WorkSafe Victoria has just issued a warning to all electrical business, contractors and workers who may be working on live switchboards or circuits.
WorkSafe inspectors are highlighting the need to ensure apprentices are appropriately trained when working ‘live’ and supervised during WorkSafe’s electrical safety month. Paul Fowler, WorkSafe’s Acting Executive Director of Health and Safety has advised employers to make sure workers are not trying to ‘save time’ by not isolating systems before commencing work.
“Electricians often report experiencing pressure from business clients to work live in order to avoid disruptions to trade or production,” Mr Fowler stated. “Clients often don’t fully appreciate the risks so we urge employers and contractors to look for alternatives, such as scheduling works during hours where the power supply can be shut down.”
Contractors and supervisors should understand their responsibility concerning their electrical workers, especially apprentices when working live. As a reminder, electricity should always be isolated and tested before work begins.
“No one should risk their life, or the lives of workmates, for the sake of saving time or inconvenience,” announced Fowler.
“Other than unavoidable testing and commissioning functions, all electrical work should be carried out on de-energised/isolated installations and equipment,” urged Energy Safe Victoria Director of Energy Safety Paul Fearon.
Energy Safe Victoria has also identified ‘worrying’ practices in the building and commercial construction industry. These working ‘live’ practices have appeared to be predominant in the commercially-driven electrical contracting sector. Three electricians have tragically died at work in Victoria since 2016, and WorkSafe Victoria has also noted 11 incidents of workers suffering electric shocks on work sites since January this year.
WorkSafe has provided a few tips for electricians to work safely:
- Always de-energise and lock-out the switchboard or circuit to be worked on.
- Always test to see all parts are de-energised before starting or restarting work.
- If working on or near an energised system is necessary, ensure a Safe Work Method Statement is developed and adhered to.
- Ensure apprentices are adequately supervised.
- If the power cannot be turned off, reschedule the work to a time when the power can be isolated.