electrical safety code of practice 2010
TRANSCRIPT
8/3/2019 Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010
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Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010Electrical Work
Department o Justice and Attorney-General
Electrical Saety Ofce Queensland
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Contents
Part 1 : Introduction .................................................................................................3
1.1 Application and scope of Code ................................................................................ 3
1.2 Legislative framework ...............................................................................................3
1.3 What is a code of practice? ...................................................................................... 4
1.4 What is this Code about? .......................................................................................... 5
1.5 This Code includes ....................................................................................................5
1.6 This Code does not include ....................................................................................... 6
1.7 How is this Code set out? ......................................................................................... 7
1.8 What is ‘electrical work’? ..........................................................................................7
1.9 Obligations under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 ...................................................... 7
1.10 How can I meet my obligations? .............................................................................. 7
1.11 Defences for failing to meet your electrical safety obligation .................................. 8
1.12 Penalty for failure to meet your electrical safety obligation ..................................... 8
Part 2 : Risk Management .................................................................................... 10
2.1 Risk .......................................................................................................................... 11
2.2 The risk management process ................................................................................11
2.3 Common electrical risks ..........................................................................................14
2.3.1 Electrical risks and causes of injury .............................................................................. 142.4 Instruction, training and supervision ......................................................................15
2.4.1 Types of training ........................................................................................................... 16
Part 3 : Working De-energised ................................................................................17
3.1 Scope .......................................................................................................................17
3.2 Regulatory requirement ...........................................................................................17
3.3 General ....................................................................................................................17
3.4 Low voltage isolation and access .............................................................................18
3.4.1 Switching, de-energising and re-energising .................................................................. 18
3.4.2 Isolating and disconnecting .......................................................................................... 18
3.4.3 Proving de-energised ................................................................................................... 20
3.4.4 Altering isolation for testing, fault finding and energising ........................................... 22
Part 4 : Working Live .............................................................................................. 23
4.1 Scope ...................................................................................................................... 23
4.2 Regulatory requirement ..........................................................................................23
4.3 Important issues when working live ....................................................................... 23
4.3.1 Documentation ............................................................................................................ 23
4.3.2 Conductive materials ................................................................................................... 244.3.3 Work position .............................................................................................................. 24
4.3.4 Safety observer (electrical) .......................................................................................... 25
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4.3.5 Emergency planning .................................................................................................... 26
4.3.6 Safety barriers and signs ............................................................................................. 27
4.3.7 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ............................................................................. 28
4.4 What to use to work safely – tools, instruments and equipment used for electrical
work ........................................................................................................................ 28
4.4.1 General ........................................................................................................................ 28
4.4.2 Selection, testing, maintenance of tools, instruments and equipment ........................ 30
4.4.3 Use of instruments and test devices ............................................................................. 31
4.4.4 Instruments and test devices ........................................................................................ 31
4.4.5 Ladders, portable pole platforms and scaffolds .......................................................... 32
4.5 Testing and fault finding – providing the work is safe .............................................32
4.5.1 General ........................................................................................................................ 32
4.5.2 Ensuring correct connections (including polarity) ........................................................ 33
Appendix A: Meaning of terms used in this Code .................................................. 37
Appendix B: Further information ........................................................................... 59
B.1 Common sources of electrical risks ........................................................................ 59
B.1.1 Identifying sources of electric shock ............................................................................ 59
B.1.2 Tripping of supply on powerlines ................................................................................. 60
B.1.3 Working near sources of arcing, explosion or fires ...................................................... 60B.1.4 Working in unsafe atmospheres .................................................................................. 62
B.1.5 Isolation and access .................................................................................................... 62
B.2 Other electrical risks to be addressed .................................................................... 65
B.2.1 Working in and around trenches, pits and underground ducts .................................... 65
B.2.2 Working with ladders, scaffolds, portable pole platforms ........................................... 65
B.2.3 Working with elevating work platforms (EWP) ............................................................. 67
B.2.4 Working on or from poles and towers .......................................................................... 75
B.2.5 Tagging out of service .....................................................................................................81
B.2.6 Excavation near energised cables ...................................................................................81B.2.7 Vegetation management, chainsaws and electrical workers .......................................... 83
B.2.8 Use of tools ................................................................................................................... 83
B.3 General elements of a safe system of work ............................................................. 84
B.4 High voltage isolation and access...........................................................................84
B.4.1 General ........................................................................................................................ 84
B.4.2 High voltage isolation and access system ................................................................... 85
Appendix C: Exclusion zones for electrical parts ...................................................88
Appendix D: Electrical Safety Act 2002..................................................................94
Appendix E: Electrical Safety Regulation 2002...................................................... 95
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Part 1 : Introduction
1.1 Application and scope of Code
• ThisElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Electrical Work(theCode)
replacestheCode of Practice - Electrical Work 2002.
• ThisCodewasmadeon18December2009.
• ThisCodecommencedon1January2010.
• ThisCodeexpires10yearsaftertheabovecommencementdate.
1.2 Legislative framework
TheQueenslandElectrical Safety Act 2002(theAct)isdirectedateliminating
thehumancosttoindividuals,familiesandthecommunityofdeath,injury
anddestructionthatcanbecausedbyelectricitynotonlyinworkplaces,but
throughoutthecommunity.
TheActsetsouttheobligationsthatentities,employers,employees,workers,
designers,manufacturers,importersandpersonsincontrolofelectricalequipment
mustmeetinordertocomplywiththerequirementsofthelaw.
Thefundamentalprincipleofthelegislationistosetlegalrequirementstoensure
theelectricalsafetyoflicensedelectricalworkers,otherworkers,licensedelectrical
contractors,consumersandthegeneralpublic.
TheWorkplace Health and Safety Act 1995(WHSAct)placesobligationson
certainpersonstoensurehealthandsafetyintheworkplace.Workplacehealth
andsafetyisensuredwhenpersonsarefreefromdeath,injuryorillnessandthe
riskofdeath,injuryorillnesscreatedbyworkplaces,relevantworkplaceareas,
workactivitiesorplantorsubstancesforuseataworkplace.
Intermsofelectricalsafety,wheretheActandtheWHSActbothapply,theAct
takesprecedence.
TheElectrical Safety Regulation 2002(theRegulation)prescribes,amongother
things,therequirementsforworkingaroundliveelectricalparts.
WhilethisCodegivespracticaladviceonwaystomanageobligationsoftheAct,
itdoesnotprovideadviceaboutallelectricalsafetyobligations.Fourothercodes
ofpracticemadeundertheActare:
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• Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Working Near Exposed Live Parts
TheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Working Near Exposed Live
Partsgivespracticaladviceonwaystomanageelectricalriskwhenworking
nearexposedliveelectricalparts.Thecodeappliestopeoplesuchasplant
operators,painters,peopleerectingorworkingonscaffolds,signmakersand
peopleworkingwithirrigationpipesnearexposedliveelectricalparts.The
practicalguidanceprovidedinthecodemayberelevanttoelectricalworkers
whentheyareperformingelectricalworknearanotherexposedlivepart.
• Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Electrical Equipment Rural Industry
TheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010–Electrical Equipment Rural
Industry givespracticaladviceonawayofdischargingaperson’selectrical
safetyobligation.Includedinthecodearewaystoidentifyandmanage
exposuretorisksofinjuryandpropertydamagecauseddirectlyorindirectly
byelectricity.
• Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Works
TheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010-Worksprovidespracticaladvice
foranelectricityentitytomanageelectricalsafetyrisksassociatedwith
earthingsystems,undergroundcablesystemsandsupportingstructuresof
overheadlinesformingpartoftheworksofanelectricityentity.
• Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Risk Management
TheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010–Risk Management givespractical
waysofmanagingelectricalsafetyrisks.Thecodeclearlydefinesand
explainsthefivestepriskmanagementprocessthatobligationholdersunder
theActshouldperformtomakesureallelectricalrisksareminimised.
Referencestolegislation,AustralianStandardsandotherdocumentsinthisCode
arecurrentatthetimeofprinting.Fromtimetotime,amendmentsaremadeto
legislation.Theusershouldthereforechecktoensureapplicablelegislationis
currentatthetimeofreading.
1.3 What is a code of practice?
Acodeofpracticeisadocumentmadeundersection44oftheAct.Itgives
practicaladviceonwaystodischargeelectricalsafetyobligations.Includedina
codearewaystoidentifyandmanageexposuretorisksofinjuryandproperty
damagecaused,directlyorindirectly,byelectricity.
Undersection45oftheAct,thecodeofpracticedoesnotstateallthataperson
mustdo,ormustnotdo,todischargetheirelectricalsafetyobligation.
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However,thepersonfailstodischargetheelectricalsafetyobligationifthey:
• contravene,orotherwiseactinconsistentlywith,thecodeofpractice;and
• donotfollowawaythatisaseffectiveas,ormoreeffectivethan,thecodeof
practicefordischargingtheelectricalsafetyobligation.
1.4 What is this Code about?
ThisCodeprovidespracticaladviceandgivesbenchmarksforperforming
electricalworkinwaysthatareelectricallysafe.Itprovidesguidanceon
managingelectricalriskonly;noguidanceonotherrisksisprovided.ThisCodehasbeendesignedtoreflectthetwowaystoperformelectricalwork:working
de-energisedandworkinglive.
AppendixAcontainsthemeaningoftermsusedinthisCode.
1.5 This Code includes
ThisCodeappliesto:
• electricalworkers;
• employersofelectricalworkersandself-employedelectricalworkers;
• electricalcontractors;and
• personsnotrequiredtoholdanelectricalworklicenceundersection55
oftheAct.
ThisCodefocusesonlyontheelectricalaspectsofworkperformedbythe
followingclassesoflicence:
• restrictedelectricalworklicenceholders;
• electricalworktrainingpermitholders;
• licensedelectricallinespersons;
• licensedelectricaljointers;
• licensedelectricalfitters;and
• licensedelectricalmechanics.
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1.6 This Code does not include• Approvedworkperformedunderahighvoltagelivelinemanagementplan,
asprescribedinsection13oftheRegulation,isnotcoveredbythisCode.
However,highvoltagelivelineworkersaresubjecttothisCodeforelectrical
workactivitieswhilenotperforminghighvoltagelivelinework.Information
onhighvoltageisolationandaccessiscontainedinAppendixB.4.
• Functionaloperationssuchasswitchingperformedregularlytooperate
electricalequipmentarenotcoveredbythisCode.However,switchingto
provideelectricalaccessispartofthisCode.
• PracticalguidanceprovidedintheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010–
Working Near Exposed Live Partsmayberelevanttoelectricalworkerswhen
theyareperformingworkoneitherliveorde-energisedparts.
• Apartfromcorrectconnections(includingpolarity)thisCodedoesnotaddress
theinspectionandtestproceduresdetailedinsection8ofAS/NZS30001.
• ThisCodedoesnotcovergeneralhealthandsafetymatters,suchas
preventingfallsfromheights.Theserequirementscanbesuppliedbythe
DepartmentofJusticeandAttorney-General’sWorkplaceHealthandSafety
Queensland.Thisinformationmaybeobtainedonlineat
www.worksafe.qld.gov.au.
• Informationmayalsobefoundfromsourcesincluding:
- SafeWorkAustralia;
- ElectricityNetworksAssociation;
- AustralianRadiationProtectionandNuclearSafetyAgency;and
- StandardsAustralia.
1 Furtherinformationoninspectionandtestingcanbeobtainedfromcodesandstandardsproducedbyother
sourcesincluding:Manufacturesandsuppliers,ElectricityNetworksAssociationofAustralia,StandardsAustralia;andotherrelevantindustryassociations.
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1.7 How is this Code set out?• Parts1and2outlinegeneralinformationabouttheCode,thelegislationand
riskmanagement.
• Parts3and4provideguidanceonworkingde-energisedandworkinglive.
• Theappendicescontaindefinitionsandfurtherguidelinesonhowtoperform
workthatiselectricallysafealongwithrelevantpartsoftheActandthe
Regulation.
1.8 What is ‘electrical work’?Thedefinitionofelectricalworkfromsection18oftheActiscontainedin
AppendixA:MeaningoftermsusedinthisCode.
1.9 Obligations under the Electrical Safety Act 2002
Sections29to40oftheActimposeobligationsonpersonswhomayaffectthe
electricalsafetyofothersbytheiractsoromissions.
Forexample,anemployerhasanobligationtoensuretheirbusinessor
undertakingisconductedinawaythatiselectricallysafe.Thisincludes
identifyingelectricalrisks,assessingtheriskofinjuryorpropertydamagethat
maybeattributedtorisksandtakingnecessaryactionstominimiseexposureto
therisk.
Thefulllistofobligationholdersisincludedinpart2,division2,oftheAct.
1.10 How can I meet my obligations?
Undersections41to45oftheAct,therearethreemethodsoutlinedtoassist
youinmeetingyourelectricalsafetyobligations:througheitherregulations,
ministerialnotices,orcodesofpractice.
Whereapplicable,youmustcomplyinthefollowingmannertomeetyour
obligations.
• Ifaregulationisidentifiedasprescribingawayofdischargingyourelectrical
safetyobligation,youwillfailtomeetyourobligationifyoucontravenethe
regulation.
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• Ifaministerialnoticeprescribesawayofmeetinganelectricalsafety
obligationinrelationtoanelectricalrisk,youwillfailtomeetthatobligation
ifyoucontravenetheministerialnotice.
• Ifacodeofpracticestatesawayofmeetingyourelectricalsafetyobligation,
youwillfailtomeetthatobligationifyou:
- contravenethecodeoractinawayinconsistentwiththecode;and
- donotfollowawaythatisequallyeffectiveto,ormoreeffectivethan,
thecodeofpracticefordischargingyourelectricalsafetyobligation.
IfthisCodeisinconsistentwiththeRegulation,thentheRegulationprevailstothe
extentoftheinconsistency.
IfthisCodeandtheRegulationareinconsistentwithaministerialnotice,the
ministerialnoticeprevailstotheextentoftheinconsistency.
YoushouldalsorefertoPart2ofthisCodeonriskmanagementformeetingyour
obligationsgenerally.
1.11 Defences for failing to meet your electrical safety
obligationUndersections46and47oftheAct,ifchargedwithabreachofobligation,you
canprovideavaliddefencebyestablishingthattheoffencewasduetocauses
beyondyourcontrol.Inthisinstance,youcannotclaimasadefencethose
sectionsoftheCriminalCoderelatingtoanaccidentalactoromission,ora
mistakenbelief.
Wheretherewasnoregulation,ministerialnoticeorcodeofpracticethattoldyou
howtomeetyourelectricalsafetyobligationunderthecircumstances,youcan
seektoestablishthatyouchoseanappropriateway,tookreasonableprecautionsandexercisedproperdiligencetodischargethesafetyobligation.
1.12 Penalty for failure to meet your electrical safety
obligation
Undersection27oftheAct,apersononwhomanelectricalsafetyobligationis
imposedmustdischargetheobligation.
Maximumpenalty:
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• ifthebreachcausesmultipledeaths:2000penaltyunitsorthreeyears
imprisonment;
• ifthebreachcausesdeathorgrievousbodilyharm:1000penaltyunitsortwo
yearsimprisonment;
• ifthebreachcausesbodilyharm:750penaltyunitsoroneyear’s
imprisonment;or
• otherwise:500penaltyunitsorsixmonthsimprisonment.
ThisCodeshouldbereadinconjunctionwiththeAct,theRegulation,andother
relevantcodesofpractice.HardcopiesofthesedocumentsareavailablefromtheQueenslandGovernmentBookshopbyphoning(07)38838700or1800801123
(outsideBrisbane),orbyvisitingwww.bookshop.qld.gov.au.
FurtherinformationonelectricalsafetyisavailablefromtheDepartmentof
JusticeandAttorney-Generalwebsiteatwww.electricalsafety.qld.gov.auorby
phoningtheInfolineon1300650662.
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Part 2 : Risk Management‘Riskmanagement’isdefinedbytheAustralian/NewZealandStandard AS/NZS
ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management as‘thecoordinatingofactivitiestodirectand
controlanorganisationwithregardtorisk’.
Theterm‘hazard’isoftenusedasanidentifierofpotentialsourcesofrisk.
Howeverinthepracticalapplicationofriskmanagementprinciples,itistherisk
itselfthatmustbeaddressed.The AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management
Standard(theStandard)referstotheidentificationofrisk,whilethetermhazard
isusedinWorkplaceHealthandSafetyandElectricalSafetylegislationinthesamecontext.Similarly,’riskcontrol’isreferredtointheStandardas‘risk
treatment’.Thesedistinctionsaredefinitionalonlyandtheterms‘risk’and
’treatment’areusedinthiscodeforthepurposesofclarityandconsistencywith
theStandard.
TheriskmanagementprocessrequiredbytheWHSActissystematicallydivided
intofivesteps:
1. identifyhazards(risksundertheStandard),basedonexperience,recorded
dataandotherinformation;
2. assessrisksthatmayresultbecauseofthehazards(risks)bymakingan
evaluationofthelevelofriskstothehealthandsafetyofworkers,basedon
theconsequencesandlikelihoodofharm;
3. decideoncontrolmeasures(risktreatmentmeasuresundertheStandard)from
thehierarchyofcontrol(risktreatmenthierarchy)i.e.eliminate,substitute,
isolateorengineerouttherisks,orreducethemthroughadministrative
measuresorpersonalprotectiveequipmenttopreventorminimisethelevel
oftherisks.Thisshouldbeachievedbyselectingthehighestordercontrol(treatment)methodpossibleandthenproceedingdownthelistinorder;
4. implementtheselectedcontrol(treatment)measure(s)intheworkplace;and
5. monitorandreviewtheeffectivenessofthecontrol(treatment)measuresto
ensurethattheyareworkingcorrectlytocontroltherisksandthatnoother
riskshavebeenintroduced.
NOTE:Compliancewiththeriskmanagementprocessdoesnotexcuseaperson
fromensuringworkplacehealthandsafetyorfromcomplyingwithanobligation
undertheAct.
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Effectiveriskmanagementinvolvesidentifyingalloftherisksintheworkplace,
andthencarryingoutariskassessmentforeach,toassessitsseverity,before
decidingitspriorityfortreatment.Whencarryingoutariskassessment,determine
therisksthathavethegreatestpotentialtocauseharmandagreaterlikelihoodof
occurring.Theserisksarecontrolled(treated)first,followedbythelessseriousrisks.
Attentionshouldbegiventorisksthatmaybeeasytofixbutmayhavelow
riskpriorityscores(e.g.powerleadsacrossthefloor).Theserisksshouldbefixed
promptly.Particularattentionshouldbegiventorisksthatmayhaveverylow
likelihoodofcausingharmbutmayresultinmajorconsequences.
TheActrequiresthatelectricalworkandassociatedequipmentbeelectricallysafe
(sections29to40);thatis,freefromelectricalrisk.Electricalriskcanbemanaged
throughtheriskmanagementprocessasdescribedbelow.Specificapplicationsof
theriskmanagementprocessarecoveredinrelevantfollowingparts.
In many circumstances, the risks associated with undertaking electrical work
near exposed live parts can be equivalent to those associated with live electrical
work. Evaluation of the risks and development of risk treatment measures
as described in Part 5 of the Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Risk
Management will provide assistance in developing safe work practices.
2.1 Risk
Riskisthelikelihoodandconsequenceofinjuryorharmoccurring.
Forexample,iftheriskiselectricity,therethelikelihoodthataworkermightbe
electrocutedbecauseoftheexposuretoelectricalliveparts.
Thedegreeofriskwilldependontheamountofexposuretotherisk.Withregard
toelectricity,thiswouldrelatetoaspectsoftheelectricityi.e.voltage,frequency
ofexposure,anddegreeofrisktreatmentmeasuresinplace.
2.2 The risk management process
Effectiveriskmanagementinvolvesidentifyingalloftherisksintheworkplace
andthencarryingoutariskassessmentforeach,toassesstheseverityofarisk,
beforedecidingitspriority.
Whencarryingoutariskassessment,determinetherisksthathavethegreatest
potentialtocauseharmandagreaterlikelihoodofoccurring.Theserisksare
treatedfirst,followedbythelessseriousrisks.
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AssetdownintheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Risk Management ,
therearefivebasicstepsintheriskmanagementprocess:
Step 1 - Identify all risks by:
• observing,inspecting,investigating,communicatingandconsulting;and
• makingarecordoftherisksidentified.
Step 2 - Assess the risks by:
• assessingandprioritisingtherisks;
• dealingwiththehighestpriorityrisksfirst;and
• dealingwithlessrisksorleastsignificantriskslast.
Step 3 - Decide on measures to treat the risks by:
• eliminatingtherisk;
• ifeliminationoftheriskisnotpossible,selecttheserisktreatmentmeasures
inthefollowingorderofpreference:
- substitutione.g.usingmachineswithbetterguardingorusingan
instrumentwithahigherinstallationcategory; - isolation(notadministrative)e.g.removeorseparatepeoplefromtherisk;
- minimisationbyengineeringe.g.modifyaswitchboardtoreducethe
amountofexposedliveparts;
- applicationofadministrativemeasurese.g.usingsigns,trainingorpolicies
totreatrisk;and
- useofpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE),equipmentorclothing
designedtoprotecttheworker.
Step 4 - Implement appropriate risk treatment measures that will:
• adequatelytreattherisks;
• notcreateotherrisks;and
• allowworkerstodotheirworkwithoutunduediscomfortordistress.
Step 5 - Monitor the risk treatment measures and review the process:
A: Monitor
• Havethetreatmentmeasuresbeenimplementedasintended?
• Arethetreatmentmeasuresadequate?
• Didtheimplementationoftreatmentmeasurescreateotherrisks?
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B: Review
• Hasanythingchangedovertimesincetheriskprocesswasimplemented?
• Isthetreatmentofrisksstilladequate?
• Wastheriskmanagementprocessconductedeffectively?
Forfurtherinformationonriskmanagementandguidelinesonhowtocompletea
riskassessment,pleaserefertotheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010-Risk
Management.
ThefivestepriskmanagementprocessisillustratedinFigure1.
Step 1
Identify risks
Step 2Assess and prioritise
risks
Step 3Decide on risk treatment
measures including risk
treatment hierarchy
Step 4Implement risk
treatment measures
Step 5Monitor and review Consultation
should be carried
out at each step of
this process
Preparation:• Define the context.
• Identify tasks, activities, work processes
and practices for assessment
Figure 1: The five step risk management process
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2.3 Common electrical risks
2.3.1 Electrical risks and causes of injury
Thecommonelectricalrisksandcausesofinjurycanbebrokenintothreebroad
categories.Thesecategoriesare:
• Electric shock causinginjuryordeath.Theelectricshockmaybereceivedby
directcontact,trackingthroughoracrossamedium,orbyarcing.
• Arcing, explosion or firecausingburns.Theinjuriesareoftensuffered
becausearcingorexplosionorbothoccurwhenhighfaultcurrentsarepresent.
• Toxic gassescausingillnessordeath.Burningandarcingassociatedwith
electricalequipmentcausesarangeofgasesandcontaminantstobepresent.
Compoundsrangingfromozonetocyanideandsulphuricacidscanbepresent
aswellastheriskssuchaslowoxygencontentintheair.
Thethreecommonelectricalrisksmaybepresentindividuallyorcombined.
Forexample,ifafaultoccurredinthemainswitch-roomofalargeshopping
centreallthreeoftheelectricalriskscouldbepresent.Thepresenceofstepandtouchpotentialsshouldbeaddressedaswellasthepotentialforanexplosion.
Further,burningmaterialssuchasPVCandepoxyresinscancausethe
atmospheretobecomehazardous.
Undersection11(2)(a)oftheRegulation,partsthatarenormallyenergisedorthat
maybecomeenergisedunderfaultconditionsmustbetreatedasliveuntilthe
partsareprovende-energised.Thecategoriesofcommonelectricalrisks,listed
above,arerelativelyclear.However,aselectricityisnotusuallydetectedbysight,
smellorsound,theidentification(orrecognitionofthepotential)oftherisks
canbemoredifficult.RefertoPart2.3ofthisCodeforguidanceregardingtheidentificationofrisksandAppendixBforfurtherinformationonelectricalrisks.
Areas,outsidethescopeofthisCode,thatshouldalsobeaddressedinclude:
• Theflammableatmosphereinbatteryroomsorhazardouslocations.
• Workinginconfinedspaces.
• Electricfieldstrengthandmagneticfieldstrengths.Thesefields,especiallyif
thesourceofthefieldisadirectcurrent,cancauseinterferencewithcardiac
pacemakersandothermedicallyimplantedelectronicdevices.Precautions
shouldalsobetakentopreventotherriskssuchasflyingmetalobjects.
• Preventingfalls,e.g.whenworkingatheight.
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• Useofexplosivepoweredtools.
• Workingonroadways.
• Theuseofhazardoussubstancessuchaspoisons,chemicals,solvents,
syntheticresins,formsofasbestosandpolychlorinatedbiphenyls(PCB).
• Theuseofflammablegasessuchasliquidpetroleum,oxygen,acetyleneetc.
• Theuseofexplosives.
2.4 Instruction, training and supervision
UndertheWorkplace Health and Safety Act 1995,sections28and29,apersonwhoconductsabusinessorundertakingmustprovideinstruction,training
andsupervisiontopersonstowhomtheyoweanobligation.Section30ofthe
Electrical Safety Act 2002,whichsetsdowntheobligationofanemployerto
ensuretheirbusinessorundertakingisconductedinawaythatiselectricallysafe,
includesanimpliedrequirementtoprovidetrainingtoensurethattheymeettheir
obligation.
Workerswhoarelikelytobeexposedtoelectricalrisksandanyonesupervising
theseworkersshouldbetrainedandprovidedwithinformationandinstruction.
Trainingshouldbeappropriatetothetypeofworktobeperformed.Insome
cases,formaltrainingmayberequired.Inothers,on-the-jobtrainingmaybe
moreappropriate.Thespecialneedsofworkersshouldbetakenintoaccountin
decidingonthestructure,contentanddeliveryoftraining.Thisassessmentshould
includeliteracylevels,workexperienceandspecificskillsrequiredforajob.
Adequateandappropriatetrainingisawayofmanagingtherisksassociatedwith
electricalrisks.Thiscanbedoneby:
• determiningwhoneedstobetrained;
• determiningwhattrainingisrequired;
• determininghowtrainingwillbedelivered;
• ensuringthatthetrainingisprovided;
• evaluatingthetraining;and
• keepingtrainingrecords.
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Theamountoftrainingwillbedeterminedby:
• thenatureoftheworkplacerisks;
• thedegreeofassociatedrisk;
• thecomplexityofwork,suchasoperatingproceduresandequipment;
• otherrisktreatmentmeasuresbeingimplemented;and
• thequalificationsandexperienceoftheworker.
2.4.1 Types of training
Therearedifferenttypesofelectricalsafetytrainingthathavedifferentpurposes,including:
• Inductiontraining:forworkerswhencommencingemploymentorwhennew
tothejob.Thistrainingisgeneralandmayinvolveaworkplacetour,and
informationaboutconditionsofemployment,administration,organisational
structure,emergencyproceduresandworkplaceamenities.
• Supervisorandmanagementtraining:providedtohelpensurethatthe
supervisionandmanagementoftheelectricalsafetyissuesareappropriately
carriedoutintheworkplace.• Specificjobtrainingorfamiliarisationtraining:providinginformationabout
theelectricalandotherrisksassociatedwiththejob.
• Specificelectricalrisktraining:providinginformationabouttherisks
associatedwithworkingnearexposedliveparts.
• Ongoingtrainingorrefreshertraining:providedperiodicallytoensurethat
workcontinuestobeperformedsafely.
• Emergencyprocedurestraining:providedtoensureworkersknowwhatto
dointheeventofanemergency,includingidentifyingpersonswithspecific
emergencyrolesandresponsibilities.• Firstaidtraining:providedtoensureappropriateproceduresarefollowedfor
administeringfirstaid.
• JobspecifictrainingrequiredunderaRegulatione.g.safetyobserverandhigh
voltagelivelineworktraining.
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Part 3: Working De-energised
3.1 Scope
Thispartprovidesguidelinesforcreatinganelectricallysafeworkenvironmentby
removingsourcesofelectricalriskby:
• de-energisinglowvoltage;and
• de-energisingandearthinghighvoltageparts.
Theseguidelinesapplytobothalternatinganddirectcurrentsystems.
3.2 Regulatory requirement
Forregulatoryinformation,refertoAppendixEforalistofrelevantsectionsof
theRegulation.
3.3 General
Anemployerorself-employedpersonshouldensurethataneffectiveprocessof
isolationandaccessisusedtoprotectelectricalworkersandothers.Asafesystemofworkshouldbedevelopedwithpeoplewho:
• arerepresentativeoftheelectricalworkers;and
• haveskillsandknowledgeintheareaofwork.
Apersonincontrolofelectricalequipmentshouldmakesurethat,whereisolation
andaccessiscomplex,therearesufficientinstructionstoensuretheprocessis
performedsafely.
Instructionsforisolationandaccessshouldbedocumentedwhere:
• complexisolationandaccessistobeperformed;
• isolationandaccessistobeperformedonacomplexelectricalsystem;or
• bothoftheaboveapply.
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3.4 Low voltage isolation and access
3.4.1 Switching, de-energising and re-energising
Assetdowninsection12oftheRegulation,switching,de-energisingand
re-energisingmustbeperformedunderasafesystemofworkincludingthe
preparationofadocumentedriskassessment.
Switchingincludes,butisnotlimitedto,switchingforisolationorreturnto
serviceandsynchronising.Theelectricalsafetyofworkersandothersshouldbe
addressedwhenswitching.
Otherelectricalsafetyconsiderationsthatshouldapplytode-energising,the
processofde-energisingandre-energisingconnectingpartsfromallsources,
include:
• thecapacityofswitchingdevicestomakeandbreakloadcurrents,including
in-rushcurrents;
• thecapacityofswitchingdevicestomakeandbreakfaultcurrents;
• connectingsourcesthatmaynotbesynchronisedorhavethesamephase
relationship;and• creatingcirculatingcurrentswithinringfeedsofnetworks.
Contingencyactionstobetaken,shouldafaultoccur.Examplesincludewhat
formofactionshouldbetakenif:
• themainswitchisacircuitbreakerandthebreakertripstheinstantitis
closed;
• ifathermaloverloadtripsamotor;and
• asafetyswitch(residualcurrentdevice)trips.
3.4.2 Isolating and disconnecting
Isolating
Subjecttosections11and12oftheRegulation,anypartsworkedonmust
beisolatedandprovedde-energisedunlessasafesystemofworkexistsand
permissionhasbeengrantedtoworklive.
Beforeyoucarryoutworkthatisde-energised,youmustensurethatsupplyis
effectivelyisolated.Undersection11(2)oftheRegulation,eachexposedpartistreatedasifitisenergiseduntilitisisolatedandprovednottobeenergised.
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Mattersthatshouldbeaddressedintheisolationprocessinclude:
• de-energisingthepartsfromallsourcesofelectricalpotential;toeffectively
de-energiseparts,anumberofisolationpointsmayberequired;
• removingrisksfromothersourcesofenergye.g.springtensionorhydraulic
pressurewithinmechanisms;and
• finally,conclusivelyprovingthatthepartsarede-energisedsothatelectric
shockisnotpossible.
Bothelectricalandnon-electricalworkersshouldclearlyunderstandthemethodor
systemsusedtoisolateandmaintainisolation.Isolationpointsforthejobshouldbeexplainedand,wherepractical,showntoeachoftheworkers.
Awarningorsafetysignshouldbeattachedinaprominentpositiononeach
isolationpointordevice.
Isolationcanbeachievedbymethodsorsystemsusinglocksorrenderingthe
mechanisminoperableoracombinationofthese.Insituationswhereisolation
pointsareabletobeaccessedbyotherpeople,itisimportantthattheisolation
methodorsystemisnotabletobeinadvertentlyoreasilycompromised.
Withoutproperauthority,peopleshouldnotalter,removeorchangethestatusof
atag,lock,orthemethodusedtorenderthemechanisminoperable.
Disconnecting
Undersection90(3)oftheRegulation,outofservicetagsmustbeusedtoidentify
equipmentormachinerythatisfaultyornotsuitableforuseandhasbeentaken
outofservice.Theelectricalequipmentormachinerymustbeisolatedandtagged
outofservice.
Outofservicepartsshouldbeleftinasafemanner.Sinceoutofservicetagsapplytoelectricalaswellasnon-electricalpersons,thesafetyofallshouldbe
addressed.
Whereisolationandaccessisrequired,thesafesystemofworkshouldstate
whethertaggingoutofserviceistooccurinadditiontoisolationandaccess.
RefertoAppendixB.2.5forfurtherinformation.
Forexample,taggingonthejobofreplacinga45kWmotoronafeedwaterpump
whilemaintenanceisbeingperformedontheintake‘footvalve’wouldinclude:
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• circuitsforthepumpsupply,startercontrolandcontrolandtelemetrycircuits
wouldbeisolatedandprovedde-energised;
• outofservicetagswouldbeplacedinkeylocationse.g.onthestarter;and
• personaltags,locks,methodsofrenderingthemechanisminoperable,ora
combinationofthesewouldthenbeinstalled.
3.4.3 Proving de-energised
Undersection11(2)(a)oftheRegulation,exposedpartsmustbeproved
de-energisedbeforeworkbegins.Withintheelectricityindustry,anextensive
rangeofdevicescanbeusedtoprovepartsde-energised.Ingeneral,whenprovingde-energised,aworkershouldatleastknow:
• Howtodeterminewhetherthedeviceisfitforpurpose.
• Howtodeterminewhetherthedeviceiswithintest,inspectionorcalibration
dates,asapplicable.
• Howtocorrectlyoperatethedevice,includingselftestfunctions,as
applicable.
• Thetechnicallimitationsofthedevice,testerorequipmentused:
- thethresholdvalueofpick-upforthedevicee.g.forseriestestlampsindicationofvoltages,candependontheoperatorandlightconditions;
- whetherthedevicewilldetectthepresenceofDConACcircuitsandvice
versa;
- whetherthedeviceindicatesinductiononacircuit;
- whetheracleanconnectionisrequiredforaccuratereadings;and
- ifthedeviceistobeusedoutdoors,whetherthedeviceiswaterresistant
orwaterproof.
• Theactionsrequiredtocompletetheprocessofconfirmingthetesterisoperatingcorrectly,provede-energisedandre-confirmthetester.These
actionsshouldincludebeingabletodetermine:
- Istheuseofself-testmodepreferredtotestingthedeviceonaknownlive
source?
- Howcanthedevicebeprovenifthereisnoself-testmodeandnoknown
sourceofsupply?
- Thesequenceofactionsrequiredtoprovethepartde-energised.
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• Whatisdeemedaconclusivetesti.e.thereisconclusiveproofthatthepartis
de-energised.
• Whatisdeemedaninconclusivetestorincorrecttestandwhatactionshould
betakentoresolvethesituation.
Themethodusedtoprovede-energisedmustbeeffective.Forexample,apanel
voltmetershouldnotbeusedastheonlyindicationthatapartisde-energised.
Proving cables de-energised before work
Whereworkistobeperformedonacable,thecableshouldbede-energised.Ifthe
cable’sconnectionsareexposed,theconnectionsandattachedlivepartsshouldbe
provedtobede-energisedandidentifiedbeforeworkstarts.
Cutting cables
Particularattentionisdrawntocuttingcables.Bothendsofthecableshouldbe
checkedforisolationpriortocutting.
Ensuringthataninsulatedorcoveredcableisde-energisedcanpresent
difficulties.Additionalprecautionsshouldbetakenregardlessofwhetherthecable
islowvoltage,highvoltageoracontrolcable.
Forexample,theactionofcuttingamulti-corecontrolcableislikelytocreatea
riskifsecondarycurrentfromacurrenttransformerispresent.Thisriskmaynot
beinitiallyapparenti.e.thecablecuttersmaynotbedamagedwhenthecable
iscut.Ahighvoltagemaydevelopacrosstheopencircuitedsecondarywinding
causinganelectricshock,arcingorafaultatalaterstage.
Dependingonthesituation,alternativeprecautionsmayinclude:
• usingacablespikingorstabbingdevicethatisfitforpurpose;or
• acombinationofprovingde-energisedandphysicallytracingthecable.
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3.4.4 Altering isolation for testing, fault finding and energising Attimeselectricalworkersneedtoalterisolationtobeabletotestorfaultfind,
orboth,onenergisedparts.Typicalexamplesarethetestingperformedbefore
returningequipmenttoserviceandcommissioningnewequipment.
Testing,faultfindingorboth,andthealterationofisolationpointsshouldbe
performedinlinewithasafesystemofwork.Thesafesystemshouldaddressand
controlexposuretoelectricshockandelectricalexplosion.
Mattersthatshouldbeaddressedwhenisolationpointsarealteredinclude:
• ensuringtheisolationsystemormethodiseffectiveandnotcompromised;
• eliminatingaccesstotheequipmentforallpersonsnotdirectlyinvolvedin
thework;and
• contingencyplansifthetestfailsorahazardoussituationisdiscovered.
ReferalsotoPart4.5ofthisCodefordetailsofrisksassociatedwithtestingand
faultfinding.
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Part 4 : Working Live
4.1 Scope
Thispartprovidesguidelinesforsafeelectricalworkpracticeswhencarryingout
lowvoltagelivework,withintherestrictionssetdownbytheRegulation.Thepart
covers:
• importantissueswhenworkinglive;
• theselectionanduseoftools,instrumentsandequipmentforlivework;and
• testingandfaultfinding(thispartincludestheimportanceoftestingto
confirmcorrectconnections–includingpolaritytest–toensureelectrical
safety).
4.2 Regulatory requirement
Forregulatoryinformation,refertoAppendixEforalistofrelevantsectionsof
theRegulation.
4.3 Important issues when working live
4.3.1 Documentation
Ifitisnotpossibletoworkde-energisedthedecisiontoworklivemustbe
documented.Theoccasionsthatliveworkispermittedisrestrictedbysection12
oftheRegulation.Section12oftheRegulationalsohasanumberofrequirements
e.g.asafesystemofworkmustexistbeforeworkinglive.Thedevelopmentofa
safesystemofworkincludesthepreparationofadocumentedriskmanagement
strategy.Asafesystemofliveworkshouldbedevelopedwithpeoplewho:
• arerepresentativeoftheelectricalworkers;and
• haveskillsandknowledgeintheareaofwork.
Risktreatmentmeasureschosenforliveworkshouldnotrelysolelyonitemssuch
asflameretardantorflameresistantclothingandPPE.Appropriatetreatment
measurescaninclude:
• isolatingasmanyofthesourcesofelectricpotentialaspossible;thismay
involveworkinglive,thoughsurroundingpartsneednotbelive;
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• reducingthefaultlevele.g.performingtheworkoutofhourswhenthe
supplycanbefedfromonlyonetransformeroragenerator;
• usingasafetyswitch(residualcurrentdevice)e.g.testinganappliance;and
• insituationswhereuninterruptiblepowersupplies,backupgenerators,auto
re-closing,orautochangeoversystemsareinstalled,thesefacilitiesshouldbe
disabled.
4.3.2 Conductive materials
Workerscanbeexposedtotherisksofelectricshock,arcingandexplosion
withoutmakingdirectcontactwithexposedliveparts.Othermaterialscanprovidecurrentpathsfortheelectricshock,faultcurrent,orboth.
Allmaterialsshouldberegardedasconductive,unlessprovedotherwise.Gases
andliquidsshouldberegardedasconductivematerials.
Particularcareshouldbetakenwhenexposedlivepartsarenearearthed
situations.Theelectricshockpathtoearthcanbeviaconductivematerials,such
asconcrete,timberwithahighmoisturecontentorwater.
Metallicpersonalitems,suchaswatchesandwatchbands,shouldnotbewornwhenworkingnearexposedliveparts.Objectsofthiskindcanresultinelectric
shocks.Inaddition,burnssustainedneartheseitemscanbeworsebecausethe
objectsretainheatandprovidecontactpointsforcurrenttoflow.
Examplesofothermetalobjectsthatshouldnotbewornwhenperforming
electricalworkinclude:
• neckchains;
• rings;
• bracelets;• earrings;
• bodypiercings;and
• metalspectacleframes.
4.3.3 Work position
Topreventelectricshock,youshouldworkfromapositionwhereanycontact
withelectricitywouldrequireadeliberatemovementtotouchenergisedpartsor
createacurrentpath.Adequateworkingclearancetoallowsafeaccessandegressfromtheworkposition,inthecaseofanemergency,shouldbemaintained.
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Examples:
• Choiceofbodypositionshouldbesuchthatifyoumadeaninvoluntary
actionsuchassneezing,youwouldnottouchexposedlivepartse.g.fault
findingonaProgrammableLogicController(PLC)whoseinputsarenextto
liveexposedparts.
• Whenworkinginanawkwardposition–suchastestingcomponentstowards
therearofawashingmachineviathefrontpanele.g.inalaundromat–the
worksystem,includingbodyposition,shouldbesuchthatnoelectricshock
pathcanbecreated.
• Performingphasesequencingorrotationtestingonoverheadmainsoratanundergroundpillar,theworksystem,includingbodyposition,shouldbesuch
thatnoelectricshockpathcanbecreated.
Ifacircuitbreakerhasthefacilitytoberemotelyoperated,thepreferredwork
positionshouldbecommunicatedtoworkers.Forexample,isoperatingacircuit
breakerbystandingattheunitacceptable,or,isitpreferredtouseremotecontrol
facilities?
4.3.4 Safety observer (electrical)
Undersection12(1)(j)oftheRegulation,asafetyobserver(electrical)whoobserves
theperformanceoftheliveworkmustbeusedwhenperformingliveelectrical
work,unlesstheworkinvolvestestingelectricalequipmentandadocumentedrisk
assessmentshowstheworkisnothighrisk.
Whereliveworkisperformed,thefollowingshouldapply:
• Theroleofthesafetyobserver(electrical)shouldbeclearlycommunicatedand
understood.Theirroleistowarntheworkerorworkersofdangeraswellas
toperformrescueandresuscitation,asrequired.• Asafetyobserver(electrical)shouldhavetheauthoritytostoptheworkbefore
therisksbecometoohigh.
• Thesafetyobserver(electrical)shouldnotcarryoutanyotherworkor
functionthatcompromisestheirroleasasafetyobserver.
• Thesafetyobserver(electrical)shouldbeabletocommunicateeffectivelywith
theworkerorworkers.Specialistequipmentmaybenecessaryinsituations
wherethereisabarriertocommunication.
• Thesafetyobserver(electrical)shouldnothavetoobservemorethanonetask
atatime.
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• Asafetyobserver(electrical)shouldnotbesituatedintheworkbasketofthe
elevatingworkplatform.
• Tomeetanelectricalsafetyobligation,asafetyobserver(electrical)shouldnot
beregardedasthesolerisktreatmentmeasuretoensureelectricalsafety.
• Thesafetyobserver(electrical)mustbecompetenttohelpwiththeelectrical
work.
• Thesafetyobserver(electrical)mustbecompetentinisolationtechniques
whereappropriate.
Whenworkingnearexposedliveparts,asafetyobserver(electrical)maybeused
asoneformofrisktreatmentmeasure.
Examples of work near exposed live parts include:
• faultfindingataswitchboardthathasahighprospectivefaultcurrentlevel;
• installingandreplacingcomponentsataswitchboard;
• wheretheworkerisinthe‘safetyobserverzone’i.e.neartheexclusionzone
forexposedliveparts;and
• performingcomplexfaultfinding.
Forfurtherinformationonthefunctionsofasafetyobserver(electrical)when
workingnearexposedliveparts,pleaserefertothe Electrical Safety Code of
Practice 2010 – Working Near Exposed Live Parts.
4.3.5 Emergency planning
Ifapersonsustainsaninjuryduetoelectricalrisks,promptandtimelyactioncan
significantlyreducetheinjury’sseverity.Quickactionmayevensavealife.
Afteranelectricalincident,thereisstillariskofinjurybecauseofthethree
commonelectricalrisks(refertoPart2.3).Itiscrucialtheresponsebeappropriate
toelectricalrisk.Forexample,inalivelowvoltagesituation,rescuemaybe
acceptable.However,shouldarescuerequireeitherthevictim,therescuer,or
bothtointrudeintoexclusionzonesforexposedlivehighvoltage,isolationand
provingde-energisedshouldbeperformed.
Inaneffectivesafesystemofwork,workersshouldbecompetentatreactingto
electricalincidentstopreventinjuryorfurtherinjury.Emergencyactionsshould
betakenthatsuittheworkbeingdone.
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Inlinewith AS/NZS 4836 Safe working on low-voltage electrical installations,
section9.1,thesafesystemofworkrequiredbeforeliveworkcommencesshould
stipulatethatanypersonreceivinganelectricshockorinvolvedanelectrical
incidentshouldreceivemedicalattention.Atrainedmedicalpractitioneris
qualifiedtocheckforotherpossibleeffectsofelectricshock.
Processesandproceduresthatshouldbeconsideredinclude:
• Responsetohighvoltageincidentsandinjuries.Thisshouldinclude:
- formsofisolationandaccess;
- rescueandescapefromanEWP; - cardiopulmonaryresuscitation;and
- firstaidincludingtreatmentofburns.
• Responsetolowvoltageincidentsandinjuries.Theseshouldincluderescue
proceduressuchas:
- lowvoltagepolerescue;
- lowvoltageswitchboardrescue;
- confinedspacerescuee.g.rescuefromlowvoltagecablepits;
- rescueandescapefromanEWP;
- cardiopulmonaryresuscitation;and
- firstaidincludingtreatmentofburns.
4.3.6 Safety barriers and signs
Physicalsafetybarriersandsignscanbeusedtotreatelectricalriskssuchasthose
mentionedinAppendixB.1.
Barriersandsignsmaybedesigned,erectedorinstalledto:
• protecttheelectricalworkerfrommakingcontactwithliveparts;
• ensurethataccesstoandegressfromtheworklocationofliveworkallows
forclear,unobstructedpassage;and
• warnothersanddirectpeopleawayfromliveparts.
Aphysicalsafetybarriershouldconsistofanon-conductivematerialsuchhas
woodorplasticoralternatively,correctlyearthedsteelandbestrongenoughto
withstandtheimpactfromfallingobjectsorloosematerial.Beforeanybarriers
areerected,ariskassessmentmustbecarriedoutbyanappropriatelyqualified
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persontoensuretheappropriatedesignandthatcorrectmaterialsareused.The
barriermustbeerectedsafely.Thismayentailisolatingtheelectricitysupply
whilethebarrierisinstalled.Abarriermaybetemporaryorpermanentand
shouldclearlydesignatethesafeworkareabydefiningtheapproachpathtoa
pieceofequipment.
4.3.7 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
RefertoPart2fortherisktreatmenthierarchy.ThehierarchylistsPPEasthelast
–orleastpreferred–option.
PPEshouldbefitforpurposeanditscorrectapplication,use,maintenanceand
testingshouldbeexplainedtousers.
ExamplesofPPEapplicationsinclude:
• Reducingrisksratherthancompoundingriskse.g.ifanexplosionoccursat
thighheightthatcausestheenergytoventupwards.Inthissituation,adust
coatoranincorrectlyfittedfaceshieldcouldtraptheexplosionratherthan
protectsomeonefromit.
• Preventionorreductionoftheeffectsofelectricshockandburnsmaybe
controlledby:
- usingclothingthatcoversthearms,legsandbody;theclothingshould
haveflameresistantorretardantpropertiese.g.cottonorwool,and
containnometallicthreadsorexposedconductivemateriale.g.zipor
rivetsinjeans;
- usingnon-conductivefootwear,suchassteeltoecappedbootsorshoes
manufacturedtoasuitablestandard;and
- usinginsulatinggloves.
4.4 What to use to work safely – tools, instruments
and equipment used for electrical work
4.4.1 General
Ingeneralindustry,tools,instrumentsandequipmentthatarepoorlymaintained,
inappropriatelyusedornotfitforpurposecancauseinjuries.Withelectricalwork,
thereistheaddedriskofelectricshockorlargereleasesofenergyfromarcing
andexplosion.
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Thetools,instrumentsandequipmentusedbyelectricalworkersoftenhave
specialdesigncharacteristics.Forexample,manyareinsulatedasarisktreatment
measure.However,regularmaintenanceandinspectionarerequired.Otherwise,
certaindangerscanarisee.g.theinsulatingmediummightconcealamechanical
defectthatcouldcauseanopencircuitintheleadofatestingdevice.
Tools,instrumentsandequipment,includethefollowingdevices:
• insulatedhandtoolswheretheinsulationisrelieduponasarisktreatment
measure;
• rescueandescapekits;• portableshortcircuitsandearthdevices;
• operatingrods,includingmeasuringsticks;
• mechanicalequipmentsuchasserialhoistsforlinework;
• cablespikingorstabbingequipment;
• laddersandpoleplatforms;
• insulatingmatsandcovers;
• harnesses,lanyardsandfallrestraintdevices;and
• instrumentsandtestingdevicesusedforprovingde-energised,testingandfaultfinding.
Workersshouldbecompetentinthesafeuseofthedeviceincluding:
• beingabletousethedevicesafelyandinthemannerforwhichitwas
intended;
• beingabletodetermine,byinspection,thatthedeviceissafeforusee.g.the
deviceisnotdamagedandisfitforpurpose;
• understandingthelimitationsoftheequipmente.g.whentestingtoprove
anACcircuitisde-energised,whetherthedeviceindicatesthepresenceofhazardouslevelsofDC;
• beingawareoftheelectricalsafetyimplicationsforotherswhenthedeviceis
beingusede.g.whetherthedevicecausestheelectricpotentialoftheearthing
systemtorisetoahazardouslevel;and
• knowingwhattodotoensureelectricalsafetywhenaninconclusiveor
incorrectresultisobtained.
ReferalsotoAppendixB.2.8forinformationaboutthegeneraluseoftoolsfor
electricalwork.
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4.4.2 Selection, testing, maintenance of tools, instruments andequipment
Whenselectingormaintainingtools,instrumentsandequipment,youshould
addressanumberoffactorstoensureelectricalsafety.Asaminimum,the
followingissuesaretobeaddressed:
• Thedevicemustbefitforpurpose.
• Equipmentandtestinstrumentsthatcanbevisuallyconfirmedasfunctioning
correctlyshouldhavevisualconfirmationofcorrectfunctioneachtimebefore
use.• Equipmentandtestinstrumentsthatarenotabletobevisuallyconfirmed
asfunctioningcorrectlymustbetestedatleasteverysixmonthstoensure
properworkingorder.
• Repairsandmaintenanceshouldmeetappropriatestandardsand
manufacturer’sinstructions.
Appropriateguidanceandstandardsfortesting,inspecting,calibratingand
maintainingthesedevicescanbeobtainedfromsourcesthatinclude:
• manufacturesandsuppliers;
• industrygroups;
• nationalandinternationalcodesandstandardssuchasthoseproducedby:
- StandardsAustraliae.g.ASandAS/NZSpublications;and
- InternationalElectrotechnicalCommissione.g.IECpublications.
Whenselectingdevicesthefollowingshouldbeavoided:
• flameproducingdevices,sinceflameconductselectricity;and
• fireextinguishersthatcontainconductivemediumssuchaswater.
Whenworkingnearexposedlivepartsorworkinglive,thetoolsandequipment
usedshouldbenon-conductiveorinsulated.Examplesinclude:
• torches;
• telescopicdevicese.g.antennas,dentistsmirrors;
• rulersandtapemeasures;
• insulatedtoolse.g.screwdrivers,pliers,cablecutters,spanners,crimpers;and
• electricalorhydraulicpoweredtools.
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4.4.3 Use of instruments and test devices Whenusinginstrumentsandtestdevices,theworkpracticeshouldinclude:
• Immediatelybeforeandafteruse,thedeviceshouldbeinspectedandfunctional
checksperformedtoconfirmthatthedeviceisoperatingcorrectly,as
appropriate.
• Theworkpracticesemployedduringuseshouldnotonlybesafebutinline
withdocumentedprocedures.Thesedocumentedproceduresshouldaddress
manufacturer’sinstructions.
4.4.4 Instruments and test devices
Whenselectinginstrumentsandtestdevices,thefollowingshouldbeaddressed:
• Thedevice’sfunction,rangeandclassofaccuracyshouldbeappropriatetoboth
workandconditions.
• Toensureelectricalsafety,thecombinationofleadsandinstrumentusedshould
becapableofwithstandingtheimpulsevoltagesandfaultcurrentlevelsthat
couldbeexperiencedatthelocation.
Therelevantprotectivecategory–orInstallationCategory–ofinstrument,device
andleadsshouldbechosenasarisktreatmentmeasureforimpulsevoltagesand
prospectivefaultcurrents.TheInstallationCategoryisaninherentsafetydesign
criterion.Note:InstallationCategoryisasafetyfocusandisnotassociatedwith
instrumentaccuracy.
Theratingfortestinstrumentsandtestprobesusedon415/240Vmainsvoltage
equipmentconnectedonthesupplysideofamainswitchboardshouldbeInstallation
CategoryIII(3)orIV(4).
TypeAprobes(leads)shouldbeusedformeasuringsupplyvoltages(415/240VAC).
Therefore,workerswhoperformlivetestingorfaultfindinginswitchboardsshould
useatleastCategoryIII(3)deviceswithTypeAprobes.
Ifthecombinationoftheprobetypeandinstallationcategoryoftheinstrumentis
inadequate,alternativemeasuresshouldbetaken.Thesemeasuresinclude:
• obtainingamoresuitableinstrument,deviceandleadcombination;or
• usingotherappropriatemeanstoensureelectricalsafety;fusedleadsorprobes
maybeasuitablerisktreatmentmeasure,buttheyshouldbefitforpurpose.
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Whenselectingavoltageindicatingdevice,considerationshouldbegivento
whetherasingleordoubleprobedeviceismoresuitablee.g.aproximitytesteror
amultimeterstyle.
Forexample,aproximitytesterthathasaselftestfacilityandafail-safedesign
maybeappropriatetotesttoprovede-energisedinsomelowvoltagesituations.
However,whenmeasuringthevoltageataneutrallink,adoubleprobevoltmeter
withatrailingearthleadismoreappropriate.
4.4.5 Ladders, portable pole platforms and scaffolds
RefertoAppendixB.2.2.
4.5 Testing and fault finding – providing the work
is safe
4.5.1 General
Whenfaultfinding,testing,applyingapotentiallyfataltestcurrent,ora
combinationofthese,thecommonelectricalrisksarelikelytobepresent(referto
Part2.3).ConsultAppendixB.1forinformationonthesourcesoftheserisks.Totreatrisksofthiskind,asafesystemofliveworkasoutlinedinPart4.3ofthis
Codemustbeinplace.
Wherearecognisedtestcannotordoesnotsatisfactorilydeterminethatpartsare
electricallysafe–includingprovingthatallconnectionsarecorrect(including
polarity)–orwhereanydoubtexists,thefollowingshouldapply:
• Ensuretheelectricalworkoraffectedpartoftheelectricalworkisisolated,
disconnected,andmadesafe.
• Makesuretheelectricalworkremainssafelyisolateduntilthematterisresolved.Resolutionmaytaketheformoffurtheradviceandassistancebeing
receivedandactedon.
Toensureelectricalsafety,proceduresforfaultfindingandtestingshouldalso
addressthefollowing:
• Consideringthecharacteristicsofthetestinstrumenttobeusedand
anyresultanteffects,includingtechnicallimitations.Forexample,when
choosingavoltageindicatingdevicetotestatalowvoltageswitchboard,an
appropriateclassofdevicewithanappropriateinternalimpedancewillensureaccurateandvalidtestswhilemaintainingelectricalsafetybynotintroducing
hazardouscurrentsandpotentialsintotheearthingsystem.
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• Provingthecorrectoperationofthetestinstrument,bothbeforeandafter
eachtest.Ifatestprocedureisinterrupted,thesequenceoftestingand
confirmationshouldberestarted.
• Givingclearinstructiononwhatisseenasaconclusiveteste.g.what
constitutescorrectconnections(includingpolarity).
• Providingclearinstructiononwhatisregardedasaninconclusivetest.
Iftheprocedureincludesarequirementforinspections,thecriteriaforthe
inspectionsshouldbeclearlyidentified.
Wheremorethanoneelectricalworkerisinvolvedintheprocessofinstalling,testing,energising,disconnectingandrectifying,anemployerorself-employed
personshouldensurethatanelectricalworkerisassignedtoensuringelectrical
safetyismaintainedatalltimes.
Anemployerorselfemployedpersonshouldmakesureapersonisclearly
responsiblefortheoverallintegrityoftheelectricalworkandtesting.
Electricalworkersshouldberegularlytrainedandassessedintheunderpinning
knowledgeandpracticalaspectsoftestingacrosstherangeofvariablesthe
workerwillencounter.
Clearguidelinesshouldbeprovidedonwhichtestinstruments,orcombinationof
testinstrumentsandequipment,touseincludingaccessoriessuchastrailingearth
leads.
4.5.2 Ensuring correct connections (including polarity)
Importance of testing for correct connections (including polarity)
Failuretoensurecorrectconnections(includingpolarity)cancauseserious
incidentsandmayresultinsevereandevenfatalinjuries.Examplesofhazardoussituationsresultingfromincorrectconnections(includingpolarity)include:
• Transposinganactiveandneutral,oranopencircuitneutralconnection,
resultinginexposedconductivepartsofaninstallationbecomingenergised.
Inthissituation,dangerouspotentialsarecreatedbetweenmetalwork,suchas
tapsandsinks,andearth.
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• Onthelowvoltagedistributionnetwork,bondingaphasetoearthinstead
ofbondingtheneutraltoearth,thuscausingdangerousstepandtouch
potentialsatthebaseofapole.
WhenanactiveandneutralaretransposedinaMultipleEarthedNeutral(MEN)
system,theearthedmetalwork–suchastaps–becomelivei.e.thereisa
significantpotentialtoearth.Anerrorofthiskindwillusuallymeanthesupply
cannotbeisolatedtoaninstallationviathemainswitch.Inthisinstance,the
problemarisesbecausethemainswitchisintheneutralandatleastoneactiveis
notswitched.
Connectionsmustbetestedtoconfirmthattheyarecorrect.Thetestsmustbe
performedwhenanynewworkisenergised.Thesameappliestoanyalterations
oradditions,orboth.Testingtoprovecorrectconnections(includingpolarity)
greatlyreducestheriskofdeathorsevereinjuryassociatedwithincorrect
connections(includingpolarity).
Whereconsumer’smainsareconnectedtoanoverheadservicelineandametallic
pin,eyeboltorothersimilarfixtureisrequiredtobeeffectivelyearthedin
accordancewithsection144oftheRegulation,apolaritytestingproceduremust
ensurethattheearthingofthemetallicpartdoesnotinvalidatethepolaritytest.
Usingthecorrecttestprocedureswillensuretheelectricalworkissafeandwill
protecttheworker,otherworkersandthepublicduringandaftertesting.
Situations when testing correct connections (including polarity) are required
Examplesofwhentestsofcorrectconnections(includingpolarity)arerequired
includewhen:
• electricalinstallationorrepairworkisconnectedtosupply;
• itemsofelectricalequipment,suchasstovesandhotwatersystems,areconnectedtosupply;
• consumers’mainsorsubmainshavebeenrepairedorreplaced;
• newconsumers’mainsorsubmainsareinstalled;
• lowvoltagebridgesareconnectedorreconnectedonlowvoltagemains;
• connectionstotransformersorgeneratorsaremadeorremade;
• serviceconnectionstostreetlightstandardsaremade,remadeoraltered;
• anewlowvoltageserviceisinstalled;
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• anexistingserviceisdisconnectedorreconnected;or
• adistributionsystemisinitiallyenergisedorwhenanyadditionoralteration
tothesystemcouldaffectelectricalsafety.
Procedure for ensuring correct connections (including polarity)
Testproceduresshouldbeproperlydocumentedandeffectivelycommunicatedto
theappropriatepersons.
Theminimumstepsshouldincludeprovingthecorrectelectricalrelationship
existsbetweenthe:
• active/s;
• neutral;
• earthing,bondingconductorsorboth;and
• independentearthusedfortesting.
Boththesourceofsupplyandtheelectricalworkmayrequiretesting.For
example,ifathree-phasegeneratoristosupplyaninstallation,thesource–in
thisinstance,thegenerator–andtheinstallationrequiretestingbecauseincorrect
connection/smayexistateitherorbothlocations.
Theelectricalworkerresponsibleforensuringcorrectconnections(including
polarity)mustbecompetentinconfirmingconnectionsarecorrect.Section
12(1)(e)oftheRegulationrequiresthatthepersonperformingtheliveworkhas
theappropriatetraining.
Precautions when testing for correct connections (including polarity)
Itisnotacceptabletorelyonequipmentfunctionasameansoftesting
connections.Examplesofunacceptabletestmethodsinclude:
• relyingonmotorormeterrotationorbothasareliabletest;or
• assumingthat,becauseaprotectivedevicehasnotoperated,theconnections
arecorrect.
Withinthetestprocedure,anindicationshouldbegivenastowhatthetestis
proving.Theelectricalworkerfollowingtheprocedureshouldbeabletoclearly
identifyexactlywhatheorsheistestingfor.Forexample,isthetestpurelya
polaritytest,ordoesitincludeothermeasuressuchasprovingthatthereisno
alternativesourceofsupply?
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Installationsshouldnotbeconnectedtode-energisedlowvoltagesources.
Theinstallationearthingsystemshouldnotbeusedforteststoearthunlessthe
insulationbetweentheneutralandearthingsystemhasbeenprovenacceptable.
Anindependentearthmaybeused.Theinstallationearthingshouldnotbeused
because,asthetestisperformed,thepotentialoftheearthingsystemmayriseto
alevelthatcausesanelectricalrisk.Inthissituation,theimpedanceofthetesting
devicedirectlyaffectsthelevelofpotentialrise.
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Appendix A: Meaning of terms used in this CodeElectrical Safety Act 2002=theAct
Electrical Safety Regulation 2002=theRegulation
Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Electrical Work =theCode
Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995=theWHSAct
Access permit or authoritymeansadocumentthatformspartofasafesystemto
work,toprovideelectricallysafeaccesstohighvoltageparts.Atleastonesetof
earthsandshortcircuitsmustbeappliedbeforeanaccesspermitorauthorityis
issued.Underanaccesspermitorauthority,earthsandshortcircuitsshouldnotberemoved.
Anappliance(seesection13oftheAct)isadevicethatconsumeselectricityat
avoltagegreaterthanextralowvoltageandinwhichtheelectricityisconverted
intoheat,motionoranotherformofenergyorissubstantiallychangedinits
electricalcharacter.
Althoughalightfitting,includingitsbulbortube,isanappliance,thebulbor
tube,takenalone,isnotanappliance.
Associated equipment,(seesection17oftheAct)foranelectricline,means
somethingordinarilyfoundinassociationwiththeelectricline,especiallyforthe
purposeofprotecting,insulatingorsupporting,orsupportingtheoperationof,the
electricline.
Examples of associated equipment:
• abracket,casing,coating,covering,duct,frame,insulator,pillar,pipe,pole,
towerortubeenclosing,surroundingorsupportingawireorconductor;or
• anairbreak,circuitbreaker,switch,transformerorotherapparatusconnected
toawireorconductor.
Authorised person,foranelectricalpart,(seesection59oftheRegulation)means
apersonwho:
(a) hasenoughtechnicalknowledgeandexperiencetodoworkthatinvolves
contactwith,orbeingnearto,theelectricalpart;and
(b) hasbeenapprovedbythepersonincontroloftheelectricalparttodo
workthatinvolvescontactwith,orbeingnearto,theelectricalpart,oris
authorisedtoactforthepersonincontroloftheelectricalpart.
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Cathodic protection systemmeansasystembywhichastructureincontactwith
groundorwaterisprotectedfromelectrolyticcorrosionbyadirectelectriccurrent
flowingbetweenthestructureandanelectricalconductorthroughthegroundor
water.
Chief ExecutiveistheDirector-GeneraloftheQueenslandDepartmentofJustice
andAttorney-General.
Competent person(seeschedule9oftheRegulation)meansapersonwhohas
acquiredthroughtraining,qualificationsorexperience,theknowledgeandskills
todothetask,forexampletoinspectandtestelectricalequipmentinasafeway,
includingknowledgeof:
(i) relevantAustralianStandards;
(ii) relevantcodesofpractice;and
(iii)otherrelevantlegislation.
Construction work (seeschedule9oftheRegulation):
Workis construction work ifitis:
(a) worktoerect,construct,extend,alter,convert,fit-out,commission,renovate,repair,refurbish,disassembleordecommissionastructure,orpartofa
structure;or
(b) workconnectedwithsitepreparation,excavationandlandscapingforwork
mentionedinparagraph(a);or
(c) theassemblyorinstallationofprefabricatedcomponentstoformastructure,
orpartofastructure,forworkmentionedinparagraph(a);or
(d) thedisassemblyofprefabricatedcomponentsforworkmentionedinparagraph
(a)that,immediatelybeforethedisassembly,formedastructureorpartofa
structure;or
(e) anactivitythatisaprescribedactivity.
Workisnot construction work totheextentitiscarriedoutataworkplace,as
partofabusinessorundertaking,iftheworkistoerectorconstructastructure
that,whenerectedorconstructed,isintendedtobetransportedtoanotherplace
e.g.constructionofamanufacturedhomeorprefabricatedbuilding.
Constructionworkistakentostop:
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(a) whentheconstructionworkattheworkplacewheretheconstructionwork
isbeingperformedendsandpossessionoftheworkplaceisreturnedtothe
client;or
(b) iftheclientremainsinpossessionoftheworkplacewheretheconstruction
workisbeingperformedwhiletheworkisperformed,whentheconstruction
workattheworkplaceends.
Constructionworkplacemeans:
(i) aworkplacewhereconstructionworkisperformed,iftheconstructionwork:
- isaprescribedactivity;or - isnotaprescribedactivityandtheestimatedfinalpriceforthe
constructionworkismorethan$80,000;or
(ii) aplaceintendedtobecomeaconstructionworkplaceunderparagraph(a)
whenworkstartsattheplace.
Cranemeansamachineforraisingorlowering(luffing)aloadandmovingit
horizontally(slewing).Itincludesanytypeofcrane,includinganelevatingwork
platform,whetherindependentoranintegralpartofanotherpieceofequipment.
Thisdefinitionincludesanagriculturaltractor,oranyotherapparatususedor
capableofbeingusedforraising,lowering,handlingortransportingmaterials
orequipmentinasimilarmanner.Thedefinitionalsoincludesanysupporting
structureandanyotherequipmentancillarytotheuseofthecraneorapparatus,
butexcludesanygrabcraneorfloatingcrane.
Amobile cranemeansamachinethat:
(a) isusedprimarilyforraisingorloweringafreelysuspendedload;
(b) iscapableoftravellingoverasupportingsurfacewithouttheneedforfixed
runways(includingrailwaytracks);and
(c) reliesonlyongravityforstability,withnoverticalrestrainingconnection
betweenitselfandthesupportingsurface,andnohorizontalrestraining
connection(otherthanfrictionalforcesatsupporting-surfacelevel)thatmay
actasanaidtostability.
A tower cranemeansacranewithaboomthatismountedonatowerstructure
andincludesself-erectingtowercranes.
Adangerous electrical event(seesection12oftheAct)isanyofthefollowing:
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• Thecomingintoexistenceofcircumstancesinwhichapersonisnot
electricallysafe,if:
- thecircumstancesinvolvehighvoltageelectricalequipment;and
- despitethecomingintoexistenceofthecircumstances,thepersondoes
notreceiveashockorinjury.
• Thecomingintoexistenceofboththefollowingcircumstances:
- ifapersonhadbeenataparticularplaceataparticulartime,theperson
wouldnothavebeenelectricallysafe;and
- thepersonwouldnothavebeenelectricallysafebecauseofcircumstancesinvolvinghighvoltageelectricalequipment.
• Aneventthatinvolveselectricalequipmentandinwhichsignificantproperty
damageiscauseddirectlybyelectricityororiginatesfromelectricity.
• Theperformanceofelectricalworkbyapersonnotauthorisedunderan
electricalworklicencetoperformthework.
• Theperformanceofelectricalworkbyapersonif,asaresultofthe
performanceofthework,apersonorpropertyisnotelectricallysafe.
Examples for the above paragraph:
• theconnectionofelectricalequipmenttoasourceofsupplyinvolving
incorrectpolarityorotherincorrectconnection;
• theperformanceofelectricalworkasaresultofwhichanexposedwire
isleftincircumstancesinwhichitcanbeenergisedbytheoperationofa
switchorcircuitbreakerortheinsertionofafuse;
• thediscoverybyalicensedelectricalworkerofelectricalequipmentthathas
notbeenmarkedasrequiredunderthisAct.
De-energisemeanstheprocessofdisconnectinglinesorapparatusfromallsourcesofelectricalenergyusuallybytheprocessofswitching.De-energiseddoes
notmeanisolatedordischarged,orboth.
Direct contact(seesection60oftheRegulation):
(1) Apersonisindirect contactwithanelectricalpartif:
(a) thepersonistouchingtheelectricalpartwiththeperson’sbarehandsor
anotherpartoftheperson’sbody;or
(b) thepersonistouchingaconductiveobjectwiththeperson’sbarehandsor
anotherpartoftheperson’sbody,andtheconductiveobjectistouching
theelectricalpart;or
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(c) anarticleofclothingwornbythepersonistouchingtheelectricalpart;or
(d) anarticleofclothingwornbythepersonistouchingaconductiveobject,
andtheconductiveobjectistouchingtheelectricalpart.
(2) Operatingplantisindirect contactwithanelectricalpartif:
(a) anypartoftheoperatingplantistouchingtheelectricalpart;or
(b) anythingtheoperatingplantishandlingistouchingtheelectricalpart.
(3) Avehicleisindirect contactwithanelectricalpartif:
(a) anypartofthevehicleistouchingtheelectricalpart;or
(b) anythingbeingcarriedorotherwisehandledbythevehicleistouchingthe
electricalpart..
Dischargedmeansconnectedtothegeneralmassoftheearthinsuchamanneras
toremoveanyresidualelectricalenergye.g.applyingearthsandshortcircuitsto
highvoltagepartsbeforegainingaccess.
Dischargedalsomeansstoredenergyhasbeenreleasede.g.aclosingspringina
circuitbreaker,hydraulicpressureinasystem,orenergystoredinabattery.
Disconnectedmeansthatthepartsarenotconnectedtoanelectricalsource.Disconnectionmaybeachievedbyde-energising,isolating,separatingorbreaking
connections,orthroughallofthesemethods.Apartthatisdisconnectedmaystill
requiredischargingtoremoveallelectricandotherenergy.
Earthed(seeschedule9oftheRegulation)meansconnectedtothegeneralmass
ofearth.
Earth moving machinemeansanyitemofplantusedforexcavating,transporting,
unloadingcompactingorspreadingearth,overburden,rubble,spoil,paving
material,aggregateorsimilarmaterial.Thetermincludesbackhoesandbulldozers.
Earths, portable earthing devices(PED),refertoearthsandshortcircuits.
Earths and short circuitsmeansportableearthingdevices,earths,earthswitches
etc.Theuseofearthsandshortcircuitsshouldbepartofasafesystemofwork
onhighvoltageparts.Who,whenandwhytheearthsandshortcircuitsare
applieddetermineswhethertheyaredesignatedasoperatororworkingearthsand
shortcircuits.
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Earthingandshort-circuitingformonepartofasystemtocreateanelectrically
safeenvironment.Thepurposeofearthingandshort-circuitingis:
• tosafelydischargeinducedorresidualvoltage;
• intheeventthatthecircuitbecomesenergized,tocausetheoperationof
protectionequipmenttotripthesupply;and
• tolimittheriseinpotentialdifferenceattheworkarea.
Electrical equipment(seesection14oftheAct)isanyapparatus,appliance,cable,
conductor,fitting,insulator,material,meterorwire:
• usedforcontrolling,generating,supplying,transformingortransmitting
electricityatavoltagegreaterthanextralowvoltage;or
• operatedbyelectricityatavoltagegreaterthanextralowvoltage;or
• operatedbyelectricityofanextralowvoltage,iftheequipmentformspartof
anelectricalinstallationlocatedinahazardousarea;or
• thatis,orthatformspartof,acathodicprotectionsystem.
However,’electricalequipment’doesnotincludeanyapparatus,appliance,cable,
conductor,fitting,insulator,material,meterorwireformingpartofavehicleif:
• itformspartofaunitofthevehiclethatprovidespropulsionforthevehicle;or
• itssourceofelectricityisaunitofthevehiclethatprovidespropulsionforthe
vehicle.
Examplesofthingsthatarenotelectricalequipment:
• theheadlightsofavehicle;
• ignitionsparkplugsofamotorvehicle;
• theinteriorlightingsystemofavehicle,ifpoweredfromabatterychargedby
theenginethatdrivesthevehicleorbythevehicle’smovement.
Examplesofthingsthatarenotpreventedfrombeingelectricalequipment:
• interiorlightingorasocketoutletinacaravan,ifthelightingoroutletis
operatedbyalowvoltagegeneratingsetorconnectedtolowvoltagesupply;
or
• arefrigerationunitinafooddeliveryvehicleoperatingatlowvoltagefroma
sourceseparatefromthepropulsionunitforthevehicle.
Referalsotosection69oftheRegulationforfurtherinformationonelectricmotorsformingpartofvehicles.
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Electrical equipment work (seesection19(3)oftheAct)iselectricalworkother
thanelectricalinstallationworkorelectriclinework.
Examples of electrical equipment work:
• repairingsubstationelectricalequipment;
• repairinganelectricrange,whetherornotitispartofanelectrical
installation;or
• installing,jointingorterminatingcoveredcables.
Electrical installation(seesection15oftheAct):
(1) An electrical installationisagroupofitemsofelectricalequipment.
(2) However,agroupofitemsofelectricalequipmentisanelectricalinstallation
onlyif:
(a) alltheitemsarepermanentlyelectricallyconnectedtogether;
(b) theitemsdonotincludeitemsthatareworksofanelectricityentity;and
(c) electricitycanbesuppliedtothegroupfromtheworksofanelectricity
entityorfromageneratingsource.
(3) Anitemofelectricalequipmentcanbepartofmorethanoneelectrical
installation.
(4) Forsubsection2(a):
• anitemofelectricalequipmentconnectedtoelectricitybyaplugandsocket
outletisnotpermanentlyelectricallyconnected;and
• connectionachievedthroughusingworksofanentitymustnotbetaken
intoconsiderationfordecidingwhetheritemsofelectricalequipmentare
electricallyconnected.
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Examples of an electrical installation:
• Theswitchboard,wiring,lighting,socketoutletsandotherelectrical
equipmentpermanentlyconnectedforashopinashoppingcentre.
• Theswitchboard,wiring,lighting,socketoutletsandotherelectrical
equipmentpermanentlyconnectedforahouseorresidentialunit.
• Theswitchboard,wiring,lighting,socketoutletsandotherelectrical
equipmentpermanentlyconnectedforashoppingcentre.Theelectrical
installationfortheshoppingcentregenerallyincludestheelectrical
installationsfortheindividualshops.
• Theswitchboard,wiring,lighting,socketoutletsandotherelectrical
equipmentpermanentlyconnectedforaresidentialunitcomplex.The
electricalinstallationfortheresidentialunitcomplexgenerallyincludesthe
electricalinstallationsfortheindividualresidentialunits.
• Theswitchboard,wiring,lighting,socketoutletsandotherelectrical
equipmentpermanentlyconnectedwithinacaravan.
Anelectric line(seesection16oftheAct)isawireorconductororassociated
equipmentusedfortransmitting,transforming,orsupplyingelectricityata
voltagegreaterthanextralowvoltage.
However,an’electricline’doesnotinclude:
• awireorconductordirectlyusedinconvertingelectricityintoanotherform
ofenergy;or
• awireorconductorwithintheinternalstructureofabuilding.
Examplesofthingsthatarenotelectriclines:
• acordforconnectinganairconditioningunit,computer,lamp,televisionor
toastertoasupplyofelectricity;or
• apowerorlightingcircuitwithinabuilding.
Electric line work (seesection19(2)oftheAct)iselectricalworkassociatedwith
anelectricline.
Examples of electric line work:
• erectinganaerialconductorthatispartoftheworksofanelectricityentityor
ofanelectricalinstallation;
• installingormaintainingstreetlightingcircuits;or
• testinganoverheadelectricallinetoensureitiscorrectlyconnected.
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Electrical part(seesection59oftheRegulation)means:
• anexposedpart;or
• anoverheadinsulatedelectricline.
Electrical placemeansalocationwhereanelectricalinstallation,electrical
equipment,worksofanelectricityentityoracathodicprotectionsystemis
located,includingapremises,place,landorwater.
Electrical risk (seesection10(1)oftheAct)means:
• inrelationtoaperson,therisktothepersonofdeath,shockorinjurycauseddirectlybyelectricityororiginatingfromelectricity;or
• inrelationtoproperty,therisktothepropertyof:
- damagecausedbyacathodicprotectionsystem;or
- lossordamagecauseddirectlybyelectricityororiginatingfrom
electricity.
Electrically safe(seesection10(2)oftheAct)means:
• forapersonorproperty,thatthepersonorpropertyisfreefromelectrical
risk;and
• forelectricalequipmentoranelectricalinstallation,thatallpersonsand
propertyarefreefromelectricalriskfromtheequipmentorinstallation;
• forthewayelectricalequipment,anelectricalinstallationortheworksofan
electricityentityareoperatedorused,thatallpersonsandpropertyarefree
fromelectricalriskfromtheoperationoruseoftheequipment,installationor
works;
• forthewayelectricalworkisperformed,thatallpersonsarefreefrom
electricalriskfromtheperformanceofthework;
• forthewayabusinessorundertakingisconducted,thatallpersonsarefree
fromelectricalriskfromtheconductofthebusinessorundertaking;and
• forthewayelectricalequipmentoranelectricalinstallationisinstalledor
repaired,thatallpersonsarefreefromelectricalriskfromtheinstallingor
repairingoftheequipmentorinstallation.
Electrical safety(seesection10(3)oftheAct),forapersonorproperty,meansthe
personorpropertyiselectricallysafe.
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Electrical safety notification(seesection206oftheAct).Thechiefexecutivemay
issueanotification(electrical safety notification)that:
• isdirectedatdesigners,manufacturers,importersorsuppliersgenerally,orat
stateddesigners,manufacturers,importersorsuppliers;and
• statesrequirementsabouttheuseorsupplyofstatedelectricalequipment,or
astatedtypeofelectricalequipmentincluding,ifappropriate,requirements
aboutpreventingtheuseorsupplyoftheelectricalequipmentortypeof
electricalequipment.
Electrical work (seesection18oftheAct)isthemanufacturing,constructing,installing,testing,maintaining,repairing,altering,removing,orreplacingof
electricalequipment.
Examples of electrical work:
• installinglowvoltageelectricalwiringinabuilding;
• installingelectricalequipmentintoaninstallationcouplerorinterconnecter;
• replacingalowvoltageelectricalcomponentofawashingmachine;and
• maintaininganelectricityentity’soverheaddistributionsystem.
However,thefollowingarenot‘electricalwork’:
(a) Installingorremovingelectricalequipmentbyconnectingittoelectricity,or
disconnectingitfromelectricity,byaplugandsocketoutlet.
(b) Repairingorreplacingnon-electricalcomponentsofelectricalequipment.
Examples for paragraph (b):
• repairinghydrauliccomponentsattachedtoanelectricmotor;and
• replacingadrivebeltonawashingmachine.
(c) Replacingacomponentformingpartofelectricalequipmentiftheelectrical
equipmenthasbeendesignedsothatthecomponentisreadilyandsafelyable
tobereplacedbyapersonwithoutelectricalknowledgeorskill.
Examples for paragraph (c):
• replacingafuse;and
• replacingthebulbinalightfitting.
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(d) Assembling,making,modifyingorrepairingelectricalequipmentina
workplaceregisteredundertheWHSAct,thatisprescribedunderaregulation
forthisparagraph,ifthatistheprincipalmanufacturingprocessatthe
workplace,andarrangementsareinplace,andaredetailedinwrittenform,
forensuringthat:
(i) theworkisdonesafelyandcompetently;and
(ii) theequipmentistestedtoensurecompliancewithrelevantstandards.
(e) Building,underthesupervisionofanelectricityentity,anoverheadelectric
lineonstructuresthatdonotalreadycarryanenergisedoverheadelectric
line.
(f) Buildingorrepairingducts,conduitsortroughs(channels)whereelectrical
wiringwillbeorisinstalled,if:
(i) thechannelsarenotintendedtobeearthed;
(ii) wiringinstalledinthechannelsisnotenergised;and
(iii)theworkisdoneunderthesupervisionofapersonlicensedtoperform
electricalinstallationwork.
(g) Laying,cuttingorsealingundergroundcablesthatarepartoftheworksofanelectricityentitybeforetheinitialconnectionofthecablestoanelectricity
source.
(h) Recoveringundergroundcablesthatarepartoftheworksofanelectricity
entityafterdisconnectionfromanelectricitysource.
(i) Altering,repairing,maintainingorrecoveringanoverheadelectriclinethatis
partoftheworksofanelectricityentity,iftheworkisperformedunderthe
entity’ssupervisionand:
(i) ifthelineisnotonsupportssupportinganotherelectricline-thelinehasbeenisolatedfromanelectricitysourcesothattheclosureofaswitch
cannotenergisethesectionofthelinewhereworkisbeingdone;or
(ii) ifthelineisonsupportssupportinganotherelectricline-bothlineshave
beenisolatedfromanelectricitysourcesothattheclosureofaswitch
cannotenergisethesectionofthelinewheretheworkisbeingdoneoran
adjacentsectionoftheotherline.
(j) Erectingstructuresforthesupportofelectricalequipment.
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Example of structures:
• electricpolesandtowers.
(k) Locating,mountingorfixinginplaceelectricalequipment,otherthan:
(i) makingorterminatingelectricalconnectionstotheequipment;or
(ii) installingsupplyconductorsthatwillconnecttheequipmenttoasupply
ofelectricity.
(l) Assistingalicensedelectricalworkertoperformworkonelectricalequipment
underthedirectsupervisionoftheelectricalworker,ifperformingthework
doesnotinvolvethepersondirectlycontactingliveelectricalequipment.
(m)Maintainingthestructuralpartsoftheelectricaltractionsystemonarailway,
otherthanoverheadelectriclines,thatformspartoftheworksofanelectrical
entity,iftheworkisstructuralworkperformedunderasafesystemofwork.
(n) Workperformedbyapersononelectricalequipmentif:
(i) theelectricalequipmentisnotenergised;
(ii) theworkisprescribedunderaregulationforthisparagraph;and
(iii)itisnecessaryforthepersontoperformtheworktomeettheeligibilityrequirementsforanelectricalworklicence.
Elevating work platformmeansatelescopingdevice,scissordevice,or
articulatingdeviceoranycombinationofthosedevicesusedtomoveandposition
personnel,equipmentandmaterialstoandfrom,oratworklocationsaboveor
belowthesupportsurface.
Energise(seeschedule2oftheAct)meansenergisebyelectricity.
Exclusion zone(seesection61oftheRegulation):
(1) Theexclusionzone,forapersonforanelectricalpart,orforoperatingplant
oravehicleforanelectricalpart,meansthedistancefromthepartstatedfor
theperson,plantorvehicleinAppendixC.
(2) ForapplyingAppendixCtoaperson,thepersonincludesanyarticleof
clothingwornbytheperson,andanyconductiveobjectthepersonis
handling.
(3) ForapplyingAppendixCtooperatingplant,theoperatingplantincludes
anythingtheoperatingplantishandlingotherthan: (a) aperson;or
(b) ahandheldobjectthepersonishandling.
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(4) ForapplyingAppendixCtoavehicle,thevehicleincludesanythingthe
vehicleiscarryingorotherwisehandling.
(4A)Despitesubsections(2)to(4),theperson,operatingplantorvehicledoes
notincludeanobject,forexample,atool,thataloneorwithanotherobject
orobjectsisanextensionfromtheperson,operatingplantorvehicleifthe
object:
(a) isaninsulateddevice;and
(b) thedevicehasbeentestedandfoundtobesafeforuseonandnearthe
electricalpart.
(5) ForapplyingAppendixCtooperatingplantoperatedbyanauthorisedperson
orinstructedpersonwhodoesnothaveasafetyobserveroranothersafe
systemasrequiredundertheschedule,theauthorisedpersonorinstructed
personmustbetakentobeanuntrainedperson.
(6) However,theexclusionzone,foranelectricalpart,foroperatingplant
operatedbyanauthorisedpersonorinstructedpersonfortheelectricalpart,
istakentobethesameastheexclusionzoneforanauthorisedpersonor
instructedpersonfortheelectricalpartif:
(a) theoperatingplantisfittedwithadevicecapableofstoppingtheoperationoftheoperatingplantimmediatelytheoperatingplantisat
theexclusionzoneforanauthorisedpersonorinstructedpersonforthe
electricalpart;
(b) thereisinplaceasafesystemofworkfortheuseoftheoperatingplant;
(c) thesafesystemofworkhasbeendevelopedinconsultationwithpersons
whoarebroadlyrepresentativeofindustrialorganisationsofemployees
whosememberscommonlyoperateoperatingplantoftheoperating
plant’stype;and
(d) withoutlimitingparagraph(b),thesafesystemofworkensuresthedevice
mentionedinparagraph(a):
(i) isoperatingproperly;and
(ii) issetforatleastthecorrectexclusionzonedistance.
(7) AreferenceinAppendixCtoavehicledoesnotincludeareferenceto:
(a) anaircraft;or
(b) avehiclethatisoperatingplant.
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Examples for paragraph (b):
• TiptrucktippingaloadwouldnotbeavehicleforAppendixC.
• HoweveratiptrucktravellingbetweensiteswouldbeavehicleinAppendixC.
• Avehiclethatincludesanelevatedworkplatformbeingusedforclearing
vegetationwouldnotbeavehicleforAppendixC.However,whenthe
platformisnotbeingusedforclearingvegetation,thevehiclewouldbea
vehicleforAppendixC.
(8) ForapplyingAppendixCtooperatingplant,areferenceto‘anothersafe
system’isareferencetoasystemofworkthat: (a) hasbeendevelopedinconsultationwithpersonswhoarebroadly
representativeofindustrialorganisationsofemployeeswhosemembers
commonlyoperateoperatingplantoftheoperatingplant’stype;and
(b) provides,forpersonsandproperty,thesamelevelofelectricalsafetyas,
oragreaterlevelofelectricalsafetythan,thelevelofelectricalsafety
providedwithasafetyobserver.
Extra low voltage(seeschedule2oftheAct)meansvoltageof50VorlessAC
RMS,or120Vorlessripple-freeDC.
Ferro-resonancecanbedescribedasavoltagemultiplicationcircuitonapower
system.Thephenomenoncauseshigherthannormalsystemvoltagesonthehigh
andlowvoltagesystems,e.g.700voltsphasetophaseonthelowvoltagesystem.
Ferro-resonanceoccurswhenamodestsizedcapacitanceiseitherinseriesorin
parallel,withnon-linearinductance,suchasanironcoredtransformer.
Inpowersystems,ferro-resonanceismostcommonlyfoundinthefollowing
conditions:
• athree-phasedistributiontransformerisenergisedviaanundergroundcableofmoderatelength;
• thereiseithernoload,orverylightloadonthetransformer;and
• acombinationofthecapacitanceandinductanceexists,andsingle-phase
switchingoccurse.g.operationofahighvoltagefuseorasynchronous
operationofsingle-phasehighvoltageswitchingdevices,suchasadropout
fuseunitorsomeringmainunits.
Free from electrical risk (seesection10(4)oftheAct),forapersonorproperty,
meansthattheelectricalrisktothepersonorpropertyisaslowasreasonably
achievable,havingregardto:
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• likelihoodofharm;and
• likelyseverityofharm.
Hand excavationmeansusingtoolssuchasshovels,picks,mattocks,crowbars.
Handexcavationdoesnotincludetheuseofequipmentsuchasjackhammers.
Evenwhenhandexcavatingcautionmustbeexercisedwhenworkingclosetolive
cables.
Handling(seesection59oftheRegulation)includesanyofthefollowing:
(a)carrying;(b)connectedto,whetherornottemporarily;
(c)controlling;
(d)holding;or
(e)lifting.
High voltage(seeschedule2oftheAct)meansvoltagegreaterthanlowvoltage.
Include:Wheretheword’include’isusedinthisCode,itshouldbeinterpretedas
meaning’includes,butisnotlimitedto’.
Installation Category (instruments)meansthefaultlevelandvoltageimpulse
levelthattheinstrumentisdesignedtowithstand.(Refertointernational
standardsIEC61010-1andIEC61010-2-031forfurtherinformation.)The
applicableInstallationCategoriesareoutlinedbelow:
• Installation Category Irelatestosignallevel,specialequipmentorpartsof
equipment,telecommunications,electronicandsimilarequipment.Impulse
withstandvoltage:1500V.
• Installation Category IIrelatestothelocallevel,appliances,equipmentsub
circuits,portableequipmentetc.Impulsewithstandvoltage:2500V.
• Installation Category IIIrelatestothedistributionlevel,mainswitchboards
etc.Impulsewithstandvoltage:4000V.
• Installation Category IVrelatestotheprimarysupplylevel,overheadlines,
cablesystemsetcfixedinstallation.
Instructed person(seesection59oftheRegulation)foranelectricalpartmeans
apersonwhoisactingunderthesupervisionofanauthorisedpersonforthe
electricalpart.
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Isolatedmeansdisconnectedfromallpossiblesourcesofsupplyandrendered
incapableofbeingmadelivewithoutpremeditatedanddeliberateoperation.Under
section20(2)oftheRegulation,asuitablewarningsafetysignmustbeattached.
Examplesofhowisolationcanbeachievedisbyopeningisolators,rackingout
circuitbreakers,removingfusesorlinks,inhibitingtheoperationofamechanism
bylocking,oracombinationofthesemeasures.Isolationinvolvestheuseof
suitablewarningorsafetysignsandinvolveslocks,renderingmechanisms
inoperativeoracombinationofthese.
Isolation and accessmeanstheprocessoffullyorpartly,switching,de-energising,
isolating,provingde-energised,applyingearthsandshortcircuits,discharging,
installingotherprecautions,theissuingofpermitsorauthoritiesandthereversal
ofthisprocess.Isolationandaccessshouldbepartofsafesystemofwork.
Thetermappliesto:
• theoperationofhighvoltage,lowvoltageandassociatedcircuitse.g.
secondarycircuits;and
• alternatingcurrent,directcurrentorboth..
Isolation pointmeansthepoint,oroneofmanypoints,usedtoisolateelectricalparts.
Live (Alive, Energised)meansconnectedtoasourceofelectricalsupplyor
subjecttohazardousinducedorcapacitivevoltages.Generally,‘live’referstoa
conductororconductivepartintendedtobeenergisedinnormaluse,includinga
neutralconductorandconductivepartsconnectedtoaneutralconductor.
UndertheMENsystemlivedoesnotapplytothefollowing:
• Earthingconductors.
• Theneutralconductorofalowvoltagedistributionnetworkthatisearthedin
accordancewithsection129oftheRegulation.
• TheMENconnectionandtheneutralbarorlinkwhichtheMENconnectionis
made.
• ThesheathofaMineralInsulatedMetalSheathed(MIMS)cableandassociated
conductivefittingsusedasacombinedneutralandprotectiveearthing
conductorfittingsusedasacombinedneutralandprotectiveearthing
conductorinanEarthSheathReturn(ESR)system.
• ConductivesupportsandenclosuresassociatedwithunprotectedconsumersmainsthatareearthedinaccordancewithAS/NZS3000.
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Live work (seeschedule9oftheRegulation)meanselectricalworkperformed
incircumstancesinwhichthepartoftheelectricalequipmentthesubjectofthe
electricalworkisenergised.
Low voltage(seeschedule2oftheAct)meansvoltagegreaterthanextralow
voltage,butnotmorethan1000VACRMSor1500Vripple-freeDC.
MustWheretheword‘must’isusedinthisCode,itreflectsthefactthata
mandatoryrequirementexistsintheActorRegulation.
Neutralmeanstheconductorofathree-wireormulti-wiresystem,whichis
maintainedatanintermediateandapproximatelyuniformpotentialinrespectoftheactiveorouterconductors,ortheconductorofatwo-wiresystemthat
isearthedatitsorigin.Aneutralshouldbeconsidered(andtreated)asalive
conductor.
Operating plant(seesection59oftheRegulation)meansplantbeingoperatedfor
itsintendedpurposeunlesstheoperationoftheplantcannotmateriallyaffectthe
distancebetweentheplantandanyelectricalpartinrelationtowhichthereisan
exclusionzoneunderthispart.
Examples of operating plant:
• atiptrucktippingaload;
• afixedcraneoperatingatabuildingsite;
• avehiclethatincludesanelevatedworkplatformbeingusedforclearing
vegetationfromaroundoverheadelectriclines;
• aconcretepumpingtruckpumpingconcrete;and
• aharvesterwithheightchangeableattachmentsbeingusedtotransfergrain
toatruck.
Exampleofplantthatisnotoperatingplant:
• afurnitureremovalvanunderanelectriclineraisingorloweringthe
electricallyorhydraulicallyoperatedplatformlocatedattherearofthevan,if
neithertheplatformnoranythingontheplatformrisesabovetheroofofthe
van.
Penalty units:pleaserefertosection5ofthe Penalties and Sentences Act 1992.
Permit or authoritymeansanaccessoratestpermitorauthority.
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Plantincludesanymachinery,equipmentandappliance,andanyarticledesigned
foruseasacomponentin,orasanaccessoryto,anymachinery,equipmentor
applianceandincludesearthmovingmachinesandhoists.
Potentially fatal test currentmeanscurrentusedaspartofatestwherethe
currentisgreaterthanorequalto10mAACor300mADC,orboth.These
valuesarebasedonthemaximumvalueofcurrentatwhichapersoncanletgo
or’thresholdofletgo’,describedinAS60479Effects of current on human beings
and livestock.
Thethresholdofletgoshouldbeconsideredthemaximumvalueofcurrentto
flowthroughthehumanbodybeforeasignificantriskofventricularfibrillation
exists.Therefore,iftestsusecurrentsabovethepotentiallylethaltestcurrent,
considerationshouldbegiventotheimplementationofeffectiverisktreatment
measures.
Principal contractorforconstructionworkisthepersonappointedbytheclient
astheprincipalcontractorfortheconstruction.Ifthereisnoclientforthe
constructionwork,thepersonwhocommissionstheconstructionworkistakento
betheprincipalcontractorfortheconstructionwork(WHSAct,section13).
Aqualified technical person(seesections7(2)to7(4)oftheRegulation),foranindividual,partnershiporcorporation,isanindividualwhosatisfiesthechief
executivethatheorshe:
(a) isafitandproperperson;and
(b) either:
(i) iftheelectricalworktobeperformedbythelicensedelectricalcontractor
maybeperformedonlybytheholderofanelectricalworklicence--has
heldforatleastayear,orashorterperiodconsideredacceptablebythe
chiefexecutive,andstillholds,anelectricalworklicence;or (ii) hasheldforatleastayear,orashorterperiodconsideredacceptableby
thechiefexecutive,andstillholds,anexternalcontractingauthority;and
(c) iscompetenttoperformelectricalworkas,orfor,alicensedelectrical
contractor;and
(d) hassatisfactorilyfinishedacourseofinstruction,oranexaminationrequired
bythechiefexecutive,ontechnicalaspectsofperformingelectricalwork.
Despitesubsections(1)and(2),forapersonwhoisanindividualtobeaqualified
businesspersonorqualifiedtechnicalperson:
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(a) foranindividualwhoholds,orhasappliedfor,anelectricalcontractor
licence,thepersonmustalsobe,orbeanemployeeof,theindividual;or
(b) forapartnershipthatholds,orhasappliedfor,anelectricalcontractorlicence,
thepersonmustalsobeamemberoranemployeeofthepartnership;or
(c) foracorporationthatholds,orhasappliedfor,anelectricalcontractor
licence,thepersonmustalsobeanexecutiveofficer,amemberoran
employeeofthecorporation.
Indecidingwhetherapersonwhoisanindividualisafitandproperperson,the
chiefexecutivemayonlyconsider:
(a) thestandardofhonestyandintegritydemonstratedbythepersonin
commercialandotheractivitiesinwhichthepersonhasbeeninvolved;and
(b) anyfailurebythepersontoperformcommercialorstatutoryobligationsand
thereasonsforthefailure.
Rope test (rope pull test)meansatestperformedonwoodandsteelpoles.By
placingamechanicalloadasclosetotheheadofthepoleaspractical,viaarope,
thetestshouldindicatewhetherthepoleisinherentlysound.
Safe system of work ,forliveworkonalowvoltageelectricalinstallation,includes,butisnotlimitedto,asystemofworkthatcomplieswiththeprovisions
ofAS/NZS4836Safeworkingonlowvoltageelectricalinstallationsabout
ensuringthesafetyofpersonswhileperforminglivework.
Safety observermeansapersonwho:
• observestheperformanceofthework;
• iscompetenttohelpapersonperformingtheelectricalwork;and
• hasbeenassessedinthelastsixmonthstobecompetenttorescueaperson
performingelectricalworkandprovideresuscitation.
Aserious electrical incident(seesection11oftheAct)isanincidentinvolving
electricalequipmentif,intheincident:
• apersoniskilledbyelectricity;or
• apersonreceivesashockorinjuryfromelectricity,andistreatedforthe
shockorinjurybyorunderthesupervisionofadoctor;or
• apersonreceivesashockorinjuryfromelectricityathighvoltage,
whetherornotthepersonistreatedfortheshockorinjurybyorunderthe
supervisionofadoctor.
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Should:Wheretheword’should’isusedinthisCode,itshouldbeinterpreted
asmeaningarequirementwhichneedstobeequalledorexceededsothatan
obligationtobedischarged.IfthisCodestatesthatsomethingshouldbedone,the
requirementistodowhattheCodesaysordoitinamannerwhichisequalor
better(electricallysafer)thantheCode.
Step and touch potentialmeansstepvoltageortouchvoltage,orboth.Referto
Figure2.
Figure 2: Examples of step potential and touch potential
Step voltagemeanstheprospectiveoropencircuitvoltagethatmayappear
betweenanytwopoints(onemetreapart)onthesurfaceoftheground.
Supervisionmeanstheoverseeingofworkers,includingtraineesandapprentices,
toensureriskstopeopleandpropertyareeliminatedoratleastminimised.While
asupervisormayperformaudits,auditingshouldnotbeseenasinterchangeable
withsupervision.
Supervisionofelectricalworkincludes:
• healthandsafetymatters;
• statutorycompliancee.g.monitoringtheworkanapprenticeorrestricted
electricalworkerispermittedtoperform;
• technicalaspectse.g.compliancewithAS/NZS3000;and
• implementationofasafesystemofwork.
Generally,thetwodistinctstylesofsupervisionaredescribedas:
• Direct supervisionmeanssupervisionoccursatalltimesonadirectand
constantbasis.
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• General supervisionmeanssupervisionwheretheworkerdoesnotrequirethe
constantattendanceofthesupervisor.
Switching sheetmeansadocumentthatispartofasafesystemofwork.Each
switchingsheetshouldhaveauniquereferenceandshouldlistaprocessof
isolationandaccessstepbystep.
TheActmeanstheElectrical Safety Act 2002.
TheCodemeanstheElectrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Electrical Work.
TheRegulationmeanstheElectrical Safety Regulation 2002.
TheWHS ActmeanstheWorkplace Health and Safety Act 1995.
Tiger tails (Torapoli pipes)areplasticpipetypecablecovers,usedasawarning
tovisuallyindicatethepositionofoverheadpowerlinesorstaywires.Tigertails
donotinsulatewires.
Touch voltagemeanstheprospectiveoropencircuitvoltagethatmayappear
betweenanypointofcontactwithconductiveparts(thatarelocatedwithin
2.4metresoftheground)andanypointonthesurfaceofthegroundwitha
horizontaldistanceofonemetrefromtheverticalprojectionofthepointofcontactwiththeconductivepart.
Transferred earth potential:Althoughalinemaybe’earthed’,theremaybea
dangerousvoltageorpotentialbetweenthelineandtheearthpoint,includinga
concretepoleorasteeltower,attheworksite.
Forexample,wherealineisunderaccessataremotesubstation,afaultnot
directlyassociatedwiththelineunderaccesscancauseadangerousvoltagerise
onthesubstationearthgrid.Thatvoltageriseistransferredthroughthelineto
theworksite,whereitcancreatearisktoworkersonthesite.
Type A probemeansprobessuitableforapplicationtolowvoltageandhigh
voltagenonattenuatingnonvoltagedividingprobeassembliesthatareratedfor
directconnectiontovoltagesexceeding33VRMS(rootmeansquare)butnot
exceeding63kV.Theseprobeassembliesmaycontainpassivecomponentssuch
asfuses.(RefertointernationalstandardsIEC61010-1andIEC61010-2-031for
furtherinformation.)
Untrained person(seesection59oftheRegulation),foranelectricalpart,means
apersonwhoisnotanauthorisedpersonoraninstructedpersonfortheelectrical
part.However,itshouldbenotedfromtheabovedefinitionofexclusionzone,
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thatforapplyingAppendixCtooperatingplantoperatedbyanauthorisedperson
orinstructedpersonwhodoesnothaveasafetyobserveroranothersafesystem
asrequiredundertheschedule,theauthorisedpersonorinstructedpersonmustbe
takentobeanuntrainedperson.
Please note:undersection61(5)oftheRegulation,forapplyingschedule2of
theRegulationtooperatingplantoperatedbyanauthorisedpersonorinstructed
personwhodoesnothaveasafetyobserveroranothersafesystemasrequired
undertheschedule,theauthorisedpersonorinstructedpersonmustbetakentobe
anuntrainedperson.
Wilfully(seeschedule2oftheAct)means:
• intentionally;or
• recklessly;or
• withgrossnegligence.
Work (seesection59oftheRegulation)meansworkofanytype,whetherornot
electricalwork,otherthanliveworkorelectricalweldingperformedinaccordance
withasafesystemofwork.
Works(seesection25oftheAct),ofanelectricityentity,meanstheelectrical
equipment,andelectriclineassociatedequipment,controlledoroperatedbythe
entitytogenerate,transform,transmitorsupplyelectricity.
Example of works of an electricity entity:
• anoverheaddistributionsystemofadistributionentity,including
transformersandswitches.
Example of what is not works of an electricity entity:
• appliancesorfixedwiringinanelectricityentity’sworkshoporoffices.
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Appendix B: Further information
B.1 Common sources of electrical risks
B.1.1 Identifying sources of electric shock
ContactwithelectricpotentialsisoneofthecommonrisksidentifiedinPart
2.3fortheelectricalindustry.Theassociatedrisksaresignificant.Inmanaging
risksassociatedelectricalwork,preventingelectricshocksisamajorpartof
dischargingelectricalsafetyobligations.Potentialsourcesofelectricshock
include:
• Voltagesbetweenphasesandbetweenphasesandneutral.
• Voltagesbetweenphases,neutralandearthwherethereismetalwork,damp
situations,personsandotherconductivesurfacesnearby.Theseconductive
surfacesareasourceofpotentialthatcancauseanelectricshock.
Identifyingothersourcesofelectricshockcanbemoredifficult,butthefollowing
listwillhelp.Sourcesinclude:
• Voltagesacrossopenswitchcontactse.g.voltageacrossalightswitchonanincandescentlightingcircuitorthevoltageacrossabustiewhereonesideis
de-energised.
• Voltagesacrossundischargedcapacitors.
• Voltagesondisconnectedconductors,particularlyneutrals.
• Voltagescausedbystaticelectricity,leakageordischarge,orlightning.
• Thepotential(voltage)betweenpartsoftheearthinMultipleEarthedNeutral
(MEN)systemscanchange,sometimescausingelectricshocks.Thechanging
earthpotentialcanbeduetoanumberofcausesincluding:ahighimpedance
returnpathtothelowvoltagedistributionneutral,faultsonotherpartsofthe
powersystemorlightningstrikes.
• Inducedvoltagesfromsourcesotherthanthecircuitbeingworkedone.g.
nearbycircuitsorradiofrequencytransmitters.
• Voltagesacrossthesecondaryterminalsoftransformers,includingcurrent
transformers.
• Voltagesbetweenparts,oropencircuitedpartsofoneearthsystem,or
voltagesbetweendifferentearthingsystems.
• Incorrectwiringconnectionse.g.transposingactiveandneutral,commonlyreferredtoasincorrectpolarity.
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• Faultyequipmente.g.theframeoffaultyequipmentmaybecomeenergized.
• Voltagesfromsourcesneartheworkbeingperformed.Examplesinclude:
- workingonaremoteareapowersupplywherebothACandDCvoltages
maybepresent;
- repairinglightsonashopfaciawhenoverheadpowerlinesarenearby;
- workingontransducercircuitswhenotherACandDCcircuitsarepresent;
and
- workingonapowersystemwithmultiplecircuitsthatmaybeofmultiple
potentials.
• Voltagesonthecircuitbeingworkedonfromothersourcesincluding:
- illegalconnectionsorreconnections;
- UninterruptiblePowerSupplies(UPS)andbackupsupplies;
- motorgeneratorsoralternators;
- DConACcircuits;
- AConDCcircuits;
- harmonicse.g.3rdharmonic150Hzinneutralsandearthswherethereis
alargefluorescentlightloadandswitchmodepowersupplies;and - backElectroMagneticForces(EMF)fromcollapsingmagneticfieldsor
rotatingmachinery.
• Stepandtouchpotentialsandtransferredearthpotentials.Transferredearth
potentialsoftenresultfromsystemfaults.
B.1.2 Tripping of supply on powerlines
Ifcontactismadewithpowerlines,supplywillnotbedisconnectedimmediately.
Infact,ifthefaultcurrentislow,thesupplymaynottripatall.
Dependingonthevoltageandtypeofprotection,thereisaninbuiltdelayaslong
asanumberofsecondsbeforedisconnectionoccurs.Evenifanoverheadfeeder
doestrip,itmayre-closeandenergisethefaultagain.
B.1.3 Working near sources of arcing, explosion or fires
Arcs,explosionsandelectricalfaultscancauseburns.Workersshouldbe
protectedfromtheeffectsofburns.Examplesoftriggersforarc,explosionsand
faultswhichcauseburnsinclude:
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• Materialsprovidingaconductivepathbetweensourcesofpotentiale.g.
uninsulatedtoolsfallingacrossbusbars.
• Abnormalconditionsoncircuitssuchas:
- lightningstrikingmains;
- circuitsofdifferentvoltagestouchingeachothere.g.HVcontactingLV
circuits;and
- highvoltageinthesecondarycircuitofacurrenttransformerifanopen
circuitoccurswhencurrentisflowingintheprimarycircuit.
• Abnormallyhighvoltageswhensynchronisingdifferentsupplies.Forexample,ifthewaveformsare180ºoutofphase,twicethepeak-to-peakvoltagemay
beimposed.
• Voltagemultiplicationeffectssuchas:
- ferro-resonancewherethecapacitiveandinductivecomponentsof
undergroundcablesandtransformerscansignificantlyincreasevoltages
whensingle-phasingoccurs;and
- re-strikecanoccurifcapacitorsareenergised,de-energisedand
re-energisedinrapidsuccession.
• Leakageorelectricaldischargecausinginsulationtobecompromisede.g.a
combinationofabuildupofcontaminantsoninsulatorsandwetweatheror
trackingthroughairvoidsinpitchfilledinsulatingchambers.
• Failureofinsulatingmediums2.
Theconsequencesofarcs,explosionsandelectricalfaultsarecompoundedby
highfaultcurrents.Thepotentialforinjuryisextremebecauseoftherapidrelease
ofelectricalenergy.
Thelevelofelectricalenergyreleasedcanequal20timestheratedsupplycurrent.
Whenhighfaultcurrentsarepresent,magneticforcesbetweentheconductorscan
behighenoughtocausetheconductorsupportstomechanicallyfail.Thiscauses
additionaldamage.
Protectionsystemsshouldensurethatthesehighfaultcurrentsonlyflowbriefly.
However,whenhighfaultcurrentsarepresent,circuitprotectionmaynotoperate
toprotectapersonfromelectricshock,arcingorexplosions.
2 Therearenumerousinsulatingmediumsinusethatshouldbeconsidered.Someofthemediumsincludepolyvinylchloride(PVC),crosslinkedpolyethylene(XLPE),vulcanisedinsulatingrubber(VIR),air,epoxy
compoundsandresins,zellamite,transformeroil,cableoil,vacuum,sulphurhexaflouride,pitchcompounds.
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Duringthetimethatittakestoclearthehighfaultcurrent,thearcsproduced
haveenoughenergytocauseanexplosion,meltmetallicswitchboardcubicles,
causesevereburnsandflashburnstothefaceandeyes,aswellasinjuryfrom
flyingdebrisordislodgedcomponents.
B.1.4 Working in unsafe atmospheres
Afterfaultsandfires,ofteninemergencies,electricalworkersmaybeexposedto
unsafeatmospheres.Toxicgasesandlackofoxygencancauseillnessanddeath.
Generalworkplacehealthandsafetyrisktreatmentmeasuresshouldbeusedin
thesesituations.
Themethodofextinguishingfiresshouldbeaddressed.Typically,carbon
dioxideorpowdertypedevicesareusedagainstelectricalfires.Extinguishers
suchaswater,foam,andwetchemicalshouldnotbeusedastheysignificantly
increasetheriskofelectricshock.Furtherinformationcanbeobtainedfromthe
QueenslandFireandRescueServiceonlineatwww.fire.qld.gov.au.
B.1.5 Isolation and access
RisksidentifiedinPart2.3shouldbeaddressedinthecontextofisolationand
access.Risksourcesinvolvingisolationandaccessinclude:
• Correctlyisolatingsupplybutnotdischargingresidualenergye.g.acapacitive
chargemaybepresentinpowersupplies,single-phasemotors,orhighpower
factorfluorescentfittings.
• Insulationandequipmentfailingorpartiallybreakingdown.
• Earthconnectionfailingtostopanelectricshockinearthedconductiveparts
whenstepandtouchpotentialsexist.
• Carryingoutthetaskcausesaperson,somethingapersonmaybehandlingor
somethingapersonisincontactwith,tointrudeintominimumsafeapproach
distances.
• Apowersystemconductingfaultcurrentorbeingsubjecttohighinrush
currents.
• Instructionsormarkingsonthepartsbeinginadequate,incorrectorboth.
• Usingequipmentnotdesignedfororcapableofanoperatione.g.openinga
’noload–bustie’underloadconditionsorrelyingonanopencircuitbreaker
asanisolationpoint.
• Anotherpersonenergisingcircuitswhileaworkerisworkingonthem,ora vehiclehittingapole.
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• Naturalelementssuchaslightningorwindcausingstaticcharges,overhead
mainstoclashorahighvoltagecircuittofallontoalowvoltagecircuit.
• Theinter-corecapacitiveeffectsoflongmulti-phasecables.
• Changestowiringnotbeingreflectedindrawingsi.e.thedrawingsarenot’as
built’.Anexample:alivecontrolorsupervisioncircuitbeingpresentthough
thedrawingindicatesotherwise.
• Iftherehasbeenanerrorinwiring,openingtheisolatormaynotde-energise
theswitchboarde.g.ifincorrectconnection(incorrectpolarity)occurredin
theservicetoaninstallation,openingthemainswitchwillopencircuitthe
neutralratherthantheactive.• Intentionallydisablinganinterlocktoperformataske.g.openingtheshutter
ofa‘rackable’circuitbreakertesttoprovede-energisedintheorifice.
• Inadvertentlydisablinganinterlockwhileperformingataske.g.ina
switchboardwithanintegratedcircuitbreaker,isolatorandearthswitch,the
operatoraccidentallymovingtheisolatorintotheearthedposition.
• Acombinationofpoordirectionandinsufficientknowledgee.g.aworker
isinstructedtoapplyasetofearthsandshortcircuitsataRingMainUnit
(RMU).Theworkercorrectlyobservesthattheisolatorisopen.However,the
workerassumesthattheearthswitchcanbeclosedbecausetheisolatorisopen.MostRMUsareconfiguredinsuchawaythattheearthswitchearths
thecable,notthebusbar.Inthissituation,itispossiblethattheworkerwould
beearthingandshortcircuitingalivecircuit.
• Whenapplyingasetofportableearthsandshortcircuits,accidentalor
inadvertentcontactismadewithliveparts.Ifthisoccurs,theworkerisusing
adevicethatisconductingfaultcurrent.
• Thethresholdvalue(lowestlevelofindicationorreading)ofatestdevice
causingamisleadinginterpretationofatesttoprovede-energised.Depending
onthedeviceused,anindicationthatpartsarenotenergised,inahigh voltagesituation,doesnotmeanthatlowvoltageanddirectcurrentvoltages
areabsent.
• Applicationofearthingandshortcircuitingdevicesthatdependona
conductivepaththroughafuseoracircuitbreakerthatisnotfitforpurpose.
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• Ineffectiveconnectiontothegeneralmassoftheearthe.g.theelectrode,grid
ortemporaryelectrodethattheearthfromtheearthsandshortcircuitsrelies
uponinasituationwhereasinglephasebecomesenergised.
• Applicationoftheshortcircuitportionofportableearthingdevicespriorto
theearthtailbeingconnectedtotheearth.
• Arcingandsplatteringassociatedwiththeapplicationofearthsandshort
circuitscausingarisk.Thearcingorsplatteringmayresultfromusingthe
deviceinsituationsthatrangefromenergisedconductorstoresidualenergy
suchascapacitance.Ifthepartsareenergised,theworkercandrawthearc
fromonephasetotheother,causingaphasetophasefault.
• Apotentialelectricshockpathexistingoncetheearthtailisconnectedto
earth.Aworkermaytouchanotherlivepartandtheearthedconnectoratthe
sametime.Forexample,inaCommonMultipleEarthedNeutral(CMEN)area,
evenwhenworkingonhighvoltage,contactbetweentheearthedconnector
andalowvoltagephasecancauseanelectricshock.
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B.2 Other electrical risks to be addressed
B.2.1 Working in and around trenches, pits and
underground ducts
Sourcesofelectricalriskswhenworkinginandaroundtrenches,pitsand
undergroundductsinclude:
• Earthedsituationsinwhichanelectricshockpathiscreatedwhenexposed
livepartsandconductivematerialsarepresentatthesametime.Examplesof
conductivematerialsincludemetalpipesandliquidssuchasstormwaterorsewerage.
• Damageoflivecablewithexcavationorholeboringequipment.
• Sparkgenerationsinanexplosiveatmospheree.g.presenceofLPgas.
• Exposedliveparts.Forexample,anelectricalworkermayberequiredto
inspectandrepairadamagedundergroundcable.
Aneffectiveriskmanagementandsafesystemofworkshouldaddressrisksofthis
kind.Examplesofsuitablemethodsinclude:
• Performingelectricalandassociatedworkonlyonde-energisedparts.
• Usingworkmethodsthatremovetheriskofanearthedsituatione.g.using
matsandeliminatingoravoidingliquids.
• Ifexposedpartsofcablesarepresent,maintainingrelevantexclusionzone
untilyoucandeterminewhetherthecableishighvoltageorlowvoltage.Ifit
isdifficulttoidentify,youshouldtreatthecableaslivehighvoltage.
Constructionofhighvoltagecablesvaries.Somehighvoltagecablesareoil
filled,somearefilledwithgas,andothersrelyoninsulationonly.Acablethatis
leakingoilorgasshouldbetreatedasahighvoltagecable.
B.2.2 Working with ladders, scaffolds, portable pole platforms
Workwithintheelectricalindustryrequiresextensiveuseofladders,scaffoldsand
similarequipment.Whenusingtheseitems,youwillencounterthethreecommon
electricalrisksfromanumberofsourcesincluding:
• Aconductivedevicesuchasanaluminiumladdercreatinganelectricshock
pathe.g.anelectricshockpathmaybecreatedwhenanelectricalworker
investigatesafaultylightcircuitifthemetalframeofasuspendedceilingis
energisedandaconductiveladderisused.
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• Movingaportablescaffoldanddamaginginsulationwhenthescaffoldstrikes
conductorsorleads.
• Ifliveworkisbeingperformedfromaladderi.e.theladderslippingand
causingtheworkertotouchexposedlivepartse.g.grabbingamainsbox.
• Anincidenthappenswhileworkisbeingperformedde-energisednear
exposedlivepartse.g.windblowinganextensionladderintonearbylive
mainssuchasoverheadpowerlines.
• Incaseswherelinesarecarryinglargecurrents,conductivescaffolds
becomingsubjecttoinduction.
• Inswitchroomsandswitchyards,conductivedevicessuchasaluminiumladdersandscaffoldscreatingelectricshockpathsandcurrentpathstoearth
e.g.ametalwirereinforcedladdercausingafaulttogroundiftheladder
touchesalive33kVbusbar.
• Whenusingladders,scaffoldsandsimilarequipment,workersaremorelikely
totouchopenwiringsuchasoverheadlines.
Tocontrolsituationsofthiskind,ariskassessmentcouldbecarriedoutanda
safesystemofworkshouldbeused.Effectiverisktreatmentmeasureswithinthis
systemofworkshouldinclude:
• Usingequipmentthatisfitforpurpose,e.g.non-conductiveladders.However,
suchequipmentshouldnotbetheonlyrisktreatmentmeasureusedforlive
workunderasafesystemofwork(seeAS/NZS4836).
• Usingportablepoleplatformsthatarefitforpurpose.Whenselectinga
portablepoleplatform,considerationshouldbegiventousingdevicesthat
canbesafelyattachedtothestructuree.g.woodorconcreteorboth.Design
anduseoftheportableplatformshouldensurethatanoperatordoesnot
receiveanelectricshockwhenoperatingthedevicecorrectly.
• Identifyingiftherearenearbyexposedliveparts.Nearbyexposedliveparts,risktreatmentmeasuressuchasde-energising,fittingcovers,usingasafety
observer(electrical)oracombinationoftheseshouldbeaddressed.
• Employingworkpracticessuchas:
- twoormorepeoplecarryinglongdevicesinswitchyardsandswitchrooms
inapositionbelowshoulderheight;
- twopeoplehandlingextensionladdersinwindyconditions;and
- restrainingladdersusingheadropesorfootropes,orboth.
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• Ifconductivescaffoldingisusedwithinhighvoltageenclosuresorin
situationswherethereisinduction,bondingthestructuretotheearthing
system.Dependingontheconstructionofthescaffold,youmayhavetobond
anumberofsectionstoensureanequipotentialstate.
B.2.3 Working with elevating work platforms (EWP)
B.2.3.1 Scope
Thispartprovideselectricalsafetyinformationforelectricalworkerswhenusing
ElevatingWorkPlatforms(EWP),includingscissorliftandboomtypemachines.It
outlinesrisksassociatedwiththeuseofanEWPonlyinanelectricalcontextand
doesnotcovergeneralsafeoperation.
B.2.3.2 Risks associated with EWP usage
Elevatingworkplatformsareusedthroughouttheelectricalindustry.Their
configurationsandapplicationsvarywidely,buttherearecommonrisks.
Astheworkerintheplatform’sbasketmovesinthetravellingendofthemachine,
theriskofcomingintocontactwithexposedliveelectricalpartsisrelatively
higherthanforotherformsofplant.
SourcesofrisksassociatedwithEWPsusedforelectricalandassociatedwork
include:
• Contactingexposedlivepartsandreceivinganelectricshockeveninan
insulatedmachine.Thismaybeexacerbatedbythecloseproximitytothe
exposedlivepart,anymechanicalfailureoftheEWPorlossofstability
resultingincontactwithexposedliveparts.
• Workingnearexposedlivepartsandpoorjudgementofdistance.
• Mechanicalfailureorlossofstabilitypossiblyresultingincontactwith
exposedliveparts.
• Stepandtouchpotentialsbetweenvehicleandground.Thismayresultinan
unsafeelectricalenvironmentwhereanotherpersonmayaccidentallytouch
thelivevehiclewhilestandingontheground.
• Liveexposedpowerlinesonthegroundasaresultofpolefailureorbroken
wires.Anaccidentinvolvingmechanicalfailureofthestructurebeingworked
one.g.polefailureorliveconductorsfallingtotheground.
• Creatinganunsafeelectricalenvironmentatgroundlevele.g.ifthebodyof
thevehicleislive,passersbycanreceiveelectricshocks.
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B.2.3.3 Working with an insulated EWPIfaninsulatedelevatingworkplatformisusedforelectricalwork,arisk
assessmentshouldconsiderwhethertheEWP’sinsulationiscapableofprotecting
apersonfromacurrentpaththroughthemachine.
Theinsulationdoesnotprotectapersonfromelectricshockifitispossiblefor
him/hertosimultaneouslytouchanytwopartswithdifferentelectricpotentials.
Inotherwords,ifyouareperformingliveworkinthebasketofaninsulatedEWP,
itisstillpossibletoreceiveanelectricshock(refertoFigure3).
Figure 3: Example of an electrocution in an insulated EWP
Anotherexampleinvolvestheapplicationofearthsandshortcircuits,suchas
portableearthingdevices.Inthecaseofportableearthingdevices,youshould
addressthelikelyeffectsofintroducingpotentialsinornearthebasket,aswell
asthemechanicaleffectsoftheconductorswhippingabout,shouldthedevicebe
appliedtoliveparts.
Appropriateworkpracticesshouldpreventdifferentelectricalpotentialsfrom
existinginabasket.Situationslikethiscanoccurifpeopleworkonpartswith
differentpotentials,byanearthpotentialbeingintroducedviaatestlead,or
throughaportableearthingdevice,flexibleextensionleadorpartofastructure.
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B.2.3.4 Need for planning before electrical work using an EWPOperationsofEWPswithaboomlengthofmorethan11maredeemeda
PrescribedOccupationunderschedule5oftheWorkplace Health and Safety
Regulation 2008,asamended.Part3oftheWorkplace Health and Safety
Regulation 2008requirescertainminimumlevelsoftrainingandassessment
beforetheoperatorcangainthenecessarycertificatetoengageintheoccupation.
Thetraining,assessmentandauthorisationofEWPoperatorswhoaretoworkin
anelectricalcontextshouldbeequivalentto,orbetterthan,theworkplacehealth
andsafetyrequirements.
Beforeelectricalworkersperformanyelectricalworkfromanelevatingwork
platform,ariskassessmentshouldbecarriedoutandsafetyissuesaddressed.
Theseissuesvarydependingonsuchconditionsasthejob,location,orweather.
Thoughnotexhaustive,thefollowinglistmaybeofassistancetodetermine
suitabilitytoperformwork:
• Doestheworkerholdtheappropriateelectricalqualification?
• Istheelectricalworkerfamiliarwiththeprocedureandmethodassociated
withtheelectricalworkusingtheEWP?
• Istheelectricalworkersufficientlyfamiliarwithtoolsandequipment,suchaschainsawsoraugers,tousethemsafelywhileexposedtotheadditionalrisks
associatedwithanEWPnearexposedliveparts?
• WilltherebeasuitablyqualifiedEWPoperatoroperatingthemachine?
• IstheEWPoperatorfamiliarwiththeparticularmachine?
• WherespecialtestingoftheEWPandequipmentisrequirede.g.strengthand
insulation,areallthetestsuptodate?
• Areappropriatepersonsonsiteabletosafelyperformarescueincasean
accidentoccurs?
TheEWPoperatorshouldensurethatallchecks,inspections,set-up,stowage
andmaintenancerequirementsoftheprimemover–aswellastheEWPportion
oftheplant–arecompliedwith.Thechecks,inspections,set-up,stowageand
maintenanceforeachmachineshouldbeclearlydocumented.Thoughmany
oftheserequirementsaresimilartogeneralEWPrequirements,inelectrical
situationsthereareoftenadditionalrequirementssuchascleaningtheinsulating
parts.
Peopleshouldremaininthebasketwiththeirharnessattachedatalltimeswhen
thebasketismovedfromthecradle.Theonlyexceptioniswhenadocumented
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safesystemofworkisinplacetoprovideasafealternative.Ifthesafesystem
permitsaccessoregress,orboth,fromanEWPbasketinaraisedposition,this
proceduremustbefollowedtotreattherisksassociatedwiththisaction.These
risksincludefallsfromheightsandelectricshock.
AsafesystemofworkassociatedwithelectricalworkfromanEWPwill
invariablyincludetraining,assessment,authorisationandauditingcomponents.
Suchcomponentsaregeneraltomachinesaswellasspecific.Additionally,the
safesystemshouldconsideratleastthefollowingcontingencyplansthatinstruct
operatorsonhowtodealwithsituationsthatinclude:
• Mechanicalfailureorelectricalormechanicalaccidents,orallthree.Usingthe
followingmayprovidesolutions:
- groundcontrols;
- bleedvalves;
- batteryoperatedsystems;
- controldescentdevices;and
- escapedoorsandhatches.
• Fireinthehydraulicsystem,possiblyatbasketlevel,includinganincidentinwhichtheoperatorslumpsoverthecontrols,activatingthe‘deadman’as
wellasoneofthecontrols.By-passvalvesatgroundlevelmaycaterforsuch
situations.
• Therolesofallpersonsonsitewithelectricalsafetyresponsibilities
shouldbeclearlydocumentede.g.theroleofthebasketoperatorand
theinterrelationshipwithgroundoperatorsandanysafetyobservers.
Communicationneedsshouldbedefined,asshouldanyactionsrequiredif
directcontactismadewithexposedliveparts.
• AsafesystemofworkshouldalsoincludesuitablecontrolsforsafelyoperatingtheEWP.Theoperatorshouldbeabletousethecontrolseasily
whilewearingthePPErequired.Additionally,designoftheoperatorinterlock
device(deadman)shouldensureitcannotbeeasilybypassedbytheoperator
inthebasket.
• Asafesystemofworkshoulddetailtherequirementsforchecks,inspections,
set-up,stowageandmaintenance.Theoperationalcheckshouldinclude
safetycomponentssuchasdeadmanswitchesandcontroldescentdevices.In
addition,thecorrectoperationofmultipleparkbrakes,powertake-offsand
hydraulicaccumulatorsshouldbedetailed.
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• Theprocedurefortestingthemachineelectricallyandmechanicallyshould
complywithrelevantstandards.
• Ifthesafesystemofworkincludeslivework,risktreatmentmeasures
shouldnotcreatedangerousstepandtouchpotentials.Atastrategiclevel,
youshoulddeterminewhethertoadoptorrejectthepracticeofearthing
themachineframe.Regardlessofthemethodchosen,appropriatetechnical
considerationisrequired,sinceeachmethodhassignificantadvantagesand
disadvantages.Athoroughanalysisshouldinclude:
- thepieceofplantbeingused;
- thetasksbeingperformed;
- configurationoftheelectricalnetwork;and
- theeffectofelectricalsafetyonworkersandpublic.
• WheretheEWPworkistobeperformedondistributionand/ortransmission
assets,privateorotherwise,thefollowingpointsshouldbeaddressed:
- Ensuringthatsafeapproachdistancesaremaintained.
- Makingsurethatstepandtouchpotentialsonandaroundthestructure
donotcauseriskse.g.fromfaultsorleakage.
- Beforeworkstarts,ensuringthatthemechanicalintegrityofthe
structure,conductorsandequipmentattachmentshasnotorwillnot
becompromisede.g.consideringwhetherthestructureissafeforwork
withoutfurtherrisktreatmentmeasures.
- Ifconductorsarepermittedtocomeintocontactwiththeboomorbasket
oftheEWP,asafesystemofworkshouldclearlystatetheelectricaland
mechanicalrequirementsforthispractice.
- Detailingtheauthorisations,licences,restrictionsandrequirementsin
workpracticestobeusedifboomsandbasketsaretoworkbetween,near
andoverenergisedandde-energisedaerialworksandinstallations.This
listshouldincludeelectricalandmechanicalspecificationsincludingfail-
safesystems.
B.2.3.5 Special provisions for working in the safety observer danger zone
What is the safety observer danger zone?
Anelevatingworkplatformisconsideredtobeoperatinginthesafetyobserver
dangerzonewhenthereisapossibilitythatanyofthefollowingiscapableof
enteringtheexclusionzoneofexposedlivepowerlines.
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• anypartoftheEWPnotdesignedandcapableofworkingsafelywithinthe
area;
• anyhandtoolsorotherequipmentheldbyanypersoninvolvedwiththe
operationandnotdesignedorcapableofworkingsafelywithinthearea;
• theloadbeingmoved;or
• thepersonworkingonanelevatingworkplatform.
Anelevatingworkplatformisnotoperatinginasafetyobserverdangerzone
when:
• thepowerlineshavebeende-energised;
• limitingswitcheshavebeeninstalledtowarntheoperatororpreventanypart
oftheEWPorloadfromenteringtheno-goexclusionzone;or
• anypartsoftheEWPbeingmovedarebeingpreventedfromenteringthe
exclusionzonebyphysicalbarriers.
Thesafetyobserverdangerzonesforpowerlinesonpolesandontowersare
illustratedinFigure4:Safetyobserverzoneforoverheadpowerlinesonpoleand
towers.
Figure 4: Safety observer zone for overhead power lines on poles or towers
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Boom configuration
Boomconfigurationshouldalsobeaddressed.Elevatingworkplatformsusedin
theelectricityindustryincludetelescopic,‘knuckle’andscissorbooms,flyjibsand
hybridversions.Theappropriateboomconfigurationcanassistorhinderelectrical
safetyandneedstobeaddressedinriskmanagement.
AnexampleofapossibleriskcanbeseeninFigure5.
Figure 5: Example of a risk due to the position of the vehicle and boom
configuration (worker performing de-energised work in an uninsulated EWP)
Safety observer
Asafetyobserverisrequiredwhenanelevatingworkplatformisoperatedwithin
thesafetyobserverdangerzone.TheemployeroftheEWPoperatororaself-
employedoperatorisresponsibleforappointingasafetyobservertoobservethe
approachoftheEWPorloadtopowerlines.
People in contact with the EWP
Whentheelevatingworkplatformoperatesinthesafetyobserverdangerzone,
onlythefollowingpersonsmaybeinstructedtotouch,orallowedtotouch,any
partoftheEWPoritsload:
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• Theoperatorwhilenotincontactwithanelectricalearthoranothersourceof
potential.
• Anoperator,whilestandingonthegroundorwhileinanearthedsituation,
mayoperatetheEWPunderthefollowingconditions:
- thecontrolsareeffectivelyinsulated3;
- theoperatorwearsinsulatinggloveswherethevoltageofanyofthe
overheadpowerlinesdoesnotexceed1000volts;or
- theoperatorstandsonanequipotentialmetallicmatortray/deck,
electricallyconnectedtoallmetalworkassociatedwiththecontrols.
• Otherpersonnelmaybeallowedinthesafetyobserverdangerzoneonconditionthat:
- theirpresenceisessentialtotheparticularoperationofthecraneorplant
e.g.otherworkershelpingtosetuptheEWP;
- thesepersonsarenotrequiredtohavedirectcontactwithanypartofthe
EWP;
- wheredirectcontactisnecessary,effectivelymaintainedinsulatinggloves
mustbeworn;and
- whenanyindirectcontactisrequiredbythesepersonswiththeEWP,such
contactmustbeviaanon-conductiveobjecte.g.haulingline,poleortail
ropeusedtocontrolloadmovement.
B.2.3.6 Additional loading affecting movement or position of the
EWP basket
Whenconsideringtherisksassociatedwithworkingonornearstructures,
youshouldallowforthefactthatthemechanicalloadingofthestructurecan
besignificantlyalterede.g.addingadditionallightfittingtoalighttower,or
applyingorremovingtensionfromaerialconductorsorcatenarysystems.
Amechanicalfailureofthiskindcancompoundrisksanddramaticallyincrease
theriskandconsequences.Forexample,ifthetiploadingofapoleisalteredand
apoleconsequentlyfails,thefallingpolemaystriketheEWP.Atthesametime,
however,livemainsmayfalltotheground,creatingrisksforworkcrew,rescuers
andthepublic.
3 Insulationmustatleastbeeffectiveagainstthemaximumvoltageoftheparticularoverheadpowerline.The
employerorself-employedpersonoperatingthecraneisresponsibleforensuringtheeffectivenessofthe
insulationinaccordancewiththerelevantStandard.
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Theelevatingworkplatformshouldnotbesubjectedtomechanicalforcesfor
whichitisnotdesigned.Forexample,inappropriateconductortensioning
techniquesorraisingandloweringwithapowerwinchcouldapplyinappropriate
forcetoanEWP.
B.2.3.7 Possible illusions as a result of using an EWP
Operatorsshouldbeawareofafeelingoflight-headednessascloudsmoveinthe
backgroundoraffecttheoperator’speripheralvision.
Inaddition,whereworkisperformednearaerialconductors,operatorsshouldbe
awareofanillusionknownas‘wireblindness’.Thisstateoccurswhenanoperatorknowsthataconductorexistsbuteithercannotseeitorlosessightofit.Inthese
circumstances,adequatecontingenciesshouldbeemployed.
B.2.4 Working on or from poles and towers
Sourcesofriskswhenworkingonorfromapoleortowerinclude:
• Electricshocksfrommultiplesourcesofpotential,oftenuninsulatedand
uncovered.Thesesourcesinclude:
- highvoltagecircuits;
- lowvoltagecircuits;
- multipleandcommonearthsystems,includingaerialearths;
- streetlightmainsthattestasbothanactiveandaneutraldependingon
thestatusofthecontrolcontractor;
- earthedmetalworkandlightingarrestors;and
- earthedcatenarysystemssuchashighvoltageaerialbundledconductor,
pilotwiresandbroadbandcommunicationcable(BBCC–cableTV).
• Clashingofconductorsandconductorscontactingothercircuits.• Stepandtouchpotentialsatgroundlevelandabove.Thesemaybecausedby
anumberoffactorsrangingfromfailinginsulatorstoincorrectconnections
(includingincorrectpolarity).
• Failureofconductors,cross-armsorpoles,creatingrapidmovementsthatcan
causeworkerstotouchenergisedparts.
• Injuryandillnessfrom‘suspensiontrauma’.Ifrestrainedafterafall,aperson
maysuffer‘suspensiontrauma’iflefthangingintheharness.
• Workingnearexposedlivepartse.g.workingonde-energisedlowvoltagewhile
thehighvoltageaboveisenergised.Thishasrisksassociatednotonlywith
thehighvoltagebutwithhighvoltagecausinginductioninthelowvoltage.
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• Effectsthatmaybebeyondtheimmediatecontroloftheworkgroup
including:
- lightning;
- windgustscausingmovementaswellasstaticeffects;and
- vehicleshittingpoles.
Electricalworkandassociatedworkonorfromapoleshouldbeperformed
onlyafterariskassessmenthasbeencarriedoutandthenonlyinlinewithan
effectivelyimplementedsafesystemofwork.
Workshouldnotbeginuntilthepolehasbeenexaminedandevaluatedassafetoclimborworkon.Therequirementforanexaminationshouldapplyregardlessof:
• thetypeofstructurei.e.wood,steelorconcrete;
• whetherapoleisownedbyasupplyentityornot;and
• whethertheworkistobeperformedfromthepoleorfromanotherdevice
suchasanelevatingworkplatform.
Aspartoftheexaminationandevaluation,abelowgroundinspectionmaybe
necessary.
Wherethetiploadingisbeingaltered,workproceduresshouldincludemethods
thatwillpreventstructuralfailure.Further,anengineeringassessmentshould
beconductedifthetiploadingistobealteredpermanentlyorwherework
procedurescannotensurestructuralstability.Ifloadingofapoleisaltered
considerationshouldbegiventotheeffectthismayhaveonadjacentpoles.
Structuresandinsulatorssupportinglivehighvoltageconductorsshouldbe
checkedtoidentifyconditionsthatmayresultinleakagethroughthepole.Where
leakageissuspected,furthertestsshouldbedonetodeterminewhetherthe
structureissafetoclimb.
B.2.4.1 Work practices
Asafesystemofworkthatiseffectiveinensuringelectricalsafetyshouldensure
atleastthefollowing:
• clearinstructionsaregivenaboutworkingliveandde-energised;
• isolationandaccessareintroducedtocreateanelectricallysafeenvironment;
• requirementsforalteringloadingsonstructuresarecommunicated;and
• thestabilityofthestructureisassessedasadequate.
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Thefollowingprecautionsshouldbetakenwhenpolesandtowersareworkedon:
• Whenconductorsarereleasedortensioned,tensionshouldbealteredinaway
thatcontrolstheireffectonstructuralstability.
• Inparticular,conductorsshouldnotbecutandallowedtofall.Thispractice
maycausedangerouswhip,leadingtostructuralfailure.
• Additionalorheaviermainsshouldbetensionedsothatanoverallbalancein
tensioniscloselymaintainedonthecrossarmandpole.
• Crossarms,armchecks,boltholes,boltsandthepoleheadshouldbe
examinedfordeteriorationorweaknessbeforeheavierormoreheavily
tensionedconductorsareadded.• Workpracticesshouldalsoensurethatobjectsarenotdroppedorallowedto
fallfromheights.
B.2.4.2 Wooden poles
Forwoodenpolesownedbyanelectricityentity,theexaminationshould
includeacheckformarkingssuchas’suspect’(onediagonalpaintedstripe)or
’unserviceable’(paintedcross).Forotherpoles,workersshouldconsulttheasset
owneroroperator.Fungusandloosesapwoodshouldnotobscurethesemarkings.
Structuralintegritycanbecheckedbyusinganappropriatemethodsuchasa
ropetest.Wherearopetestcannotbesafelyorpracticallycompleted,asuitable
procedureforidentifyingpoledefectsshouldbeused.
Ifapoleisnotmarkedassuspectorunserviceable,itshouldbetestedtoensure
thatthepoleissafetoclimboraccess.Inthiscase,thefollowingtestsshouldbe
considered:
• aropetest;
• abelowgroundinspection;and• ‘sounding’thepolebyusingahammerormaultodetectunsoundstructures.
Duringthesetests,appropriateactionshouldbetakentoensureco-workersand
othersaresafefromfallingobjectsetc.
A‘laddertest’–oranyothermethodoftestingapolebyimposingpressurevia
aladder–shouldnotbeusedasanappropriatewayofdeterminingifapoleis
sound.
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B.2.4.3 Concrete polesConcretepolesareconductive,especiallywhenwet.Theconductivityoccursboth
throughmetalfittingsconnectedtothereinforcementandthroughtheconcrete
surface.Therefore,thesurfaceofaconcretepoleandallmetalworkbolted,
clampedorbondedtoaconcretepoleshouldbetreatedasconductive.Take
appropriaterisktreatmentmeasuressuchasusingbarriersandinsulatedmats.
B.2.4.4 Steel poles
Withsteelpoles,internalandexternalcorrosioncancreatetheriskofstructural
failure.Inspectionandtestingshouldincludeanysignsofcorrosion-inducedstructuraldamage.
Thisshouldincludethefollowingtests:
• aropetest;and
• abelowgroundinspection.
Duringthesetests,appropriateactionshouldbetakentoensureco-workersand
othersaresafefromfallingobjectsetc.
Steelpoleshavevariousshapesandsizes.Safeworkpracticeswhenusingaladder
andpoleplatformsneedtoensurethatthedevicescanbefittedsoundly.Safe
workpracticesshouldincludepreventingpeoplefromfallingfromheights.
B.2.4.5 Working on unserviceable or suspect poles
Insomecases,additionalstrengtheningandsupportmaynotbeinstalledbefore
workisdoneonan’unserviceable’or’suspect’pole.
Whenthishappens,anappropriatelyexperiencedandqualifiedpersonshould
evaluatethepole’sconditiontodecidewhetherthepolecanbesafelyclimbed,
workedon,orboth.Additionalmeasurestoensuresafetymayinclude:
• Securingthepole’sbasebydrivingatleastthreelonggadsintotheground
aroundthepoleandthenlashingthemtoit.Theheadofthepoleshouldalso
besecured,usingatleastthreestaysattachedashighaspossible.
• Holdingthepoleatheadandgroundlevelwithapolelifterorcraneof
suitablesize.
• Attachingsuitablestayequipmentthatwillholdthepoleuprightunderall
conductortensionsandsubsequenttwisting.
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• Whenthereplacementpoleiscloseenough,performworkassociatedwiththe
oldpolebyworkingfromthenewpole.Theoldpoleshouldbelashedtothe
newoneandstayed,sothatwhenconductorsarereleased,theoldpolewill
notfall.
Polebuoysorpikesmayprovideasatisfactorytemporarymeansofsupporting
badlydeterioratedpoles.Whenapolehastobeclimbed,polebuoysrequire
additionalstayingifusedforsupport.Otherwise,polebuoysarenotsuitablefor
thetask.
Whenreleasingconductorsfromanunserviceablepole,holdtheconductorsunder
controlandreleasethemslowlysothatyoucannotetheireffectonthepole
beforeyoureleasethemcompletely.Ifpolestabilitydependsontheconductors
beingreleased,additionalstaysshouldbeinstalledtomaintainorincrease
stability.
Ifthepolecannotbeheldorsupportedsothatalltheconductorscanbesafely
removed,noattemptshouldbemadetoclimborworkonthepoleuntilitissafe
toperformthework.Thepoleshouldbemadeassecureaspossiblewithavailable
equipment.
B.2.4.6 Electrical leakage procedures for poles
Beforeclimbinganypolesupportinglivehighvoltageconductors,makeavisual
inspectionforanyevidenceofleakage.Ifyouseeevidenceofpoletopfiresor
otherfiredamage,damagedorpollutedinsulators,oraconductor,tiewireor
debristouchingthepoleorcrossarm,youshouldensurethepoleistestedor
inspectedfordamageorboth.
Whenconductorattachmentscannotbeclearlyassessedfromthegroundbecause
ofwetweatherorpoorvisibility,adetection/inspectionshouldbecarriedout.
Whereleakageissuspectedonpolessupportingbroadbandcommunicationcables
(BBCC),appropriateproceduresshouldbeusedtodetectleakage.Theseprocedures
shouldaddresstherisksassociatedwithtestingnearexposedhighandlow
voltageconductors.TheyshouldalsolookatwhetheranyleakagethroughaBBCC
supportingconductormightaffectthedetection’svalidity.
Whereleakageissuspected,workshouldnotbecarriedoutuntilthepolehas
beenconfirmedsafetoworkonorfrom.
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Figure 6: Rope pull test
B.2.4.7 Rope testing
Thefollowingitemsshouldbeaddressedwhenperformingaropetestonapole:
• Ensuremembersofthepublicandworkersaresafe.
• Thefollowingprocessshouldbeconsidered:
- extendaladderwithropeattachedtothetopstileorheadoftheladderas
farupthepoleaspractical;
- applypressureascloseaspossibletotheheadofthepoleonthesideor
inthedirectionleastsupportedbystaysorconductors;
- twopeopleshouldpullontheropeorropeswhilestandingasfaras
practicalfromthebaseofthepole;theropepullersshouldbelocatedon
theoppositesideofthepolefromtheladder(refertoFigure6–Ropepull
test);and
- duringthetest,pressuremustbeappliedprogressivelyorgradually;avoid
aggressiveorjerkyactions.
• Theropemustbelongenoughtoensureoperatorsaresafeifapoleshould
fail.
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• Signsoffailureincludeexcessivemovement,signsandsoundsofsplitting.
• Otherpeopleshouldbekeptoutoftheareaduringthetest.
• If,duringaproceduretodeterminewhetherthepoleisstable,thereisany
doubtaboutthepole’ssoundness,thepolemustberegardedas‘suspect’.
Providepolesupportbeforeproceedingfurther.
B.2.5 Tagging out of service
Whenequipment,partsordevicesarenottobeused,theitemoritemsshouldbe
madesafe(e.g.isolated)andtaggedoutofservice.Examplesofwheretaggingout
ofserviceshouldoccurinclude:
• toolsandequipmentthatarefaulty,defectiveoroutoftestdate;and
• plantandequipmentthatisunsafe,underrepairorbeingmaintained.
Taggingoutofserviceisarisktreatmentmeasurethatphysicallyexcludesitems
fromuseandshouldformpartofasafesystemofwork.Tagsusedshouldcomply
withanappropriatestandard(refertoalsoPart3.4.2).
B.2.6 Excavation near energised cables
Workersinvolvedinexcavationshouldbeawareofthepossibilityofelectric
shockandexplosionsassociatedwithdamagedundergroundcables.Itcanbe
difficulttotellthedifferencebetweenhighvoltageandlowvoltagecables.There
isapotentialforinjuryanddeathiflowvoltageandhighvoltagecablesare
damaged.
Evenearthed,metal-sheathedcablescancauseinjuriesifdamaged,because
protectivesystemsmaynotalwaysoperatefastenoughtopreventinjury.
B.2.6.1 Precautions before excavationBeforeexcavation,youshouldcontacttheorganisationDialBeforeYouDig4,
afreeenquiryreferralserviceforinformationonundergroundassetsanywhere
inAustralia.Forfurtherinformation,contactDialBeforeYouDigbyanyofthe
followingmethods:
4 DialBeforeYouDigcontactsmemberassetownerswhohaveservicesatorneartheproposedexcavationsiteand
willarrangeforinformationabouttheseservicestobesent.Assetownerswillusuallyrespondwithintwoworking
daysandmayprovidecopiesofundergroundserviceplans.ItmustbeemphasisedthatDialBeforeYouDigisa
referralandinformationserviceonlyandisnotthelegalownerofsiteinformation.DialBeforeYouDigdoesnotgoon-siteandfindthephysicallocationoftheundergroundservice.
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• telephone1100;
• fax1300652077;or
• onlineatwww.dialbeforeyoudig.com.au.
B.2.6.2 Using mechanical excavation equipment
Asafesystemofworkshoulddeterminebeforehandhowclosemachinery,suchas
backhoes,excavators,horizontalborersandchaindiggers,canexcavatenear:
• cablesorcablejoints;
• earthsystemsorgrids;• conduitsorducts;
• undergroundpillars,pitsorequipment;and
• cableprotection(mechanical)suchascovertiles,slabsorstrips.
Ifitisnecessarytoexcavateneartheitemsabove,theworkshouldbedoneby
handexcavationorwithhandtools.
Theplantoperatorshouldbeguidedbyanotherworkerpositionedtowarnthe
operatorifthemachineappearslikelytoventuretoocloseortocausedamage.
Pneumaticorotherpoweredexcavationtools,suchasjackhammers,shouldnotbe
usednearconduitsthatcontainlivecables.
Whenusingpoweredtoolstoexcavatebesideorarounddirect-laidcablesinrock
orhardfill,existingcablesshouldbeprotectedincasethemachineslips.
B.2.6.3 Excavating concrete-encased conduits
Excavatingconcrete-encasedconduitscontaininglivecablescanbehazardousif
appropriateprecautionsarenottaken.Explosionsandelectricshockcanresult.
Itispreferabletoremovecablesfromtheconduitwhiletheworkisdone.
Ifthecablescannotberemoved,theyshouldbede-energised.Handexcavation
shouldbeused,atleastuntilenoughofanopeninghasbeenmadeintheconduit
topermittheinstallationofmechanicalprotection.
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B.2.7 Vegetation management, chainsaws and electricalworkers
Ifanelectricalworkerisrequiredtoperformvegetationmanagementnearexposed
liveparts,anumberofadditionalrisksshouldbemanaged.Typically,thiswork
rangesfromclearingvinesthathavegrownintoaswitchboardtotrimmingtrees
tomaintainclearancesfromoverheadpowerlines.
Inadditiontorisksassociatedwithgeneralvegetationmanagementandchainsaw
use,electricalrisksinclude:
• Asituationwhereobjectsfallagainstenergisedconductors.Theconductors
mayormaynotbebaree.g.treetrimmingfromgroundlevelwherethetree
orpartofthetreemaytouchexposedliveparts,causingstepandtouch
potentialsatgroundlevelormainstoclashorboth.
• Asituationwhereobjectsfallacrossorontoconductorse.g.whenremoving
anunserviceablewoodenpolelocatedbetweenenergisedmains,objects
shouldnotbeallowedtofallacrossconductors.Anincidentofthiskindcan
createelectricalormechanicalrisksorboth,forexample,bycausingalive
conductortofalltotheground.
• Thelikelihoodofacurrentpaththroughthevegetationshouldalsobe
addressed.Aworkermayreceiveanelectricshockviathevegetationor
causeafaultorboth.Currentmaytracktoearthorbetweenphasesviathe
vegetation.
B.2.8 Use of tools
Pooruseoftoolscanexposeworkerstoelectricalrisksincluding:
• electricshockandexplosionifanenergisedcableiscut,regardlessofwhether
bycablecuttersorahacksaw;
• strippingcablecancauseinjuriesrangingfromelectricshocktoburnsand
cuts;and
• tighteningconnectionscancauseshortcircuitsandexplosionse.g.aspanner
canslipandbridgetwophases,resultinginburns.
Thesetoolsshouldbeusedaccordingtomanufacturer’sinstructionsandan
effective,safesystemofwork.
Toolsshouldberestrainedattheworkpositiontopreventthemfromfallinginto
liveswitchboardsorjammingcontrolse.g.inanEWP.Theuseoflanyardsaround
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wrists,toolholdersandtoolrestraintsincludingtoolpouchesandbaskets,should
beaddressed.
ReferalsotoPart4.4forfurtherinformationontools,instrumentsandequipment.
B.3 General elements of a safe system of work
AsafesystemofworkisspecifiedintheRegulationandisdescribedinAS/
NZS4836.Generally,forasafesystemofworktoexist,peopleshouldbeableto
demonstratethattheyhaveidentifiedandaddressedrisksassociatedwithworkers’
safety.
Typically,thereshouldbeplanningandpre-preparedactions,recordsand
evidencethattheactionshavebeenaddressed.
RefertoPart4.3forrequirementsforasafesystemtoperformlivework.
Commonelementsofasafesystemofworkthatshouldapplytoallelectrical
work,bothliveandde-energised,include:
• thesafesystemofworkshouldbedrawnupwithpeople,whoare
representativeofelectricalworkers;• thesystemshouldbeconsistentwith,andshouldcomplement,other
managementsystemssuchasgeneralworkplacehealthandsafety,
environmentalsystems,andqualitysystems;and
• asafesystemofworkshouldincludepracticalguidanceonatleastthe
following:
- electricalaccess;
- physicalaccess;
- safeelectricalworkpractices;
- tools,instrumentsandsafetyequipmentusedforelectricalwork;and
- testingandfaultfinding.
B.4 High voltage isolation and access
B.4.1 General
Relevantriskslistedin4.3ofthisCodealsoapplytohighvoltage.Additional
sourcesofrisksforhighvoltageisolationandaccessinclude:
• inductionfromothercircuitsandcommunicationsequipmentsuchasradio
transmitters;
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• buildupofstaticchargesduetoweatherconditions;
• ferro-resonance;
• transferredearthpotentials;
• feedbackfromsecondaryortertiarysystems;
• storedenergyinhighvoltagecapacitorbanks;and
• workingunderoroverotherliveconductors.
Fromanelectricalsafetyperspective,therisksandconsequencesofanincident
involvinghighvoltagearesignificantlyhigher.Underfaultconditions,thehigher
potentials(voltages)andfaultcurrentlevelsreleasemassivequantitiesofenergy.Risktreatmentmeasuresshouldbeadoptedtoreduceexposuretotheserisks.
B.4.2 High voltage isolation and access system
Peoplenearexposedlivehighvoltagepartsmustmaintaintheexclusionzone
limitsdetailedinAppendixCofthisCode.Undersection64oftheRegulation,
wherepeopleintrudewithintheexclusionzonelimitsforexposedlivehigh
voltageparts,thepartsmustbede-energisedandearthedandtestedtoconfirm
thatitisisolatedfromallsourcesofelectricity.
TheprinciplesinPart2.3ofthisCodealsoapplytohighvoltage.Elementsofa
safesystemofworkforhighvoltageisolationandaccessshouldinclude:
• Amechanismtoinstructpeopleonwhattoisolatetopermitaccesstothe
highvoltagepartsaswellastosurrenderaccessandreverseisolation,and
howtodoit.
• Effectiveisolationtopreventlightning,switchingsurgesorothereventsfrom
compromisingtheisolationpointorpoints.Electricalsafetyintheareafor
accessshouldnotbecompromised.
• Workpracticesanddevicesusedforearthingandshort-circuitingshouldbecapableofwithstandingthevariousprospectivefaultcurrentlevelsand
clearingtimesorfaultduration.
• Exceptinemergencysituations,authoritytoaccesshighvoltagepartsthat
havebeenearthedandshortcircuitedshouldbeprovidedbywayofawritten
permitorauthority.Thepermitorauthoritymaybeissuedbytelephoneor
radioetc.
• Inemergencysituationstheactionstakenshouldberecorded.
• Testingtoprovede-energised.
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• Wherepossible,workandaccessshouldoccurwithvisibleearthsandshort
circuitdevices.
• Placementof’otherprecautions’shouldbearisktreatmentmeasurefor
directingpeopletoelectricallysafeworkareas.Otherprecautionsusually
include:
- tapingorropingoff;
- safetysigns;and
- barriers.
• Amechanismorprocessimplementedthatdemonstratesthattheisolationand
accessprocessisbeingcompliedwithatalllevels.
• Havingmechanismsinplacetodealwithprotectionoperationsthatminimise
exposuretoelectricalrisks.Ifafeedertripsor‘locksout’,whetherornotafter
re-closing,theactionstoenergisethefeedershouldbeoutlined.
• Effectiveisolationtoincludecontrolcircuitsandsecondarysystems.Unlessfit
forpurpose,anopenhighvoltagecircuitbreakershouldnotbeconsideredan
effectiveisolationpoint.
• Proceduresormechanismstobeinplacetoaddressworkerandcommunity
safetyinemergenciese.g.damagefromcyclones,mainsontheground.
Earthinginstalledinapowersystemisonemethodusedtopreventorminimise
electricshocks.Whenoperatingapowersystem(e.g.toswitch,de-energise,
isolate,provede-energised)additionalriskscouldbepresent.Forexample,when
apowersystemisoperated,voltagetransientsofshortdurationcancreatelethal
stepandtouchpotentials.Transientscanoccurwhennetworkoperationscause
hugequantitiesofelectricalenergytostopflowingsuddenly.
Asitisforeseeablethatlethallevelsofstepandtouchpotentialwillexist,
appropriaterisktreatmentmeasuresshouldbeused.Dependingonthesituation,
methods,oracombinationofmethods,thatshouldbeconsideredinclude:
• Designandinstallationmeasures:
- physicallyseparateorisolatearticlese.g.mounttheequipmentinasafe
locationsuchasabove2.4metres;and
- usealternativeinsulation,betterearthing,orboth.
• Operationalmeasures:
- useofinsulatingglovesormats,orboth,whenperformingsystem
operations;or
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- useofequipotentialzoneswhereconductivematerialscreateazone
aroundtheworker,sothattheeffectsofstepandtouchpotentialsare
negligible.
Ifinsulatingglovesormatsorbotharechosen,theyshouldbeusedinatleastthe
followingsituations:
• operatinghighvoltageisolators,switchgearandearthswitchesviahandles,
operatingrodsandsimilarequipment;
• applyingandremovingportableearthsandshortcircuits;and
• usinghighvoltagetestdevices,operatingrods,measuringsticksetcon,or
near,highvoltageparts.
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Appendix C: Exclusion zones for electrical partsThesetablesareareproductionofschedule2fromtheRegulation.
Part 1: Exclusion zones for exposed parts for UNTRAINED PERSONS and for
operating plant and vehicles operated by untrained persons
Nominal phase tophase voltage of
exposed part
Untrained personfor the exposed part
(mm)
Operating plantoperated by untrained
person for theexposed part (mm)
Vehicle operated byuntrained person
for the exposed part(mm)
Low voltage (with
consultation with
person in control of
exposed part)
1 000 3 000 600
Low voltage (without
consultation with
person in control of
exposed part)
3 000 3 000 600
Above low voltage,
up to 33kV (with
consultation with
person in control of exposed part)
2 000 3 000 900
Above low voltage, up
to 33kV (without
consultation with
person in control of
exposed part)
3 000 3 000 900
Above 33 kV up to
50 kV
3 000 3 000 2 100
Above 50 kV up to
66 kV
3 000 3 000 2 100
Above 66 kV up to
110 kV
3 000 3 000 2 100
Above 110 kV up to
132 kV
3 000 3 000 2 100
Above 132 kV up
to 220 kV
4 500 6 000 2 900
Above 220 kV up to
275 kV
5 000 6 000 2 900
Above 275 kV up to
330 kV
6 000 6 000 3 400
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Nominal phase tophase voltage of
exposed part
Untrained personfor the exposed part
(mm)
Operating plantoperated by untrained
person for theexposed part (mm)
Vehicle operated byuntrained person
for the exposed part(mm)
Above 330 kV up to
400 kV
6 000 8 000 4 400
Above 400 kV up
to 500 kV
6 000 8 000 4 400
Nominal pole to earthdc voltage of exposedpart
+/- 25 kV 3 000 3 000 900
+/- 85 kV 3 000 3 000 2 100
+/- 150 kV 3 000 3 000 2 100
+/- 270 kV 4 500 6 000 2 900
+/- 350 kV 5 000 6 000 2 900
+/- 400 kV 6 000 6 000 3 400
Part 2: Exclusion zones for exposed parts for AUTHORISED AND
INSTRUCTED PERSONS and for operating plant and vehicles operated
by authorised or instructed persons
Nominal phase tophase voltage of
exposed part
Authorised personor instructed personfor the exposed part
(mm)
Operating plantoperated by
authorised personor instructed personfor the exposed part,with safety observer
or another safesystem (mm)
Vehicle operated byauthorised person
or instructed personfor the exposed part
(mm)
Low voltage (with
consultation with
person in control of
exposed part)
(No exclusion zone
prescribed)
1 000 600
Low voltage (without
consultation with
person in control of
exposed part)
(No exclusion zone
prescribed)
1 000 600
Above low voltage,
up to 33kV (with
consultation with
person in control of exposed part)
700 1 200 700
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Nominal phase tophase voltage of
exposed part
Authorised personor instructed personfor the exposed part
(mm)
Operating plantoperated by
authorised personor instructed personfor the exposed part,with safety observer
or another safesystem (mm)
Vehicle operated byauthorised person
or instructed personfor the exposed part
(mm)
Above low voltage, up
to 33kV (without
consultation with
person in control of
exposed part)
700 1 200 700
Above 33 kV up to
50 kV
750 1 300 750
Above 50 kV up to
66 kV
1 000 1 400 1 000
Above 66 kV up to
110 kV
1 000 1 800 1 000
Above 110 kV up to
132 kV
1 200 1 800 1 200
Above 132 kV up
to 220 kV
1 800 2 400 1 800
Above 220 kV up to
275 kV
2 300 3 000 2 300
Above 275 kV up to
330 kV
3 000 3 700 3 000
Above 330 kV up to
400 kV
3 300 4 000 3 300
Above 400 kV up
to 500 kV
3 900 4 600 3 900
Nominal pole to earthdc voltage of exposedpart
+/- 25 kV 700 1 200 700
+/- 85 kV 1 000 1 800 1 000
+/- 150 kV 1 200 1 800 1 200
+/- 270 kV 1 800 2 400 1 800
+/- 350 kV 2 500 3 200 2 500
+/- 400 kV 2 900 3 600 1 900
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Part 3: Exclusion zones for low voltage overhead insulated electric line for
UNTRAINED PERSONS and for operating plant or vehicles operated by
untrained persons
Low voltage overheadinsulated electric line
Untrained person(mm)
Operating plantoperated by untrainedperson for the electric
line (mm)
Vehicle operated byuntrained person for the electric line (mm)
With consultation
with, and insulation
verified by, an
authorised person for
the electric line
(No exclusion zone
prescribed)
1 000 300
Without consultation
with, and without
insulation verified by,
an authorised person
for the electric line
3 000 3 000 600
Part 4: Exclusion zones for low voltage overhead insulated electric line for
AUTHORISED OR INSTRUCTED persons and for operating plant or
vehicles operated by authorised or instructed persons
Low voltage overheadinsulated electric line
Authorised person or instructed person for the electric line (mm)
Operating plantoperated by
authorised person or instructed person for the electric line, with
safety observer or another safe system
(mm)
Vehicle operated byauthorised person or instructed person for the electric line (mm)
With consultation
with, and insulation
verified by, an
authorised person forthe electric line
(No exclusión zone
prescribed)
(No exclusion zone
prescribed)
(No exclusion zone
prescribed)
Without consultation
with, and without
insulation verified by,
an authorised person
for the electric line
(No exclusion zone
prescribed)
1 000 600
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Part 5: Exclusion zones for high voltage overhead insulated electric line for
UNTRAINED PERSONS and for operating plant or vehicles operated by
untrained persons
Nominal phase tophase voltage of high
voltage overheadinsulated electric line
Untrained person for the electric line (mm)
Operating plantoperated by untrainedperson for the electric
line (mm)
Vehicle operated byuntrained person for the electric line (mm)
Above low voltage,
up to 33kV (with
consultation with
person in control of
electric line)
2 000 3 000 900
Above low voltage,
up to 33kV (without
consultation with
person in control of
electric line)
3 000 3 000 900
Above 33 kV up to
50 kV
3 000 3 000 2 100
Above 50 kV up to
66 kV
3 000 3 000 2 100
Nominal pole to earthdc voltage of electricline
+/- 25 kV 3 000 3 000 900
+/- 85 kV 3 000 3 000 2 100
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Part 6: Exclusion zones for high voltage overhead insulated electric line for
AUTHORISED AND INSTRUCTED persons and for operating plant and
vehicles operated by authorised or instructed persons
Nominal phase tophase voltage of high
voltage overheadinsulated electric line
Authorised person or instructed person for
electric line (mm)
Operating plantoperated by
authorised personor instructed personfor electric line, with
safety observer or another safe system
(mm)
Vehicle operated byauthorised person or instructed person for
electric line (mm)
Above low voltage,
up to 33kV (with
consultation with
person in control of
electric line)
700 700 700
Above low voltage,
up to 33kV (without
consultation with
person in control of
electric line)
700 700 700
Above 33 kV up to50 kV
750 750 750
Above 50 kV up to
66 kV
1 000 1 000 1 000
Nominal pole to earthdc voltage of electricline
+/- 25 kV 700 700 700
+/- 85 kV 1 000 1 000 1 000
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Appendix D: Electrical Safety Act 2002 TheActimposeselectricalsafetyobligationsonpersonsfortheelectricalsafety
ofothers.Apersoncanhaveanelectricalsafetyobligationinmorethanone
capacity.Forexample,acorporationmayhaveanobligationnotonlyasa
generationentitybutalsoasanemployer,supplierorpersonincontrol.
WheretheWorkplace Health and Safety Act 1995andtheElectrical Safety Act
2002bothapply,theElectrical Safety Act 2002takesprecedence.
ThefollowingaresectionsoftheActwhichhavebeenreferencedinthisCode.Fordetailedinformation,pleaseseetheappropriatesectionoftheAct.
Part 2 Electrical safety obligations
Division 2 Electrical safety obligations
Section29 Obligationofelectricityentity
Section30 Obligationofemployerorself-employedperson
Section31 Obligationofdesignerofelectricalequipment
Section32 Obligationofmanufacturerofelectricalequipment
Section33 Obligationofimporterofelectricalequipment
Section34 Obligationofsupplierofelectricalequipment
Section35 Additionalobligationofdesigner,manufacturer,importeror
supplierofelectricalequipment
Section36 Obligationofinstallerofelectricalequipmentorelectrical
installation
Section37 Obligationofrepairerofelectricalequipmentorelectrical
installation
Section38 Obligationofpersonincontrolofelectricalequipment
Section39 Obligationsofworker
Section40 Obligationsofotherperson
Part 4 Licences
Division 1 Requirements for electrical licences
Section55 Requirementforelectricalworklicence
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Appendix E: Electrical Safety Regulation 2002TheRegulationensurestheelectricalsafetyoflicensedelectricalworkers,other
workers,licensedelectricalcontractors,consumersandthegeneralpublic.Itdoes
thisbyprescribinghowobligationssetdownundertheActcanbemet.
ThefollowingaresectionsoftheRegulationwhichhavebeenreferencedin
thisCode.Fordetailedinformation,pleaseseetheappropriatesectionofthe
Regulation.
Part 2 Electrical work Division 2 Basic requirements for electrical work
Section11 Requirementsforelectricalwork
Section12 Requirementsforperformanceoflivework
Division 4 Testing of work
Section14 Testingofelectricalequipmentafterelectricalwork
Section15 Certificateoftestingandsafety
Division 5 Requirements applying to employers and self-employed persons
Section16 Applicationofdiv5
Section17 Testingandmaintenanceofsafetyequipment
Section18 Employerorself-employedpersontoensuresuitabilityoftesting
instruments
Division 6 Other requirements
Section19 Electricalequipmentwithseriousdefectnottobeconnectedto
electricitysource
Section20 Signsonswitchesanddisconnectionpoints
Section21 Rescueandresuscitationtraining
Division 7 Documents about electrical work
Section22 Applicationofdiv7
Section23 Whomaysigndocumentsaboutelectricalwork
Section24 Misrepresentationsaboutelectricalequipmentorwork
Section24A Misrepresentationsaboutlawfulauthoritytocontractforthe
performanceofelectricalwork
Part 4 Working around electrical parts
Division 1 Preliminary
Section58 Purposeofpt4
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Section59 Definitionsforpt4
Section61 Meaningofexclusion zone
Section62 Employerorself-employedpersontoensureworkisperformedin
accordancewithrequirements
Section62A Principalcontractorforconstructionworkplace–excavatingand
undergroundelectricalservices
Section62C Employerorself-employedpersonatconstructionworkplace–
excavatingandundergroundelectricalservices
Section62D Employerorself-employedpersonnotatconstructionworkplace
–excavatingandundergroundelectricalservices
Section63 WorkinvolvingdirectcontactwithelectricalpartSection64 Workwithinexclusionzoneforelectricalpart
Division 3 Consultation with persons in control of electrical lines
Section64A Requirementtoconsult
Part 5 Electrical installations
Division 1 Performing electrical work
Section69 Workinvolvingelectricmotorformingpartofvehicle
Division 5 Workplace electrical installations
Section82 Purposeofdiv5
Section83A Meaningofrural industry work
Subdivision 2 All work
Section84 Applicationofdiv2
Section85 Cordextensionsetsandflexiblecables
Subdivision 3 Construction work
Section87 Requirementsforconstructionwiringandelectricalequipment
Subdivision 4 Manufacturing work
Section89 Doubleadaptorsandpiggybackplugsprohibited
Section90 Specifiedelectricalequipment
Section90A Manufacturingwork–safetyswitch
Section90B Exemptionforsafetyswitches
Section91 Safetyswitches,includingportablesafetyswitches
Subdivision 5 Service work or office work
Section93 Specifiedelectricalequipment
Section94 Safetyswitches,includingportablesafetyswitches
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Subdivision 6 Amusement work
Section94B Doubleadaptorsandpiggybackplugsprohibited
Section94C Specifiedelectricalequipment
Section94D Amusementdevicesandamusementrides
Section94E Safetyswitches,includingportablesafetyswitches
Subdivision 7 Rural industry work
Section94G Requirementsforruralindustrywork
Part 8 Electricity supply
Division 1 Connection to source of electricity
Section149 Electricalinstallationwithseriousdefectnottobeconnectedto
electricitysource
Section150 Electricalinstallationnottobeconnectedtoelectricitysourceif
worknottested
Section151 Electricalinstallationnottobeinitiallyconnectedtoelectricity
sourcewithoutexaminationandtesting
Section152 Reconnectionofelectricalinstallationtoelectricitysource
Section154 Licensedelectricalcontractornottoconnectelectricitysource
withoutbeingsatisfiedofcompliancewithActandRegulation
Section155 Disconnectionandreconnectionoflowvoltageelectricalinstallation
Division 3 Testing
Section158 Noticebylicensedelectricalcontractoroftest
Section159 Certificateoftestingandcompliance
Section160 Performanceofexaminationortest
Part 12 Incident notification and reporting
Section196 Employerorself-employedpersontoadvisechiefexecutiveof
seriouselectricalincidentordangerouselectricaleventSection201 Scenenottobeinterferedwith
Part 13 Miscellaneous provisions
Division 3 Other matters
Section208 Climbingpolesofelectricityentityprohibited
Section209 Obligationsofemployeraboutsupervisingtrainingperson
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