarily;

(c)controlling;

(d)holding;or

(e)lifting.

High voltage(seeschedule2oftheAct)meansvoltagegreaterthanlowvoltage.

Include:Wheretheword’include’isusedinthisCode,itshouldbeinterpretedasmeaning’includes,butisnotlimitedto’.

Installation Category (instruments)meansthefaultlevelandvoltageimpulselevelthattheinstrumentisdesignedtowithstand.(RefertointernationalstandardsIEC61010-1andIEC61010-2-031forfurtherinformation.)TheapplicableInstallationCategoriesareoutlinedbelow:

• Installation Category Irelatestosignallevel,specialequipmentorpartsofequipment,telecommunications,electronicandsimilarequipment.Impulsewithstandvoltage:1500V.

• Installation Category IIrelatestothelocallevel,appliances,equipmentsubcircuits,portableequipmentetc.Impulsewithstandvoltage:2500V.

• Installation Category IIIrelatestothedistributionlevel,mainswitchboardsetc.Impulsewithstandvoltage:4000V.

• Installation Category IVrelatestotheprimarysupplylevel,overheadlines,cablesystemsetcfixedinstallation.

Instructed person(seesection59oftheRegulation)foranelectricalpartmeansapersonwhoisactingunderthesupervisionofanauthorisedpersonfortheelectricalpart.

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Isolatedmeansdisconnectedfromallpossiblesourcesofsupplyandrenderedincapableofbeingmadelivewithoutpremeditatedanddeliberateoperation.Undersection20(2)oftheRegulation,asuitablewarningsafetysignmustbeattached.

Examplesofhowisolationcanbeachievedisbyopeningisolators,rackingoutcircuitbreakers,removingfusesorlinks,inhibitingtheoperationofamechanismbylocking,oracombinationofthesemeasures.Isolationinvolvestheuseofsuitablewarningorsafetysignsandinvolveslocks,renderingmechanismsinoperativeoracombinationofthese.

Isolation and accessmeanstheprocessoffullyorpartly,switching,de-energising,isolating,provingde-energised,applyingearthsandshortcircuits,discharging,installingotherprecautions,theissuingofpermitsorauthoritiesandthereversalofthisprocess.Isolationandaccessshouldbepartofsafesystemofwork.

Thetermappliesto:

• theoperationofhighvoltage,lowvoltageandassociatedcircuitse.g.secondarycircuits;and

• alternatingcurrent,directcurrentorboth..

Isolation pointmeansthepoint,oroneofmanypoints,usedtoisolateelectricalparts.

Live (Alive, Energised)meansconnectedtoasourceofelectricalsupplyorsubjecttohazardousinducedorcapacitivevoltages.Generally,‘live’referstoaconductororconductivepartintendedtobeenergisedinnormaluse,includinganeutralconductorandconductivepartsconnectedtoaneutralconductor.

UndertheMENsystemlivedoesnotapplytothefollowing:

• Earthingconductors.

• Theneutralconductorofalowvoltagedistributionnetworkthatisearthedinaccordancewithsection129oftheRegulation.

• TheMENconnectionandtheneutralbarorlinkwhichtheMENconnectionismade.

• ThesheathofaMineralInsulatedMetalSheathed(MIMS)cableandassociatedconductivefittingsusedasacombinedneutralandprotectiveearthingconductorfittingsusedasacombinedneutralandprotectiveearthingconductorinanEarthSheathReturn(ESR)system.

• ConductivesupportsandenclosuresassociatedwithunprotectedconsumersmainsthatareearthedinaccordancewithAS/NZS3000.

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Live work(seeschedule9oftheRegulation)meanselectricalworkperformedincircumstancesinwhichthepartoftheelectricalequipmentthesubjectoftheelectricalworkisenergised.

Low voltage(seeschedule2oftheAct)meansvoltagegreaterthanextralowvoltage,butnotmorethan1000VACRMSor1500Vripple-freeDC.

MustWheretheword‘must’isusedinthisCode,itreflectsthefactthatamandatoryrequirementexistsintheActorRegulation.

Neutralmeanstheconductorofathree-wireormulti-wiresystem,whichismaintainedatanintermediateandapproximatelyuniformpotentialinrespectoftheactiveorouterconductors,ortheconductorofatwo-wiresystemthatisearthedatitsorigin.Aneutralshouldbeconsidered(andtreated)asaliveconductor.

Operating plant(seesection59oftheRegulation)meansplantbeingoperatedforitsintendedpurposeunlesstheoperationoftheplantcannotmateriallyaffectthedistancebetweentheplantandanyelectricalpartinrelationtowhichthereisanexclusionzoneunderthispart.

Examples of operating plant:

• atiptrucktippingaload;

• afixedcraneoperatingatabuildingsite;

• avehiclethatincludesanelevatedworkplatformbeingusedforclearingvegetationfromaroundoverheadelectriclines;

• aconcretepumpingtruckpumpingconcrete;and

• aharvesterwithheightchangeableattachmentsbeingusedtotransfergraintoatruck.

Exampleofplantthatisnotoperatingplant:

• afurnitureremovalvanunderanelectriclineraisingorloweringtheelectricallyorhydraulicallyoperatedplatformlocatedattherearofthevan,ifneithertheplatformnoranythingontheplatformrisesabovetheroofofthevan.

Penalty units:pleaserefertosection5ofthePenalties and Sentences Act 1992.

Permit or authoritymeansanaccessoratestpermitorauthority.

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Plantincludesanymachinery,equipmentandappliance,andanyarticledesignedforuseasacomponentin,orasanaccessoryto,anymachinery,equipmentorapplianceandincludesearthmovingmachinesandhoists.

Potentially fatal test currentmeanscurrentusedaspartofatestwherethecurrentisgreaterthanorequalto10mAACor300mADC,orboth.Thesevaluesarebasedonthemaximumvalueofcurrentatwhichapersoncanletgoor’thresholdofletgo’,describedinAS60479Effects of current on human beings and livestock.

Thethresholdofletgoshouldbeconsideredthemaximumvalueofcurrenttoflowthroughthehumanbodybeforeasignificantriskofventricularfibrillationexists.Therefore,iftestsusecurrentsabovethepotentiallylethaltestcurrent,considerationshouldbegiventotheimplementationofeffectiverisktreatmentmeasures.

Principal contractorforconstructionworkisthepersonappointedbytheclientastheprincipalcontractorfortheconstruction.Ifthereisnoclientfortheconstructionwork,thepersonwhocommissionstheconstructionworkistakentobetheprincipalcontractorfortheconstructionwork(WHSAct,section13).

Aqualified technical person(seesections7(2)to7(4)oftheRegulation),foranindividual,partnershiporcorporation,isanindividualwhosatisfiesthechiefexecutivethatheorshe:

(a) isafitandproperperson;and

(b) either:

(i) iftheelectricalworktobeperformedbythelicensedelectricalcontractormaybeperformedonlybytheholderofanelectricalworklicence--hasheldforatleastayear,orashorterperiodconsideredacceptablebythechiefexecutive,andstillholds,anelectricalworklicence;or

(ii) hasheldforatleastayear,orashorterperiodconsideredacceptablebythechiefexecutive,andstillholds,anexternalcontractingauthority;and

(c) iscompetenttoperformelectricalworkas,orfor,alicensedelectricalcontractor;and

(d) hassatisfactorilyfinishedacourseofinstruction,oranexaminationrequiredbythechiefexecutive,ontechnicalaspectsofperformingelectricalwork.

Despitesubsections(1)and(2),forapersonwhoisanindividualtobeaqualifiedbusinesspersonorqualifiedtechnicalperson:

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(a) foranindividualwhoholds,orhasappliedfor,anelectricalcontractorlicence,thepersonmustalsobe,orbeanemployeeof,theindividual;or

(b) forapartnershipthatholds,orhasappliedfor,anelectricalcontractorlicence,thepersonmustalsobeamemberoranemployeeofthepartnership;or

(c) foracorporationthatholds,orhasappliedfor,anelectricalcontractorlicence,thepersonmustalsobeanexecutiveofficer,amemberoranemployeeofthecorporation.

Indecidingwhetherapersonwhoisanindividualisafitandproperperson,thechiefexecutivemayonlyconsider:

(a) thestandardofhonestyandintegritydemonstratedbythepersonincommercialandotheractivitiesinwhichthepersonhasbeeninvolved;and

(b) anyfailurebythepersontoperformcommercialorstatutoryobligationsandthereasonsforthefailure.

Rope test (rope pull test)meansatestperformedonwoodandsteelpoles.Byplacingamechanicalloadasclosetotheheadofthepoleaspractical,viaarope,thetestshouldindicatewhetherthepoleisinherentlysound.

Safe system of work,forliveworkonalowvoltageelectricalinstallation,includes,butisnotlimitedto,asystemofworkthatcomplieswiththeprovisionsofAS/NZS4836Safeworkingonlowvoltageelectricalinstallationsaboutensuringthesafetyofpersonswhileperforminglivework.

Safety observermeansapersonwho:

• observestheperformanceofthework;

• iscompetenttohelpapersonperformingtheelectricalwork;and

• hasbeenassessedinthelastsixmonthstobecompetenttorescueapersonperformingelectricalworkandprovideresuscitation.

Aserious electrical incident(seesection11oftheAct)isanincidentinvolvingelectricalequipmentif,intheincident:

• apersoniskilledbyelectricity;or

• apersonreceivesashockorinjuryfromelectricity,andistreatedfortheshockorinjurybyorunderthesupervisionofadoctor;or

• apersonreceivesashockorinjuryfromelectricityathighvoltage,whetherornotthepersonistreatedfortheshockorinjurybyorunderthesupervisionofadoctor.

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Should:Wheretheword’should’isusedinthisCode,itshouldbeinterpretedasmeaningarequirementwhichneedstobeequalledorexceededsothatanobligationtobedischarged.IfthisCodestatesthatsomethingshouldbedone,therequirementistodowhattheCodesaysordoitinamannerwhichisequalorbetter(electricallysafer)thantheCode.

Step and touch potentialmeansstepvoltageortouchvoltage,orboth.RefertoFigure2.

Figure 2: Examples of step potential and touch potential

Step voltagemeanstheprospectiveoropencircuitvoltagethatmayappearbetweenanytwopoints(onemetreapart)onthesurfaceoftheground.

Supervisionmeanstheoverseeingofworkers,includingtraineesandapprentices,toensureriskstopeopleandpropertyareeliminatedoratleastminimised.Whileasupervisormayperformaudits,auditingshouldnotbeseenasinterchangeablewithsupervision.

Supervisionofelectricalworkincludes:

• healthandsafetymatters;

• statutorycompliancee.g.monitoringtheworkanapprenticeorrestrictedelectricalworkerispermittedtoperform;

• technicalaspectse.g.compliancewithAS/NZS3000;and

• implementationofasafesystemofwork.

Generally,thetwodistinctstylesofsupervisionaredescribedas:

• Direct supervisionmeanssupervisionoccursatalltimesonadirectandconstantbasis.

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• General supervisionmeanssupervisionwheretheworkerdoesnotrequiretheconstantattendanceofthesupervisor.

Switching sheetmeansadocumentthatispartofasafesystemofwork.Eachswitchingsheetshouldhaveauniquereferenceandshouldlistaprocessofisolationandaccessstepbystep.

TheActmeanstheElectrical Safety Act 2002.

TheCodemeanstheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Electrical Work.

TheRegulationmeanstheElectrical Safety Regulation 2002.

TheWHS ActmeanstheWorkplace Health and Safety Act 1995.

Tiger tails (Torapoli pipes)areplasticpipetypecablecovers,usedasawarningtovisuallyindicatethepositionofoverheadpowerlinesorstaywires.Tigertailsdonotinsulatewires.

Touch voltagemeanstheprospectiveoropencircuitvoltagethatmayappearbetweenanypointofcontactwithconductiveparts(thatarelocatedwithin2.4metresoftheground)andanypointonthesurfaceofthegroundwithahorizontaldistanceofonemetrefromtheverticalprojectionofthepointofcontactwiththeconductivepart.

Transferred earth potential:Althoughalinemaybe’earthed’,theremaybeadangerousvoltageorpotentialbetweenthelineandtheearthpoint,includingaconcretepoleorasteeltower,attheworksite.

Forexample,wherealineisunderaccessataremotesubstation,afaultnotdirectlyassociatedwiththelineunderaccesscancauseadangerousvoltageriseonthesubstationearthgrid.Thatvoltageriseistransferredthroughthelinetotheworksite,whereitcancreatearisktoworkersonthesite.

Type A probemeansprobessuitableforapplicationtolowvoltageandhighvoltagenonattenuatingnonvoltagedividingprobeassembliesthatareratedfordirectconnectiontovoltagesexceeding33VRMS(rootmeansquare)butnotexceeding63kV.Theseprobeassembliesmaycontainpassivecomponentssuchasfuses.(RefertointernationalstandardsIEC61010-1andIEC61010-2-031forfurtherinformation.)

Untrained person(seesection59oftheRegulation),foranelectricalpart,meansapersonwhoisnotanauthorisedpersonoraninstructedpersonfortheelectricalpart.However,itshouldbenotedfromtheabovedefinitionofexclusionzone,

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thatforapplyingAppendixCtooperatingplantoperatedbyanauthorisedpersonorinstructedpersonwhodoesnothaveasafetyobserveroranothersafesystemasrequiredundertheschedule,theauthorisedpersonorinstructedpersonmustbetakentobeanuntrainedperson.

Please note:undersection61(5)oftheRegulation,forapplyingschedule2oftheRegulationtooperatingplantoperatedbyanauthorisedpersonorinstructedpersonwhodoesnothaveasafetyobserveroranothersafesystemasrequiredundertheschedule,theauthorisedpersonorinstructedpersonmustbetakentobeanuntrainedperson.

Wilfully(seeschedule2oftheAct)means:

• intentionally;or

• recklessly;or

• withgrossnegligence.

Work(seesection59oftheRegulation)meansworkofanytype,whetherornotelectricalwork,otherthanliveworkorelectricalweldingperformedinaccordancewithasafesystemofwork.

Works(seesection25oftheAct),ofanelectricityentity,meanstheelectricalequipment,andelectriclineassociatedequipment,controlledoroperatedbytheentitytogenerate,transform,transmitorsupplyelectricity.

Example of works of an electricity entity:

• anoverheaddistributionsystemofadistributionentity,includingtransformersandswitches.

Example of what is not works of an electricity entity:

• appliancesorfixedwiringinanelectricityentity’sworkshoporoffices.

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Appendix B: Further information

B.1 Common sources of electrical risks

B.1.1 Identifying sources of electric shock

ContactwithelectricpotentialsisoneofthecommonrisksidentifiedinPart2.3fortheelectricalindustry.Theassociatedrisksaresignificant.Inmanagingrisksassociatedelectricalwork,preventingelectricshocksisamajorpartofdischargingelectricalsafetyobligations.Potentialsourcesofelectricshockinclude:

• Voltagesbetweenphasesandbetweenphasesandneutral.

• Voltagesbetweenphases,neutralandearthwherethereismetalwork,dampsituations,personsandotherconductivesurfacesnearby.Theseconductivesurfacesareasourceofpotentialthatcancauseanelectricshock.

Identifyingothersourcesofelectricshockcanbemoredifficult,butthefollowinglistwillhelp.Sourcesinclude:

• Voltagesacrossopenswitchcontactse.g.voltageacrossalightswitchonanincandescentlightingcircuitorthevoltageacrossabustiewhereonesideisde-energised.

• Voltagesacrossundischargedcapacitors.

• Voltagesondisconnectedconductors,particularlyneutrals.

• Voltagescausedbystaticelectricity,leakageordischarge,orlightning.

• Thepotential(voltage)betweenpartsoftheearthinMultipleEarthedNeutral(MEN)systemscanchange,sometimescausingelectricshocks.Thechangingearthpotentialcanbeduetoanumberofcausesincluding:ahighimpedancereturnpathtothelowvoltagedistributionneutral,faultsonotherpartsofthepowersystemorlightningstrikes.

• Inducedvoltagesfromsourcesotherthanthecircuitbeingworkedone.g.nearbycircuitsorradiofrequencytransmitters.

• Voltagesacrossthesecondaryterminalsoftransformers,includingcurrenttransformers.

• Voltagesbetweenparts,oropencircuitedpartsofoneearthsystem,orvoltagesbetweendifferentearthingsystems.

• Incorrectwiringconnectionse.g.transposingactiveandneutral,commonlyreferredtoasincorrectpolarity.

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• Faultyequipmente.g.theframeoffaultyequipmentmaybecomeenergized.

• Voltagesfromsourcesneartheworkbeingperformed.Examplesinclude:

- workingonaremoteareapowersupplywherebothACandDCvoltagesmaybepresent;

- repairinglightsonashopfaciawhenoverheadpowerlinesarenearby;

- workingontransducercircuitswhenotherACandDCcircuitsarepresent;and

- workingonapowersystemwithmultiplecircuitsthatmaybeofmultiplepotentials.

• Voltagesonthecircuitbeingworkedonfromothersourcesincluding:

- illegalconnectionsorreconnections;

- UninterruptiblePowerSupplies(UPS)andbackupsupplies;

- motorgeneratorsoralternators;

- DConACcircuits;

- AConDCcircuits;

- harmonicse.g.3rdharmonic150Hzinneutralsandearthswherethereisalargefluorescentlightloadandswitchmodepowersupplies;and

- backElectroMagneticForces(EMF)fromcollapsingmagneticfieldsorrotatingmachinery.

• Stepandtouchpotentialsandtransferredearthpotentials.Transferredearthpotentialsoftenresultfromsystemfaults.

B.1.2 Tripping of supply on powerlines

Ifcontactismadewithpowerlines,supplywillnotbedisconnectedimmediately.Infact,ifthefaultcurrentislow,thesupplymaynottripatall.

Dependingonthevoltageandtypeofprotection,thereisaninbuiltdelayaslongasanumberofsecondsbeforedisconnectionoccurs.Evenifanoverheadfeederdoestrip,itmayre-closeandenergisethefaultagain.

B.1.3 Working near sources of arcing, explosion or fires

Arcs,explosionsandelectricalfaultscancauseburns.Workersshouldbeprotectedfromtheeffectsofburns.Examplesoftriggersforarc,explosionsandfaultswhichcauseburnsinclude:

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• Materialsprovidingaconductivepathbetweensourcesofpotentiale.g.uninsulatedtoolsfallingacrossbusbars.

• Abnormalconditionsoncircuitssuchas:

- lightningstrikingmains;

- circuitsofdifferentvoltagestouchingeachothere.g.HVcontactingLVcircuits;and

- highvoltageinthesecondarycircuitofacurrenttransformerifanopencircuitoccurswhencurrentisflowingintheprimarycircuit.

• Abnormallyhighvoltageswhensynchronisingdifferentsupplies.Forexample,ifthewaveformsare180ºoutofphase,twicethepeak-to-peakvoltagemaybeimposed.

• Voltagemultiplicationeffectssuchas:

- ferro-resonancewherethecapacitiveandinductivecomponentsofundergroundcablesandtransformerscansignificantlyincreasevoltageswhensingle-phasingoccurs;and

- re-strikecanoccurifcapacitorsareenergised,de-energisedandre-energisedinrapidsuccession.

• Leakageorelectricaldischargecausinginsulationtobecompromisede.g.acombinationofabuildupofcontaminantsoninsulatorsandwetweatherortrackingthroughairvoidsinpitchfilledinsulatingchambers.

• Failureofinsulatingmediums2.

Theconsequencesofarcs,explosionsandelectricalfaultsarecompoundedbyhighfaultcurrents.Thepotentialforinjuryisextremebecauseoftherapidreleaseofelectricalenergy.

Thelevelofelectricalenergyreleasedcanequal20timestheratedsupplycurrent.Whenhighfaultcurrentsarepresent,magneticforcesbetweentheconductorscanbehighenoughtocausetheconductorsupportstomechanicallyfail.Thiscausesadditionaldamage.

Protectionsystemsshouldensurethatthesehighfaultcurrentsonlyflowbriefly.However,whenhighfaultcurrentsarepresent,circuitprotectionmaynotoperatetoprotectapersonfromelectricshock,arcingorexplosions.

2 Therearenumerousinsulatingmediumsinusethatshouldbeconsidered.Someofthemediumsincludepolyvinylchloride(PVC),crosslinkedpolyethylene(XLPE),vulcanisedinsulatingrubber(VIR),air,epoxycompoundsandresins,zellamite,transformeroil,cableoil,vacuum,sulphurhexaflouride,pitchcompounds.

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Duringthetimethatittakestoclearthehighfaultcurrent,thearcsproducedhaveenoughenergytocauseanexplosion,meltmetallicswitchboardcubicles,causesevereburnsandflashburnstothefaceandeyes,aswellasinjuryfromflyingdebrisordislodgedcomponents.

B.1.4 Working in unsafe atmospheres

Afterfaultsandfires,ofteninemergencies,electricalworkersmaybeexposedtounsafeatmospheres.Toxicgasesandlackofoxygencancauseillnessanddeath.Generalworkplacehealthandsafetyrisktreatmentmeasuresshouldbeusedinthesesituations.

Themethodofextinguishingfiresshouldbeaddressed.Typically,carbondioxideorpowdertypedevicesareusedagainstelectricalfires.Extinguisherssuchaswater,foam,andwetchemicalshouldnotbeusedastheysignificantlyincreasetheriskofelectricshock.FurtherinformationcanbeobtainedfromtheQueenslandFireandRescueServiceonlineatwww.fire.qld.gov.au.

B.1.5 Isolation and access

RisksidentifiedinPart2.3shouldbeaddressedinthecontextofisolationandaccess.Risksourcesinvolvingisolationandaccessinclude:

• Correctlyisolatingsupplybutnotdischargingresidualenergye.g.acapacitivechargemaybepresentinpowersupplies,single-phasemotors,orhighpowerfactorfluorescentfittings.

• Insulationandequipmentfailingorpartiallybreakingdown.

• Earthconnectionfailingtostopanelectricshockinearthedconductivepartswhenstepandtouchpotentialsexist.

• Carryingoutthetaskcausesaperson,somethingapersonmaybehandlingorsomethingapersonisincontactwith,tointrudeintominimumsafeapproachdistances.

• Apowersystemconductingfaultcurrentorbeingsubjecttohighinrushcurrents.

• Instructionsormarkingsonthepartsbeinginadequate,incorrectorboth.

• Usingequipmentnotdesignedfororcapableofanoperatione.g.openinga’noload–bustie’underloadconditionsorrelyingonanopencircuitbreakerasanisolationpoint.

• Anotherpersonenergisingcircuitswhileaworkerisworkingonthem,oravehiclehittingapole.

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• Naturalelementssuchaslightningorwindcausingstaticcharges,overheadmainstoclashorahighvoltagecircuittofallontoalowvoltagecircuit.

• Theinter-corecapacitiveeffectsoflongmulti-phasecables.

• Changestowiringnotbeingreflectedindrawingsi.e.thedrawingsarenot’asbuilt’.Anexample:alivecontrolorsupervisioncircuitbeingpresentthoughthedrawingindicatesotherwise.

• Iftherehasbeenanerrorinwiring,openingtheisolatormaynotde-energisetheswitchboarde.g.ifincorrectconnection(incorrectpolarity)occurredintheservicetoaninstallation,openingthemainswitchwillopencircuittheneutralratherthantheactive.

• Intentionallydisablinganinterlocktoperformataske.g.openingtheshutterofa‘rackable’circuitbreakertesttoprovede-energisedintheorifice.

• Inadvertentlydisablinganinterlockwhileperformingataske.g.inaswitchboardwithanintegratedcircuitbreaker,isolatorandearthswitch,theoperatoraccidentallymovingtheisolatorintotheearthedposition.

• Acombinationofpoordirectionandinsufficientknowledgee.g.aworkerisinstructedtoapplyasetofearthsandshortcircuitsataRingMainUnit(RMU).Theworkercorrectlyobservesthattheisolatorisopen.However,theworkerassumesthattheearthswitchcanbeclosedbecausetheisolatorisopen.MostRMUsareconfiguredinsuchawaythattheearthswitchearthsthecable,notthebusbar.Inthissituation,itispossiblethattheworkerwouldbeearthingandshortcircuitingalivecircuit.

• Whenapplyingasetofportableearthsandshortcircuits,accidentalorinadvertentcontactismadewithliveparts.Ifthisoccurs,theworkerisusingadevicethatisconductingfaultcurrent.

• Thethresholdvalue(lowestlevelofindicationorreading)ofatestdevicecausingamisleadinginterpretationofatesttoprovede-energised.Dependingonthedeviceused,anindicationthatpartsarenotenergised,inahighvoltagesituation,doesnotmeanthatlowvoltageanddirectcurrentvoltagesareabsent.

• Applicationofearthingandshortcircuitingdevicesthatdependonaconductivepaththroughafuseoracircuitbreakerthatisnotfitforpurpose.

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• Ineffectiveconnectiontothegeneralmassoftheearthe.g.theelectrode,gridortemporaryelectrodethattheearthfromtheearthsandshortcircuitsreliesuponinasituationwhereasinglephasebecomesenergised.

• Applicationoftheshortcircuitportionofportableearthingdevicespriortotheearthtailbeingconnectedtotheearth.

• Arcingandsplatteringassociatedwiththeapplicationofearthsandshortcircuitscausingarisk.Thearcingorsplatteringmayresultfromusingthedeviceinsituationsthatrangefromenergisedconductorstoresidualenergysuchascapacitance.Ifthepartsareenergised,theworkercandrawthearcfromonephasetotheother,causingaphasetophasefault.

• Apotentialelectricshockpathexistingoncetheearthtailisconnectedtoearth.Aworkermaytouchanotherlivepartandtheearthedconnectoratthesametime.Forexample,inaCommonMultipleEarthedNeutral(CMEN)area,evenwhenworkingonhighvoltage,contactbetweentheearthedconnectorandalowvoltagephasecancauseanelectricshock.

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B.2 Other electrical risks to be addressed

B.2.1 Working in and around trenches, pits and underground ducts

Sourcesofelectricalriskswhenworkinginandaroundtrenches,pitsandundergroundductsinclude:

• Earthedsituationsinwhichanelectricshockpathiscreatedwhenexposedlivepartsandconductivematerialsarepresentatthesametime.Examplesofconductivematerialsincludemetalpipesandliquidssuchasstormwaterorsewerage.

• Damageoflivecablewithexcavationorholeboringequipment.

• Sparkgenerationsinanexplosiveatmospheree.g.presenceofLPgas.

• Exposedliveparts.Forexample,anelectricalworkermayberequiredtoinspectandrepairadamagedundergroundcable.

Aneffectiveriskmanagementandsafesystemofworkshouldaddressrisksofthiskind.Examplesofsuitablemethodsinclude:

• Performingelectricalandassociatedworkonlyonde-energisedparts.

• Usingworkmethodsthatremovetheriskofanearthedsituatione.g.usingmatsandeliminatingoravoidingliquids.

• Ifexposedpartsofcablesarepresent,maintainingrelevantexclusionzoneuntilyoucandeterminewhetherthecableishighvoltageorlowvoltage.Ifitisdifficulttoidentify,youshouldtreatthecableaslivehighvoltage.

Constructionofhighvoltagecablesvaries.Somehighvoltagecablesareoilfilled,somearefilledwithgas,andothersrelyoninsulationonly.Acablethatisleakingoilorgasshouldbetreatedasahighvoltagecable.

B.2.2 Working with ladders, scaffolds, portable pole platforms

Workwithintheelectricalindustryrequiresextensiveuseofladders,scaffoldsandsimilarequipment.Whenusingtheseitems,youwillencounterthethreecommonelectricalrisksfromanumberofsourcesincluding:

• Aconductivedevicesuchasanaluminiumladdercreatinganelectricshockpathe.g.anelectricshockpathmaybecreatedwhenanelectricalworkerinvestigatesafaultylightcircuitifthemetalframeofasuspendedceilingisenergisedandaconductiveladderisused.

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• Movingaportablescaffoldanddamaginginsulationwhenthescaffoldstrikesconductorsorleads.

• Ifliveworkisbeingperformedfromaladderi.e.theladderslippingandcausingtheworkertotouchexposedlivepartse.g.grabbingamainsbox.

• Anincidenthappenswhileworkisbeingperformedde-energisednearexposedlivepartse.g.windblowinganextensionladderintonearbylivemainssuchasoverheadpowerlines.

• Incaseswherelinesarecarryinglargecurrents,conductivescaffoldsbecomingsubjecttoinduction.

• Inswitchroomsandswitchyards,conductivedevicessuchasaluminiumladdersandscaffoldscreatingelectricshockpathsandcurrentpathstoearthe.g.ametalwirereinforcedladdercausingafaulttogroundiftheladdertouchesalive33kVbusbar.

• Whenusingladders,scaffoldsandsimilarequipment,workersaremorelikelytotouchopenwiringsuchasoverheadlines.

Tocontrolsituationsofthiskind,ariskassessmentcouldbecarriedoutandasafesystemofworkshouldbeused.Effectiverisktreatmentmeasureswithinthissystemofworkshouldinclude:

• Usingequipmentthatisfitforpurpose,e.g.non-conductiveladders.However,suchequipmentshouldnotbetheonlyrisktreatmentmeasureusedforliveworkunderasafesystemofwork(seeAS/NZS4836).

• Usingportablepoleplatformsthatarefitforpurpose.Whenselectingaportablepoleplatform,considerationshouldbegiventousingdevicesthatcanbesafelyattachedtothestructuree.g.woodorconcreteorboth.Designanduseoftheportableplatformshouldensurethatanoperatordoesnotreceiveanelectricshockwhenoperatingthedevicecorrectly.

• Identifyingiftherearenearbyexposedliveparts.Nearbyexposedliveparts,risktreatmentmeasuressuchasde-energising,fittingcovers,usingasafetyobserver(electrical)oracombinationoftheseshouldbeaddressed.

• Employingworkpracticessuchas:

- twoormorepeoplecarryinglongdevicesinswitchyardsandswitchroomsinapositionbelowshoulderheight;

- twopeoplehandlingextensionladdersinwindyconditions;and

- restrainingladdersusingheadropesorfootropes,orboth.

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• Ifconductivescaffoldingisusedwithinhighvoltageenclosuresorinsituationswherethereisinduction,bondingthestructuretotheearthingsystem.Dependingontheconstructionofthescaffold,youmayhavetobondanumberofsectionstoensureanequipotentialstate.

B.2.3 Working with elevating work platforms (EWP)

B.2.3.1 Scope

ThispartprovideselectricalsafetyinformationforelectricalworkerswhenusingElevatingWorkPlatforms(EWP),includingscissorliftandboomtypemachines.ItoutlinesrisksassociatedwiththeuseofanEWPonlyinanelectricalcontextanddoesnotcovergeneralsafeoperation.

B.2.3.2 Risks associated with EWP usage

Elevatingworkplatformsareusedthroughouttheelectricalindustry.Theirconfigurationsandapplicationsvarywidely,buttherearecommonrisks.

Astheworkerintheplatform’sbasketmovesinthetravellingendofthemachine,theriskofcomingintocontactwithexposedliveelectricalpartsisrelativelyhigherthanforotherformsofplant.

SourcesofrisksassociatedwithEWPsusedforelectricalandassociatedworkinclude:

• Contactingexposedlivepartsandreceivinganelectricshockeveninaninsulatedmachine.Thismaybeexacerbatedbythecloseproximitytotheexposedlivepart,anymechanicalfailureoftheEWPorlossofstabilityresultingincontactwithexposedliveparts.

• Workingnearexposedlivepartsandpoorjudgementofdistance.

• Mechanicalfailureorlossofstabilitypossiblyresultingincontactwithexposedliveparts.

• Stepandtouchpotentialsbetweenvehicleandground.Thismayresultinanunsafeelectricalenvironmentwhereanotherpersonmayaccidentallytouchthelivevehiclewhilestandingontheground.

• Liveexposedpowerlinesonthegroundasaresultofpolefailureorbrokenwires.Anaccidentinvolvingmechanicalfailureofthestructurebeingworkedone.g.polefailureorliveconductorsfallingtotheground.

• Creatinganunsafeelectricalenvironmentatgroundlevele.g.ifthebodyofthevehicleislive,passersbycanreceiveelectricshocks.

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B.2.3.3 Working with an insulated EWP

Ifaninsulatedelevatingworkplatformisusedforelectricalwork,ariskassessmentshouldconsiderwhethertheEWP’sinsulationiscapableofprotectingapersonfromacurrentpaththroughthemachine.

Theinsulationdoesnotprotectapersonfromelectricshockifitispossibleforhim/hertosimultaneouslytouchanytwopartswithdifferentelectricpotentials.

Inotherwords,ifyouareperformingliveworkinthebasketofaninsulatedEWP,itisstillpossibletoreceiveanelectricshock(refertoFigure3).

Figure 3: Example of an electrocution in an insulated EWP

Anotherexampleinvolvestheapplicationofearthsandshortcircuits,suchasportableearthingdevices.Inthecaseofportableearthingdevices,youshouldaddressthelikelyeffectsofintroducingpotentialsinornearthebasket,aswellasthemechanicaleffectsoftheconductorswhippingabout,shouldthedevicebeappliedtoliveparts.

Appropriateworkpracticesshouldpreventdifferentelectricalpotentialsfromexistinginabasket.Situationslikethiscanoccurifpeopleworkonpartswithdifferentpotentials,byanearthpotentialbeingintroducedviaatestlead,orthroughaportableearthingdevice,flexibleextensionleadorpartofastructure.

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B.2.3.4 Need for planning before electrical work using an EWP

OperationsofEWPswithaboomlengthofmorethan11maredeemedaPrescribedOccupationunderschedule5oftheWorkplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008,asamended.Part3oftheWorkplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008requirescertainminimumlevelsoftrainingandassessmentbeforetheoperatorcangainthenecessarycertificatetoengageintheoccupation.Thetraining,assessmentandauthorisationofEWPoperatorswhoaretoworkinanelectricalcontextshouldbeequivalentto,orbetterthan,theworkplacehealthandsafetyrequirements.

Beforeelectricalworkersperformanyelectricalworkfromanelevatingworkplatform,ariskassessmentshouldbecarriedoutandsafetyissuesaddressed.Theseissuesvarydependingonsuchconditionsasthejob,location,orweather.Thoughnotexhaustive,thefollowinglistmaybeofassistancetodeterminesuitabilitytoperformwork:

• Doestheworkerholdtheappropriateelectricalqualification?

• IstheelectricalworkerfamiliarwiththeprocedureandmethodassociatedwiththeelectricalworkusingtheEWP?

• Istheelectricalworkersufficientlyfamiliarwithtoolsandequipment,suchaschainsawsoraugers,tousethemsafelywhileexposedtotheadditionalrisksassociatedwithanEWPnearexposedliveparts?

• WilltherebeasuitablyqualifiedEWPoperatoroperatingthemachine?

• IstheEWPoperatorfamiliarwiththeparticularmachine?

• WherespecialtestingoftheEWPandequipmentisrequirede.g.strengthandinsulation,areallthetestsuptodate?

• Areappropriatepersonsonsiteabletosafelyperformarescueincaseanaccidentoccurs?

TheEWPoperatorshouldensurethatallchecks,inspections,set-up,stowageandmaintenancerequirementsoftheprimemover–aswellastheEWPportionoftheplant–arecompliedwith.Thechecks,inspections,set-up,stowageandmaintenanceforeachmachineshouldbeclearlydocumented.ThoughmanyoftheserequirementsaresimilartogeneralEWPrequirements,inelectricalsituationsthereareoftenadditionalrequirementssuchascleaningtheinsulatingparts.

Peopleshouldremaininthebasketwiththeirharnessattachedatalltimeswhenthebasketismovedfromthecradle.Theonlyexceptioniswhenadocumented

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safesystemofworkisinplacetoprovideasafealternative.Ifthesafesystempermitsaccessoregress,orboth,fromanEWPbasketinaraisedposition,thisproceduremustbefollowedtotreattherisksassociatedwiththisaction.Theserisksincludefallsfromheightsandelectricshock.

AsafesystemofworkassociatedwithelectricalworkfromanEWPwillinvariablyincludetraining,assessment,authorisationandauditingcomponents.Suchcomponentsaregeneraltomachinesaswellasspecific.Additionally,thesafesystemshouldconsideratleastthefollowingcontingencyplansthatinstructoperatorsonhowtodealwithsituationsthatinclude:

• Mechanicalfailureorelectricalormechanicalaccidents,orallthree.Usingthefollowingmayprovidesolutions:

- groundcontrols;

- bleedvalves;

- batteryoperatedsystems;

- controldescentdevices;and

- escapedoorsandhatches.

• Fireinthehydraulicsystem,possiblyatbasketlevel,includinganincidentinwhichtheoperatorslumpsoverthecontrols,activatingthe‘deadman’aswellasoneofthecontrols.By-passvalvesatgroundlevelmaycaterforsuchsituations.

• Therolesofallpersonsonsitewithelectricalsafetyresponsibilitiesshouldbeclearlydocumentede.g.theroleofthebasketoperatorandtheinterrelationshipwithgroundoperatorsandanysafetyobservers.Communicationneedsshouldbedefined,asshouldanyactionsrequiredifdirectcontactismadewithexposedliveparts.

• AsafesystemofworkshouldalsoincludesuitablecontrolsforsafelyoperatingtheEWP.TheoperatorshouldbeabletousethecontrolseasilywhilewearingthePPErequired.Additionally,designoftheoperatorinterlockdevice(deadman)shouldensureitcannotbeeasilybypassedbytheoperatorinthebasket.

• Asafesystemofworkshoulddetailtherequirementsforchecks,inspections,set-up,stowageandmaintenance.Theoperationalcheckshouldincludesafetycomponentssuchasdeadmanswitchesandcontroldescentdevices.Inaddition,thecorrectoperationofmultipleparkbrakes,powertake-offsandhydraulicaccumulatorsshouldbedetailed.

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• Theprocedurefortestingthemachineelectricallyandmechanicallyshouldcomplywithrelevantstandards.

• Ifthesafesystemofworkincludeslivework,risktreatmentmeasuresshouldnotcreatedangerousstepandtouchpotentials.Atastrategiclevel,youshoulddeterminewhethertoadoptorrejectthepracticeofearthingthemachineframe.Regardlessofthemethodchosen,appropriatetechnicalconsiderationisrequired,sinceeachmethodhassignificantadvantagesanddisadvantages.Athoroughanalysisshouldinclude:

- thepieceofplantbeingused;

- thetasksbeingperformed;

- configurationoftheelectricalnetwork;and

- theeffectofelectricalsafetyonworkersandpublic.

• WheretheEWPworkistobeperformedondistributionand/ortransmissionassets,privateorotherwise,thefollowingpointsshouldbeaddressed:

- Ensuringthatsafeapproachdistancesaremaintained.

- Makingsurethatstepandtouchpotentialsonandaroundthestructuredonotcauseriskse.g.fromfaultsorleakage.

- Beforeworkstarts,ensuringthatthemechanicalintegrityofthestructure,conductorsandequipmentattachmentshasnotorwillnotbecompromisede.g.consideringwhetherthestructureissafeforworkwithoutfurtherrisktreatmentmeasures.

- IfconductorsarepermittedtocomeintocontactwiththeboomorbasketoftheEWP,asafesystemofworkshouldclearlystatetheelectricalandmechanicalrequirementsforthispractice.

- Detailingtheauthorisations,licences,restrictionsandrequirementsinworkpracticestobeusedifboomsandbasketsaretoworkbetween,nearandoverenergisedandde-energisedaerialworksandinstallations.Thislistshouldincludeelectricalandmechanicalspecificationsincludingfail-safesystems.

B.2.3.5 Special provisions for working in the safety observer danger zone

What is the safety observer danger zone?

Anelevatingworkplatformisconsideredtobeoperatinginthesafetyobserverdangerzonewhenthereisapossibilitythatanyofthefollowingiscapableofenteringtheexclusionzoneofexposedlivepowerlines.

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• anypartoftheEWPnotdesignedandcapableofworkingsafelywithinthearea;

• anyhandtoolsorotherequipmentheldbyanypersoninvolvedwiththeoperationandnotdesignedorcapableofworkingsafelywithinthearea;

• theloadbeingmoved;or

• thepersonworkingonanelevatingworkplatform.

Anelevatingworkplatformisnotoperatinginasafetyobserverdangerzonewhen:

• thepowerlineshavebeende-energised;

• limitingswitcheshavebeeninstalledtowarntheoperatororpreventanypartoftheEWPorloadfromenteringtheno-goexclusionzone;or

• anypartsoftheEWPbeingmovedarebeingpreventedfromenteringtheexclusionzonebyphysicalbarriers.

ThesafetyobserverdangerzonesforpowerlinesonpolesandontowersareillustratedinFigure4:Safetyobserverzoneforoverheadpowerlinesonpoleandtowers.

Figure 4: Safety observer zone for overhead power lines on poles or towers

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Boom configuration

Boomconfigurationshouldalsobeaddressed.Elevatingworkplatformsusedintheelectricityindustryincludetelescopic,‘knuckle’andscissorbooms,flyjibsandhybridversions.Theappropriateboomconfigurationcanassistorhinderelectricalsafetyandneedstobeaddressedinriskmanagement.

AnexampleofapossibleriskcanbeseeninFigure5.

Figure 5: Example of a risk due to the position of the vehicle and boom configuration (worker performing de-energised work in an uninsulated EWP)

Safety observer

Asafetyobserverisrequiredwhenanelevatingworkplatformisoperatedwithinthesafetyobserverdangerzone.TheemployeroftheEWPoperatororaself-employedoperatorisresponsibleforappointingasafetyobservertoobservetheapproachoftheEWPorloadtopowerlines.

People in contact with the EWP

Whentheelevatingworkplatformoperatesinthesafetyobserverdangerzone,onlythefollowingpersonsmaybeinstructedtotouch,orallowedtotouch,anypartoftheEWPoritsload:

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• Theoperatorwhilenotincontactwithanelectricalearthoranothersourceofpotential.

• Anoperator,whilestandingonthegroundorwhileinanearthedsituation,mayoperatetheEWPunderthefollowingconditions:

- thecontrolsareeffectivelyinsulated3;

- theoperatorwearsinsulatinggloveswherethevoltageofanyoftheoverheadpowerlinesdoesnotexceed1000volts;or

- theoperatorstandsonanequipotentialmetallicmatortray/deck,electricallyconnectedtoallmetalworkassociatedwiththecontrols.

• Otherpersonnelmaybeallowedinthesafetyobserverdangerzoneonconditionthat:

- theirpresenceisessentialtotheparticularoperationofthecraneorplante.g.otherworkershelpingtosetuptheEWP;

- thesepersonsarenotrequiredtohavedirectcontactwithanypartoftheEWP;

- wheredirectcontactisnecessary,effectivelymaintainedinsulatingglovesmustbeworn;and

- whenanyindirectcontactisrequiredbythesepersonswiththeEWP,suchcontactmustbeviaanon-conductiveobjecte.g.haulingline,poleortailropeusedtocontrolloadmovement.

B.2.3.6 Additional loading affecting movement or position of the EWP basket

Whenconsideringtherisksassociatedwithworkingonornearstructures,youshouldallowforthefactthatthemechanicalloadingofthestructurecanbesignificantlyalterede.g.addingadditionallightfittingtoalighttower,orapplyingorremovingtensionfromaerialconductorsorcatenarysystems.

Amechanicalfailureofthiskindcancompoundrisksanddramaticallyincreasetheriskandconsequences.Forexample,ifthetiploadingofapoleisalteredandapoleconsequentlyfails,thefallingpolemaystriketheEWP.Atthesametime,however,livemainsmayfalltotheground,creatingrisksforworkcrew,rescuersandthepublic.

3 Insulationmustatleastbeeffectiveagainstthemaximumvoltageoftheparticularoverheadpowerline.Theemployerorself-employedpersonoperatingthecraneisresponsibleforensuringtheeffectivenessoftheinsulationinaccordancewiththerelevantStandard.

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Theelevatingworkplatformshouldnotbesubjectedtomechanicalforcesforwhichitisnotdesigned.Forexample,inappropriateconductortensioningtechniquesorraisingandloweringwithapowerwinchcouldapplyinappropriateforcetoanEWP.

B.2.3.7 Possible illusions as a result of using an EWP

Operatorsshouldbeawareofafeelingoflight-headednessascloudsmoveinthebackgroundoraffecttheoperator’speripheralvision.

Inaddition,whereworkisperformednearaerialconductors,operatorsshouldbeawareofanillusionknownas‘wireblindness’.Thisstateoccurswhenanoperatorknowsthataconductorexistsbuteithercannotseeitorlosessightofit.Inthesecircumstances,adequatecontingenciesshouldbeemployed.

B.2.4 Working on or from poles and towers

Sourcesofriskswhenworkingonorfromapoleortowerinclude:

• Electricshocksfrommultiplesourcesofpotential,oftenuninsulatedanduncovered.Thesesourcesinclude:

- highvoltagecircuits;

- lowvoltagecircuits;

- multipleandcommonearthsystems,includingaerialearths;

- streetlightmainsthattestasbothanactiveandaneutraldependingonthestatusofthecontrolcontractor;

- earthedmetalworkandlightingarrestors;and

- earthedcatenarysystemssuchashighvoltageaerialbundledconductor,pilotwiresandbroadbandcommunicationcable(BBCC–cableTV).

• Clashingofconductorsandconductorscontactingothercircuits.

• Stepandtouchpotentialsatgroundlevelandabove.Thesemaybecausedbyanumberoffactorsrangingfromfailinginsulatorstoincorrectconnections(includingincorrectpolarity).

• Failureofconductors,cross-armsorpoles,creatingrapidmovementsthatcancauseworkerstotouchenergisedparts.

• Injuryandillnessfrom‘suspensiontrauma’.Ifrestrainedafterafall,apersonmaysuffer‘suspensiontrauma’iflefthangingintheharness.

• Workingnearexposedlivepartse.g.workingonde-energisedlowvoltagewhilethehighvoltageaboveisenergised.Thishasrisksassociatednotonlywiththehighvoltagebutwithhighvoltagecausinginductioninthelowvoltage.

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• Effectsthatmaybebeyondtheimmediatecontroloftheworkgroupincluding:

- lightning;

- windgustscausingmovementaswellasstaticeffects;and

- vehicleshittingpoles.

Electricalworkandassociatedworkonorfromapoleshouldbeperformedonlyafterariskassessmenthasbeencarriedoutandthenonlyinlinewithaneffectivelyimplementedsafesystemofwork.

Workshouldnotbeginuntilthepolehasbeenexaminedandevaluatedassafetoclimborworkon.Therequirementforanexaminationshouldapplyregardlessof:

• thetypeofstructurei.e.wood,steelorconcrete;

• whetherapoleisownedbyasupplyentityornot;and

• whethertheworkistobeperformedfromthepoleorfromanotherdevicesuchasanelevatingworkplatform.

Aspartoftheexaminationandevaluation,abelowgroundinspectionmaybenecessary.

Wherethetiploadingisbeingaltered,workproceduresshouldincludemethodsthatwillpreventstructuralfailure.Further,anengineeringassessmentshouldbeconductedifthetiploadingistobealteredpermanentlyorwhereworkprocedurescannotensurestructuralstability.Ifloadingofapoleisalteredconsiderationshouldbegiventotheeffectthismayhaveonadjacentpoles.

Structuresandinsulatorssupportinglivehighvoltageconductorsshouldbecheckedtoidentifyconditionsthatmayresultinleakagethroughthepole.Whereleakageissuspected,furthertestsshouldbedonetodeterminewhetherthestructureissafetoclimb.

B.2.4.1 Work practices

Asafesystemofworkthatiseffectiveinensuringelectricalsafetyshouldensureatleastthefollowing:

• clearinstructionsaregivenaboutworkingliveandde-energised;

• isolationandaccessareintroducedtocreateanelectricallysafeenvironment;

• requirementsforalteringloadingsonstructuresarecommunicated;and

• thestabilityofthestructureisassessedasadequate.

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Thefollowingprecautionsshouldbetakenwhenpolesandtowersareworkedon:

• Whenconductorsarereleasedortensioned,tensionshouldbealteredinawaythatcontrolstheireffectonstructuralstability.

• Inparticular,conductorsshouldnotbecutandallowedtofall.Thispracticemaycausedangerouswhip,leadingtostructuralfailure.

• Additionalorheaviermainsshouldbetensionedsothatanoverallbalanceintensioniscloselymaintainedonthecrossarmandpole.

• Crossarms,armchecks,boltholes,boltsandthepoleheadshouldbeexaminedfordeteriorationorweaknessbeforeheavierormoreheavilytensionedconductorsareadded.

• Workpracticesshouldalsoensurethatobjectsarenotdroppedorallowedtofallfromheights.

B.2.4.2 Wooden poles

Forwoodenpolesownedbyanelectricityentity,theexaminationshouldincludeacheckformarkingssuchas’suspect’(onediagonalpaintedstripe)or’unserviceable’(paintedcross).Forotherpoles,workersshouldconsulttheassetowneroroperator.Fungusandloosesapwoodshouldnotobscurethesemarkings.

Structuralintegritycanbecheckedbyusinganappropriatemethodsuchasaropetest.Wherearopetestcannotbesafelyorpracticallycompleted,asuitableprocedureforidentifyingpoledefectsshouldbeused.

Ifapoleisnotmarkedassuspectorunserviceable,itshouldbetestedtoensurethatthepoleissafetoclimboraccess.Inthiscase,thefollowingtestsshouldbeconsidered:

• aropetest;

• abelowgroundinspection;and

• ‘sounding’thepolebyusingahammerormaultodetectunsoundstructures.

Duringthesetests,appropriateactionshouldbetakentoensureco-workersandothersaresafefromfallingobjectsetc.

A‘laddertest’–oranyothermethodoftestingapolebyimposingpressureviaaladder–shouldnotbeusedasanappropriatewayofdeterminingifapoleissound.

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B.2.4.3 Concrete poles

Concretepolesareconductive,especiallywhenwet.Theconductivityoccursboththroughmetalfittingsconnectedtothereinforcementandthroughtheconcretesurface.Therefore,thesurfaceofaconcretepoleandallmetalworkbolted,clampedorbondedtoaconcretepoleshouldbetreatedasconductive.Takeappropriaterisktreatmentmeasuressuchasusingbarriersandinsulatedmats.

B.2.4.4 Steel poles

Withsteelpoles,internalandexternalcorrosioncancreatetheriskofstructuralfailure.Inspectionandtestingshouldincludeanysignsofcorrosion-inducedstructuraldamage.

Thisshouldincludethefollowingtests:

• aropetest;and

• abelowgroundinspection.

Duringthesetests,appropriateactionshouldbetakentoensureco-workersandothersaresafefromfallingobjectsetc.

Steelpoleshavevariousshapesandsizes.Safeworkpracticeswhenusingaladderandpoleplatformsneedtoensurethatthedevicescanbefittedsoundly.Safeworkpracticesshouldincludepreventingpeoplefromfallingfromheights.

B.2.4.5 Working on unserviceable or suspect poles

Insomecases,additionalstrengtheningandsupportmaynotbeinstalledbeforeworkisdoneonan’unserviceable’or’suspect’pole.

Whenthishappens,anappropriatelyexperiencedandqualifiedpersonshouldevaluatethepole’sconditiontodecidewhetherthepolecanbesafelyclimbed,workedon,orboth.Additionalmeasurestoensuresafetymayinclude:

• Securingthepole’sbasebydrivingatleastthreelonggadsintothegroundaroundthepoleandthenlashingthemtoit.Theheadofthepoleshouldalsobesecured,usingatleastthreestaysattachedashighaspossible.

• Holdingthepoleatheadandgroundlevelwithapolelifterorcraneofsuitablesize.

• Attachingsuitablestayequipmentthatwillholdthepoleuprightunderallconductortensionsandsubsequenttwisting.

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• Whenthereplacementpoleiscloseenough,performworkassociatedwiththeoldpolebyworkingfromthenewpole.Theoldpoleshouldbelashedtothenewoneandstayed,sothatwhenconductorsarereleased,theoldpolewillnotfall.

Polebuoysorpikesmayprovideasatisfactorytemporarymeansofsupportingbadlydeterioratedpoles.Whenapolehastobeclimbed,polebuoysrequireadditionalstayingifusedforsupport.Otherwise,polebuoysarenotsuitableforthetask.

Whenreleasingconductorsfromanunserviceablepole,holdtheconductorsundercontrolandreleasethemslowlysothatyoucannotetheireffectonthepolebeforeyoureleasethemcompletely.Ifpolestabilitydependsontheconductorsbeingreleased,additionalstaysshouldbeinstalledtomaintainorincreasestability.

Ifthepolecannotbeheldorsupportedsothatalltheconductorscanbesafelyremoved,noattemptshouldbemadetoclimborworkonthepoleuntilitissafetoperformthework.Thepoleshouldbemadeassecureaspossiblewithavailableequipment.

B.2.4.6 Electrical leakage procedures for poles

Beforeclimbinganypolesupportinglivehighvoltageconductors,makeavisualinspectionforanyevidenceofleakage.Ifyouseeevidenceofpoletopfiresorotherfiredamage,damagedorpollutedinsulators,oraconductor,tiewireordebristouchingthepoleorcrossarm,youshouldensurethepoleistestedorinspectedfordamageorboth.

Whenconductorattachmentscannotbeclearlyassessedfromthegroundbecauseofwetweatherorpoorvisibility,adetection/inspectionshouldbecarriedout.

Whereleakageissuspectedonpolessupportingbroadbandcommunicationcables(BBCC),appropriateproceduresshouldbeusedtodetectleakage.Theseproceduresshouldaddresstherisksassociatedwithtestingnearexposedhighandlowvoltageconductors.TheyshouldalsolookatwhetheranyleakagethroughaBBCCsupportingconductormightaffectthedetection’svalidity.

Whereleakageissuspected,workshouldnotbecarriedoutuntilthepolehasbeenconfirmedsafetoworkonorfrom.

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Figure 6: Rope pull test

B.2.4.7 Rope testing

Thefollowingitemsshouldbeaddressedwhenperformingaropetestonapole:

• Ensuremembersofthepublicandworkersaresafe.

• Thefollowingprocessshouldbeconsidered:

- extendaladderwithropeattachedtothetopstileorheadoftheladderasfarupthepoleaspractical;

- applypressureascloseaspossibletotheheadofthepoleonthesideorinthedirectionleastsupportedbystaysorconductors;

- twopeopleshouldpullontheropeorropeswhilestandingasfaraspracticalfromthebaseofthepole;theropepullersshouldbelocatedontheoppositesideofthepolefromtheladder(refertoFigure6–Ropepulltest);and

- duringthetest,pressuremustbeappliedprogressivelyorgradually;avoidaggressiveorjerkyactions.

• Theropemustbelongenoughtoensureoperatorsaresafeifapoleshouldfail.

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• Signsoffailureincludeexcessivemovement,signsandsoundsofsplitting.

• Otherpeopleshouldbekeptoutoftheareaduringthetest.

• If,duringaproceduretodeterminewhetherthepoleisstable,thereisanydoubtaboutthepole’ssoundness,thepolemustberegardedas‘suspect’.Providepolesupportbeforeproceedingfurther.

B.2.5 Tagging out of service

Whenequipment,partsordevicesarenottobeused,theitemoritemsshouldbemadesafe(e.g.isolated)andtaggedoutofservice.Examplesofwheretaggingoutofserviceshouldoccurinclude:

• toolsandequipmentthatarefaulty,defectiveoroutoftestdate;and

• plantandequipmentthatisunsafe,underrepairorbeingmaintained.

Taggingoutofserviceisarisktreatmentmeasurethatphysicallyexcludesitemsfromuseandshouldformpartofasafesystemofwork.Tagsusedshouldcomplywithanappropriatestandard(refertoalsoPart3.4.2).

B.2.6 Excavation near energised cables

Workersinvolvedinexcavationshouldbeawareofthepossibilityofelectricshockandexplosionsassociatedwithdamagedundergroundcables.Itcanbedifficulttotellthedifferencebetweenhighvoltageandlowvoltagecables.Thereisapotentialforinjuryanddeathiflowvoltageandhighvoltagecablesaredamaged.

Evenearthed,metal-sheathedcablescancauseinjuriesifdamaged,becauseprotectivesystemsmaynotalwaysoperatefastenoughtopreventinjury.

B.2.6.1 Precautions before excavation

Beforeexcavation,youshouldcontacttheorganisationDialBeforeYouDig4,afreeenquiryreferralserviceforinformationonundergroundassetsanywhereinAustralia.Forfurtherinformation,contactDialBeforeYouDigbyanyofthefollowingmethods:

4 DialBeforeYouDigcontactsmemberassetownerswhohaveservicesatorneartheproposedexcavationsiteandwillarrangeforinformationabouttheseservicestobesent.Assetownerswillusuallyrespondwithintwoworkingdaysandmayprovidecopiesofundergroundserviceplans.ItmustbeemphasisedthatDialBeforeYouDigisareferralandinformationserviceonlyandisnotthelegalownerofsiteinformation.DialBeforeYouDigdoesnotgoon-siteandfindthephysicallocationoftheundergroundservice.

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• telephone1100;

• fax1300652077;or

• onlineatwww.dialbeforeyoudig.com.au.

B.2.6.2 Using mechanical excavation equipment

Asafesystemofworkshoulddeterminebeforehandhowclosemachinery,suchasbackhoes,excavators,horizontalborersandchaindiggers,canexcavatenear:

• cablesorcablejoints;

• earthsystemsorgrids;

• conduitsorducts;

• undergroundpillars,pitsorequipment;and

• cableprotection(mechanical)suchascovertiles,slabsorstrips.

Ifitisnecessarytoexcavateneartheitemsabove,theworkshouldbedonebyhandexcavationorwithhandtools.

Theplantoperatorshouldbeguidedbyanotherworkerpositionedtowarntheoperatorifthemachineappearslikelytoventuretoocloseortocausedamage.

Pneumaticorotherpoweredexcavationtools,suchasjackhammers,shouldnotbeusednearconduitsthatcontainlivecables.

Whenusingpoweredtoolstoexcavatebesideorarounddirect-laidcablesinrockorhardfill,existingcablesshouldbeprotectedincasethemachineslips.

B.2.6.3 Excavating concrete-encased conduits

Excavatingconcrete-encasedconduitscontaininglivecablescanbehazardousifappropriateprecautionsarenottaken.Explosionsandelectricshockcanresult.

Itispreferabletoremovecablesfromtheconduitwhiletheworkisdone.

Ifthecablescannotberemoved,theyshouldbede-energised.Handexcavationshouldbeused,atleastuntilenoughofanopeninghasbeenmadeintheconduittopermittheinstallationofmechanicalprotection.

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B.2.7 Vegetation management, chainsaws and electrical workers

Ifanelectricalworkerisrequiredtoperformvegetationmanagementnearexposedliveparts,anumberofadditionalrisksshouldbemanaged.Typically,thisworkrangesfromclearingvinesthathavegrownintoaswitchboardtotrimmingtreestomaintainclearancesfromoverheadpowerlines.

Inadditiontorisksassociatedwithgeneralvegetationmanagementandchainsawuse,electricalrisksinclude:

• Asituationwhereobjectsfallagainstenergisedconductors.Theconductorsmayormaynotbebaree.g.treetrimmingfromgroundlevelwherethetreeorpartofthetreemaytouchexposedliveparts,causingstepandtouchpotentialsatgroundlevelormainstoclashorboth.

• Asituationwhereobjectsfallacrossorontoconductorse.g.whenremovinganunserviceablewoodenpolelocatedbetweenenergisedmains,objectsshouldnotbeallowedtofallacrossconductors.Anincidentofthiskindcancreateelectricalormechanicalrisksorboth,forexample,bycausingaliveconductortofalltotheground.

• Thelikelihoodofacurrentpaththroughthevegetationshouldalsobeaddressed.Aworkermayreceiveanelectricshockviathevegetationorcauseafaultorboth.Currentmaytracktoearthorbetweenphasesviathevegetation.

B.2.8 Use of tools

Pooruseoftoolscanexposeworkerstoelectricalrisksincluding:

• electricshockandexplosionifanenergisedcableiscut,regardlessofwhetherbycablecuttersorahacksaw;

• strippingcablecancauseinjuriesrangingfromelectricshocktoburnsandcuts;and

• tighteningconnectionscancauseshortcircuitsandexplosionse.g.aspannercanslipandbridgetwophases,resultinginburns.

Thesetoolsshouldbeusedaccordingtomanufacturer’sinstructionsandaneffective,safesystemofwork.

Toolsshouldberestrainedattheworkpositiontopreventthemfromfallingintoliveswitchboardsorjammingcontrolse.g.inanEWP.Theuseoflanyardsaround

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wrists,toolholdersandtoolrestraintsincludingtoolpouchesandbaskets,shouldbeaddressed.

ReferalsotoPart4.4forfurtherinformationontools,instrumentsandequipment.

B.3 General elements of a safe system of work

AsafesystemofworkisspecifiedintheRegulationandisdescribedinAS/NZS4836.Generally,forasafesystemofworktoexist,peopleshouldbeabletodemonstratethattheyhaveidentifiedandaddressedrisksassociatedwithworkers’safety.

Typically,thereshouldbeplanningandpre-preparedactions,recordsandevidencethattheactionshavebeenaddressed.

RefertoPart4.3forrequirementsforasafesystemtoperformlivework.

Commonelementsofasafesystemofworkthatshouldapplytoallelectricalwork,bothliveandde-energised,include:

• thesafesystemofworkshouldbedrawnupwithpeople,whoarerepresentativeofelectricalworkers;

• thesystemshouldbeconsistentwith,andshouldcomplement,othermanagementsystemssuchasgeneralworkplacehealthandsafety,environmentalsystems,andqualitysystems;and

• asafesystemofworkshouldincludepracticalguidanceonatleastthefollowing:

- electricalaccess;

- physicalaccess;

- safeelectricalworkpractices;

- tools,instrumentsandsafetyequipmentusedforelectricalwork;and

- testingandfaultfinding.

B.4 High voltage isolation and access

B.4.1 General

Relevantriskslistedin4.3ofthisCodealsoapplytohighvoltage.Additionalsourcesofrisksforhighvoltageisolationandaccessinclude:

• inductionfromothercircuitsandcommunicationsequipmentsuchasradiotransmitters;

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• buildupofstaticchargesduetoweatherconditions;

• ferro-resonance;

• transferredearthpotentials;

• feedbackfromsecondaryortertiarysystems;

• storedenergyinhighvoltagecapacitorbanks;and

• workingunderoroverotherliveconductors.

Fromanelectricalsafetyperspective,therisksandconsequencesofanincidentinvolvinghighvoltagearesignificantlyhigher.Underfaultconditions,thehigherpotentials(voltages)andfaultcurrentlevelsreleasemassivequantitiesofenergy.Risktreatmentmeasuresshouldbeadoptedtoreduceexposuretotheserisks.

B.4.2 High voltage isolation and access system

PeoplenearexposedlivehighvoltagepartsmustmaintaintheexclusionzonelimitsdetailedinAppendixCofthisCode.Undersection64oftheRegulation,wherepeopleintrudewithintheexclusionzonelimitsforexposedlivehighvoltageparts,thepartsmustbede-energisedandearthedandtestedtoconfirmthatitisisolatedfromallsourcesofelectricity.

TheprinciplesinPart2.3ofthisCodealsoapplytohighvoltage.Elementsofasafesystemofworkforhighvoltageisolationandaccessshouldinclude:

• Amechanismtoinstructpeopleonwhattoisolatetopermitaccesstothehighvoltagepartsaswellastosurrenderaccessandreverseisolation,andhowtodoit.

• Effectiveisolationtopreventlightning,switchingsurgesorothereventsfromcompromisingtheisolationpointorpoints.Electricalsafetyintheareaforaccessshouldnotbecompromised.

• Workpracticesanddevicesusedforearthingandshort-circuitingshouldbecapableofwithstandingthevariousprospectivefaultcurrentlevelsandclearingtimesorfaultduration.

• Exceptinemergencysituations,authoritytoaccesshighvoltagepartsthathavebeenearthedandshortcircuitedshouldbeprovidedbywayofawrittenpermitorauthority.Thepermitorauthoritymaybeissuedbytelephoneorradioetc.

• Inemergencysituationstheactionstakenshouldberecorded.

• Testingtoprovede-energised.

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• Wherepossible,workandaccessshouldoccurwithvisibleearthsandshortcircuitdevices.

• Placementof’otherprecautions’shouldbearisktreatmentmeasurefordirectingpeopletoelectricallysafeworkareas.Otherprecautionsusuallyinclude:

- tapingorropingoff;

- safetysigns;and

- barriers.

• Amechanismorprocessimplementedthatdemonstratesthattheisolationandaccessprocessisbeingcompliedwithatalllevels.

• Havingmechanismsinplacetodealwithprotectionoperationsthatminimiseexposuretoelectricalrisks.Ifafeedertripsor‘locksout’,whetherornotafterre-closing,theactionstoenergisethefeedershouldbeoutlined.

• Effectiveisolationtoincludecontrolcircuitsandsecondarysystems.Unlessfitforpurpose,anopenhighvoltagecircuitbreakershouldnotbeconsideredaneffectiveisolationpoint.

• Proceduresormechanismstobeinplacetoaddressworkerandcommunitysafetyinemergenciese.g.damagefromcyclones,mainsontheground.

Earthinginstalledinapowersystemisonemethodusedtopreventorminimiseelectricshocks.Whenoperatingapowersystem(e.g.toswitch,de-energise,isolate,provede-energised)additionalriskscouldbepresent.Forexample,whenapowersystemisoperated,voltagetransientsofshortdurationcancreatelethalstepandtouchpotentials.Transientscanoccurwhennetworkoperationscausehugequantitiesofelectricalenergytostopflowingsuddenly.

Asitisforeseeablethatlethallevelsofstepandtouchpotentialwillexist,appropriaterisktreatmentmeasuresshouldbeused.Dependingonthesituation,methods,oracombinationofmethods,thatshouldbeconsideredinclude:

• Designandinstallationmeasures:

- physicallyseparateorisolatearticlese.g.mounttheequipmentinasafelocationsuchasabove2.4metres;and

- usealternativeinsulation,betterearthing,orboth.

• Operationalmeasures:

- useofinsulatingglovesormats,orboth,whenperformingsystemoperations;or

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- useofequipotentialzoneswhereconductivematerialscreateazonearoundtheworker,sothattheeffectsofstepandtouchpotentialsarenegligible.

Ifinsulatingglovesormatsorbotharechosen,theyshouldbeusedinatleastthefollowingsituations:

• operatinghighvoltageisolators,switchgearandearthswitchesviahandles,operatingrodsandsimilarequipment;

• applyingandremovingportableearthsandshortcircuits;and

• usinghighvoltagetestdevices,operatingrods,measuringsticksetcon,ornear,highvoltageparts.

88

Appendix C: Exclusion zones for electrical parts

Thesetablesareareproductionofschedule2fromtheRegulation.

Part 1: Exclusion zones for exposed parts for UNTRAINED PERSONS and for operating plant and vehicles operated by untrained persons

Nominal phase to phase voltage of

exposed part

Untrained person for the exposed part

(mm)

Operating plant operated by untrained

person for the exposed part (mm)

Vehicle operated by untrained person

for the exposed part (mm)

Low voltage (with consultation with person in control of exposed part)

1 000 3 000 600

Low voltage (without consultation with person in control of exposed part)

3 000 3 000 600

Above low voltage, up to 33kV (with consultation with person in control of exposed part)

2 000 3 000 900

Above low voltage, up to 33kV (without

consultation with person in control of exposed part)

3 000 3 000 900

Above 33 kV up to 50 kV

3 000 3 000 2 100

Above 50 kV up to 66 kV

3 000 3 000 2 100

Above 66 kV up to 110 kV

3 000 3 000 2 100

Above 110 kV up to 132 kV

3 000 3 000 2 100

Above 132 kV up

to 220 kV

4 500 6 000 2 900

Above 220 kV up to 275 kV

5 000 6 000 2 900

Above 275 kV up to 330 kV

6 000 6 000 3 400

89

Nominal phase to phase voltage of

exposed part

Untrained person for the exposed part

(mm)

Operating plant operated by untrained

person for the exposed part (mm)

Vehicle operated by untrained person

for the exposed part (mm)

Above 330 kV up to 400 kV

6 000 8 000 4 400

Above 400 kV up

to 500 kV

6 000 8 000 4 400

Nominal pole to earth dc voltage of exposed part

+/- 25 kV 3 000 3 000 900

+/- 85 kV 3 000 3 000 2 100

+/- 150 kV 3 000 3 000 2 100

+/- 270 kV 4 500 6 000 2 900

+/- 350 kV 5 000 6 000 2 900

+/- 400 kV 6 000 6 000 3 400

Part 2: Exclusion zones for exposed parts for AUTHORISED AND INSTRUCTED PERSONS and for operating plant and vehicles operated by authorised or instructed persons

Nominal phase to phase voltage of

exposed part

Authorised person or instructed person for the exposed part

(mm)

Operating plant operated by

authorised person or instructed person for the exposed part, with safety observer

or another safe system (mm)

Vehicle operated by authorised person

or instructed person for the exposed part

(mm)

Low voltage (with consultation with person in control of exposed part)

(No exclusion zone prescribed)

1 000 600

Low voltage (without consultation with person in control of exposed part)

(No exclusion zone prescribed)

1 000 600

Above low voltage, up to 33kV (with consultation with person in control of exposed part)

700 1 200 700

90

Nominal phase to phase voltage of

exposed part

Authorised person or instructed person for the exposed part

(mm)

Operating plant operated by

authorised person or instructed person for the exposed part, with safety observer

or another safe system (mm)

Vehicle operated by authorised person

or instructed person for the exposed part

(mm)

Above low voltage, up to 33kV (without

consultation with person in control of exposed part)

700 1 200 700

Above 33 kV up to 50 kV

750 1 300 750

Above 50 kV up to 66 kV

1 000 1 400 1 000

Above 66 kV up to 110 kV

1 000 1 800 1 000

Above 110 kV up to 132 kV

1 200 1 800 1 200

Above 132 kV up

to 220 kV

1 800 2 400 1 800

Above 220 kV up to 275 kV

2 300 3 000 2 300

Above 275 kV up to 330 kV

3 000 3 700 3 000

Above 330 kV up to 400 kV

3 300 4 000 3 300

Above 400 kV up

to 500 kV

3 900 4 600 3 900

Nominal pole to earth dc voltage of exposed part

+/- 25 kV 700 1 200 700

+/- 85 kV 1 000 1 800 1 000

+/- 150 kV 1 200 1 800 1 200

+/- 270 kV 1 800 2 400 1 800

+/- 350 kV 2 500 3 200 2 500

+/- 400 kV 2 900 3 600 1 900

91

Part 3: Exclusion zones for low voltage overhead insulated electric line for UNTRAINED PERSONS and for operating plant or vehicles operated by untrained persons

Low voltage overhead insulated electric line

Untrained person (mm)

Operating plant operated by untrained person for the electric

line (mm)

Vehicle operated by untrained person for the electric line (mm)

With consultation with, and insulation verified by, an authorised person for the electric line

(No exclusion zone prescribed)

1 000 300

Without consultation with, and without insulation verified by, an authorised person for the electric line

3 000 3 000 600

Part 4: Exclusion zones for low voltage overhead insulated electric line for AUTHORISED OR INSTRUCTED persons and for operating plant or vehicles operated by authorised or instructed persons

Low voltage overhead insulated electric line

Authorised person or instructed person for the electric line (mm)

Operating plant operated by

authorised person or instructed person for the electric line, with

safety observer or another safe system

(mm)

Vehicle operated by authorised person or instructed person for the electric line (mm)

With consultation with, and insulation verified by, an authorised person for the electric line

(No exclusión zone prescribed)

(No exclusion zone prescribed)

(No exclusion zone prescribed)

Without consultation with, and without insulation verified by, an authorised person for the electric line

(No exclusion zone prescribed)

1 000 600

92

Part 5: Exclusion zones for high voltage overhead insulated electric line for UNTRAINED PERSONS and for operating plant or vehicles operated by untrained persons

Nominal phase to phase voltage of high

voltage overhead insulated electric line

Untrained person for the electric line (mm)

Operating plant operated by untrained person for the electric

line (mm)

Vehicle operated by untrained person for the electric line (mm)

Above low voltage, up to 33kV (with consultation with person in control of electric line)

2 000 3 000 900

Above low voltage, up to 33kV (without consultation with person in control of electric line)

3 000 3 000 900

Above 33 kV up to 50 kV

3 000 3 000 2 100

Above 50 kV up to 66 kV

3 000 3 000 2 100

Nominal pole to earth dc voltage of electric line

+/- 25 kV 3 000 3 000 900

+/- 85 kV 3 000 3 000 2 100

93

Part 6: Exclusion zones for high voltage overhead insulated electric line for AUTHORISED AND INSTRUCTED persons and for operating plant and vehicles operated by authorised or instructed persons

Nominal phase to phase voltage of high

voltage overhead insulated electric line

Authorised person or instructed person for

electric line (mm)

Operating plant operated by

authorised person or instructed person for electric line, with

safety observer or another safe system

(mm)

Vehicle operated by authorised person or instructed person for

electric line (mm)

Above low voltage, up to 33kV (with consultation with person in control of electric line)

700 700 700

Above low voltage, up to 33kV (without consultation with person in control of electric line)

700 700 700

Above 33 kV up to 50 kV

750 750 750

Above 50 kV up to 66 kV

1 000 1 000 1 000

Nominal pole to earth dc voltage of electric line

+/- 25 kV 700 700 700

+/- 85 kV 1 000 1 000 1 000

94

Appendix D: Electrical Safety Act 2002

TheActimposeselectricalsafetyobligationsonpersonsfortheelectricalsafetyofothers.Apersoncanhaveanelectricalsafetyobligationinmorethanonecapacity.Forexample,acorporationmayhaveanobligationnotonlyasagenerationentitybutalsoasanemployer,supplierorpersonincontrol.

WheretheWorkplace Health and Safety Act 1995andtheElectrical Safety Act 2002bothapply,theElectrical Safety Act 2002takesprecedence.

ThefollowingaresectionsoftheActwhichhavebeenreferencedinthisCode.Fordetailedinformation,pleaseseetheappropriatesectionoftheAct.

Part 2 Electrical safety obligations

Division 2 Electrical safety obligationsSection29 ObligationofelectricityentitySection30 Obligationofemployerorself-employedpersonSection31 ObligationofdesignerofelectricalequipmentSection32 ObligationofmanufacturerofelectricalequipmentSection33 ObligationofimporterofelectricalequipmentSection34 ObligationofsupplierofelectricalequipmentSection35 Additionalobligationofdesigner,manufacturer,importeror

supplierofelectricalequipmentSection36 Obligationofinstallerofelectricalequipmentorelectrical

installationSection37 Obligationofrepairerofelectricalequipmentorelectrical

installationSection38 ObligationofpersonincontrolofelectricalequipmentSection39 ObligationsofworkerSection40 Obligationsofotherperson

Part 4 Licences

Division 1 Requirements for electrical licencesSection55 Requirementforelectricalworklicence

95

Appendix E: Electrical Safety Regulation 2002

TheRegulationensurestheelectricalsafetyoflicensedelectricalworkers,otherworkers,licensedelectricalcontractors,consumersandthegeneralpublic.ItdoesthisbyprescribinghowobligationssetdownundertheActcanbemet.

ThefollowingaresectionsoftheRegulationwhichhavebeenreferencedinthisCode.Fordetailedinformation,pleaseseetheappropriatesectionoftheRegulation.

Part 2 Electrical workDivision 2 Basic requirements for electrical workSection11 RequirementsforelectricalworkSection12 Requirementsforperformanceoflivework

Division 4 Testing of workSection14 TestingofelectricalequipmentafterelectricalworkSection15 Certificateoftestingandsafety

Division 5 Requirements applying to employers and self-employed personsSection16 Applicationofdiv5Section17 TestingandmaintenanceofsafetyequipmentSection18 Employerorself-employedpersontoensuresuitabilityoftesting

instruments

Division 6 Other requirementsSection19 Electricalequipmentwithseriousdefectnottobeconnectedto

electricitysourceSection20 SignsonswitchesanddisconnectionpointsSection21 Rescueandresuscitationtraining

Division 7 Documents about electrical workSection22 Applicationofdiv7Section23 WhomaysigndocumentsaboutelectricalworkSection24 MisrepresentationsaboutelectricalequipmentorworkSection24A Misrepresentationsaboutlawfulauthoritytocontractforthe

performanceofelectricalwork

Part 4 Working around electrical parts

Division 1 PreliminarySection58 Purposeofpt4

96

Section59 Definitionsforpt4Section61 Meaningofexclusion zoneSection62 Employerorself-employedpersontoensureworkisperformedin

accordancewithrequirementsSection62A Principalcontractorforconstructionworkplace–excavatingand

undergroundelectricalservicesSection62C Employerorself-employedpersonatconstructionworkplace–

excavatingandundergroundelectricalservicesSection62D Employerorself-employedpersonnotatconstructionworkplace

–excavatingandundergroundelectricalservicesSection63 WorkinvolvingdirectcontactwithelectricalpartSection64 Workwithinexclusionzoneforelectricalpart

Division 3 Consultation with persons in control of electrical linesSection64A Requirementtoconsult

Part 5 Electrical installations

Division 1 Performing electrical workSection69 Workinvolvingelectricmotorformingpartofvehicle

Division 5 Workplace electrical installationsSection82 Purposeofdiv5Section83A Meaningofrural industry work

Subdivision 2 All workSection84 Applicationofdiv2Section85 Cordextensionsetsandflexiblecables

Subdivision 3 Construction workSection87 Requirementsforconstructionwiringandelectricalequipment

Subdivision 4 Manufacturing workSection89 DoubleadaptorsandpiggybackplugsprohibitedSection90 SpecifiedelectricalequipmentSection90A Manufacturingwork–safetyswitchSection90B ExemptionforsafetyswitchesSection91 Safetyswitches,includingportablesafetyswitches

Subdivision 5 Service work or office workSection93 SpecifiedelectricalequipmentSection94 Safetyswitches,includingportablesafetyswitches

97

Subdivision 6 Amusement workSection94B DoubleadaptorsandpiggybackplugsprohibitedSection94C SpecifiedelectricalequipmentSection94D AmusementdevicesandamusementridesSection94E Safetyswitches,includingportablesafetyswitches

Subdivision 7 Rural industry workSection94G Requirementsforruralindustrywork

Part 8 Electricity supplyDivision 1 Connection to source of electricitySection149 Electricalinstallationwithseriousdefectnottobeconnectedto

electricitysourceSection150 Electricalinstallationnottobeconnectedtoelectricitysourceif

worknottestedSection151 Electricalinstallationnottobeinitiallyconnectedtoelectricity

sourcewithoutexaminationandtestingSection152 ReconnectionofelectricalinstallationtoelectricitysourceSection154 Licensedelectricalcontractornottoconnectelectricitysource

withoutbeingsatisfiedofcompliancewithActandRegulationSection155 Disconnectionandreconnectionoflowvoltageelectrical

installation

Division 3 TestingSection158 NoticebylicensedelectricalcontractoroftestSection159 CertificateoftestingandcomplianceSection160 Performanceofexaminationortest

Part 12 Incident notification and reportingSection196 Employerorself-employedpersontoadvisechiefexecutiveof

seriouselectricalincidentordangerouselectricaleventSection201 Scenenottobeinterferedwith

Part 13 Miscellaneous provisionsDivision 3 Other mattersSection208 ClimbingpolesofelectricityentityprohibitedSection209 Obligationsofemployeraboutsupervisingtrainingperson

JAG 09/3196

Electrical Safety Office QueenslandTelephone 1300 650 662Website www.justice.qld.gov.au

Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 Electrical Work

Department of Justice and Attorney-General

Electrical Safety Office Queensland