Category Archives: Work Health & Safety

code of conduct policy

EmmS Code of Conduct


The roles and responsibilities of all workers contribute to the delivery of a healthy and safe workplace. Your valuable knowledge, expertise, and the motivation to improve health and safety are essential.

Aim

This Code of Conduct applies to all employees / workers. It governs the way all employees must behave towards customers, suppliers, clients, co-workers, company management and the general public.

Purpose

The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to ensure that all employees understand what is required and expected of them during the everyday operations of the Company.

Expectations

All employees are expected to observe the highest standards of ethics, integrity and behaviour during the course of their employment.

Behaviour

As representatives and all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner and observe the following standards of behaviour:

  1. Take reasonable care of your own health and Safety.
  2. Take reasonable care for the health and safety of others.
  3. Comply with all laws, company policies, procedures, rules, regulations and contracts.
  4. Comply with all reasonable and legal instructions by the company.
  5. Be honest and fair in dealings with customers, clients, suppliers, co-workers, company management and the general public.
  6. Treat customers, clients, suppliers, co-workers, company management and the general public in a non-discriminatory manner with proper regard for their rights and dignity.
  7. Promptly report any violations of law, ethical principles or policies that come to your attention.
  8. Maintain and develop your knowledge and skills in your area of expertise and responsibility.
  9. Not engage in fraudulent or corrupt behaviour.
  10. Maintain punctuality – we operate to tight deadlines and require your cooperation.
  11. Observe health and safety policies and obligations.
  12. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) in the way you were trained and instructed to use it.
  13. Report injuries and unsafe and unhealthy situations to your supervisor or to your health and safety representative (HSR) immediately .
  14. Respect the company’s ownership of all company funds, equipment, supplies, books, records and property.
  15. Maintain, during employment with the company and after the termination of employment, the confidentiality of any confidential information, records or other materials acquired during the course of employment with Preston Hire.
  16. While employed at EmmS, do not accept any employment with another organisation that is a supplier or competitor of EmmS, or any other employment that is in conflict with your position at EmmS.
  17. Not receive gifts or monetary favours from clients or similar that result in personal financial benefit.
  18. Dress in an appropriate manner and follow the PPE Policy,
  19. Ensure that your appearance is presentable, clean, neat and tidy.
  20. Do not fight in the workplace.
  21. Do not swear in the workplace.
  22. Do not engage in sexual or other unlawful harassment or bullying in the workplace.

Consequences

Breaches of the Code of Conduct are considered a very serious matter and will be dealt with in accordance with the Performance and Misconduct Policy, which includes termination of employment.

Reporting

All Managers and operations coordinators are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the operation of this policy within their area of responsibility and reporting accordingly to either the EmmS Operations Manager or the WHS Coordinator.

Definitions

A worker is a person who carries out work in any capacity for a business or employer or ‘person conducting a business undertaking’ They can be:

  • an employee
  • a trainee, apprentice or work experience student
  • a volunteer
  • an outworker
  • a contractor or sub-contractor
  • an employee of a contractor or sub-contractor
  • an employee of a labour hire company.
  • http://emmsau.com/content/2019/02/13/fair-work-information-statement/

Do not consume or possess drugs or alcohol in the workplace or attend work under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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electrical safety and management plan

Electrical Mining & Maintenance Solutions Pty Ltd

Electrical Safety & Management Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION…………………………………………………………………………… 5
1.1 Overview …………………………………………………………………………………… 5
1.2 Purpose …………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
1.3 Scope ………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
1.4 EmmS commitment to electrical safety ………………………………………………. 5
2 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ……………………………………………………………….. 6
2.1 Standards …………………………………………………………………………………… 6
2.2 Legislation ………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
2.3 Reference documents …………………………………………………………………….. 7
2.4 Codes of practice ………………………………………………………………………….. 8
2.5 Requirements for electrical workers …………………………………………………….. 9
3 ELECTRICAL SAFETY …………………………………………………………………… 10
3.1 Induction ……………………………………………………………………………………. 10
3.2 Safe system of work ………………………………………………………………………. 10
3.3 Adherence to OH&S policy ……………………………………………………………… 11
3.4 Basic Electrical Safety Principle …………………………….…………………………… 11
3.5 Incident Reporting ………………………………………………………………………… 11
3.6 Risk Assessments ………………………………………………………………………… 12
3.7 Personal protective equipment (PPE) …………………………………………………… 12
3.8 Electrical safety equipment and instrumentation…….…………………………………. 13
3.9 Safety in customer’s installations ………………………………………………………… 14
4 AUTHORISATIONS AND APPROVALS ………………………………………………. 16
4.1 Request to electrical supply authority …………………………………………………… 16
4.2 Defects reported to the relevant state or territory electrical safety body ……………. 16
4.3 Implicit approval …………………………………………………………………………… 16
4.4 Live work …………………………………………………………………………………… 16
4.5 High voltage work …………………………………………………………………………. 17
4.6 Hazardous locations ………………………………………………………………………. 17
4.7 Working in the vicinity of overhead or underground services ………………………… 17
5 SUPERVISION …………………………………………………………………………….. 19
5.1 Electrical workers supervision …………………………………………………………… 19
5.2 Contractor supervision ……………………………………………………………………. 19
5.3 Apprentice supervision …………………………………………………………………… 20
6 QUALITY CONTROL …………………………………………………………………….. 22
6.1 Testing of electrical work …………………………………………………………………. 22
6.2 Site inspection before leaving ……………………………………………………………. 22
6.3 Certificate of test/compliance ……………………………………………………………. 22
6.4 Standards audit ……………………………………………………………………………. 22
6.5 Control of documents ……………………………………………………………………………… 22
6.6 Control of records ……………………………………………………………………………………… 23
7 WORKING LIVE ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 24
7.1 Risk assessments ……………………………………………………………………………………… 24
7.2 Live work permits …………………………………………………………………………………….. 24
7.3 Live work method for testing & fault finding only ………………………………………. 25
8 GENERAL PROCEDURES ……………………………………………………………… 26
8.1 Lock and tag ……………………………………………………………………………….. 26
8.2 Test and tag ……………………………………………………………………………….. 26
9 ELECTRICAL WORKER RECORDS …………………………………………………… 28
9.1 Electrical employees ……………………………………………………………………… 28
9.2 Contractors/subcontractors ………………………………………………………………. 28
10 ELECTRICAL EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT ………………………. 29
10.1 Electrical safety management plan (ESMP) training ………………………………….. 29
10.2 Training assessments …………………………………………………………………….. 29
10.3 Competency audits ……………………………………………………………………….. 29
11 DEFINITIONS ……………………………………………………………………………… 30

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW
This Electrical Safety Management Plan (ESMP) sets the minimum compliance, risk and safety standards for Electrical Work conducted on behalf of EmmS.

The Electrical Safety Management Plan applies to all Electrical Workers. Electrical Workers includes the following groups:

  • • EmmS employees who are licensed Electrical Workers
    • Supervisors and Managers of licensed Electrical Workers
    • Electrical Contractors
    • All other Electrical licence holders conducting Electrical Work on behalf of EmmS.
    • All electrical associated trades (eg: trades with D licences where restricted electrical work is undertaken or where a risk assessment refers to this requirement)

1.2 PURPOSE
The purpose of the ESMP is to ensure the safety of Electrical Workers, clients, the public and to minimise the potential harm to human health and property when working with electricity.

1.3 SCOPE
The scope of the ESMP is applicable to Electrical Works carried out in Australia.

1.4 COMMITMENT TO ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Emms is committed to:

  • • Strictly adhering to all legislative requirements and national Standards
    • Using only Electrical Workers who hold relevant and current licences and who are competent in carrying out Works
    • Individually vetting and knowledge testing of each potential employee
    • Maintaining the competency and skill of Electrical Workers at a high level
    • Maintaining a safe environment when Electrical Work is being conducted
    • Ensuring that Electrical Workers have appropriate electrical safety equipment and resources to work safely
    • Ensuring that all work is tested and electrically safe
    • Monitoring and evaluating the work of Electrical Workers to ensure compliance with EmmS standards and procedures
    • Auditing the ESMP to ensure continuous improvement

2 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1 RELEVANT DOCUMENTS CODES AND STANDARDS

All Electrical Work shall be carried out in accordance with the respective State’s or Territory’s legislative requirements, in compliance to Standard AS/NZS 3000:2007 and AS/NZS 4836 and any other relevant standards.

Work Health and Safety Act 2011
Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 #
New South Wale Health and Safety (Mines) Act 2013
New South Wale Health and Safety (Mines) Regulation 2014 #
New South Wale Health and Safety Codes of Practice #
NSW DPI Technical Reference EES-011 Technical Principles for Design of Electrical Systems #
NSW DPI Technical Reference EES-013 Electrical Engineering Safety – Guide to Mine Health and Safety Regulation 2007 and Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 #
NSW DPI Technical Reference EES-014 Technical principles for stand-alone use of generators #
OEM operation and maintenance manuals #
OEM recommendations for parts and equipment #
0000-Z-EL-DC-001 HANZ Standard Electrical Design Criteria #
AS 1768 – Lightning Protection #
AS 2067 – Sub Stations and High Voltage Installations Exceeding 1 Kva A.C #
AS 3010 – Electrical Installations – Generating Sets #
AS 3000 – Wiring Rules (including all normative references #
AS/NZS 3007 – Electrical Equipment in Mines and Quarries – Surface Installations and Associated Processing Plant #
AS 4024 – Safety of Machinery #
AS/NZS 4871 – Electrical Equipment in Mines and Quarries – Surface Installations and Associated Processing Plant #
AS 61508 – Functional Safety of Electrical / Electronic / Programmable Electronic Safety Related Systems #
Metso fixed plant inspection sheet, operator’s manuals and maintenance plans / schedules #
AS/NZS 3760: 2013 In service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment. #

Electrical Workers will fulfill their obligations under each State’s or Territory’s current electrical safety legislation by:

  • • Complying with EmmS instructions and ensuring that all Electrical Work is electrically safe.

    • Only performing Electrical Work within the scope of their relevant Electrical Worker’s licence.

    • Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), instruments, tools and safety equipment to complete all work in a safe manner and in compliance with legislative requirements.

    • Adopting a “test before touch” approach and treating all electrical conductors, parts and equipment including Neutral and Earthing conductors as live until proven de-energized.

    • Not wilfully interfering or misusing anything that may create an unsafe situation for themselves and others.

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

All Electrical Workers must have ready access to Emms Safety Standards, NSW Electrical Legislation, Codes of Practice and Australian Standards.

The relevant Australian Standards are but not limited to:

  • • AS2067 – Substations and high voltage installations exceeding 1kV AC

    • AS2467 – Maintenance of Electrical Switchgear.
    • AS3000 – Electrical installations (Australian and New Zealand wiring rules)
    • AS3003 – Electrical installations – patient areas of hospitals, medical and dental practices
    • AS3006 – Adequate electrical installations in domestic premises
    • HVAS3008 – Electrical installations – Selection of cables
    • AS3010 – Electrical installations – Generating Sets
    • AS3012 – Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
    • AS3017 – Electrical installations – Verification guidelines
    • AS3019 – Electrical installations – Periodic verification
    • AS3100 – Approval and test specification – General requirements for electrical equipment
    • AS3760 – In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
    • AS3820 – Essential safety requirements for low voltage electrical equipment
    • AS4836 – Safe work on low voltage electrical Installations

2.4 CODES OF PRACTICE

State Code of Practice

New South Wales WorkCover
Low Voltage Electrical Work
Electrical Practices for Construction Work
Work Near Overhead Power Lines
Work Near Underground Assets – Guide
Managing electrical risks at the workplace (Ref
www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au)

2.5 REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL WORKERS
CLASSIFICATIONS OF ELECTRICAL LICENCES

Licence Type Licensed Tasks

Test and Tag In most States, his licence is issued to people who are deemed
qualified after completing a task specific “Test and Tag” short course.
This allows for testing and tagging of portable electrical appliances
only and not for maintenance or repairs. In some states, this is not a
licensed qualification but a qualification for competent people who can
test and tag portable electrical appliances.
Generally, these people are not qualified or licensed to carry out
electrical maintenance or repairs.

Restricted Class Issued to, for example, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics,
mechanical fitters and plumbers. People issued with a Restricted
Class Licences can only undertake Electrical Work associated with
their specified trade. This work is generally disconnect and reconnect
only.

A Class/ A Grade / This is an open class electricallicence issued to trade qualified
Unrestricted Electrician Electrical Workers who can generally complete all facets of electrical
Licence wiring, installation repairs and maintenance. This allows the
Electrical Worker to carry out electrical installation work without
supervision. This licence holder may be able to perform the task of
Technical Nominee for the employer as required for a Contractor’s
Licence (additional qualifications may apply which varies between
States and Territories).

The Electrical Supervisor must, as a minimum, have an equivalent or a higher class of licence to those people that they supervise.

Example: A restricted class Electrical Worker must not be the Electrical Supervisor of an Electrician.

All site safety management plans are, where applicable, to include a list of the Electrical Supervisors.

The Electrical Supervisor is to ensure that Electrical Workers in their charge are performing their duties in a safe manner.

It is the responsibility of the Electrical Supervisor to ensure that all Electrical Workers in their charge comply with the ESMP by ensuring that:

  • • Electrical Workers are licensed and competent to carry out their allocated duties.

    • All work is carried out in an Electrically Safe manner and that the work site is safe for all persons and documented.

    • Work complies with the appropriate standards, and the correct electrical tests have been performed and documented.

Table of Forms / Documents referenced:

NB: All documents can be accessed via the Emms database using the document no. This document can be accessed via the website under Occupational Health and Safety, “ Electrical Safety Management Plan”.

Document Name Brief Document No Link

Electrical Safety And Management Plan ESMP #14
Emms Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Policy EOHSP #
Reporting and managing incidents and incident investigation and close out
Assessing safety risk
Conducting a risk assessment
Developing safe work procedures
Employee Database Training Register
Injury Management Pack
Electrical Risk Assessment Maintenance/Service Work (utilise generic risk assessment form)
Doing your job safely
PPE Register
Electrical Equipment Test Register
Equipment calibrating log
Live electrical work permit
Electrical Supervisor
Electrical test results/Certificate of test/compliance
Electrical Safety Management Plan Audit Report
Electrical Supervisor
Action Plan

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

3.1 INDUCTION

All Electrical Workers must be inducted prior to commencement of employment.

Inductions will be as per the following Emms Safe Work tools;

  • • Standard 11 – Learning Safety Skills @ EmmS (STD-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-11-1).

    • Process 11a – Welcoming New People @ EmmS (PROCESS-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-11a-1).

    • Workplace Welcome Checklist (CKLIST-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-11-10).

    • Electrical Contractors must be inducted using the online Emms – Contractor Induction available on the www.emmsau.com – WHS website. In addition, each Electrical Contractor must be given access to Safety @ EmmS Quick Reference Guide. Contractors must also attend a site-based induction and orientation prior to starting any job.

    • Electrical Workers are required to complete an electrical safety induction on the requirements of the ESMP prior to commencement and/or are required to demonstrate compliance with the ESMP. They are also required to undergo annual ESMP refresher induction.

3.2 SAFE SYSTEM OF WORK

All Electrical Workers at worksites will adhere to:

  • • The ESMP located on the Company website
    • Site specific WHS policies and procedures
    • Site specific OHS policies and procedure and any other site-specific requirement as specified
    • The EmmS OHS Management System
    • The NSW WHS Codes of Practice
    • Australian Standards.

This is to minimise potentially fatal risks whilst exposed to or using electrical equipment relevant to the work being carried out.

3.3 ADHERENCE TO OH&S POLICY

All Electrical Workers must comply with the EmmS Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Policy.

In order to achieve this, EmmS will:

  • • Develop an ESMP which incorporates an Electrical Safe System of Work.
    • Provide appropriate training to ensure all work is electrically safe.
    • Ensure appropriate electrical supervision of all Electrical Workers. This will be achieved by ensuring each Electrical Worker has a nominated Electrical Supervisor for their Electrical Work.
    • Ensure all tools and safety equipment are regularly tested and examined to enable all work to be completed in a safe manner.
    • Provide and instruct Electrical Workers in the correct use and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
    • Report all notifiable electrical incidents to the relevant electrical safety authority.

3.4 BASIC ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRINCIPLE

A person engaging or preparing to engage in work on or near electricity infrastructure or an electrical installation must treat exposed conductors as live until they are –

  • • Isolated from all sources of electricity supply and proven to be de-energized

    • If they are high voltage conductors – earthed.

    3.5 INCIDENT REPORTING

    When an Incident occurs, the following process shall be followed:

    • The person involved in the Incident reports it to their Supervisor.
    • If an incident occurs with a Contractor or Sub-contractor’s Electrical Worker, the relevant

    o EmmS Supervisor must be notified to manage the process.

    • The Supervisor notifies their Manager.

    • The Manager notifies the local EmmS Safety Advisor and reports the Incident in the EmmS Incident Reporting and Investigation Management System (IRIM).

    • The Safety Adviser reports the Incident to the relevant regulatory authority.

All Incidents must be reported in as per EmmS:

  • • Standard 14 – reporting and managing incidents
    • Process 14a – reporting incidents

    • Process 14b – incident investigation and close out

A qualified medical practitioner must treat any person who receives an electrical shock of any magnitude.

The injured person shall be accompanied at all times to the medical practitioner, by the injured person’s Manager or their representative. The Manager is to refer to the Injury Management Pack
(Refer to Standard # – Safety@EMMS for guidance.

An electric shock shall be reported to the Electrical Worker’s Manager immediately and, where applicable, the area isolated as far as practicable, and the relevant authority notified via the local Safety Advisor for investigation and reporting in EmmsDB.

3.6 RISK ASSESSMENTS

All Electrical Workers associated with and who perform Electrical Work shall be provided with Risk Assessment and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) training.

This training must be recorded on the Electrical Worker’s Training Register (Employee records – Training – Emms Database)

A Risk Assessment is to be conducted for all planned and repair jobs and projects. This is a mandatory OH&S legislative requirement. Emms generic risk assessment form (FORM-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-15-1 ) may be used for this purpose.

The Risk Assessment process will adhere to Process 4a – Assessing Risk @ Emms (PROCESS-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-4a-1).

The Risk Assessment may identify the need for Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or Safe Work Procedure (SWP) for specific tasks. An existing SWP may be used, but must be reviewed to ensure it is appropriate for the task. Where there is no formal SWP available that is appropriate for the Electrical Work being undertaken, a JSA is to be undertaken to identify the basic logical sequence of the tasks, associated hazards, level of risk, and appropriate control measures to be implemented prior to commencement of work, and is to be monitored for effectiveness.

The Risk Assessment and JSA process is to be conducted in accordance with:

  • • Australian Standard AS4836 Safe Working on Low Voltage Electrical Installations
    • safety@EmmS processes and tools:
    • Process 4a – assessing safety risk (PROCESS-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-4a-1).
    • Process 4b – conducting a risk assessment (PROCESS-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-04b-1)
    • Process 4c – developing safe work procedures (PROCESS-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-04c-1)
    • Tool – Safe Work Procedures template (FORM-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-78)

3.7 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

EmmS will ensure that appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, issued, used and maintained in accordance with current State or Territory workplace safety legislation and Australian Standards.

Contractors and Sub-Contractors are to ensure their Electrical Workers have the appropriate
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the task performed and that the PPE is used and maintained in accordance with current State’s or Territory’s workplace safety legislation and Australian Standards.

PPE for Electrical Workers will at all times include a full-length uniform made of 100% cotton or flame resistant material with no metal components.

EmmS requirements for selection, use and maintenance of PPE are outlined in EMMS and include:

  • • Process 13h – observing uniform, personal hygiene and jewellery rules
    • Standard 10 – doing your job safely
    • and other job specific associated safe work procedures and use of PPE.

All issued PPE must be recorded in the PPE Register (FORM-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-130).

It is the responsibility of every Electrical Worker to regularly examine their PPE to ensure it is in a satisfactory condition so that their work tasks can be safely completed.

3.8 ELECTRICAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTATION,/strong>

It is the responsibility of every Electrical Worker to regularly examine all items of Electrical Safety Equipment they are using to ensure the equipment is within the ‘in-test’ date and is in an electrically
safe condition for the work being carried out.

All issued Electrical Safety Equipment must be recorded on the Electrical Worker’s Electrical Equipment (Test) Register. All Electrical Safety Equipment, including insulating gloves, crooks/rescue hooks and mats, shall be tested at least every six months. The next test date shall be marked on each item. The test shall be documented in the Electrical Equipment (Test) Register and records kept for seven years.

Audits will be conducted every six months to ensure safety equipment is being used appropriately, is in an electrically safe condition and complies with current State or Territory electrical safety legislation.

On each occasion before an Electrical Safety Equipment is used, it shall be visually inspected for any damage or defect to ensure that it is in a safe condition and that the ‘in-test’ date is current.

If the equipment has any defect or is out of calibration/ test date it shall be withdrawn from service, tagged as faulty and not used until it is repaired and/or re-calibrated/ tested.

It is the responsibility of every Electrical Worker to ensure that the equipment used shall have the appropriate function, range, and accuracy for the work and condition. There are four categories of test equipment, however, for EmmS, only Categories 3 and 4 (as defined in IEC 61010-1 and IEC 61010-2-31) are to be used.

Categories are:

  • • Installation Category 3: Relates to the distribution level, main switchboards etc. This category of instrument may be used on a sub/board or a main switchboard that is not supplied directly from a transformer.

    • Installation Category 4: Relates to the primary supply level and this is the only category of instrument that is to be used to identify voltage on a main switchboard supplied directly by a transformer. Electricians that are required to work on or test package-subs or overhead service supplies, right through to the Main Switchboard, must use Category 4-type test equipment.

Electrical Instrumentation that is used for accuracy or compliance testing, i.e., Certificates of Test

(CoT) or Certificates of Compliance (CoC) must be tested and calibrated at a minimum annually or as per the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations whichever is most frequent, and the next

test date marked on each item with records of calibration kept for seven years. The Equipment calibration log (FORM-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-48) is to be used for record keeping purposes.

Electrical Instrumentation that is used simply for checking of electrical presence need not be calibrated six monthly, but must be checked for correct operation before, during and after isolation.

The test must be documented in the Electrical Equipment (Test) Register and records kept for seven years.

All electrical safety instrumentation, whether it is EmmS issued or personal property, must be recorded on the Electrical Worker’s Electrical Equipment (Test) Register

3.9 SAFETY IN CUSTOMER’S INSTALLATIONS

If an unsafe situation is discovered in a customer’s installation, the following process is to be taken:

Defect Action

Repair Defect Discussion will be held with the customer to repair/rectify the defect.

Disconnect Defect If the customer will not agree to repair the defect, the customer is to be
advised that the defect must be disconnected.

Temporary Repair of If the customer does not agree to disconnection an attempt will be
Defect (Ensure Repair made to obtain permission to carry out temporary repairs to make safe.
is Electrically Safe)

Report Defect If this cannot be achieved the Electrical safety Office and/or the
electrical supply authority is to be advised immediately.
The name of the person to whom the report was given will be recorded
including the time and date of the report.

Document Defect If the defect is disconnected or temporary repairs made follow local
(Disconnection or contract requirements ensuring that the client is advised in writing
Repair or Report) clearly stated that permanent repairs are required.
The Electrical Worker will retain a copy of the report, and a copy will be
kept in his personal file.

Electrical Supervisor The Electrical Supervisor must be notified and appropriate action to be
Notification taken to ensure the defect is left electrically safe or the defect is
reported.

Electrical Work If defective Electrical Work is discovered, an Electrical defect report
Defective will be completed and forwarded to the relevant State or Territory
electrical safety body and or electrical supply authority.

4 AUTHORISATIONS AND APPROVALS

4.1 REQUEST TO ELECTRICAL SUPPLY AUTHORITY

Prescribed forms such as metering changes, connections and disconnections of supply from the electrical supply authority shall be complied with as per relevant State’s or Territory’s legislative

requirements and forwarded to the distributor whenever an initial connection or metering change is required.

4.2 DEFECTS REPORTED BY THE RELEVANT STATE OR TERRITORY ELECTRICAL SAFETY BODY

Improvement or Prohibition Notices issued by the State’s or Territory’s electrical safety regulatory

authority shall be rectified as soon as practicable, or as specified in the Notice. These notices are to be reported in Emms Database

Defect reports issued by the State’s or Territory’s electrical safety regulatory authority or a network distributor shall be actioned according to the respective State’s or Territory’s legislative requirements.

4.3 IMPLICIT APPROVAL

Implicit Approval must comply with relevant State’s or Territory’s legislative requirements.

It is understood that upon receipt of a job request, either verbal or written, provided the instruction is documented on a Job Docket and the site contact is named with contact details, it will be implied the Person in Control (normally the owner) of the Electrical Installation or Electrical Equipment, has authorised the Electrical Work to be performed.

All contracts will address the specific requirement of Approval to Perform Electrical Work with the approval of the Person in Control of the Electrical Installation or Electrical Equipment.

Where the Person in Control does not allow their Implicit Approval then contractual arrangements with designated procedures must be written and approved.

4.4 LIVE WORK

Live Electrical Work must only be carried out in exceptional circumstances and only upon one of the following conditions:

  • • It is necessary in the interest of safety, whether or not electrical safety, for the work to be performed while the electrical equipment (which is the subject of electrical work) is energized;

    • A supply of electricity is necessary for the proper performance of the electrical work;
    • There is no reasonable alternative to performing the electrical work by live work;

It must be emphasized that only upon the above conditions is Live Work permitted.

As such, it should never be assumed that Implicit Approval is given for Electrical Work that is Live Work, with the exception of Testing or Fault Finding. Testing or Fault Finding can be done following the completion of a Risk Assessment process to ensure that the Testing or Fault-Finding task is safe to proceed with.

In all cases, the Person in Control must be notified, be fully aware that the work is being performed, and sign off their authorisation, prior to the work being completed on the Live Electrical Work Permit (FORM-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-29-1). The Live Electrical Work Permit must also be signed and approved by the EmmS Manager and the respective state electrical nominee/endorsee prior to the work being completed.

If there is no authorisation, there must be no Electrical Work whereby Live Work is performed.

4.5 HIGH VOLTAGE WORK

Only suitably competent and licensed Electrical Workers in accordance with respective State’s or Territory’s legislation and regulations are to carry out High Voltage work. Attendance records for

High Voltage switching or maintenance training shall be maintained for seven years. Refresher training shall be completed at least every three years or in accordance with local legislation whichever is the more frequent.

All High Voltage switching, testing and certification is to be carried out with complete consultation and under the control of the relevant High Voltage System Controller.

All High Voltage connect or reconnection to a source of supply must be carried out in accordance with the relevant State’s or Territory’s legislative requirements and under the control of the relevant

High Voltage System Controller.

The Safety Rules in accordance with AS2467 Appendix A apply as the minimum safety rules under this Electrical Safety Management Plan as well as additional requirements of the state:

Example: NSW: Section 7 of the Service and Installation Rules of New South Wales (specifically Attachment A of section 7 provides a Schedule of minimum operating procedure and safety equipment – HV Installation for NSW.

4.6 HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS

Only suitably trained and licensed personnel in accordance with respective State’s or Territory’s legislation and regulations are to carry out Hazardous Location Electrical Work.

All Hazardous Location Electrical Work for connect or reconnection to a source of supply shall be in accordance to the respective State’s or Territory’s legislative requirement.

Example: For the specific laws about the risks of electrical work, see clauses 144 – 166 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.

4.7 WORKING IN THE VICINITY OF OVERHEAD OR UNDERGROUND SERVICES

All Electrical Work in the vicinity of electrical services, whether overhead or underground, must comply with the respective State’s or Territory’s legislative requirements including permits and/or
exclusions zones/approach limits.

Example: Safe Work Australia also has guidance material on working in the vicinity of overhead and underground electric lines

The Electrical Worker must complete a written Risk Assessment before any excavation or Elevated

5 SUPERVISION

5.1 ELECTRICAL WORKERS SUPERVISION

All Electrical Workers must, for all Electrical Work, report to a nominated Electrical Supervisor. The Electrical Workers file identifies their Electrical Supervisor ALLS-OHS-132-1).

Electrical Workers will only be supervised by persons who have at least the same level of Electrical Licence.

A nominated Electrical Supervisor must be:

  • • A qualified and licensed Electrical Worker, or
    • A qualified and licensed Electrical Worker who is already a Works Supervisor or Manager, or
    • An electrical nominee or electrical endorsee (Electrical Contractors licence holder)

An electrical nominee or electrical endorsee is a person who is an open class, licensed Electrical Worker who is also the nominee for the company’s Electrical Contractor License.

Example:

A site Licensed Electrician who is issued Electrical Work by a Supervisor or Manager who is not electrically licensed, must have a nominated Electrical Supervisor to report to. The Electrical Supervisor must be electrically qualified and the Electrical Worker will report to this person for their Electrical Work, if required. This is for general electrical compliance reasons and to ensure that every Electrical Worker has a qualified person to discuss their Electrical Work with if need be.

The Electrical Supervisor assists in ensuring that legislative electrical compliance obligations are being met by EmmS.

Compliance obligations include:

  • • A clear and concise description of the work completed on Job Dockets and Certificates of Test/ Compliance (where applicable).
    • The site address, including the building number, floor number and the room number.
    • The circuit number and current rating of the protection device.
    • That a task specific Risk Assessment is attached, dated and signed.
    • Where appropriate that compliance testing has been completed and a Certificate of Compliance has been issued
    • That compliance test results are attached to the Certificate of Compliance as proof of testing. Mandatory tests can include earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, RCD testing and correct circuit connections.

5.2 CONTRACTOR SUPERVISION

Emms Contract Managers/Supervisors, Project Managers/Supervisors, Site Supervisors and/or Team Leaders, Leading Hands must not directly supervise Electrical Contractors for Electrical Work (i.e. whether it complies with Australian Standards and the Electrical Safety Legislation) unless they have the necessary and appropriate qualification as an Electrical Supervisor.

EmmS Contracts Managers/Supervisors, Project Managers/Supervisors, Leading Hands, Site Supervisors and/or Team Leaders who manage or administrate Electrical Contractors, but are not appropriately qualified as an Electrical Supervisor, are to ensure that all EmmS Electrical Contractors in their charge comply with the EmmS ESMP.

  • • The Electrical Contractor and their Electrical Workers are familiar with, and comply with, all aspects of the ESMP to ensure they are competent to carry out Electrical Work in the required manner including all required documentation. This is to be achieved via annual ESMP refresher training.
    • The Electrical Contractor verifies through documented and signed Inspection and Test Plans (ITP’s) that all Electrical Work is carried out in an Electrically Safe manner.
    • The Electrical Contractor verifies that all work, undertaken by their company and any sub-contract staff in their employ, complies with the relevant State or Territory legislative requirements and Australian Standards and that the correct electrical tests have been performed, documented and signed.

5.3 APPRENTICE SUPERVISION

EmmS will comply with all current State or Territory electrical safety legislation requirements for the training and supervision of Apprentices.

All Apprentices, regardless of standard of training or trade, must be under the direct control of a nominated Electrical Supervisor or nominated Electrical Worker whilst performing Electrical Work. Direct control means knowledge of the person, where they are and what activity they are doing.

The name of both the Apprentice and the nominated Electrical Supervisor or nominated Electrical Worker will be documented on the Job Docket or Job Sheet.

State and Territory electrical safety legislation makes reference to Apprentice supervision. This, together with National Supervision Policy Guideline for Electro-technology Apprenticeships forms the basis of the supervision requirements for EmmS Apprentices.

Apprentices Year 1 and 2

Year 1 and 2 Apprentices must have direct supervision*. These Apprentices are to be under the direct supervision of a person who is authorised to do the Electrical Work. Refer (Section 42B 1(a), NT Electrical Workers and Contractors Act 2002) The Electrical Supervisor or Nominated Electrical Worker must decide and instruct the Apprentice for the safe completion of electrical work. The Apprentice must not make these decisions.

(Direct supervision means at all times on a direct and constant basis, Direct means being within visual contact and/or earshot (audible range) and Constant basis refers to those tasks being performed by the apprentice for the first time and until skill is demonstrated for the complexity of the task and the work environment.)

Apprentices Years 3 and 4

Year 3 and 4 Apprentices in the context they are being trained to be a Tradesperson must have appropriate site supervision and the Electrical Supervisor must make the decisions having regards to:

  • • The type of Electrical Work performed
    • The adequacy of the Apprentice’s training
    • The competency of the Apprentice

In addition, Year 3 Apprentices must be directly supervised while performing the following electrical works:

  • • Distribution Board and Main Switchboard installation (Not accessible to contact with electricity supply)
    • Testing of installation for compliance, labeling, preparation of DB legends (Not accessible to contact with electrical supply)
    • Fault Finding


Year 4 Apprentices must be directly supervised while performing the following electrical works:

  • • Fault finding
    • Confirmation of Isolation

Year 3 and 4 Apprentices must not be responsible for the isolation of an electrical installation.

The Electrical Supervisor or Nominated Electrical Worker in all cases must make the decisions on the competency of the person performing electrical works. Instructions should not be relayed to an Apprentice through a third party who is not the Electrical Supervisor or Nominated Electrical Worker.

Example: An instruction is never to be issued in passing on a message.

6 QUALITY CONTROL

6.1 TESTING OF ELECTRICAL WORK

All Electrical Work will be tested to ensure it complies with legislative requirements and is electrically safe. Electrical testing must be in accordance with Section 8 of Australian Standards AS/NZS 3000 – Wiring Rules and AS/NZS 3017 – Electrical Installations – Verification Guidelines.

Electrical test results will be recorded on a test record in the specified test record format dictated by the State or Territory legislation.

These test results will be attached to the job card as proof of test. The Electrical Worker who carried out testing must be recorded on the job card.

6.2 SITE INSPECTION BEFORE LEAVING

Before leaving the site a visual inspection must be conducted to ensure all cables have been correctly terminated and the installation and/or equipment and ancillaries is electrically safe.

All completed Electrical Work must comply with relevant standards and be in accordance with the customer’s requirements.

6.3 CERTIFICATE OF TEST/COMPLIANCE

The Certificate of Test/Compliance must be issued to the customer and/or the electrical supply authority following all Electrical Work.

The Certificate of Test/Compliance must be issued in accordance with the relevant State or Territory legislative requirements. If State or Territory legislation dictates a specified test record format, and then these MUST be attached to every Job Card for work that is tested as proof of test.

6.4 STANDARDS AUDIT

Audits will be conducted on a regular basis to ensure that the Electrical Work completed has been conducted in accordance with all relevant legislative and Australian Standards requirements.

The relevant Electrical Supervisor, Contract or Project Managers/Supervisors, Site Supervisor and or Team Leaders will be responsible to ensure ESMP compliance audits are conducted. Completed ESMP audit forms (Refer procedure Electrical Safety Management Plan Audit Report (AUDIT-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-10-1) will be retained in the site EmmS contract file for a period of at least seven years.

The auditor must be a person who is electrically qualified, competent to assess the accuracy and relevance of company procedures and is familiar with electrical safety requirements. The auditor will understand the responsibilities of electrical contractors in accordance with current State or Territory electrical safety legislation.

6.5 CONTROL OF DOCUMENTS

All recommended changes to the ESMP and associated documentation will be reviewed through consultation with appropriately qualified personnel.

Any change to procedures, amendments to manuals or new documents will be issued to relevant Electrical Workers. Electrical Workers will be required to remove redundant documents from their manuals at this time. Discussions on changes will be held and minuted at staff meetings.

A record of all documents issued to each person will be maintained.

A signature from the Electrical Worker will be required for the issue of PPE, standards and any other significant documents.

This record will be maintained in the Electrical Worker’s personnel record file.

6.6 CONTROL OF RECORDS

The following documents will be retained for seven years:

  • • Certificate of test/compliance issued to the customer and or electrical supply authority
    • Electrical test result figures to be retained with job docket/ work order.
    • Record of tests on testing instruments
    • Record of tests on safety equipment
    • Safety, Competency and Procedure Audit Schedule
    • Training records

7 WORKING LIVE

All Electrical Workers must comply with the following Live Work procedures.

Live Electrical Work is only to be carried out in exceptional circumstances; such that a break in supply to isolate the relevant parts of the installation for the particular work proposed will endanger the safety and health of users of the installation, or that a supply of electricity is necessary for the proper performance of electrical work, or is not possible in practice.

In all these exceptional circumstances, a written case must be prepared to justify Live Electrical Work to be carried out.

Live Electrical Work, excluding testing, fault finding and commissioning, must be undertaken in the presence of a safety observer who is competent to perform the particular task involved and is competent in electrical rescue and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Live Electrical Work for testing, fault finding and commissioning, may still require a safety observer pending outcome of application of risk control measures in accordance to Australian Standard AS 4836 Section 3.

7.1 RISK ASSESSMENTS

A task specific Risk Assessment must be completed prior to commencement of any Live Work.

Any Electrical Work, which is by definition Live Work, including testing, fault finding, installation, repairs or maintenance to electrical cables or components must only occur following a written Risk Assessment (QLD Electrical Regulations S. 12 b) and the implementation of appropriate control measures as outlined in Australian Standard AS 4836 Section 3.1.

7.2 LIVE WORK PERMITS

All Live Work, other than testing and fault finding, performed by Electrical Workers will be in accordance with the Live Electrical Work Permit (FORM-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-29-1) and that the permit must be completed before the work commences.

The owner/customer, the relevant EmmS Manager and the respective state’s electrical nominee/endorsee must acknowledge their approval for the Live Work on the Live Electrical Work Permit prior to the task being commenced.

A customer who requires Live Work to be carried out, with the exception of testing or fault-finding, will be required to sign an acknowledgment on the Live Electrical Work Permit. This must state they are aware of the responsibilities of Live Work and there is no reasonable alternative.

Important Note: Additional cost and/or commercial convenience is not accepted as a reason for Live Work.

7.3 LIVE WORK METHOD FOR TESTING & FAULT FINDING ONLY

Access to Energised terminals for the purpose of TESTING AND FAULT FINDING will be permitted only when:

  • • A Risk Assessment is conducted and completed
    • Test equipment complies with Australian Standard AS 61010.1
    • The appropriate test equipment is tested and is within ‘in-test’ date
    • The appropriate PPE and Electrical Safety Equipment is used and is within ‘in-test’ date
    • No hand tools or power tools are used
    • There is no direct contact with, or movement of, exposed (uninsulated) energised conductors
    • The isolation point of the relevant electrical supply has been clearly identified and is able to be reached and operated quickly without any need to negotiate or remove obstacles
    • The work area is clear of obstruction so as to enable entry and exit quickly and safely
    • Unauthorised persons are prevented from entering work area by signage and barriers

8 GENERAL PROCEDURES

8.1 LOCK AND TAG

To ensure the safety of Electrical Workers, our clients and the public, isolation points are to be identified prior to commencing the work, and will be isolated, Locked and Tagged in accordance with relevant State or Territory legislative requirements and Australian Standard AS 4836.

EmmS will issue a Lockout Kit to every directly employed EmmS Electrical Worker. This will be signed for and added to their Electrical Equipment (Test) Register (FORM-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-128-2). This kit is to be returned to EmmS on resignation or termination from the company.

EmmS Electrical Contractors must also have their own Lockout Kit. It must be supplied by the Electrical Contractor to their Electrical Workers and be suitable and effective to be able to lock out electrical equipment.

Electrical equipment requiring work to be performed must be isolated from all sources of supply either by opening switches, removing fuses or switching circuit breakers.

Appropriate warning tags and lockout devices must also be placed at points of switching, isolation or disconnection.

To safeguard against inadvertent reconnection by others after being absent from the immediate work areas, checks and tests must be carried out to ensure that electrical equipment being worked on is still isolated.

  • • All tags must be checked and removed by approved signatories.
    • No one must remove a tag belonging to another person.
    • The person who has placed the tag on in the first instance has exclusive authority to remove the tag.

Only in very extreme circumstances can another person remove a tag, and in this case, it may only be removed by the Supervisor or Contract Manager or at their direction, and only after it has been deemed safe to do so.

When removal of “Danger Do Not Operate” tags for electrical equipment under repair, maintenance

or decommissioning is required; the electrical equipment must be isolated from supply and appropriate tests made to ensure the equipment is de-energised. An “Out of Service” tag is placed
at the Isolation Point.

8.2 TEST AND TAG

All portable electrical equipment and safety switches or Residual Current Devices (RCD’s) requiring testing to ensure the item is electrically safe must be fitted with a Test Tag that complies with Australian Standard AS 3760 and complies with current State or Territory electrical safety legislation. Frequency of inspections and testing shall be completed in accordance with AS3760 and AS3012.

All EmmS used portable electrical equipment will be Tested and Tagged. This is irrespective of State or Territory electrical safety legislation that states Testing and Tagging of portable electrical equipment protected by safety switches in some circumstances is not required. If the EmmS requirement is greater than state or territory legislation, then the EmmS standard will be maintained.

Details of the portable electrical equipment on site must be recorded in accordance with AS3760 and AS3012 and maintained onsite in site register or logbook to be available at all times.

Logbooks may be those commercially available in line with the standards or Electrical Equipment Register (FORM-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-128-2)

The minimum qualification permissible by EmmS to perform Testing and Tagging of portable electrical equipment is the Test and Tag Course, available through TAFE or an equivalent, where a person has been assessed as competent and deemed qualified to perform the task. This qualification allows for Testing and Tagging of portable electrical appliances only, but not maintenance or repairs.

Maintenance or repairs to portable electrical equipment will only be completed by licensed Electrical Workers.

9 ELECTRICAL WORKER RECORDS

9.1 ELECTRICAL EMPLOYEES

An employee file will be maintained for each Electrical Employee. The file will contain documentation of their nominated Electrical Supervisor (FORM-CORP-OHS-GEN-128-1).

  • • Personal contact details
    • Copies of current certificates of competencies (licences)
    • Copies of relevant technical or other certificates
    • Copy of current drivers licence
    • insurance details if vehicle is supplied via “car allowance”
    • recruitment process
    • Details and documented evidence of any relevant courses (internal and external) completed
    • Associated training records, including induction declarations and assessments
    • Copies of any relevant completed audit reports using Electrical Safety Management Plan Audit Report (AUDIT-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-10-1).
    • Copies of any significant defects, listed on the distributor’s inspection report, which can be attributed to the person
    • Record of issued documentation, test equipment, PPE, and electrical tool list
    • Details of any disciplinary action

The above details will also be retained for any casual or contract technical staff.

9.2 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS/SUBCONTRACTORS

Details will be maintained on all Electrical Contractors. The file will contain:

  • • A contractor pre-approval qualification
    • Sub-contractor personal contact details as per the EmmS Services Agreement
    • Copies of certificates of competencies (licences)
    • Copies of certificates of currency for relevant insurances
    • Copies of relevant technical or other certificates
    • Copy of current drivers licence if applicable
    • Copies of monthly contractor OH&S Safety Performance Summaries
    • Details of any relevant courses completed and all associated training records, including induction declarations and assessments
    • Copies of EmmS contract performance assessments
    • Copies of all relevant completed audit sheets
    • Copies of any significant defects, listed on the distributor’s inspection report, which can be attributed to the Contractor
    • Record of issued documentation, test equipment, PPE and electrical tool list (if issued by Emms, if self-issued by sub-contractor this information must be available from the subcontractor on request)
    • Details of any EmmS raised disciplinary action or corrective action reports

10 ELECTRICAL EMPLOYEE TRAINING AND ASSESSMENT

10.1 ESMP TRAINING

  • • ESMP training is provided annually to all Electrical Workers directly employed by EmmS.
    • ESMP training is required for EmmS Supervisors and Managers who have Electrical Workers or Electrical Contractors reporting to them.
    • Electrical Contractors are required to attend ESMP training prior to commencement and/or are required to demonstrate compliance with the ESMP. .

ESMP training can only be delivered by a licensed open class Electrical Fitter Mechanic approved by the respective state’s or territory’s electrical nominee or electrical endorsee or by completing the
equivalent online training provided through safety@emms.

For Classroom training, a participants list should be retained and participants should be encouraged to provide feedback on the quality of the training and trainer. (Participants list can be sent to LearningSpot for updating of the electronic records of training completion)

10.2 TRAINING ASSESSMENTS

Electrical Employee training requirements will be assessed annually. The minimum training required will be annual refresher of the ESMP.

Internal and external training will be made available to Electrical Employees to improve technical competencies and as required by any legislative changes.

10.3 COMPETENCY AUDITS

Audits on new employees must be conducted once a month for the first three months. Existing employees should be audited at least annually with records being maintained for seven years. More frequent audits will be conducted if the performance of a particular Electrical Worker is considered unsatisfactory.

When non-conformances are identified they will be immediately discussed, documented with the relevant person and appropriately actioned.

Persons with their own electrical contractors’ licence but working under the control of the EmmS contractor’s licence will be included in the audit program.

Action plans are to be developed where deficiencies are identified through the audit process. Action Plan (FORM-GRP-ALLD-ALLS-OHS-01).

Definitions

Term Definition

Approval Agreement is reached whether verbal or written and must be documented.
Competent Having acquired through training, and qualifications, experience or a combination of these, the knowledge and skills to correctly perform the task required. (AS/NZS 4836, Section 1.6.3)
Direct Control of Apprentices Direct control means knowledge of the person, where they are and what activity they are doing.
Direct supervision of Apprentices Direct supervision means at all times on a direct and constant basis, Direct means being within visual contact and/or earshot (audible range) and Constant basis refers to those tasks being performed by the apprentice for the first time and until skill is demonstrated for the complexity of the task and the work environment.)
Electrical Worker A person engaged in the installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, testing or fault finding on electrical equipment, including the supervision of such work. (AS/NZS 4836, Section 1.6.9)
Electrically Safe · For a person or property, that the person or property is free from electrical risk;
·For electrical equipment or an electrical installation, that all persons and property are free from electrical risk from the equipment or installation;
·For the way electrical equipment, an electrical installation or the works of an electricity entity are operated or used, that all persons and property are free from electrical risk from the operation or use of the equipment, installation or works;
·For the way electrical work is performed, that all persons are free from electrical risk from the performance of the work;
·For the way a business or undertaking is conducted, that all persons are free from electrical risk from the conduct of the business or undertaking; and
·For the way electrical equipment or an electrical installation is installed or repaired, that all persons are free from electrical risk from the installing or repairing of the equipment or installation
Energised Connected to a source of electrical supply or subject to hazardous induced or capacitive voltages. (AS/NZS 4836, Section 1.6.11)
Exposed Conductors
Electrical conductors and parts, the approach to which is not prevented by a barrier or rigid material in good order or by insulation that is adequate e for the voltage concerned and that is in sound condition. (AS/NZS 4836, Section 1.6.13)
Fault Finding The process of making measurements or carrying out tests on equipment to locate faults. It may also include the process of connecting testing instruments or devices to various parts of the equipment to determine how the equipment is operating. (AS/NZS 4836, Section 1.6.14)
Examples:
1) Tracing a fault on a refrigeration control circuit
2) 2) Tracing a fault on a motor or an appliance
High Voltage Voltage that exceeds 1000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC. (AS 4836).
Incident An actual or an apparently imminent occurrence of an event that endangers or threatens to endanger the safety or health of any person, or destroys or damages or threatens to destroy or damage any property, or any other event or alarm that results in a response by the reporting authority.
Live Work Electrical work performed in circumstances in which some or all of the electrical equipment the subject of the Electrical Work is energised. This includes testing; however, a safety observer is not required for testing, unless a risk assessment finds that one is required. Live work includes: Testing, tightening live or energised terminals, tracing cables through a live switchboard, vacuuming a switchboard, component removal or replacement or drilling a hole into a live or energised switchboard.
The following are examples of Live Work
·Testing to ensure correct connections (including polarity)
·Tightening the terminals of live circuit breakers
·Pulling cables into or through a switchboard where there is exposure to live terminals and or energised conductors.
On or Near Proximity to exposed energised conductors where there is possibility of either of the following coming within 500 mm (or other approved distance, exclusions zones) of the energised exposed conductors, whether deliberate, accidental or inadvertent:
· A person’s body.
· Any object, which a person may be carrying or touching during the course of the work that is not designed for use on energised conductors operating at that voltage. (AS/NZS 4836, Section 1.6.23)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety clothing and equipment for specified circumstances or areas, where the nature of the work involved or the conditions under which protection to minimise risk.
Safe System of Work For Live Work on a low voltage electrical installation, includes, but is not limited to a system of work that complies with the provisions of AS/NZS 4836 (Safe Working on Low Voltage Electrical Installations) about ensuring the safety of persons while performing Live Work.
Safety Observer In relation to observing for the performance of Electrical Work means a person, specifically assigned the responsibility of observing and warning against unsafe approach to equipment, exposed energised conductors and other potential hazards; (AS/NZS 4836, Section 1.5.22)
·Who is competent to help, and is suitably trained in the work, and has an understanding of the Electrical Work being performed.
·Whose competency to help, training and understanding of the Electrical Work performed has been assessed by an approved trainer within the last twelve months.
·Who is competent to rescue the person performing the Electrical Work and to provide resuscitation.
·Whose competence for rescue and resuscitation has been assessed in the last twelve months.
·Having an approved low-voltage rescue kit, that includes gloves and rescue crook that is in current test date range, at all times throughout the observation.
·Who must not be employed to perform any other task or be distracted during the observation.
Example 1:
Installation Category 4: Relates to the primary supply voltage on a main switchboard supplied by a transformer. An Electrical Worker performing testing or fault finding in this category must have a Safety Observer who will be a duly qualified and licensed Electrician.
Example 2:
All other installation categories An Electrical Worker performing testing or fault finding in all other situations where the cable size is greater than 16mm2 and the immediate protection device is rated above 80 amps must have a Safety Observer who is a duly qualified and licensed Electrical Worker.
Example 3:
Emergency, An Electrical Worker performing Electrical Work in an emergency situation must without exception, have a Safety Observer who is a duly qualified and licensed Electrical Worker, when: · A ‘state of Emergency’ exists as declared by State or Federal Government e.g. severe storms or cyclones.
·A hospital, aged care facility or like facility, where it is imperative that the electrical supply either to the installation or electrical equipment must be urgently restored (within 1-2 hours), the Supply authority supply of electricity is cut – Brown Outs or Black Outs and/or Emergency Back-up generation plant has failed.
·A domestic or commercial installation during a power outage where there is the possibility of a temporary emergency generator being connected and there exists a possibility of back-feeding.
Testing The use of logical methodology or test instruments, or test equipment by a competent person. (AS/NZS 4836, Section 1.5.25)
Examples:
1) Installation testing
2) 2) Testing for presence of voltage at main switch.