The Master Electrician - Summer 2010

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HUGE OPPORTUNITYfor electrical contractors

INTERNET INNOVATIONto dismantle duopoly

THE INTERVIEwRod Welford

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MasteR electRicians dRiVes ReFORMs OF insulatiOn saFety standaRds

ReneWaBle eneRGy sPOtliGHt

Bioreactor technology

BRiGHt ideas On ManaGinG casH FlOW

2 www.masterelectricians.com.au the master electrician : SUMMER 10 3

After influencing a national policy change, hosting the annual awards of excellence and launching a national television and radio campaign, the last three months at Head Office have been jam-packed with excitement.

As we begin 2010, many contractors are reflecting on their businesses, what is working, what could be working better – and ways they can plan for future growth. This edition we look at bright ideas for managing cash flow and controlling ever increasing debtor lists, turn to page 14 for all the details.

Master Electricians’ stance on foil-based insulation saw a ban to metal fasteners, a colossal win for Master Electricians and ECA, a win which will continue to position them as the national peak body for the electrotechnology industry.

New year, new opportunities – we’ve got the latest on the electrical industry trend that is set to boom. Don’t miss out on your piece of the pie, turn to page 22.

With an abundance of renewable energy options now readily available, industry innovators are continuing to launch new ways to combat climate change. This edition we feature a story on the development of bioreactor technology at a Sydney based shopping centre.

Interested in energy auditing? Turn to page 38 to find out what opportunities the Energy Management Institute can offer you.

Until next time...

Kylie RobertsASSOCIATE EDITOr

Editor’snotEWelcome to the Summer 2010 issue of The Master Electrician.

Disclaimer: The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are offered solely in pursuance of the objects of the electrical and communications association and master electricians australia to provide an informative service to contractors in the electrical industry on legal, commercial and other issues and problems related to the industry. The electrical and communications association and master electricians australia are not aware that any person intends to act or rely upon such statements and opinions contained in this publication or the manner in which it might be possible to do so. The electrical and communications association and master electricians australia issues no invitation to any member or other persons to act or rely upon such statements or opinions or any of them and it accepts no responsibility for any of them. it intends by this provision to exclude, to the extent permitted by law, all liability for any such statements and opinions. The master electrician magazine can be viewed online at www.masterelectricians.com.au

Editorial Contacts & Contributors

General Enquiriesmaster electricians australia

57 Berwick Street, Fortitude Valley

PO Box 2438, Fortitude Valley BC

Queensland 4006

phone 1300 889 198

fax 07 3251 2400

email [email protected]

web www.masterelectricians.com.au

abn 97 131 416 183

editor Malcolm Richards

associate editor Kylie Roberts

advertising enquiries Glenn Stevens

phone 07 3252 4860

email [email protected]

design and print POMO 07 3844 3873

kEEpup-to-datE

yEarly subscriptions

(4 issuEs) just $38.50

10SU

MM

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Watts neW

A PARADIGM SHIFT FOR TECHNOLOGY

READ MORE PaGe 20

GadGet Guide

KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOw

READ MORE PaGe 41

tecHnical talK

THE PHASE-OUT OF INEFFICIENT, INCANDESCENT LIGHT BULBS

READ MORE PaGe 42

www.masterelectricians.com.auor call 1300 889 198

contents04 up front with the regulators

08 shopping around for renewable energy

10 the buzz

14 bright ideas on managing cash flow

16 master electricians drives reforms of

insulation safety standards

22 coal seam gas

27 meet a master electrician

28 internet innovation to disable duopoly

30 news from distributors

34 letter of the law

36 interview

40 techno biz

45 workplace relations

48 all about ME

50 test drive

52 events calendar

53 your best (or worst) funny story

54 last word

THE MASTER ELECTRICIAN MAGAzINE CAN BE VIEwED ONLINE AT

www.masterelectricians.com.au

Average Net Distribution 26, 261CAB Audited as at 30 September 2009

up front w

ith the regulators : STATE

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4 www.masterelectricians.com.au 5the master electrician : SUMMER 10

n BondingofmetallicsupportforLV

overheadservicen CombinesHighVoltage(HV)clearancesfrom

bothsetsofregulationsn Revisiontoprivateoverheadelectricline

(POEL)requirementsn Reviseddefinitionsofprescribedelectrical

installationworkn Changestoinspectionrequirementsto

includepart1solutions.Certificateof

electricalsafety(COES)pricingisnowfeeunit

based.ThismeansthatthepriceofCOESwill

beindexedannuallyinlinewithinflationn Changestorequirementsforreporting

ofincidentstoincludecomplexelectrical

installationsandrailways.

ESVwillbeconductingseminarsacrossVictoria

early this year explaining the differences

between the old and the new regulations and

their implications for the electrical trades. The

locations and dates for the seminars will be

announcedsoon.

An explanation of the changes will

be available soon on the ESV website at

www.esv.vic.gov.au.

western australia

EnergySafetynew Rcd laws frequently asked questions

energySafety’sRCDwebsitelistsanumberof

frequentlyaskedquestions.Belowaresome

additionalquestionsandanswersrecentlyadded

to the website. Please visit www.energysafety.

wa.gov.au/RCDforfurtherinformation.

Q: With respect to the recent legislation to

retrofit RCDs into tenanted properties

and at point of sale for residential

properties, if I install RCDs, I will also

have to rewire light and power circuits

in the installation so the RCDs will

not ‘nuisance trip’. This will be very

expensive for the home owner. Can these

types of installations be exempt from

the legislation?

A:No.Ifthecircuitwiringisinsuchastate

ofdeterioration,itshouldbereplaced.

Costisnotavalidreasontocompromise

electricalsafety.

Q: If I install RCDs, do I have to submit a

Notice of Completion for the work?

A:Yes.InstallingmorethanoneRCDis

notifiableworkandmustbecertifiedby

submittingaNoticeofCompletion.The

electricalcontractormustalsopreparean

ElectricalSafetyCertificateforthiswork.The

certificatemustbedeliveredtothepersonfor

whomtheworkwascarriedout.

Q: With respect to the recent legislation to

retrofit RCDs into tenanted properties

and at point of sale for residential

properties, do I need two RCDs for

house services?

A:No.Houseservicespowerandlightcircuits

needonlybeprotectedbyoneRCD.Similarly,

inaresidencewithashed,powerandlight

circuitsfortheshedneedonlybeprotected

byoneRCD.Theactualresidencerequiresa

minimumoftwoRCDstoprotectthepower

andlightcircuits.

Q: If I am asked to verify that an installation

has a minimum of two RCDs, do I have

to submit a Notice of Completion for this

checking work?

A:No.Ifyouaremerelyconfirmingthatthe

installationhasaminimumoftwoRCDs,

youneedonlyprovideanElectricalSafety

Certificateforthischecking.Samplewording

victoria

Energy Safe Victorianew electrical safety installations regulations for Victoria

v ictoria’s Electricity Safety Installation

Regulations 2009 are about to be

proclaimed. The successful introduction of the

new regulations follows more than 12 months

of intensive development work by Energy Safe

Victoria (ESV) working in conjunction with the

electricityindustry.

The new regulations combine the essential

safety components of Victoria’s existing 1999

installationregulationsandtheElectricitySafety

(NetworkAssets)Regulations1999,whichare

notbeingremade.

They do not contain provisions relating to

licensingandregistrationofelectricalworkers.

These will be the subject of a new set of

regulations, the Electricity Safety (Registration

and Licensing) Regulations, which will be

publishedseparatelythisyear.

Here are some of the principle differences

betweenthe1999and2009regulations:n RetainsreferencetoclausesofAS/NZS3000

2007AnnexKforhighvoltageinstallations

tobeusedinconjunctionwithAS2067.

ThisannexwasremovedfromAS/NZS3000

2007byAmendment1.ESVwillmakethis

annexavailableonline.Thisensuresthe

independentinspectionofinstallations.

Inspectorscannotinspectaninstallationthey

havedesigned.Thisdoesnotincludegiving

advicerelatingtotheActandregulationsn Mandateslabellingofpart1solutions,wiring

notincommonareasofmultipleoccupancies

andtoindicatethepresenceofauxiliary

generationsystems

regulatorsup front with the

ThE NEw REgUlATioNS CoMBiNE ThE ESSENTiAl SAfETy CoMPoNENTS of ViCToRiA’S ExiSTiNg 1999

iNSTAllATioN REgUlATioNS AND ThE ElECTRiCiTy

SAfETy (NETwoRk ASSETS) REgUlATioNS 1999, whiCh

ARE NoT BEiNg REMADE


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queenslanD

Electrical Safety officeNew safety switch proposals for public discussion

the Electrical Safety office is seeking input to proposals for new

requirements for the retrofitting of safety switches to lighting and

power circuits in all forms of domestic accommodation in Queensland.

The Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 currently requires the fitting

of safety switches on both power and lighting circuits in all new

residences and in all new residential electrical installations.

in addition, retrospective fitting of safety switches on power circuits

in post-1992 domestic residences is required on their sale or rental

where a residential tenancy agreement applies. other residences

built prior to 1992 are not at present subject to mandatory safety

switch requirements.

A discussion paper outlining proposals for change has been

circulated to industry and consumer organisations for their

consideration and response.

The move to mandatory safety switch requirements for all forms

of domestic accommodation over a five-year period is proposed in

three stages.

1. owners of rental and temporary accommodation premises which

are sold or the title transferred, to have safety switches installed

on power and lighting circuits within three months of the sale or

transfer of the property

2. owners of all rental and temporary accommodation premises, to

have safety switches installed on power and lighting circuits within

two years

3. All other domestic residences to have safety switches installed on

power and lighting circuits within five years (or within three months

of their sale or transfer).

The discussion paper estimates the cost of fitting a safety switch

at between $200 and $250 per unit and notes that, for temporary

accommodation establishments associated with a business, this cost

can be recouped as a business expense and is tax deductible.

There are various devices available on the market for domestic

premises enabling safety switches to be fitted into, or near, most

older-style switchboards, keeping installation costs to a minimum.

The options have been developed taking into consideration the

related demands on the electrical contracting industry and to allow

businesses and home owners a reasonable phase-in period in which

to meet the attendant costs.

Submissions on the proposals close on 26 february 2010 and

any final proposal for regulatory changes will be subject to regulatory

impact assessment and government approval.

Electrical apprentices safety pilot program a success

the Electrical Safety office (ESo) is set to expand a successful pilot

training program during 2010 to raise safety awareness among

Queensland’s apprentice electricians.

Executive Director of the Electrical Safety office Peter lamont said

the fatality last year of an electrical tradesperson who was only nine

months out of his apprenticeship and other serious incidents highlighted

how vital it was to work more closely with electrical apprentices.

Mr lamont said safe workplace practices needed to be entrenched at

the start of an apprentice’s career to prevent such tragedies occurring.

There have been 28 serious incidents involving electrical workers in

Queensland in the last two years, including two fatalities.

Three fourth-year apprentices recently completed a 12-week pilot

program which highlighted the work of the ESo in ensuring that the

safety message is delivered to those about to start their career in the

electrical industry.

During the 12-week program, the apprentices spent time in the

field with electrical inspectors assisting with process audits, electrical

installation verification and some safety investigations.

when the apprentices return to their workplaces, their experiences

will help them to promote a stronger emphasis on electrical safety.

The program, which has industry support, aims to help improve the

apprentices’ knowledge and awareness of electrical safety and promote

the role of the ESo, while offering secure work placements.

The ESo will expand the program during 2010 with six fourth-

year apprentices.

Disciplinary actions taken against an electrical contractor

in a recent hearing of the Electrical licensing Committee the holder

of an electrical work licence was fined and his licence suspended.

The worker had knowingly represented himself as having a current

Queensland electrical contractor licence and performed electrical

contracting work when he knew he was not entitled to do so.

further, he had failed to install a MEN link in the main switchboard

of a residence and left several other serious electrical defects at

the installation.

he then submitted a form 2 to Energex in the name of another

contractor without that contractor’s knowledge.

The licensing Committee fined him $1000, and suspended his

licence for three months, but deferred the suspension for one month

on the condition that he satisfactorily completes an approved course

on electrical installation testing and inspection. The suspension will

be revoked providing he completes the course in the time stated and

pays the fine.

forthischeckingworkisalongthelinesof

“Inspectedinstallation.ConfirmedtwoRCDs

areinstalledtoprotectallsocketoutletsand

lightingfinalsubcircuitsinaccordancewith

AS/NZS3000:2007WiringRules”.

Q: Do RCDs have to be fitted to park homes

where the owner owns the building but

not the land (which is subject to a lease)?

A:TheowneronlyneedstofittwoRCDsif

thebuildingissoldorrented.Mostofthese

cabinsaresuppliedbyaflexiblecordandinlet

socket.InthiscaseoneRCDisacceptableina

cabinwhichissuppliedbyoneinletsocket.At

leasttwowouldberequirediftherearetwo

ormoreinletsockets

Q: Do RCDs need to be fitted in

caravan parks?

A:Caravanparksareclassedasresidential

premises,therefore,theyfallunderthenew

RCDlaws.Theonsitepermanentlywired

cabinsrequiretwoRCDswhentheyaresold,

leasedorrented.Anexemptioncanbeissued

foroneRCDwherethecabindoesnothave

aswitchboardortheswitchboarddoesnot

havesufficientspacetoinstalltwoRCDs.All

thelightingandsocketoutletcircuitsinthe

caravanpark(whichissold,rentedorleased)

mustbeprotectedbyRCDsasthecaravan

parkisaresidentialpremise.Clearlyonlyone

RCDisnecessarytoprotectanindividual

socketoutletsupplyingacaravan.

Q: Are RCDs required to be fitted to

a caravan?

A:CaravansrequireRCDsifsold,rentedor

leased.OneRCDisacceptableinacaravan

whichissuppliedbyoneinletsocket.Atleast

twowouldberequirediftherearetwoor

moreinletsockets.

new south wales

Department of fair Tradingcounterfeit power points

this is information for all licensed electrical

contractors and network operators, on

unapproved and counterfeit HPM branded

XL777WEdoublesocketoutlets.

TheNewSouthWalesOfficeofFairTrading

has investigated the sale and installation of

unapproved and counterfeit HPM branded

XL777WEdoublesocketoutlets.Thesesocket

outletshavebeendistributedthroughelectrical

wholesalersandbydirectsaletocontractorsby

phonecontact.

Theseoutletscanbeidentifiedbythemissing

words‘MADE’or‘MADEIN’betweentheHPM

logo and the word ‘AUSTRALIA’ next to the

active,neutralandearthscrewsofthemoulding

oftheterminalblocks.Alsotheword‘MADE’is

missingnext to thewords ‘INAUSTRALIA’on

themouldingontherearofthefaceplatenext

totheearthterminal.

Electrical contractors are reminded of their

obligations under sections 16 and 31 of the

Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 and

section32oftheElectricity(ConsumerSafety)

Regulation2006inthesaleandinstallationof

electricalarticles.Penaltiesapplytocompanies

and individuals convicted of offences for

breaching this legislation and may include

suspension or cancellation of licences under

provisionsoftheHome Building Act 1989.

If you have installed any of these socket

outletsorhaveanyknowledgeofsuppliersof

theseelectricalarticlesyouareurgedtocontact

theOfficeofFairTradingbyphoneon133220.

south australia

office of Business and Consumer Affairsnational trade licensing system

in July 2008 the Council of Australian

Governments (COAG) agreed to establish a

national trade licensing system (NLS) that will

remove inconsistenciesacross statebordersand

allowforamuchmoremobileworkforce.

Oncealicenceisissuedthelicenceholderwill

beabletousethelicencetoworkanywherein

Australiawithoutadditionalpaperworkorcost.

COAGhasagreedthatnationaltradelicensing

initially be applied to the following range of

economicallyimportantoccupations:nbuildingnelectricalnplumbingandgasfittingnairconditioningandrefrigerationmechanicsnlandtransport(passengervehicledrivers,

dangerousgoods)nmaritimenpropertyagents.

Regulators,industryandotherkeystakeholders

have been involved in the development of

the new system and will continue to be

consulted by the COAG National Licensing

Taskforce as the new national trade licensing

system isprogressed. It isanticipatedthat the

nationallicensingsystemwillbeoperationalby

July2012.

Formoreinformationaboutthedevelopment

and implementation of the NLS please go to

the National Licensing website (https://www.

govdex.gov.au/confluence/display/COAGNL/

Home). The website provides links to the

Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and a

Regulation ImpactStatement(RIS),factsheets

andalistoffrequentlyaskedquestions.

8 9the master electrician : SUMMER 10

renewab

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Shopping around for renewable energy

RENEWABLE ENERGY

SPOTLIGHTit’s the time of year when Australian retailers have marked down stock, are clearing their shelves and making way for next season’s products. But with sales on the up, so is the amount of waste left behind. This has prompted one Sydney-based shopping centre to turn its trash into renewable energy treasure.

www.masterelectricians.com.au 8

Environmental savings For each tonne of commercial and industrial waste produced by Top Ryde City that is sent to the woodlawn bio-reactor instead of being dumped in a landfill, 1.2 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions are saved.

This means, recycling the 1,440 tonnes of waste produced each year by Top Ryde City, will equate to a saving of up to 1,726 tonnes of greenhouse gases (tC02e).

That’s the equivalent of taking 430 cars off the road for one year or planting more than 6000 trees.

Top Ryde City Shopping Centre will

produce approximately 1,440 tonnes

of general waste per year and until

recently this rubbishwasdestined for

Australia’slandfills.

To help combat the problem the shopping

centre and Veolia Environmental Services have

combinedforcestorecycletheprecinct’swaste.

Theannual1,440tonnesofgeneralwastewill

produceanestimated411,840KWhofelectricity

peryear–enoughtopower50households.

VeoliaEnvironmentalServicesusesbioreactor

technologytoconvertthegasesemittedbythe

wasteintoelectricity.

A spokesperson for the company said the

technology meant big waste producers, like

shoppingcentres,couldfindasustainablesolution.

“Bioreactorsareoneoftheleadingformsof

alternativewastetechnology.

“Theyarepurpose-builtfacilitiesdesignedto

acceleratethedecompositionprocessofresidual

wasteandmaximisethecaptureofbio-gasyields

forconversionintogreenelectricity,”shesaid.

An extensive network of pipes is placed

throughthewaste.Operatorsthenanalyseand

controlwater,leachaterecirculation,acidlevels,

temperature and microbe levels in each bio-

reactorcell.

The controlled injection of leachate into the

bio-reactorstimulatestheformationofmethane

byprovidingtheoptimalconditions.

The result is a rapid decomposition of the

waste. The bio-gas capture expedites the

stabilisationofthewasteandgreatlyreducesthe

escapeofgreenhousegasesintotheatmosphere.

Themethane that isproducedandcaptured

isusedasfuelforthebio-reactor’spurpose-built

landfillgas(LFG)internalcombustionengine.

Themechanicalenergycreatedbytheinternal

combustion engine is converted into electricity

withanattachedgenerator.Eachgeneratorused

atWoodlawnhasacapacityof1.065MWh.

From here the electricity generated is

bought by Energy Australia and fed into the

electricitygrid.

TopRydeCity’swastewillbeusedtogenerate

renewable energy at Veolia Environmental

Services’Woodlawnbio-reactor.

While bio-reactor technology is not new,

the Woodlawn bio-reactor is the world’s

largest and the only bio-reactor to utilise a

disusedminesite.

Manybusinessesandmunicipalcouncilssend

theirgeneralwastetotheWoodlawnbio-reactor.

A Veolia Environmental Services spokesperson

saidthetechnologyhasmanyapplications.

“Veolia works with all customers to look at

ways in which they can minimise their waste-

relatedgreenhousegasemissions.

“Aspartof thisweencouragecustomers to

utilisethistechnologyfortheirgeneralwaste,”

shesaid.

VeoliaEnvironmentalServicesaimstorecover

up to 65 per cent of all general waste and

recyclablematerialsfromTopRydeCity.

TopRydeCityisanewcomplexthatopened

inNovember2009.Itplanstoopenanewstage

inearly2010andbeoperatingatfullcapacityby

themiddleoftheyear.

It seems there are several levels of

environmental benefits associated with bio-

reactor technology. The process saves tonnes

ofwastefrombeingdumped in landfills,saves

greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately

provides another option for renewable

energygeneration.

Why become a Master Electrician?

Consumers trust the ‘Masters’ brand, and are more likely to choose a Master Electrician over the competition. Buyers equate Master Electricians with experience, quality, reliability and integrity.

Through our extensive advertising to public and industry on the benefits of using a Master Electrician, you will be in demand from the public, builders, principal contractors and government.

When you become a Master Electrician, you get the following benefits:n Use of the Master Electrician brandingn A strong point of difference over your competitorsn Increased recognition by public and industry

Master Electricians Accreditation also provides you with unlimited access to:n A wiring rules hotlinen A large technical and standards advice teamn Industry training and educationn Employment and workplace relations advicen Expert advice on commercial and business mattersn Regular up-to-date news and informationn Networking opportunities with industry supporters, suppliers, other allied trades and associated organisations.

Master Electricians deliver the highest levels of quality, electrical safety, integrity and energy advice.

To find out how you can become a Master Electrician call 1300 889 198 or visit www.masterelectricians.com.au

quality safety reliability

Are you a Master Electrician?

10 www.masterelectricians.com.au

buzzthe

wind energy helps boost australia’s grid

Three new wind projects have helped drive a recent boost to Australia’s electricity grid,

which saw 1,582 Mw of capacity added in a period of six months.

The completion of four other electricity projects also contributed to the boom,

including a coal seam gas plant, two natural gas plants and a coal fired power plant.

The finding was released in the october 2009 listing of the Australian Bureau of

Agricultural and Resource Economics’ (ABARE) report, Electricity generation: major

development projects, which details electricity generation projects at various stages

of development.

The report found that nine of the 18 projects listed as being in an advanced stage

used renewable electricity, including eight wind projects and one hydro project.

wind projects accounted for 733 Mw, or 84 per cent of advanced renewable

additions. All eight wind projects are expected to be in operation by 2011.

“The number of wind projects at advanced and less advanced stages of development

demonstrates the potential of wind energy to add significant renewable electricity

generation capacity to the electrical grid,” said ABARE Deputy Executive Director

Terry Sheales.

commercial office buildings to declare energy efficiency rating

Australian building owners will soon need to

provide up-to-date energy efficiency information

when selling or leasing office space as part of

a federal government scheme to improve the

energy efficiency of commercial office buildings.

Starting in the second half of 2010, the

scheme will require business owners selling

or leasing office space covering more than

2,000 square metres to disclose a valid Building

Energy Efficiency Certificate, which will include

a National Australia Built Environment Rating

System, and assessment of lighting energy

efficiency. owners who don’t comply will risk a

fine or prosecution.

Environment Minister Peter garrett said that

the scheme would provide building owners,

potential buyers and tenants access to

consistent, credible and meaningful information

about a building’s energy efficiency in order

to make informed decisions when buying or

renting office space.

$3,800 for each australian electrical apprenticeThe Tool for your Trade payment now combines

the previous incentives introduced from the

federal government – tools for your trade

voucher, apprenticeship wage top up and the

Commonwealth trade learning scholarship.

The new payment totals $3,800 and will

be paid directly to your Australian apprentice

over the life of their apprenticeship.

New payments commenced on 1 January

2010 and will be delivered as five tax exempt

cash payments totalling $3,800. Payments

will be made as follows: n $800 payable after three monthsn $800 payable after 12 months n $800 payable after 24 monthsn $700 payable after 36 monthsn $700 payable upon successful completion.

Should your Australian apprentice successfully

complete their Australian Apprenticeship earlier

than the proposed completion date specified

on the training contract, the Australian

Apprentice may be eligible to receive the

remaining payments owed to them.

here’s the latest news and information from the electrotechnology industry across Australia.

the buzz : IS

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13the master electrician : SUMMER 10

The government has announced a carbon

‘cap’ that should lead to consumer

behavioural changes that support a lower

carbon output. Electricity prices are estimated

to increase by around 18 per cent and gas

prices by 12 per cent. it is expected that

higher electricity prices will provide a financial

incentive for consumers to conserve energy

in their homes. Electrical contractors able to

provide realistic options in this area will have

access to a rapidly developing market.

The CPRS will cover around 75 per cent

of Australia’s emissions, and businesses

will have to change the way they operate to

ensure they do not drive up costs. The Climate

Change Action fund is designed to provide

assistance to businesses and communities

to smooth the transition and reduce the

impact that the integration of low emission

infrastructure will incur. The government has

committed $2.15 billion dollars in grants and

incentives over five years to help business

integrate energy efficient technology.

Electrical contractors are in a prime position

to benefit from these reforms. These targets

will require a rapid, large scale introduction

of energy efficient generating options, and

labour to install the new technology – creating

a huge opportunity for our industry.

Contractors vs the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS)

If you have something to submit, please email [email protected]

In 2005 Clipsal created an industry and world

first when they booked out an entire ocean

liner, the SuperStar Virgo to cruise throughout

South East Asia. on board were over 2,000

Club Clipsal Members, Clipsal’s most loyal

electrical contractor customers and their

wives. The fraternity bonded together as one

to celebrate. Competitors became colleagues.

Business relationships were forged. ideas were

exchanged. And yes the ship ran out of beer.

Now Clipsal is set to celebrate 90 years of the

Clipsal brand and the Club’s 15th Anniversary in

April, 2010 by booking out an even bigger ocean

liner and setting sail for a nine day cruise along

the Mexican Riviera. But this time it’s going to

be different.

Clipsal is offering a warm invitation to all

electrical contractors to join them on board

the cruise ship, so they too can experience the

same camaraderie, networking opportunities and

benefits that members have been enjoying over

the years.

Clipsal Cruise dates are 16-25 April 2010. A

limited number of cabins are still available but you

will need to book fast.

Visit clipsal.com/clubcruise or telephone

1300 790 663 (toll free).

Ampere Electrical Manufacturing Co. Pty. Ltd.168-176 High St, Prahran, Vic. 3181. Tel (03) 9510 4333, 9510 2428 Fax (03) 9510 5940Toll Free 1800 AMPERE (1800 267 373)www.ampere.com.au

Who else would you trust!

CR

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3P

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Clean energy sourCe that Could make you go greenAmerican electric utility Green Mountain Power has partnered with a farm in the United States to convert cow manure to electricity.The westminister Farms plant in Vermont will convert the waste of 1,200 cows to produce approximately 225 kw of energy.

Although manure-generating power is not a new concept, the westminister Farms project involves a fixed price per kwh payment to the farm, which represents an important step toward creating a sustainable model for farmers.

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NSW (02) 9833 4399VIC/TAS (03) 9369 4222

QLD (07) 3203 3400SA/NT (08) 8241 2422

WA (08) 9355 [email protected]

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feature : BR

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“Anotheroptionisofferingdebtorspayment

terms, for example, in a business dealingwith

25 clients, 24 may choose to pay early, or up

front,ifatwopercentdiscountisoffered.”

Most banks offer offers products to assist

with access to cash, tailored to individual

businessneeds.

Mr Tanner suggested seeking access to

financeincircumstanceswherecashflowcannot

bemanagedalone.

“Forsmallbusinesses,short-termfinanceand

businesscreditcardscanhelptightenthecash

flowcycle,”hesaid.

“For medium and larger businesses formal

overdraft facilities can ease the pressure to

meetsuppliercostsandemployeewageswhile

waitingforfinalisationofcontracts”.

MrTanner stressed theneed for contractors

to review their ongoing cash flow cycle, and

maintain constant communication with their

localbank.

“Just like anything in life, whether it’s

fitness, education, or health, real rewardsonly

come with persistence – the same is true for

smallbusinesses.”

The long gap between expenses and income in the electrical business can leave contractors

temporarily short changed.

Br ight ideas on

By James McNamara

MANAGING

According to Commonwealth Bank chief

operatingofficerforlocalbusinessbanking

BernardTanner,electricalcontractorscommonly

experiencedifficultiesinmanagingcashflow.

“What you have is suppliers demanding

payment immediately, and debtors wanting to

extendtermsbetween60and90days.

“Thelittleguyisfacingtoughtimesbecause

the cash flow cycle is being extended at both

ends,”hesaid.

Mr Tanner urged electrical

contractors to critically examine

their business to identify the

stressestheyface.

“None of this is rocket science,

tradespeopleandbusinessownersjust

need to remember to spend time on

theirbusiness,aswellasinit.

“Some people get nervous and avoid

reviewingtheirbusinessproblems.

“This leads to

guesswork, which

can be dangerous

to business as any

problems that do exist

can either end up in

thetoohardbasket,or

dealtwithinaccurately,”

hesaid.

Whileaslowcashflowcyclecanplaceintense

pressure on day-to-day operations, Mr Tanner

saidcontractorscouldtakestepstocope.

To approach cash flow management issues,

Mr Tanner said business operators should

list the incoming and outgoing funds over a

shortperiod.

“Thefirststepistobeawareoftheprocesses

affecting cash flow in your business, start by

making a list of incoming and outgoing cash

overacertainperiod.

“Understand theneedsof suppliersand the

people you rely on, and once a timeframe of

primaryplusesandminuseshasbeenidentified,

writedown,andstickto,aplan.”

Businessesshouldtakestepstoalignincome

andexpensesafterconductingthisreview.

“Businesses with lumpy income should

look to spread expenses through suitable

paymentoptions.

“For example, if you’re paying employees

weekly it may be necessary to extend this to

fortnightlyormonthlypayments.

“This can mean faster access to funds and

lessoverallstrainonthe

business,”hesaid.

Mr Tanner said

contractors should

also encourage

earlier payment by

debtors through

negotiatingterms.

“Intendingforajob,contractorscanseeka

depositorupfrontpayment.

“Thisensuresthatinitialjobrelatedexpenses

can be met, on the client’s ticket, not the

contractors,”hesaid.

CASH FLOw MANAGEMENT

• Analyse incoming and outgoing payments

over a short period

• Break-up large expenses over longer periods

• Seek partial up-front payments on contracts

• Offer payment terms to encourage early or

on-time payments

• Maintain a close relationship with your

financial institution.

FINANCIAL PRODUCTS

• Short-term finance

• Business credit cards

• Working overdraft

• Larger loans.

cash flowWhittaker Macnaught financial adviser

Stephen horton offers tips on balancing

business cash flow with family budgets:

• Provide a regular income stream for yourself

so that your family expenses can be

managed without unnecessary complication

or stress.

• with the guidance of your accountant,

budget for a particular target profit figure

over and above the wage you pay yourself.

• Separate your family budget from the

business budget. Adopt the same principles

of structure and monitoring to ensure there’s

money available for required expenses such

as household bills, as well as discretionary

family spending such as holidays

and entertainment.

• Do not do as some do and spend on

unnecessary things just because there’s

money in the company bank account at the

end of the month.

Cash flow management and family budgets

“The little guy is facing tough times because the cash flow cycle is being extended at both ends”

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Morning Bulletin(Rockhampton)Saturday 21/11/2009Page: 10Section: General NewsRegion: Rockhampton QLD, AUCirculation: 18024Type: RegionalSize: 148.41 sq.cms.

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SWhen Queensland’s Electrical

Safety Office advised late

on October 15 that it was

investigating the death of an

insulationinstaller,itbroughttorealitythegravest

fearsoftheelectricalindustryaroundthesafety

oftheFederalGovernment’sinsulationprogram.

Theprogramhadbeendesignedtocreatenew

business and employment opportunities, but in

doingsoithadalsosentarangeofinexperienced

andveryyoungworkers intoroofspaceswhere

theywereworkingnearliveelectricalfittings.

Master Electricians had been warning

since March about the dangers of allowing

inexperienced workers to operate in close

proximity to live electricity, and suddenly those

warningswereputintostarkperspective.

Initial advice from the ESO Qld –

subsequently confirmed – an installer had

stapled through a live cable while fitting

aluminiumfoilinsulation.

Thedangernowwasthatwithoutimmediate

governmentaction,otherworkersorevenhome

ownerscouldbeexposedtosimilardangers.

Early on the morning after the ESO

announcement, Master Electricians CEO

MalcolmRichardsheldurgentconsultationswith

theorganisation’spoliticalandmediaadvisersto

determinethemosteffectivecourseofaction.

What unfolded was a direct lobbying

campaign to the Federal Environment Minister

Peter Garrett, supported by a very high-profile

media campaign in which Master Electricians

assumedtheroleofpublicguardianinrelationto

insulationsafety.

Thekeymessagetothegovernmentwasthatit

mustchangetheinsulationrebateschemeinorder

to improvesafety standards,while themessage

tothepublicwasthattheyshouldhaveaMaster

Electricianora licensedelectricalcontractortest

theirinsulationiftheyhadanyconcerns.

Thetwinmessageswereimmediatelyeffective;

in coming days, Mr Richards would perform

dozensofmediainterviewsraisingawarenessof

thedangerstobothinstallersandhomeowners.

Andwithin24hoursoftheinitialmediablitz,

MasterElectricianshadsecuredacrisismeeting

withtheFederalMinisterandhisDepartmentto

discussaradicaloverhauloftherebateprogram.

Less than two weeks later, and following

several days of intensive meetings with Master

Electricians Australia, Mr Garrett announced

a ban on the use of metal fasteners, such as

staples,forfoil-basedinsulationproductsunder

thescheme.Healsoannouncedthemandatory

use of covers for downlights by government-

funded installers, addressing another of MEA’s

majorconcerns–firerisk.

Whileseveralotherindustrygroupswouldjoin

thepublicdebateintheweeksthatfollowed,it

wasMasterElectriciansthatwasabletoidentify

the problem, secure urgent meetings with the

Minister and his department, and propose

thesolution.

Mr Garrett also announced an immediate

auditof10percentofallhomesthathadhadfoil

insulation fitted to them, and the government

hassincebeenintouchwithanumberofMaster

Electriciansinrelationtothatwork.

MrRichardssaidMasterElectriciansAustralia’s

political and media presence had enabled the

organisationtobringaboutaveryquicksolution

toadeadlyproblem.

“In the wake of the Brisbane tragedy, we

raisedsignificantpublicawarenessofthedangers

ofstaplingfoilinsulationoverelectricalcabling,”

MrRichardssaid.

“Asaresult,wewereabletogainquickaccess

totheMinister,andgaintheconfidenceneeded

tobringaboutaspeedypolicychange.

First Fatality

On 14 October 2009, a 25 year old male was electrocuted while installing insulation in a household

roof in South Brisbane. A 19 year old female who was assisting with the work, received severe electric

shock and burns.

While the investigation report has not been released, initial reports indicate that a staple used to affix

foil-based insulation in the roof space, may have pierced a hot water circuit cable which energised the foil.

The insulation installer had not been trained and was new to the insulation industry.

seconD Fatality

On 18 November, a 16 year old male was electrocuted while installing insulation in a household roof

in Rockhampton.

Initial findings suggest that a fault in the electrical installation in the ceiling cavity is the likely cause

of the fatality. A cable supplying the stove circuit was damaged by a ceiling fixing screw, causing the

supporting metal ceiling batten to become energised at 240 volts.

when a Brisbane insulation installer was electrocuted on the job late last year, Master Electricians Australia not only identified the potential dangers for thousands of workers and home owners, but worked hand in hand with the federal government to develop the solutions.

Master Electricians

drives reforms of insulation

safety standards

Turn to page 49 for a list of the technical

issues


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Sunshine Coast Daily(Maroochydore)Saturday 17/10/2009Page: 4Section: General NewsRegion: Maroochydore QLD, AUCirculation: 34964Type: RegionalSize: 34.96 sq.cms.


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Border Mail (AlburyWodonga)Saturday 17/10/2009Page: 22Section: General NewsRegion: Albury-Wodonga VIC, AUCirculation: 24664Type: RegionalSize: 48.94 sq.cms.


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Stanthorpe Border PostThursday 22/10/2009Page: 3Section: General NewsRegion: Stanthorpe QLD, AUCirculation: 2531Type: RegionalSize: 228.88 sq.cms.


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Daily TelegraphSaturday 17/10/2009Page: 22Section: General NewsRegion: Sydney, AUCirculation: 360563Type: Capital City DailySize: 30.80 sq.cms.


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ofwildandillogicaldemandsinthemediafrom

variousgroupscallingfortherebateschemeto

bescrapped.

Recognisingthatthiswouldnotfundamentally

solvetheproblemofunskilledworkersoperating

in roof spaces,Master Electricians instead took

the more responsible approach of calling for

mandatorysafetytrainingforallworkers.

Once again, the organisation’s measured

approach won support from the government.

MasterElectriciansfollowedthroughbyassisting

with the development of a course that could

providethenecessaryskillstonewworkers,and

thishasnowbecometheindustrystandard.

“This entire exercise demonstrates the

depth of capability within Master Electricians,”

MrRichardssaid.

“While we were able to offer immediate

technicaladviceandexpertisetothegovernment,

it was our ability to influence the media and

political circles that positioned us to drive

thesolution.”


“We also used our high level of media

exposure on this issue to warn people against

going up into their roof space to check their

insulationthemselves.

“Instead, we urged them to call a Master

Electrician or licensed electrical contractor to

ensuretheinsulationwassafe.”

Inmediainterviewsfollowinghisannouncement,

theMinistercreditedMasterElectriciansforitsrole

in highlighting the issue and helping formulate

thesolution.

OnABC radio inBrisbane,he foreshadowed

amajorroleforMasterElectriciansinthesafety

inspectionprogram.

“It’sabout2,000homesthatwillbeinspected,

and I think when we do that both with the

MasterElectriciansandtheQueenslandelectrical

authorities,wewillgetaclearsenseofwhether

or not there’s a requirement for additional

inspectionstotakeplace,”theministersaid.

Mr Richards said the Federal Government’s

willingness to meet representatives of Master

Electricians and implement their suggestions

demonstratedtheorganisation’sstrengthasthe

nationalpeakbodyforelectricalcontractors.

“Although this series of events began with

a terrible tragedy, we were pleased that the

governmentwasprepared to sitdownwithus

andhearourviewsonhowitcouldbeprevented

fromhappeningagain.”

InmidNovember,asecondinstallerwaskilled

while placing insulation – this time fibreglass

batts.Thisdeath,inRockhampton,ledtoaseries

Just in time

An Alexandra Hills resident was outraged when he discovered his shower tap in the bathroom where

he was bathing his six-week-old baby was live with 100 volts.

“When I touched them, they gave me a tingling sensation. This went on for another week, before I

decided to get our electrician over to inspect the insulation.

“He confirmed there was 100 volts of electricity running through the taps. We could have all died,”

Mr Jones said.

The electrician, Todd Robards, from Baytech Electrical and Data at Sheldon, said he was astounded

when Mr Jones called him about the incident.

“They were in a life-threatening situation,” Mr Robards said.

severe electric shock

Colin Brierley was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after receiving a serious electric shock

from climbing into his newly insulated ceiling. Colin and his wife Lillian never wanted the insulation, but

say they were talked into it by ‘cowboy’ contractors.

The dodgy installation of foil-based insulation livened the roof space, causing Colin a severe electric

shock which damaged his lower leg.

This accident was only one of many similar accidents that has since been reported.

march 2009

EE oZ writes to the Department of Environment, water, heritage and the Arts (DEwhA) raising concerns about the lack of electrical safety training for insulation installers.

18 may 2009

MEA issues a media release warning of the dangers of fire from incorrectly installed insulation.

5 - 9 october 2009

Master Electricians provide special information to ECA members and Master Electricians warning of the dangers of foil-based insulation and staples through the Master Electrician magazine, monthly newsletter and electronic e-alerts.

14 october

first fatality of insulation installer in South Brisbane, QlD.

15 october

Electrical Safety office informs industry of the issues and announces an investigation into the death of the insulation installer.

16 october

Master Electricians CEo, Malcolm Richards writes to Minister Peter garrett urging him to take immediate action to withdraw the rebate.

16 october

Master Electricians launches national media campaign demanding immediate changes to the rebate for foil-based insulation products.

20 october

Master Electricians CEo, Malcolm Richards personally meets with Minister garrett to discuss the serious dangers of the products and advises on how the rebate scheme should be improved.

20 october

Mr Richards meets with Shadow Minister greg hunt to discuss the issue and the provide advice for improvements.

21 – 23 october

National media campaign continues with national coverage across tv, radio and print.

26 october

Mr Richards meets with EE oZ regarding training requirements for training insulation installers in electrical safety.

27 october

Mr Richards meets with Minister garrett, industry and the department to finalise new rebate safety arrangements.

1 november

Minister garrett announces changes to the scheme including the banning on metal fasteners and a reduction to the rebate. The minister also announces a targeted safety inspection program will be conducted by the Electrical Safety office and Master Electricians Australia. State authorities also declare regulatory changes. Master Electricians endorses the changes through a media statement prepared in advance of the public announcement.

2 – 10 november

large scale media campaign continues with national coverage about the dangers of the scheme.

10 november

DEwhA asks Master Electricians Australia for assistance in testing existing homes with foil-based insulation.

12 november

The home insulation industry meets with DEwhA and Mr Richards to discuss the options to improve the training requirements.

18 november

Second fatality of insulation installer in Rockhampton, QlD.

20 november

other unions and associations begin to call for the program to stop.

30 november

Minister garrett announces a plan to ensure every insulation installer receives formal training to meet a minimum standard.

7 december

Australia foil insulation Association releases safety procedures approved by Master Electricians Australia. Master Electricians again quoted in the media as the national expert on electrical safety issues.

9 december

DEwhA asks Master Electricians Australia to assist with the training of insulation installers. Master Electricians Australia develops national training course for insulation installers

timeline

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23the master electrician : SUMMER 1022 www.masterelectricians.com.au

The amount of CSG plants operating

in Australia is about to quadruple

and at present there are not enough

electricians with hazardous area

electrical training to construct and maintain

theplants.

IfelectricalcontractorsacrossAustraliaupskill

theirteamsnow,theywillbereadytohelpmeet

thecoalseamgasindustry’sdemandforthistype

ofspecialistelectrician–andtherewillbeplenty

ofworktogoaround.

JohnHollandnationalmanagerforelectrical,

StephenBoorersaidtheCSGindustryisonthe

verge of a boom period which will expose an

extremeskillsshortage.

“Acrossthecountry,potentiallythereis$220

billionworthofoilandgaswork,andthereare

nowherenearenoughelectricalpeopleforthat,”

MrBoorersaid.

Stephenestimates electrical contractorshave

twotothreeyearstoupskillthemselvesandtheir

team.Forelectricalcontractorslookingforanew

direction for their business, this skills shortage

presentsagreatopportunity.

Forthosewhojumpontheprospect,theywill

bringsignificantfinancialgaintotheirelectrical

contractingbusinesses,aswellasthecoalseam

gasprojectsandthewiderindustry.

Withonlyalimitednumberofhazardous-area

trainedelectriciansavailable,companieswillget

intobiddingwarsforcontractorsontheirsites–

drivingupprojectcosts.

Notmanypeopleareawareoftheskillsetthat

is requiredtofulfil thisnicheelectrical role,but

JohnHollandandMasterElectriciansAustraliaare

tryingtogetinformationtoelectricalcontractors

onwhatstepstheyshouldtaketocapitaliseon

theopportunitytoworkonCSGplants.

Master Electricians Australia chief executive

officer, Malcolm Richards said the organisation

would be offering hazardous training

tomembers.

“We are working to deliver hazardous area

trainingtotheindustrybecausewerecognisethe

opportunityforourmembers.

“We want electrical contractors to see the

investment they would be making in their

business by completing the hazardous area

training,”MrRichardssaid.

“Completing this training and working in

the CSG construction industry will secure the

longevityofelectricalcontractingbusiness.”

John Holland development manager for

oil and gas, Theo Koenen said the electrical

requirements of coal seam gas plants are

veryspecific.

“When we design a plant, we sit around

and think about where gas or liquid could

escapeandmakeacloudedareaaroundthese

places.

“Depending on liquid, pressure, operating

conditions and temperature we nominate

this clouded area as a hazardous area,”

MrKoenensaid.

brings a wealth of opportunity for Australian

electrical contractors

feature : CO

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ACRoSS ThE CoUNTRy, PoTENTiAlly ThERE iS

$220 BillioN woRTh of oil AND gAS woRk,

AND ThERE ARE NowhERE NEAR ENoUgh ElECTRiCAl

PEoPlE foR ThAT

Coal seam gas (CSg) projects are promising impressive contributions to our

economy in terms of job creation and export benefits. Emily Clark reports

on how electrical contractors can get their piece of the pie.

Coal Seam GaS

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As a result of ENERGEX and Ergon Energy’s ongoing collaboration, the manual aligns requirements and work practices for both distribution companies and will provide guidelines for connection of supply and metering of customers’ installations.

The Electricity Connection and Metering Manual will be available from April 2010. Compliance will be required from July 2010.

For more information visit energex.com.au or ergon.com.au

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Father-oF-two has been eleCtroCuted while trying to Fix the Family washing maChine. Rab Taylor, 40, died after making what his wife Pauline described as a ‘silly mistake’. She said: ‘He was fixing the washing machine and made a silly mistake he forgot to switch it off. He put his hand inside and was electrocuted.”

www.dailyrecord.co.uk

“Assoonasyounominatethisasahazardous

area,andtherearedifferentclasses,itsuddenly

becomes a complete different story in its

constructionanddesign.”

The hazardous area is designed to be non-

explosivesoeveryconnectionmustbeperformed

differently to that of a house or commercial

building.Whenaplantusesanelectricmotor,a

non-sparkingmotorisused.

“Wedon’tuseasparkingmotorbecausethey

canradiateheatandgeneratestaticelectricity,so

thatmakestheskillsthatarerequiredtoperform

thisworkcompletelydifferentfromanythingyou

doinabuilding.

“This requires special training, as not only is

the skill set different but the quality to which

it needs to be delivered is different too,” Mr

Koenensaid.

“Therearerulesthatsayhowyoudoit–we

don’tneedpeopletoinventthis,weknowhow

to do it but we need people to be trained in

doingit.”

Those people with hazardous area training

are in short supply. John Holland national

operations manager, Aaron Buckley has

worked in the electrical construction industry

for 25 years with 12 years’ experience in

hazardous area training. He said current

estimates on the amount of hazardous

area trained electricians will be required

areconservative.

“Ifallprojectsweretokickoffatonce,Iwould

say we would require at least 2,300 – 3,400

peopleAustralia-wideinthenexttwoyears–and

thatisbeingveryconservative.”

MrBuckleysaidthecostoftrainingwasnotthe

problem,butthelogisticsofgettingelectricians

through the hazardous training courses often

proveddifficult.

“Weneedmorethird-partytrainerstobeup-

to-speedandpossiblygooutanddothistraining

attheirpremises.

“Anything that can be done in that area to

makeitmoreflexiblelogisticallywillbeofgreat

benefittotheindustry,”MrBuckleysaid.

Thetrainingteacheselectricianstheparticulars

ofhazardousareaelectricaloperations,Stephen

Boorer emphasised the cultural aspects to

electricalbusinessesarejustasimportantinthis

kindofwork.

“The difference is, the quality standard and

safetystandardisalothigher.

“Inoil andgas they can’t just say – I’m the

cheapestprice,Ishouldgetthatwork–itdoesn’t

workthatway.

“Longbeforeyougetpre-qualifiedyouhave

tosaywhatyoursafetysystemisandwhatyour

businesscultureis,”MrBoorersaid.

This is why John Holland is working with

Master Electricians. Master Electricians already

havethebusinessandsafetyculturesuitablefor

hazardousareawork.

“Onehundredmillionjobsarenotoftendone

byonecompany.

“John Holland is putting some very clever

engineers through hazardous area training –

we’regettingreadyandtryingtogetthewider

industryreadyaswell.

There’s no competition in the oil and gas

industry – there’s enough work to go around.

Thosecapablewillbepaidwell.Buttheindustry

demandsthebestandthebrightest.

With minimal action from government and

training organisations such as TAFEs and third-

party trainers, someone will have to draw the

bestoutoftheindustryandgetthemreadyfor

theCSGboom.

Malcolm Richards said those interested can

contactMasterElectriciansforadvice.

“Most contractors wouldn’t do hazardous

areaworkbutthroughourtrainingprogramwe

can help prepare suitable contractors to move

intothenextgenerationofelectricalconstruction

workinAustralia.

“Weareallcurrentlyinauniquepositionand

ourorganisationwillhelpthe industrypromote

its high quality members to this next level of

electricalwork,”MrRichardssaid.

Please contact Master Electricians for more

information on its training program and how

yourbusinesscangetitssliceofAustralia’sCSG

pie–there’splentytogoaround.


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Townsville men through and through,

John Horan and Scott Bird love

nothingmorethanadayattheraces,

theV8 Supercars Townsville 400or a

Cowboyswin.

The pair came together in 2007 when John

andRosemarieHoranpartneredwithScottand

SandraBirdtoformHoranandBirdElectrical.

Twoyears laterand the twomenmanagea

team of 18 employees and, having achieved

Master Electricians accreditation last year, were

awarded Master Electricians of the Year at

the 2009 ECA and Master Electricians Annual

AwardsforExcellence.

Johnstartedhisapprenticeshipatasugarmill

intheNorthQueenslandregionandcompletedit

atErgonEnergy.

Heisapassionateman.Heisdedicatedtohis

business,histeam,hiscustomersandhisfamily.

Whenweaskedhimwhathelikedmostabout

his job,customersatisfactionwasatthetopof

hislist.

“Also, creating win-win situations with

energyefficiencyforcustomersandsavingthem

somemoney.

“Havingsuchafantasticteamalsohelps.

“Seeingyoungapprenticesturnintoadultsis

great,”Johnsaid.

That mentoring trait is something that is

instilled intheentireHoranandBirdteam.The

companyplacesahighpriorityonrelationships.

“Webaseourwholebusinessonintegrityand

continuousimprovement.

“We never stop trying to create great

relationshipswithourcustomers.”

Havingfoundawork-lifebalance,ScottandJohn

spend their weekends with their families. Come

Monday, thebusinesspartnersareconcentrating

ontheircustomersanddevelopingtheirbusiness.

John and Scott have

plans to franchise Horan

and Bird Electrical

thisyear.

“We will be looking

for good existing

businesses thatwant to

tradeunderourbanner

and want to take

advantage of a very

large buying group,

the systems and the

clientswehaveinplace

throughoutAustralia.

“We will also have positions for good

tradespeople who want to start their own

business and want to hit the ground running

fromthestart.

John saidHoranandBird Electricalwill have

experiencedbusinesscoachesandelectriciansto

helpfranchiseeseverystepoftheway.

“The most important thing for us is that

the client receives topquality service, value for

moneyandcanreferustoeverybodytheycome

incontactwith.”

how to escape From quicksanD: the ultimate

guiDe For traDies anD contractors

When John and his wife Rosemarie started

the business in 2004 John’s philosophy was

thatthemoreheworked,themorehecould

offer his family in years to come. He could

retire sooner and leave the business in a

betterposition.

“I figured the harder I worked, the quicker

I could retire and that would make my

familyhappy.

“But the faster I ran, the quicker I sank,”

Johnsaid.

Working 100-hour

weekstookatollonbothhisfamilyand

hissanity.Johncuthishoursbackandstartedto

follow some strictwork/lifemantrasand tohis

surprisehisbusinesswasbetterforit.

“I realisedmy life andmy familyweremore

importantthanmoneyandusedsomestrategies

togetmylifeandbusinessbackontrack.

“I cut back to 40 hours a week and was

abletoturnthebusinessintowhatitistoday,”

Johnsaid.

InMarchnextyearJohnwillreleasehisbook

“How to escape from quicksand”.Hewrotethe

book with former BHP chief financial officer

JerryMaguirebecausehewantedtosaveother

business owners from falling into the traps

hedid.

“If me writing this book saves one divorce,

saves one business from going under or gets

onedadawayfromhisbusinessonaSaturday

morning and at his son’s football game, then

I’mhappy.”


Mastering their own universe family men John horan and Scott Bird are a winning combination. it’s lucky too ... because with a horse racing and a motorsport enthusiast at the helm, the race is always on.

electrician

meet a

masterm

eet a master electrician : H

OR

AN

AN

D B

IRD

ELE

CTR

ICA

L

NAME: John horan

COMPANY:horan and bird electrical

NAME: scott birdCOMPANY:horan and bird electrical

Newtagsadvert180x81.pdf 16/04/2009 2:04:04 PM

In ternet innovat ion to dismantle duopolyfeature : IN

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have you ever thought about how you reach the internet? instantaneous access to the global network of information is so embedded in our culture that the complexities of the process can often go unnoticed.

ButforfriendsBevanSlatteryandStephen

Baxter,theinternethasprovidedawealth

ofopportunities.

Thepair co-foundedPIPENetworks in2002,

after identifying an opportunity to provide

peering exchanges to Australian organisations

through broadband fibre optics technology.

Then, after noticing the growing demand

from customers to reach international peering

networksthroughmultiplechannels,Slatteryand

Baxter sought toupset the existingduopolyof

TelstraandSingTel/Optus/TNZ.

In January 2008, they established PIPE

International as a subsidiary company and

announceditsplanstoconstructa$200million

underseacablinglinkstretching7,000kilometres

fromSydneytoGuam.By8October2009,the

PIPEPacificCable(PPC-1)projectwascomplete.

Usingdensewavelengthdivisionmultiplexing

technology, with a design capacity of 2.56

Tbit/s over twofibrepairs, the systemprovides

diversity to the existing routes in the region

which are available through Telstra and

Singtel/Optus/TNZ, in addition to onward

connectivity to Asia and the USA. PPC-1 is

the first 40 Gbit/s ready network to land on

Australianshores.

As PIPE International chief operating officer,

BrettWorrallsaidtheopportunitywasripetoset

uptheinfrastructure,despitetheenormouscost

oftheproject.

“Broadbandisdrivingdemandforinternational

capacity. The growth rate for international

capacitydemandhasbeen40to50percentover

recent years. The reason the project happened

was because our fibre customers expressed a

viewtoincreasetheirinternationalcapacity.The

marketwasverymuchaclosedshopbeforeus

–ithashighbarrierstoentrywithalargecapital

investment,”hesaid.

Mr Worrall said the project was financed

undercontractualguaranteesfromexistingPIPE

customers,showingahighlevelofconfidencein

itscapabilities.

“They signed contracts with us before we

builtthecable.Otherwisethiswasgoingtobea

high-riskventure.Wewereaffectedbytheglobal

financial crisis because the banks prevented us

financingtheconstructionourselves,sowehad

toreadjustthat,”hesaid.

After securing investor confidence and

developingpartnershipstocompletetheproject,

the PIPE team faced a demanding installation

processlastingover18months.

“Firstofallwehad to survey thebottomof

theocean.Weusedthelatestgenerationmulti

beam echo sounding technology to find the

bestroute.Asyoucanimagine,therearesubsea

mountains and canyons on the ocean floor,

wedidn’twant the cable to be suspended, so

weneededtoknowwhere to installadditional

slack so the system could lay flat along the

seabed.ThePPC-1cablesarequalifieddownto

approximately10,000metres,withthedeepest

sectiononthePPC-1routebeingapproximately

9,000metres. So the cableshave towithstand

thepressureofbeing installedat thesedepths.

Every 90 kilometres we have repeaters so we

havetoensurethereistherightamountofslack

sothatpartofthecablecan lieflat inthehills

andvalleysontheoceanfloor,”MrWorrallsaid.

ThecableswerelaidusingtwoRelianceClass

ships from the project partner Tyco Electronics,

avoidingunnecessarydelays.

“The installation strategy we used was

standard practice – having two ships working

minimisesdelaybecause ifonehas tostopthe

otherisstillprogressingcloser.Thefirstshipleft

fromSydneyandtravelled3,600kilometresnorth

toMadang.Thesecondshiptooktherestofthe

cableand left fromGuamtomeet inMadang.

Weusedatwo-ship-laymethodsowecouldget

itdoneby8October,2009,”hesaid.

MrWorrallsaidalthoughtheinstallationphase

posedsafetyrisks,theinstallationransmoothly.

“Theinstallationwentreallywell.Wedidhave

someroughweatheroffSydneyduringapretty

badstorminMaywhichstalledprogressalittle,”

hesaid.

But despite the engineering feat of laying

7,000kilometresofunderseacable,MrWorrall

admittedthemainchallengetheyfacedwasall

thepermittinginvolved.

Afterlayingthecable,PIPEconductedteststo

ensurethesystemwasworking.

“Fromthelastsplicewhichweperformedat

the end of August, we had two months – or

aroundsixweeks–ofsystemtesting.Whenwe

didthatlastspliceinAugustwepoweredupthe

cablefromeachend,”hesaid.

Despite the intricaciesof the technology,Mr

Worrall said the ongoing management of the

systemhasbeenquitesimple.

“What we laid was a family of cables, with

thethinnestcable17mmindiameter.Thecables

havegalvanisedhightensilearmouraroundthe

optics.Thecable itselftakesnexttonothingto

run–around20kW”.

According to Mr Worrall the benefits for

consumers are still developing, but the initial

marketentrancehasrockedtheduopoly.

“The big guys have reduced their prices in

anticipation of PPC-1 entering the market. It’s

verymuchwatchthisspaceintermsofwhenthe

endconsumerwillseesavings,butweexpectwe

shouldseesomechangesinthefirsthalfofnext

year,”hesaid.

PIPE International is looking to expand its

presence through the construction of the PPC-

2 project, linking Australia to the international

networkthroughaNewZealandconnection.


“ThE MARkET wAS VERy MUCh A CloSED ShoP

BEfoRE US – iT hAS high BARRiERS To ENTRy wiTh A

lARgE CAPiTAl iNVESTMENT”

“ThE MAiN ChAllENgE wE fACED wAS All ThE PERMiTTiNg iNVolVED”


news


from distributors

tasmania: aurora energy

PUBLIC AwARENESS CAMPAIGN TO COMMENCE FOR CABLEPI

A Tasmanian public awareness campaign on

the use and benefits of the CablePi electrical

safety device commenced last month. The

television and radio campaign coincided with the

completion of the distribution of the devices to

about 200,000 Aurora Energy customers around

the state.

As of october 2009, the CablePis had

detected 1568 electrical problems in Tasmanian

customers’ homes and a further 295 in Aurora’s

own network. These statistics include 44 broken

neutral type situations that have the potential

to cause severe electric shocks and a further

86 situations that could lead to fire or damage

to property.

Aurora Network Division general Manager

John Devereaux said the campaign was

designed to communicate an important public

safety message.

“Now that our customers have received their

CablePis we are strongly encouraging them

to plug it in, keep it on and keep safe,’’ Mr

Devereaux said.

“The CablePi detects a potentially dangerous

broken neutral situation and dozens of these

have been detected around Tasmania since the

roll-out started last June. The device can also

detect voltage problems – either too high or

too low.

“while the CablePi may not be showing any

problems when it is initially plugged in, household

electrical situations can deteriorate due to

weather events, through human error or general

wear and tear. The CablePi is an excellent

warning of these changes, similar to a smoke

alarm in the event of fire.”

news from

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victoria: citipower

PREMIUM FEED IN TARIFFS

Eligible customers will be paid 60 cents per kwh

for the net electricity fed into the grid after their

own consumption is taken into account.

Many Powercor customers and a few

CitiPower customers currently enjoy lower

electricity rates that are applied to their hot water

and slab heating (controlled load tariffs), and

split system heating (climate saver tariffs). These

customers’ electricity meters measure multiple

tariffs at the same premises.

however, eligible customers who wish to

partake in the premium feed in tariff will be moved

onto a single tariff structure. Those customers’

premises will be fitted with an electricity meter that

measures the net electricity fed into the grid after

their own consumption is taken into account. This

is called “net metering” and is part of the legislation

associated with Premium feed in Tariffs.

for customers who install small scale solar

photovoltaic systems and lose their lower

electricity rates associated with controlled load

devices, CitiPower and Powercor will offer a time

of use tariff comparable to the controlled load

tariffs that would otherwise be lost.

Customers should contact their retailer to

understand the effect of solar photovoltaic

systems on their electricity bill. for further

information including extensive fAQs on the

premium feed-in tariff visit the website.

queenslanD: ergon energy

ExCITING FUTURE AHEAD

Regional Queensland will benefit from an

increasingly intelligent electricity network in

the future as Ergon Energy continues to adopt

new ‘best technologies’ to deliver an affordable,

dependable and smart electricity supply to its

vast service area.

in its annual report tabled in State Parliament,

Ergon Energy paints a picture of an electricity

network in 2020 vastly different to the one we

have today.

“The way we see it…,” says the report, “any

advance in technology that improves the way

we view and manage our expansive electricity

network is a smart thing.”

Already the company has gone into

partnership with google Earth to have a 3D

view of its entire network at the touch of a

mouse button.

“The first of its kind for an Australian electricity

utility, this groundbreaking initiative delivers a

3D view of our entire network,” says the report.

“The operational efficiencies this enables are

already being seen, as planners, network

controllers and field crews enjoy a faster, more

efficient way of working. it’s taken three years

to implement the technology, but the way we

see it, the benefits to our customers will last

a lifetime.”

The company is developing a $134.6 million

high-speed internal telecommunications

network which, again, will transform the way it

does business and improve the reliability and

responsiveness of its network.

new south wales: energyaustralia

AUSTRALIA’S FIRST SMART VILLAGE TO BE CREATED IN NEwINGTON, SYDNEY

Australia’s first smart grid suburbs will be created in Newington and Silverwater in a two-year trial by

EnergyAustralia and Sydney water to help households reduce their utility bills and carbon impact.

EnergyAustralia Managing Director george Maltabarow said the $10 million Smart Village trial

involved adding smart technologies to 1,000 homes and the electricity network to provide the most

detailed picture yet of household energy and water use in Australia.

“This trial will give households their first instant picture of their energy and water use, including

costs, environmental impact, and incentives to reduce them using in-house displays and household

websites,” he said.

“The Smart Village will give us our first look at how the homes of tomorrow will use energy

and water.

“Smart grids are crucial if we are serious about making electricity and water networks greener,”

he said.

The Smart Village trial will feature the world-first use of many smart grid technologies – from

fourth generation wireless communications, to smart sensors in substations, to fully-connected

home area networks in households.

Using tailored websites, households will be able to identify energy guzzling appliances, water

leaks and bad habits, and learn how to manage them.

“New technologies will also give EnergyAustralia and Sydney water instant network information

to improve power and water supplies due to faster fault location and repair, and more targeted

preventive maintenance.”

Smart Village homes will be able to turn

appliances on and off remotely using iPhones

and websites, compare energy use through

neighbourhood competitions and use

plug-in electric vehicles free of charge.

Total savings of more than $400,000

on household energy and water

bills are expected over the two-year

trial period, as well as a reduction in

greenhouse gas emissions of almost

2,500 tonnes.

The $10 million, two-year trial by

EnergyAustralia and Sydney water

is supported by $1.5 million from NSw

government’s Climate Change fund.

For more details visit www.masterelectricians.com.au

Reap the benefits.

Vehicle discountsJoining MEA means you receive great discounts when purchasing vehicles with our Fleet Services program. Through our partnership with the AP Group, MEA Fleet Services can source the right vehicle at the right price using a network of member fleet specialists covering almost every vehicle brand. In addition, you can also access competitive finance packages.

Stationery and publicationsAccredited Master Electricians receive significant discounts on a range of business stationery, forms and guides specifically designed for the electrotechnology industry including:• Australian standards• Job/project stationery• Quotation/work variation books• Risk assessment and safe work procedures• Employment and workplace relations guides

TelecommunicationsMEA provides contractors with access to discounted telecommunications services including mobile, landline, 1300 and 1800 phone numbers as well as internet packages. Master Electricians can connect to a range of products running on some of Australia’s largest networks. The service is backed by a dedicated 1300 technical support helpdesk so you can get assistance when you need it.

Fuel SchemeOur fuel plan is a convenient way for you to manage and reduce your bills. Use your BP or Caltex fuel card to receive discounted rates and receive a simple monthly fuel bill for all your vehicles. All your business and private vehicles are eligible to participate in the fuel scheme. You can even extend the privilege to staff as an extra benefit of employment.

quality safety reliability

To find out how you can become a Master Electrician call 1300 889 198

When you become an Accredited Master Electrician you gain access to a wide variety of exclusive benefits and discounts.

08540 ECA Members Benefits Full Page Ad Summer10 v1.indd 1 27/01/10 9:04 AM


Former eleCtriCal ContraCtor gets three months in jail For bribing union bossA former city electrical contractor walked out of a Manhattan court all smiles after a judge gave him just three months in jail for bribing a corrupt union boss. Santo Petrocelli Sr. told a federal judge he paid $30,000 to $70,000 in 2004 to Brian McLaughlin, the former head of the New York City Central Labor Council to help his company win millions in city streetlight contracts.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news

Detect potentially serious faultsin electrical and mechanical equipment before they develop

Thermal Imaging Surveys conducted on your equipment Australia wide

REGISTERED MEMBER OF

THE ECA

ContactMike Henneker - Director1300 551 041e: [email protected]: www.thermelecqld.com.au

south australia: etsa

ETSA UTILITIES LAUNCHES NATIONAL FIRST CONNECTION BOOKING SYSTEM

An Australian-first system that has been specially designed to streamline the customer connection

process for electricians and electricity retailers, and improve the efficiency of connections for customers,

has recently been re-launched by ETSA Utilities.

The Registered Electrician extranet (REx) system has undergone a significant upgrade to give

it greater functionality to enable three-way communication between electricians, retailers, and

ETSA Utilities.

general Manager Services, Sue filby, said the upgraded system was a win for electrical contractors

and retailers and ultimately for consumers.

“The system has been developed after extensive consultation with electrical contractors and will

deliver significant benefits across the electricity industry.

“it will make it much easier for electricians to book and manage the connection process for their

customers – with no paperwork required,” Ms filby said.

“Electricians will be able to receive automatically-

generated emails or text messages advising when

the connection has been made or if there has been

a hold-up somewhere in the process.

“These efficiencies, in conjunction with the

unique schedule-optimising software, will assist

us over time to speed up the process of

connecting our residential and business

customers to the electricity network.

“we encourage all electricians to

register to use the new system –

i’m sure they’ll find the efficiency

savings make it worth

their while.”

To sign up or access the

new REx system, which is

available 24 hours a day,

seven days a week, visit the

ETSA Utilities website at:

www.etsautilities.com.au


letter

Manycontractorsareoftenunsureabouttheirrightsarewhenitcomestobreachesorterminations

ofcontracts.Asacontractortherecouldbetwopossiblesituations.

1. the builDer or other party breaches the contract

Inthissituationyouarethepersonintheright.Ifthebuilderoranotherpartywrongfullyterminatesa

contractbythrowingyouoffthejoboryouchoosetoterminatethecontractduetoaseriousbreach

ofcontact–youarethewrongedparty.

Inthiscase,youcansueforeitherdamages,thatis,lossresultingfromyoulosingthebenefitof

thecontract,whichisthecontractpricelessthecostofcompletingthework,oraquantummeruitin

relationtotheworkthatyouhavealreadycarriedout.Onaquantummeruityouareentitledtorecover

thecostofyourmaterialsandlabour,plusareasonablesumforprofit.

Youareentitledtochooseeitherdamagesoraquantummeruit.Youwouldalwayschoosethemost

beneficialoption.

2. you breach the contract

Ifyoubreachthecontractandtheownerorbuilderrightfullyterminatesthecontract,theyareentitled

tosueyoufordamages.Thatis,thedifferencebetweenwhattheywouldhavepaidyoutocomplete

thejob,andwhattheyhavetopaysomebodyelsetocompletethejob.Thecourtsrecognisethereis

alwaysdifficultyforanownerorabuildertogetabuilderorsubcontractortocompletesomeoneelses

work.Thisdifficultyisusuallyreflectedinthepricechargedbythereplacementbuilderorsubcontractor

beingatahigherratethannormal.

However, you are not without rights. You are entitled to recover your accrued rights for work

performed.Soif,forexample,youhaveacontractformonthlyprogresspayments,youareentitled

toaprogressclaimunderthecontract. Ifyouhaveastagescontract,forexamplewhereyouhave

completedtherough-instage,youareentitledtorecoverasumforthat.

Therearelimitsonthisright,forexampleifyouhaveacontractwhichsaysthatyoucannotbepaida

progressclaimunlessyouhaveacertificatefromthesuperintendentandnocertificatehasbeenissued,

thenyouarenotentitledtorecoverthesum.Ontheotherhandifyouhaven’ttotallycompletedthe

rough-in,buthavesubstantiallycompletedit,thenyouwillbeentitledtorecoverthevalueofthework

thatyouhaveperformed.

Thebuilder or ownerwouldbe entitled to a counterclaim against you for the amount of their

damages,andiftheirdamagesexceedanyunpaidamountsowingunderthecontract,thenyouwill

notrecover.

For more information contact McKays Solicitors on 07 3223 5900 or visit www.mckayslaw.com.

ironiC eleCroCution Convicted murderer Michael Godwin, 28, successfully had his sentence reduced from electrocution to life imprisonment in a South Carolina prison. In his cell he sat naked on a metal toilet seat while attempting to fix a television set, bit through a live wire and was instantly electrocuted.

www.frodo.u.net.com

of the law

what happens when A Contract is Terminated?

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08377 ECA ME Mag Autumn09.indd 26 4/08/09 1:44 PM


the interview : w

ITH R

OD

wE

LFOR

Dinterviewwith Rod Welford

mr welForD, it’s been almost 12 months since you retireD as

queenslanD’s minister For eDucation. what has ‘liFe aFter

politics’ involveD For you?

Well itwasgreattobeabletotakeadecentholidayafternearly20

years in Parliament and more than a decade as a minister. But with

thatoutoftheway,Isoonfoundoutthatsittingidlewasnotexactly

verysatisfying,soI’vemovedintoarangeofprojectsinanareawhere

I’vehadalongstandinginterest.I’mnowworkingonthedevelopment

of the recycling, energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.

The opportunity to work with Master Electricians and the EMI is

especiallyexciting.

what is the emi?

TheEMIaimstobeanationallyrecognisedbodyaccreditingspecialist

energy auditors and, setting the standards for courses which enable

electricianstoobtainspecialistqualificationsinenergyauditing.Sonow,

weareworkingincollaborationwithMasterElectriciansandtheECA

tosetupthisnationaltrainingandaccreditationsystemforelectricians

whowanttobeenergyauditors.

why has it been createD, anD what will it achieve?

Over the years, ECAhas recognised that the serviceselectricians can

provide is expanding. New electrical, electronic and communications

technologies have opened up whole new fields for the modern

electrician. However, these new technologies require a specialist skill

set,aswellaspublicconfidencethattheserviceisdeliveredwithsafety

andquality.

Theneweraofclimatechangeandtheglobalchallengetoreduce

carbonemissionsmeansthatenergyefficiencyandrenewableenergy

solutions are increasingly coming to the forefront of technologies

indemand.

Newlegislationatbothstateandnationallevelsisalreadyrequiring

somecompaniestostartreportingtheirenergyusageandgreenhouse

emissions.Thisdatacollectionsystemwillunderpintheemissionstrading

systemthatwillultimatelybeestablished.Notonlywillmoreandmore

businessesberequiredtoreportbylaw,theywillbelookingforwaysto

reducetheiremissionsandsavemoneyonescalatingpowerbills.

Electricians are in a prime position to deliver these technologies,

but new knowledge and specialist training will be required to allow

contractorstoenterthefieldwithconfidenceandprofessionalism.

TheEMIhasbeencreatedtoensureelectricianscanmeetthisnational

skillsdemandswiftlyandcompetently.

what Does your role with the emi involve?

Ihavebeenworkingonthedevelopmentofthenewschemeinvolvinga

multi-leveltrainingcourseandaccreditationsystemforspecialistenergy

auditors.IamhonouredtobechairingtheEMIboard,ahighlyskilled

board that will steer the future direction and development of EMI.

Iamassistinginliaisingwithstateandnationalgovernmentagencies

toensurethatEMIgetsrecognisedforthenationalroleitcanplayin

deliveringtheskillsneededforAustralia’senergyfuture.

in our first interview of 2010, The Master Electrician talks with Rod welford, the chairman of the board of the Energy Management institute (EMi), which has been established to train electrical contractors in providing high-quality energy audits and low-energy options for consumers.

n Personalised manual

n Online database reminder and tracking system

n Induction and safety meetings delivered onsite

n Audit and investigation assistance

n Organised tool box meetings

n Insurance cover against legal costs and fines

n Constant updates

n A network of trained Safety Facilitators

Meet your safety and audit obligations with this comprehensive system including:

visit www.masterelectricians.com.auAn initiative of the Electrical and Communications Association

Your safety management solution.

Supported by

what are the aDvantages to electrical

contractors oF unDertaking emi training?

It’sahugenewbusinessopportunityforelectrical

contractorswhowanttopositiontheirbusiness

forthefuture.

Incomingyears,soonerratherthanlater,more

andmorehomeownersandbusinesseswillbe

encouraged by both legislation, and energy

costs,tolookmorecloselyattheirenergyuseand

waystheycanmakethatusemorecostefficient.

The EMI’s system of specialist professional

accreditation will enable contractors to provide

boththeadviceandretrofitservicesthatwillbe

instrongdemand.

what’s the DiFFerence between energy

auDits promoteD by the institute anD

others that are currently on the market?

Energy audits can take various forms – from

a simple checklist approach, to options for

domestic households to consider, through to

a comprehensive business analysis of high-end

technologiesforindustrialenterprises.

Mostenergyauditingiscurrentlyundertaken

byengineeringfirmsat largerenterprises.Their

approach might not suit smaller and medium

enterpriseswhoare looking,not justforadvice

or a report, but someonewho canactually do

the job at aquotewhich shows the costs and

benefitsupfront.

The EMI approach to auditing is not just to

assess energy use, but to prioritise options for

improvementbasedonatransparentreturnon

investment approach. This is underpinnedby a

quoteprovidedbysomeonewhocanactuallydo

the job. The client will receive an engineering-

quality report which includes the financial

analysis–enablingtheclienttomakedecisions

about which energy improvement options best

meettheirbudgetandenergyneeds.

how Does the institute intenD to promote

the beneFits oF its accreDiteD programs

to consumers?

Ourfirststep is toensurewedevelopaquality

training qualification which has industry

credibility. Then we want to make it available

to Master Electricians across Australia. With

this,wecanmarket theavailabilityofqualified

and recognised professionals who can meet

consumers needs for energy efficiency

technologiesandservices,includingauditingand

compliancereporting.Wewillbeabletorollthis

outusingMasterElectriciansacrossAustralia.

Weexpect that energy retailerswill be keen

topromotetheseservicestotheircustomersas

consumers come to terms with the reality that

bills could escalate by between 50 and 100

percent in the next three years unless energy

efficiencymeasuresareimplemented.

you are also the chieF executive oF the

australian council oF recycling (acor).

what is this organisation anD what Does

your role there involve?

ACORisthepeakindustrybodyfortherecycling

industry in Australia. Its membership currently

includes thebiggest recyclingcompanies in the

country,recyclingmorethan20milliontonnesof

metal,paper,plastics,glass,end-of-lifeelectronics

andconstructionanddemolitionmaterialsevery

year. Recycling is now expanding to include

batteries, oils, tyres, fluorescent lights, TVs and

computers. It’s a growing industry and a key

playerintheenergyefficiencyofmanufacturing

andproductlifecyclesacrosstheeconomy.

Iamcurrently reforming thecouncil tobuild

abroader industrybaseandahigherprofileof

recognitionforrecyclingasakeyindustryinthe

emerging climate change world. Along with

energy efficiency, it offers one of the quickest

and lowest cost ways of reducing Australia’s

carbonfootprint.

you were once queenslanD’s environment

minister. Do you see the work you are Doing

now as an extension oF that role?

I realised, even before becoming Queensland’s

EnvironmentMinisterin1998,thatakeytoour

qualityoflifeandeconomicefficiencywashow

we use energy. Indeed, not just energy but all

resourcesincludingwater,materialsandnatural

environments. It’s why I decided that after I

haddonemybit forQueenslandasaminister,

therewasmoretodoinanotherlifeoutsideof

parliamentthatcouldmakeadifference.

now that you are on the other siDe, Do

you believe that government or private

enterprise is best placeD to achieve

genuine gains For the environment?

Well,itmaysoundtrite,butitprobablyrequires

effortonbothsides.Ialwaysregardeditasthe

role of government to provide leadership in

theseareas.Government’scanofcourseachieve

improvements by setting, and progressively

ratchetingup,minimumstandards.

Butit’stheinnovationbeyondcompliancethat

makesworking in theprivate sectorpotentially

evenmoreexciting.It’sclearthatinsomeareas

of environmental practice, the private sector is

ahead of government in deploying innovative

environmentalpolicyandpractice.Government

shouldavoidtryingtoregulateeveryfinedetail.

It should set the performance expectations of

thecommunityandlettheprivatesectorinvent

and invest in thebest andmost efficientways

of delivering them. A few incentives along the

way, such as solar water rebates and the like,

willmovethemarketmuchmoreeffectivelyand

quicklythanregulationalone.

what’s the next step For you in what has

been a Diverse anD interesting career?

Well,it’sworkinprogressIguess.Idon’tknow

what the future will hold. I’ve got a suite of

thingsthatwillkeepmemorethanoccupiedfor

thetimebeing.TheEMIaloneispotentiallyareal

‘gamechanger’inAustralia’sresponsetoclimate

change through smarter energy management.

So if we can do this one job well, that alone

willbeenoughtosaywe’vemadeaworthwhile

difference. And it will provide a new and

exciting dimension to the electrical contracting

industrynationally.

38 www.masterelectricians.com.au 39

workplace relations : C

liMATE

Ch

AN

gE

the interview : wITH ROD wELFORD

“i REAliSED, EVEN BEfoRE BECoMiNg QUEENSlAND’S

ENViRoNMENT MiNiSTER iN 1998, ThAT A kEy To

oUR QUAliTy of lifE AND ECoNoMiC EffiCiENCy wAS

how wE USE ENERgy.”

“i AM hoNoURED To BE ChAiRiNg ThE EMi BoARD, A highly SkillED BoARD

ThAT will STEER ThE fUTURE DiRECTioN AND

DEVEloPMENT of EMi.”

www.masterelectricians.com.au 40 41the master electrician : SUMMER 10

gadget guide gadgetguide

Garmin nuvi 1690This sophisticated gadget is the first ever

internet-connected portable navigation device.

it features free (and ad-supported) access to

garmin’s nulink data service, which provides

live traffic data, fuel prices, google and white

page search functionality, and a host of other

features, including Bluetooth hands-free calling

help to keep the driver’s hands on the wheel

while navigating.

features include:

• lane assist

• Built in hands free calling

• ecoRoute – calculates the most fuel-

efficient route

• Alternate route planning

• 10.75 cm widescreen

• A ‘where am i?’ locator

• Jpeg picture viewer

• world clock

• Currency convertor

• Measurement convertor and calculator.

SOnY vaiO X SerieShead turning style and advanced functionality

walk hand in hand with every VAio. Choose

from an exceptional range of models designed to

perfectly compliment your lifestyle; empowering

and energising everything that you do.

from their slim screens and robust construction,

to their ease of use, interactive capability and

energy-saving features; VAio notebooks and

PCs are packed with industry leading innovations

designed to enrich your mobile world

Superior VAio craftsmanship has created

an extremely light, extremely thin mobile PC.

its impressive design is durable and meets

requirements for on-the-go connectivity. its slim

design is durable and weighs an impressive 655

grams. it boasts a 64 gB SSD that is fast and

resistant to shocks.

• intel® Atom™ Processor Z540 (1.86 ghz, hT

Technology supported)

• genuine windows® 7 home Premium (32-bit)

• 11.1” wide (wxgA: 1366 x 768), VAio Display

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• integrated wireless lAN iEEE 802.11b/g/

Draft n

• Extremely long battery life.

RRP $1,699.00

iPhOne aPPLiCaTiOnS

get a parking reminDer.

with the g-Park application, you’ll never

forget where you parked. when you find a

parking place, tap “Park Me!” Then, when it’s

time to head back, tap “where Did i Park?”

and follow the turn-by-turn directions to your

car. if you park at a meter, be sure to set the

timer on your iPhone to alert you when your

time runs out.

bargain hunt.

find what you want at the price you want

even while you’re shopping. Use the camera

on your iPhone to snap a picture of an item

you want to buy, then let Save Benjis scour

the internet to find prices you can compare

to the one you see in the store

remember anything.

when you don’t have time to write down

your next big idea or work reminder, tap

reQall. Speak or type whatever you want to

remember and reQall sends you a reminder

via voice, text message, instant message,

email or calendar alert.

If you have something to submit, please email [email protected]

Hazardous area and

HigH Voltageinstallation

audits

3 ESO Compliance Audits3Area Classifications3Risk Assessments3Pre-installation/design review

Call Steve Downey on

1300 724 744to arrange an inspection

www.jantec.com.au

crompton lighting low voltage heaD hooD

Downlights

There is a growing concern within the industry

regarding building fires caused by heat from

recessed downlights. if thermal insulation is

installed too closely around downlights, a risk of

fire does exist.

Building materials and insulation material can

be affected by ‘pyrolysis’ – the decomposition

of organic material due to long-term exposure

to elevated temperatures – and eventually can

self ignite.

To mitigate the risk of fire due to heat generated

by lamps in recessed downlights, the Australian/

New Zealand wiring Rules AS/NZ3000 stipulate

that temperature rise at the rear of recessed

downlight shall be limited to prevent damage to

adjacent building material. This can be achieved

by maintaining minimum clearance for halogen

Recessed Downlights of 200mm between the

downlight and surrounding building elements,

thermal insulation or alternately by installing

downlight that has a suitable heat barrier, requiring

lesser clearance as stipulated by the manufacturer.

in strict accordance of AS/NZ3000, the

electronic transformer must be positioned and

fixed in a well ventilated location - not directly

above the downlight, and free from direct

contact with any insulating materials.

The length of the transformer secondary

wires must separate the lamp holder and the

transformer by a minimum of 250 mm, otherwise

the transformer may overheat and shut off.

Crompton lighting low Voltage heat hood

Downlights, have an aluminium cylinder acting

as a heat barrier, requiring installation clearance

of only 25mm. They can be installed on any firm

and stable horizontal surface. full instructions

are supplied with each heat hood Downlight

and special reference should be made to the

“Safety warnings” regarding installation.

For more information visit www.crompton.com.au.

portable leD work light

The Smithlight when in its travel position is totally

contained within its own heavy duty plastic body.

when extended, the Smithlight has two

different height settings, and a multitude of

angle setting for the light head itself. This means

this product is compact enough to move

from site to site yet adaptable enough to be

suitable anywhere.

The light head is fitted with over 350 lED’s

and can be used in a variety of settings – side

A only, side B only, or both sides to emit light

in all directions. Not only does the Smithlight

offer all of these features – but it weighs only

7.7kilograms (including accessories, battery

and components).

The battery can power the light for

10-12 hours, and is easily rechargeable from

any 240V gPo, or from a vehicles 12V cigarette

lighter. Both charging cables are included,

and are stored with the lights body for added

convenience. The Smithlight also features a low-

battery indicator light, so you know when it’s time

to recharge.

The Smithlight is available with various

attachment clamps to use in various situations.

ENERgEx in Queensland have adopted a pole

mounting clamp – that allows the Smith light to

be attached to power poles for line workers. The

other mounting options available also include

a tri-pod, as well as stabilising brackets. The

Smithlight of course also be used stand alone

for ground level or trench and pit work.

For more information visit www.extremesafety.com.au.

schneiDer electric’s isobar chassis

Changing the way you look at chassis safety

isobar will change the way you look at

chassis’ and safety. it features a unique busbar

disconnection system for each busbar tee-offs

and allows any tee-off to be converted to a

neutral, providing unparalleled flexibility.

The busbar disconnection system permits

unused outgoing poles to be electrically isolated

from the mains, enhancing protection for the

user against direct contact with live parts.

isobar is ideal for applications that require

minimum downtime and maximum safety. for

situations where only the safest chassis will do,

choose isobar.

ideal for critical power applications and

hazardous areas, the isobar Chassis is available

in two types: the TNA and the PEV. Both types

come in various sizes from 12 to 72 poles, have

250A current carrying capacity of the busbar

(180A with neutral kit fitted), 100A current

carrying capacity of outgoing tee-offs, 16kA for

200ms withstand rating and 25kA conditional

withstand rating.

Schneider Electric’s isobar Chassis won

the highly commended award in the Master

Electricians’ innovative Product of the year 2008.

For more information visit www.schneider-electric.com.au.

Techno bizmaster electricians staff sampled some of the latest gadgets and are giving you the good-oil on the best stuff!

Keeping you in the know

Legal solutions for ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORSAdvice on contractsContractual and payment disputesBusiness structuresAsset protectionBuying and selling businessesWills and EstatesLeasing and commercial contractsDebt collection servicesConveyancingWorkplace Health & Safety

MackayMcKays Law Centre34 Wood St4963 0888

BrisbaneLevel 26239 George St 3223 5900www.mckayslaw.com

Call Michael Cope today on (07) 3223 5939 or Ian Heathwood on (07) 3223 5942 or 0418 199 416

Building elementabove downlight

250mm Length

25mm 25mm

25mm

ComptonHeat Hood

50mm

Barrier required for loose fillinsulation or combustable materials

BuildingStructureMember


technical talk : THE

PH

AS

E-O

UT O

F INE

FFICIE

NT, IN

CA

ND

ES

CE

NT LIG

HT B

ULB

S

Lightingaccountsforaround12percent

of electricity usage from households,

andaround25percentofusagefrom

the commercial sector. The Australian

Government recognises energy savings can be

easilymadebyreplacinginefficient,incandescent

lights, with more cost-effective and energy

efficientalternatives.

These energy efficient alternatives include

compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) which use

only20percentoftheelectricitytoproducethe

sameamountoflight.Usinglessenergymeans

reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower

electricitybillswhichcreatesbenefitstoboththe

environmentandindividuals.

how will ineFFicient incanDescent light

bulbs be phaseD out?

The Australian Government will implement

thephase-outbyintroducingminimumenergy

performance standards (MEPS) for lighting

products. MEPS are the minimum efficiency

standards that products must meet in order

tobesold intheAustralianmarket.MEPSare

used for various product ranges, including

refrigerators, freezers, washing machines and

otherhouseholdappliances.

More efficient types of incandescent bulbs

calledhalogenswillcontinuetobeavailable,but

theleastefficientofthisgroupwillbephasedout.

Halogenbulbsaremoreefficientthantraditional

incandescent bulbs, but are significantly less

efficientthanCFLs.

You can find out more by visiting

www.energyrating.gov.au.

which incanDescent light bulbs will be

phaseD out?

TheAustralianGovernmentistargetinganylight

bulbs that have an efficiency level of less than

27 lumens per watt (lm/w). Lumens (lm) are

a measure of light output and watts (w) are a

measureofenergyinput.

The traditional pear-shaped incandescent

bulbs (GLS) are the least efficient – these

bulbs waste 90 per cent of the energy they

use, mainly as heat. They were phased out

first, with an import restriction applying from

1February2009,followedbyaretailsalesban

inNovember2009.

More efficient types of incandescent bulbs

– known as halogens will continue to be

available, but the least efficient of this group

will be phased out over time. Mains voltage

(240V),andlowvoltagebulbs(12V–typically

usedindownlighting),arethecommontypes

of halogenbulb. Lowvoltagedoesnotmean

lowenergyuse.

what are the proJecteD Dates For the

phase-out oF speciFic lighting proDucts?

Theprojecteddatesprovidedinthetablebelow

for the applicationofMEPS to specific lighting

productsaredependentupontheavailabilityof

effective and efficient alternatives being readily

availableinthemarketplace.

will street lights anD other public lighting

be aFFecteD by the phase-out measure?

Most street and public lights do not use

incandescent technology, so the phase-out will

notaffectthem.

Street and road lighting in Australia is very

efficient compared toother countries,however,

the government is working with industry and

the relevantAustralianStandardsCommittee to

reducetheamountofenergyusedbystreetlights.

savings to the environment

The phase-out will deliver considerable savings

to the environment and the economy. Across

thecountry, themove tomoreefficient lighting,

such as CFLs, is expected to save around 30

terawatthoursofelectricityand28milliontonnes

of greenhouse gas emissions between 2008

and 2020. This is equivalent to permanently

decommissioningasmallcoal-firedpowerstation

or taking more than 500,000 cars off the road

permanently. It isexpectedtoresult insavingsto

theAustralianeconomyofaround$380millionper

yearby2020andresultinnetsavingsofmorethan

$50peryearforeachhouseholdthatchangesall

ofitsincandescentlightglobestoCFLs.

Since1November2009,MEPSapplyatpointof

saletocompactfluorescentlamps,generallighting

service,incandescentlampsandextralowvoltage

andhalogennon-reflectorlamps.Productsinthese

categories must comply with the MEPS and be

registeredwithrelevantstateregulatoryauthorities

tobe legallysold– informationonregistration is

availableat:www.energyrating.gov.au.

technicaltalkThe phase-out of inefficient, incandescent light bulbs

Lamp Type Sales restriction fromTungsten filament incandescent general lighting service (glS) light bulbs

1 November 2009

Extra low voltage (ElV) halogen non-reflectors Self-ballasted compact fluorescent lamps (Cfls)>40w candle, fancy round and decorative lamps october 2010Mains voltage halogen non-reflectors ElV halogen reflectors Mains voltage reflector lamps, including halogen (PAR, ER, R, etc)

october 2012

>25w candle fancy round and decorative lampsPilot lamps 25w and below To be determined dependent

on the availability of efficient replacement products

globe conversion table

This table compares traditional incandescent light bulb wattages with the equivalent compact

fluorescentlamps(CFLs)ormainsvoltagehalogen(MVH)lamps.

light globe conversion table

incandescent Bulbs Compact fluorescent lamp

(Cfl)*

Mains Voltage halogen (MVh)**

light output in lumens (lm)

25w 5-7w 18w 220 lm

40w 7-8w 28w 420 lm

60w 11-12w 42w 720 lm

75w 13-18w 52w 930 lm

100w 18-23w 70w 1300 lmNoTE: The wattages listed above for Cfls and MVh lamps are approximations only and may vary between manufacturers. Use wattages as a guide only. Alternatively, refer to the ‘light output in lumens’ column. you can then check the lumen output (lm) shown on the Cfl or MVh lamp package you are purchasing. (NB: Not all products carry lumen details)

* Cfls come in a range of colours, these include:• Warm White – provides a soft warmer light comparable to light provided by traditional incandescent

light bulbs• Cool White – provides neutral light comparable to office lighting• Daylight – similar to outdoor light comparable to midday lighting conditions.

** MVh lamps are similar in appearance to traditional incandescent light bulbs and are suitable alternatives for light fixtures that require functions such as dimming, sensor lights, touch lights and other lighting applications, however, they are not as efficient as Cfls.

www.specsuper.com 1300 366 648

If you’ve always wanted to join an industry superfund but haven’t been eligible, SPEC Super now makes it easy for you with SPEC Personal. We are the only Industry Superfund for the electro-technology and allied industries which can offer membership to self employed contractors. Even your family and friends are eligible to join. We also make it easy to roll any other funds you may have into one, so why not switch today and start generating wealth.

This information is of a general nature and does not take into account your individual financial situation, objectives or needs. Because of this you should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. You should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and consider the PDS before making any decision. If you require such specific advice, you should contact a licenced financial adviser. SPEC(QLD) PTY. LTD. (ABN 60 010 743 405, AFSL 325 122), the Trustee of SPEC Super (ABN 45 404 406 059), is authorised to provide general financial product advice in relation to superannuation. For a copy of our PDS please call 1300 366 648.

sale oF existing light bulbs

Incandescentgeneral lightingservice(GLS) light

bulbscanbesoldifthesellercanprovethatthey

wereimportedintoAustraliapriorto1February

2009whentheimportrestrictionwasintroduced.

CFLs and ELV halogen non-reflector lamps

thatdon’tmeetMEPS canbe sold if the seller

canprovethattheywereimportedintoAustralia

before1November2009.

For further information please contact your

stateregulator:www.energyrating.gov.au.

On 1 January 2010 the Modern

Award commenced. The award

modernisation process involved

updating and rationalising the

currentawardsysteminAustralia.TheAustralian

IndustrialRelationsCommissionwasresponsible

for setting theawardwhichoutlines the terms

and conditions for employees. The award

operates in conjunction with the National

EmploymentStandards.

The Modern Award will contain provisions

relatingto:n minimumwagesn classificationsn penaltyratesn typesofemploymentn hoursofworkn rosteringn noticeperiodsn allowancesn overtimeratesn leaveandleaveloading

n arrangementsfortakingleaven superannuationn proceduresforconsultationn representationanddisputeresolution.

TheModernAwardcannotcontaintermswhich

arerelatedtopaymentsanddeductionsforbenefit

ofemployer, rightsofentry,discriminatory, long

serviceleaveandstatespecificprovisions(except

inrelationtotransitionalprovisions).

clariFication on moDern awarD

transitional provisions

TheModernAwardfortheelectrical industry is

the Electrical, Electronic and Communications

Contracting Award 2010. Under the Modern

Award Transitional Provisions it states that the

employer must pay no less than the minimum

wageintherelevanttransitionalinstrument.

Thismeansthatallnewemployees(ie,employees

engagedafter1January2010)muststillbepaid

undertherelevantStateAward(egNASPA)Federal

Wage Sheets. For example, if you engaged an

ElectricalWorkerGrade5on13January2010,the

employeewouldhavetobepaid$19.72perhour

(onsiterate),asperthe2009Electrical Contracting

Industry Award FederalWageSheetsandnotthe

ModernAwardwagerates.

This also applies to penalty rates, loadings,

overtimeprovisionsandindustryallowances.

From the 1 July 2010 this will all change

when the transitional provisions come

into effect. It will be phased in 20 per cent

increments until 2014.

Additionally, under the Modern Award

‘over award’ payments can be used to absorb

the monetary obligations imposed. Master

Electricians advise that if you want to absorb

the monetary obligations into the over award

payments,thatyoumustwriteitintoanaward

flexibilityagreementoracontractofemployment.

The main changes under the Electrical,

Electronic and Communications Contracting

Award 2010 (theAward)are:

awarD Flexibility agreement

Thisallowstheemployerandemployeetovary

certain terms of the award through an Award

Flexibility Agreement. The terms that can be

variedundertheawardare:


workp

lace relations : MO

DE

RN

Aw

AR

D

workplaceMODERN AWARD

[email protected]

Ph 07 5445 2910

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Australias Original Lockout Manufacturer

- since 1992

Contractors Lockout Kit shown - CLK-2

WATER

is The NBN Already old hat?

On 14 December 2009, TeliaSonera

launched the first 4th Generation

(4G)mobilenetwork in Stockholm

(Sweden) and Oslo (Norway). 4G

promises data speeds of up to 100 mb/s for

mobiledevices,anduptoanastonishing1Gb/s

for stationary devices. The rolloutwill continue

to another 25 cities throughout Sweden and

Norwayduring2010.

while the Australian NBN languishes with the

enormity of deploying an ‘as yet’ undetermined

fibre solution across the country, (for a reputed

100 mb/s) the developments in mobile

technology continue to march on.

There are two major technologies vying for

global market share and rushing to get their next

4g standards ratified – long-Term-Evolution

(lTE) Advanced, and wiMax (802.16m) which

are the new breed of ‘Ultra-Broadband’ capable

wireless technologies.

yet, while the lTE and wiMax 4g technologies

are evolving to deliver more speed, much effort

is still being used to position each technology as

the better option in the marketplace, however,

their standards are still yet to be ratified. The

Australian 4g bandwidth allocation is currently

waiting on the shutdown of the analogue TV

broadcast network.

Many mobile carriers throughout Europe

and North America are planning to deploy lTE

conversions to their existing networks this year,

although, planned designs vary for the speeds

being delivered to customers. what you get, is

what you get.

with this in mind, it’s worth sorting the hype

from the reality. Radio performance will govern

download and upload speeds, whether the

user is stationary or mobile. And, it will still be

very dependant on Rf equipment and handset/

dongle quality. Therefore, the further from the

radio transmitter you are, or the more interfering

objects there are in the way, the lower your

data through-put will be. Radio is susceptible

to many variables, and the maximum speeds

offered may only be at the base of a carriers

antenna array.

Maybe both fibre and wireless broadband

solutions will find their own balanced market

share in Australia when two hats will be better

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New ProTag Optima SystemAustralia’s Most Compact Appliance

Testing and Tag Printing System.

Call EMONA Instruments on tel: 1 800 632 953 email: [email protected] or www.protag.com.au

The new ProTag Optima System tests portable appliances and RCDs,

and prints test tags in a compact system weighing only around 2kg.

No interface cables between the tester, printer and scanner provide

maximum mobility on construction sites, factories and workshops.

Light weight, wireless, battery powered and with logging of visual

inspections and risk assessments, the Optima System guarantees

greater efficiency, huge time savings and a lower cost per tag.

n arrangementsforordinaryhoursn overtimeratesn penaltyratesn allowancesn leaveloading.

casual employees

There is now no restriction on a casual

employee’s engagement however, there is a

provision which allows casual employees to

convert tofull timeorpart timeemployment.

This means that casual employees, who are

engagedonaregularandsystematicbasisfor

morethansixmonths,havetherighttoelectto

have their contract of employment converted

tofullorparttime.

inclement weather

Employees are now entitled to payment for

ordinary time lost due to inclement weather

(abnormalorextremeclimaticconditions)aslong

as the provisions of the Modern Award have

beenadheredto.

overtime

The award states that all work done outside

of ordinary hours are to be paid at time and

ahalf for thefirst twohours anddouble time

thereafter,thisisthesameonSaturday.

Sundayisstillatdoubletime.

The minimum hours of work for a Saturday

andSundaywillbefourhoursundertheaward.

call outs

Under the award this will be referred to as

‘availability for duty’. The award states the

employee isentitled toan ‘availability forduty’

allowanceof8.8percentofthestandardweekly

rateandpaidfortheactualtimeworked.

The actual time worked payment is still a

home to home payment and the employee

must be paid a minimum of two hours at the

appropriaterate.

national employment stanDarDs

Additionally, on 1 January 2010, the National

Employment Standards (NES) also commenced

replacing the Australian Fair Pay Commissions

legislative standards. The NES consists of

10 legislatedsafety standardswhichcannotbe

strippedaway.TheNESare:n maximumweeklyhoursn requestsforflexibleworkingarrangementsn parentalleaveandrelatedentitlementsn annualleaven personal/carer’sleaveand

compassionateleaven communityserviceleaven longserviceleaven publicholidaysn noticeofterminationandredundancypayn theprovisionoftheFairWork

InformationStatement.

preparing For moDern awarD anD national

employment stanDarDs

In preparing for the implementation of the

ModernAwardandNESyoushould:n understandthemaintermsandconditions

containedintheModernAwardandNESn makesurethetermsandconditionsof

youremploymentcontractsorlettersof

appointmentreflectthechangesn updatetheHRpoliciestoensuretheycomply

withtheModernAwardandnational

employmentstandardsn includetheFairWorkStatementinthe

employeesinductionkit.

Accredited Master Electricians and ECA

members can contact the Workplace

RelationsDepartment.

the Modern award will replace:Queensland Electrical Contracting industry Award 2003Northern Territory Electrical Engineering and Contracting industries Award 2002South Australia Electrical Contracting industry (SA) AwardTasmania Electrical Engineers Award

National Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting industry Award 1998

Victoria National Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting industry Award 1998

western Australia Electrical Contracting industry Award ACT National Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting

industry Award 1998NSw Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting industry Award


news : A

LL AB

OU

T MEMEall

about

master electricians ceo appointeD

to coag sub-committee

Master Electricians CEo Mr Malcolm

Richards has been appointed to the interim

Advisory Committee set up by the Council

of Australian governments (CoAg) to

investigate the National licensing System

– Electrical occupations.

The appointment to the Committee

is a significant milestone toward the

implementation of the National licensing

System. Mr Richards and the other

Committee members will provide advice

to the CoAg National Taskforce, which

was established by the Department of

Prime Minister and Cabinet, and will

oversee the establishment of the National

occupational licensing Authority.

if you would like more information on

the National licensing System please visit

the website http://www.licensinglinenews.

com/licensing-reforms/Nat ional-

licensing-system.aspx

if you have any comments or

concerns you wished raised on the

Committee please email them to

[email protected].

master electricians launches successFul national aDvertising campaign

Master Electricians Australia has recently launched a national advertising campaign encouraging the

general public to use a Master Electrician for all of their electrical work.

The campaign consists of a series of television and radio commercials which began to air across

Queensland last october, New South wales last November and Victoria this month.

The two 30 second television commercials feature on Channel 10’s oNE hD. To view the

advertisements online, visit www.masterelectricans.com.au/media.

To support the television campaign, a 30 second radio advertisement was launched on TripleM

across Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne last year and will continue for a number of months. Stay

tuned for details of advertising in other states over the next 12 months.

The advertisements direct the general public to the Master Electrician website where they can use

the ‘find a Master Electrician’ function to list the details of the work they require done.

Master Electricians across the country are already experiencing the benefits of the campaign, with a

large spike in leads and jobs, almost instantaneously.

All Accredited Master Electricians should ensure their details are correct in the ‘members only’ section

of the Master Electricians website to ensure they don’t miss out on the opportunity for potential work.

for more information about how you can become a Master Electrician contact 1300 889 198.

The 2009 ECA and Master Electricians Awards

of Excellence held last November recognised

the high level of innovation and quality within

the electrotechnology industry. The event saw

over 350 industry members celebrate the

achievements of their industry peers.

Just some of the 2009 award winners were:

MASTER ELECTRICIAN Of THE YEAR – HORAN

AND BIRD ELECTRICAL

horan & Bird’s capability to promote the core

concepts of quality, safety and reliability were

evident in all aspects of their business. horan

and Bird aggressively pursue feedback from

clients and utilise the responses to improve their

product. The promotion of safety has resulted

in an incident free year and a cash back offer

awarded to clients if horan and Bird are unable

to attend on the clients desired day, has lead to

improved reliability.

INNOvATIvE PRODuCT Of THE YEAR

SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC – COMPACT NSX

CIRCuIT BREAkER

Energy Efficiency is key. The judges were

impressed with the possible benefits of this new

circuit breaker. This stunning result of six years

work by 170 engineers provides both remote and

local control, and an output information stream

providing current, voltage, frequency, power

factor, energy and total harmonic distortion and

a number of diagnostic facilities. A unique feature

provides a report on the thickness of the mating

contacts, and their replacement needs. The new

Schneider NSx series of circuit breakers cover

a range from 40 amps to 750 amps, are retrofit

able to existing switchboards, and show an

amazing capability for the new age of efficiency.

INNOvATIvE SERvICE Of THE YEAR

ENSIGHT – POWER STATION ENERGY AuDIT

few contractors would consider they have

the skills to audit a power station, but this one

not only carried out the audit, but found some

very interesting efficiencies to recommend.

Ensight, has completed an extensive audit of

Tarong Power Station. Carried out over a five

month period, Ensight recommended a series

of improvements with projected savings that

are significant. This type of work is a dramatic

change in the type, level and quality of services

regularly offered by members, and is sure to lead

to a wider and more interesting range of work in

the future.

did you know?Leslie Harvey – lead guitarist of the Glasgow band Stone the Crows, died after being electrocuted onstage at Swansea’s Top Rank Ballroom, May 3, 1972.

www.strangecosmos.com

eca anD master electricians recognise inDustry leaDers

As the leading national body for the

electrotechnology industry, Master Electricians

Australia is committed to the safety of the

industry and the wider public. They recognised

the following extreme risks with the installation of

foil-based insulation and lead the charge to have

the policy changed:

DEATH BY ELECTROCuTION, SMOkE

INHALATION OR fALLINGn foil-based insulation touching open terminals n Penetration of cables with metal fastenersn Damaged and rodent eaten cables with bare

conductors touching foil n insulation covering exhaust fans and

downlights causing them to generate

excessive heat creating toxic fumesn Covered ceiling spaces – hide any safe path

for access, covering trusses making it difficult

to place feet or knees.

fIREn Down lights covered with insulation

providing no escape for the heat eventually

catching firen Exhaust fan motors covered not being able

to vent generating heat and once again

having the possibility of catching fire.

EquIPMENT fAILuREn failure of exhaust fansn overheating and failure of down lightsn Cable damage during installation

The crisis meetings Master Electricians held

with the federal government, resulted in a

ban to metal fasteners, mandatory installation

of downlight barriers, a reduction to the rebate

and an introduction of mandatory training for

insulation installers.

Turn to page 16 for the full story.

master electricians warneD oF the risks oF Foil-baseD insultion


test drive : FO

RD

FALC

ON

GS

test driveI

had a big grin on my face when this

assignment popped into my email inbox –

thebrandnewFordGSbyFordPerformance

Vehicles. This limited edition V8 beast was

designed to combine performance, history and

affordability.Jobdone.

The gS is a very fondly remembered ford

model from the late 60s, and today is the second

most collectible ford model second only to the

iconic gT.

The design brief for this new gS was released

November 2009. it was to be largely based on the

fg falcon at the affordable end of the fPV family,

yet still maintain the grunt and performance of

the top end fPV models.

let’s look at what is the most important

feature on the gS - the engine. The ‘302 Boss’

5.4l V8 was developed specifically for the gS

however, it does steal various componentry from

its big brother’s engine – the gT. it produces an

extremely impressive 302kw (hence the name

‘302 Boss’) and 551Nm of torque – not too

shabby for a petrol engine!

The gT which is at the top-end of the fPV

range only produces an extra 13kw, compared

to the gS, pumping out 315kw. Even though

this may look like i have copy ‘n’ pasted from

my other recent reviews, i will say it again: this

power does come at the cost of fuel usage and

economy. you’ll use 14.2l per 100 kilometres in

the manual model.

looking at the exterior, the body shape of

the gS varies little from the falcon fg range –

however, the standard accessories do give it a

striking appearance compared to the rest of the

ford range. The body kit, spoilers and grill all give

the car an aggressive look. The gS pin striping

also looks very sharp and follows the lines of the

car, while the ‘302’ spoiler and bonnet decals

create a coherent design. Most impressive

aesthetically, are the 19” graphite rims, and the

choice of the six eye catching fPV-specific paint

colours – all together making it fit nicely in the

fPV family.

Moving to the inside of the car, the gS is let

down a little by the very standard dash and

steering wheel. Now while this model may well

deserve a more unique interior, it was designed

to be affordable – and the interior is one of the

more costly areas to redesign so it is somewhat

understandable. having said this, the starter

button, trim, gT instrumentation and sports

pedals do set it apart from the run-of-the-mill

falcon. functionality wise the gS is perfect – the

iPod and Bluetooth integration work seamlessly,

and the sound system and climate control mean

it will be a very nice daily-driver.

with only 250 sedans and 75 utes set to be

released, the gS will remain rare and widely

desired like its predecessor of nearly 30-years

(the xw falcon). you’ll always be aware of this

vehicles place in history with the limited edition

fPV build plate/model identifier which will come

on every car.

Be sure to check out our next issue as we

will see what ford’s on-track V8 Supercar rivals

– holden, have on offer to take on the mighty

fPV gS.

PICTURED BELOw: foRMUlA foRD ChAMPioN ANDRE BoREll

Master Electricians Racing Driver Andre Borell checks out the ford falcon gS by fPV

FPV Falcon Gs

engine ‘302 Boss’ 5.4L, fuel-injected, 8-cylinder

Power 302kw @ 6000rpm

torque 551Nm @ 4750rpm

economy* 14.2L/100km

emissions (co²) 340g/km

RRP $54,950

Named in tribute to a fondly-remembered ford from the late ‘60s, the new gS sedan

and gS Ute are unique limited-edition models offering buyers entry into the fPV family at a very competitive price. Production of the gS Series

is limited to 250 sedans and 75 Utes. Contact your local ford fPV dealer to organise a

test drive today.

fEB1019 february civil Works expo Melbourne www.constructioncontractor.com.au

26-28 february australian construction equipment expoMelbourne

MAR1011 – 14 march clipsal 500 Adelaide www.clipsal500.com.au

12-14 march Sydney

26 – 28 march Brisbanetradesman’s expo www.ntx.com.au

22 – 24 march 6th annual australasian cleantech ForumMelbournewww.ecogeneration.com.au/events

APR1012 – 14 april airconditioning, Refrigeration and Building services exhibitionSydney www.constructioncontractor.com.au

16 – 25 aprilclipsal super star Vertigo cruise www.clipsal.com.au/trade

20 – 22 april safety in action 2010 trade showMelbourne www.sia.org.au


eventswhat’s on

best funny story : V

IETN

AM

wIR

E

$50 up for grabs!your best (or worst) funny story

it’s easy, send us your favourite funny story or picture and if we publish it, we’ll send you $50.

These photos were taken last month in Vietnam by Paul Daly. Paul was in Vietnam finalising arrangements for the 2010 Annual Conference.

Do you have an industry event that you would like featured? Email [email protected].

EMONASydneyTel 02 9519 3933Fax 02 9550 1378

MelbourneTel 03 9889 0427Fax 03 9889 0715

BrisbaneTel 07 3275 2183Fax 07 3275 2196

AdelaideTel 08 8363 5733Fax 08 8363 5799

PerthTel 08 9361 4200Fax 08 9361 4300

email [email protected] web www.emona.com.au

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union Consultation

last word : MALCOLM RICHARDS

Administered byMalcolm V. Leeke & Co. Chartered Accountants

8 McIlwraith Street PO Box 42 Everton Park Brisbane QLD 4053

Phone 07 3506 7788 Fax 07 3506 7700 Toll Free 1300 200 123

Email [email protected] Website www.cirt.com.au

CIRT HELPS YOU TO REDUCE THE DRAIN ON YOUR COMPANY’S CASH FLOWCIRT was established in 1990 to provide redundancy benefits to the electrical industry.

CIRT allows employers to contribute money each month on behalf of their employees. That way if a redundancy occurs, the CIRT contributions form either part or all of any redundancy payment and the employer can include the money already contributed as part of the redundancy payment. CIRT provides benefits for the following situations: redundancy, retirement, leaving the industry, severe financial hardship, total and permanent disability, death. Contact CIRT now for all your industry redundancy needs.

Supported by

last word

MALCOLM RICHARDSchief executive officer

In a decision handed down in Melbourne

on4November2009 inadisputebetween

Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering,

Printing and Kindred Industries Union and

BitzerAustraliaPtyLtdt/asBuffaloTrident,Senior

DeputyPresidentActonruledthattheemployer

mustconsultwithunionsnotonlyaboutwhen

theywishtousesubcontractorsorlabourhire,

but also must consult on matters relating to

the employment of sub contractors or labour

hire such as criteria for selection, whether the

work done in house will enhance or diminish

job security and the qualifications of those

contracted is indeedamatterpertainingtothe

relationshipbetweenemployerandemployee.

Theresulthasledtounionsalreadyseeking

tohavethisclauseincludedintoallagreements

currently held and being negotiated. This

clausegoesback to the ‘badolddays’where

theunionswouldtellthecontractorwhothey

canandcan’tuse,andthensets thecontract

amount in linewith thecollectiveagreements

already in place. In my opinion this clause

restrictstradeandlimitsanemployer’sabilityto

makebusinessdecisions.

The inclusion of this clause will see many

labour hire companies in the building and

constructionindustryfindithardtostayafloat

astheywillbeforcedtohonourthewagesand

working conditions that relate to whatever

contractors they are supplying labour to. It

will also stifle the second and third tier sub

contracting and specialist contracting sector

whowillalsohavetopaywagesandconditions

farbeyondtheirmeansiftheywishtocontinue

workingonmajorcontractingsites.

Ofequalconcernistheintroductionofthenew

workplacelawswhichcommencedon1January

2010. Issues like unfair dismissal, redundancy,

employeegeneratedflexibleworkarrangements,

overtime rates and casual employee rules are

already providing stress for employers in the

electrical industry. These will certainly affect

the productivity of businesses and will restrict

employmentgrowthofmanycontractorsaswe

gointothenextphaseofoureconomy.

With2008-09seeingthehighestproductivity

andlowestratesofuniondisputesinmanyyears

onemightquestionwhereweareheadingnow

and what impact these changes will have on

theabilityofbusinesstosurviveandprosper.

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Documents

The Master Electrician - Summer 2010