Office of Industrial Relations Electrical Safety Office

Electrical Safety Q Shelter, May 2017

Electrical Safety Office (ESO)

Who we are and what we do

Electrical safety information session

• Electrical licences

• Ceiling spaces

• Solar power systems

• Working near power lines

• Safety switches

• Sourcing electrical equipment

Electrical Licences

Licences

An electrical work licence is required for • Installation work – installing wiring • Electrical work – fitting off electrical equipment

An electrical contractors licence is required if the person

• Advertises, notifies or states the person carries on the business of performing electrical work; or

• Contracts for the performance of electrical work; or • Represents to the public the willingness to perform electrical work; or • Employs a worker to perform electrical work

The electrical contractor you engage must give you a Certificate of Test on completion of the work.

Perform licence check at www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

One of our key priority areas: Working safely in ceiling

spaces

Ceiling spaces

Ceiling spaces

Wiring systems in ceiling spaces

• Before entering a ceiling space always turn off the power at the switchboard.

• Conduct a pre-work risk assessment.

• Turning off the power at the switchboard does not turn off all electricity. There may be other sources of supply such as:

• PV • Consumer mains • Illegal wiring

• Identify the location of electrical equipment and cables.

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Ceiling space dangers

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Hazards in ceiling spaces can include:

• Wiring subject to mechanical damage − Crossing nail plates or other metal work without protection − Crossing hanging beams or ceiling joists without protection

• Exposed conductors above light fittings

• Damaged or perished wiring

• Thermal insulation

• Other hazards − Confined area − Increase use of services: air-con; communication; security;

plumbing; solar PV

Ceiling space safety tips

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• Ensure any ceiling insulation is not installed over downlights due to an increased risk of fire.

• Add a reminder sticker to your manhole and switchboard so you remember to switch off all the power before you enter a ceiling space. You can order a Stay safer up there, switch off down here brochure and sticker via www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

Solar power systems

Solar (PV) Power Systems - Maintenance

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Like your car, solar PV systems need to be regularly maintained. This is to keep your solar power system functioning safely. Verify cleanliness and check for shading of the array at least quarterly and check for physical defects at least annually. Have an electrical contractor test your solar PV electrical installation at least annually. • Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions • Ensure emergency procedures for shut down and isolation are clearly

displayed • Ensure unimpeded access to isolator switches • Refer to Managing the risk of falls Code of Practice available on our website

Solar PV Systems - DC Isolator Recalls

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DC Isolator Brand

AVANCO

PVPOWER

GEN3 or SPM

NHP

ISO-MAX

Isolating solar electricity

Remember when power is “off” solar PV can still be generating electricity. Always follow correct shutdown procedures. Shutdown procedures should be located at the inverter and/ or main switchboard.

Working near power lines

Working near power lines

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Always stay a safe distance from power lines

A safe distance is generally 3 metres, but could be up to 8 metres depending on the voltage of the power line.

– Avoid trimming trees or branches near power lines. Always use a professional arborist or tree pruning specialist who is trained to do this work.

– While painting or performing maintenance work stay clear of power lines, including the service line connected to your property.

– Avoid moving loads under power lines.

“Look up and live”

Care must also be taken when digging within the vicinity of underground electric lines. Ring the free Dial Before You Dig service on 1100 or visit 1100.com.au.

Safety switches

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Safety switches

Safety Switches save lives. Test yours every three months.

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Safety switches Requirements

• Safety switches and the Wiring Rules

• Transfer of property

• Electrical installation work - domestic houses

• Ceiling spaces (including electrically conductive ceiling insulation)

• Rental properties - common question

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Safety switches Common question

Question. What are the requirements to have a safety switch and interval testing times for the safety switch in a rental property? Answer. Where a residential tenancy agreement exists, the landlord must ensure an approved safety switch is installed for the general purpose socket-outlet circuit. There is no prescribed inspection and test interval for the safety switch/switches installed at the domestic residence. (The ESO would recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions which are generally a three month push button test) 19

Sourcing electrical equipment

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Sourcing electrical equipment – some tips

• Buy the equipment from a reputable seller, is it a reputable brand name?

• Do they have technical back up and expertise? Do they invest in research and development? Have they ensured the equipment is suitable for Queensland conditions?

• Check the electrical equipment safety system (EESS) national database to see if the importer as has registered themselves and their equipment

• Check the brand and model match the details on the EESS database and the equipment is marked with the RCM

• Check there is independent assessment of the claims of compliance by any overseas manufacturer – can they show they meet Australian safety standards

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Sourcing electrical equipment (cont’d)

Don’t just buy on price or convenience

Do your research on the companies importing and selling the equipment.

Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM):

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Contacts and websites

Electrical Safety Office / Workplace Health & Safety www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au 1300 362 128 www.worksafe.qld.gov.au Electrical Safety Outlook subscription: www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au Workplace Health & Safety eNews: signup at www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

facebook.com/electricalsafetyoffice facebook.com/worksafequeensland

@ESOQLD @WorkSafeQLD

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Question and Answer opportunity

Thank you

Electrical Safety Office