Purpose The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidelines for electrical safety in general within Seqwater in compliance with the Electrical Safety Act 2002, Industry Codes of Practice, Regulations, Australian Standards and Government guidelines. Section 12, Part (1) of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld) (LEG-00166) requires: An employer or self-employed person must ensure that, unless the circumstances required under this division for the performance of live work apply, live work is not performed. 1. Scope This procedure applies to all Seqwater employees, as well as contractors, visitors, clients, trainees and apprentices at all times whilst they are working at or on Seqwater property and sites. 2. Definitions List all key terms and acronyms used in the procedure, and their definitions. Key Term Acronym Definition Safety Switch means a residual current device (RCD), type 1 or type 2 safety switches Competent person means a person who has acquired, through training, qualifications, experience or a combination of these, the knowledge and skills enabling the person to inspect and test electrical equipment. Specified electrical equipment (a) for the performance of manufacturing work: a cord extension set (extension lead) with a current rating of not more than 20 amps; OR a portable outlet device with a current rating of not more than 20 amps; OR electrical equipment, other than a portable safety switch that - has a current rating of not more than 20 amps; AND - is connected by a flexible cord and plug to low voltage supply; AND (b) For the performance of service work or office work: a cord extension set (extension lead) with a current rating of not more than 20 amps; OR a portable outlet device with a current rating of not more than 20 amps; OR electrical equipment, other than a portable safety switch that - has a current rating of not more than 20 amps; AND - is connected by a flexible cord and plug to low voltage supply; AND (c) is moved during its normal use for the purpose of its normal use. Document Number: PRO-00006 Version Date: 16/10/08 Page: 1 of 9
Electrical equipment High Voltage (HV) Low Voltage (LV) Extra Low Voltage Authorised person Safety Observer Instructed person Safety Observer Zone Safety Observer Exclusion Zone 1. Electrical equipment is any apparatus, appliance, cable, conductor, fitting, insulator, material, meter or wire (a) used for controlling, generating, supplying, transforming or transmitting electricity at a voltage greater than extra low voltage; or (b) operated by electricity at a voltage greater than extra low voltage; or (c) operated by electricity at an extra low voltage, if the equipment forms part of an electrical installation located in an hazardous area; or (d) that is, or that forms part, of a cathodic protection system. any voltage over 1000 volts (or 1 kilovolt). any voltage up to 1000 volts means voltage of 50v or less AC RMS, or 120V or less ripplefree DC has enough technical knowledge and experience to do the work that involves contact with, or being near, the overhead electric line; and has been approved by the person in control of the electric line to do work that involves contact with, or being near to, the electric line, or is authorised to act for the person in control of the overhead line. in relation to the observing of the performance of electrical work, means a person (a) who is competent to help with the electrical work; and (b) who is competent to rescue the person performing the electrical work and to provide resuscitation; (c) whose competence for paragraph (b) has been assessed in the last 6 months. a person who is acting under the supervision of an Authorised Person. is an area in which it is possible that any part of operating plant, a person working on an elevating work platform, or a load being moved could enter the exclusion zone of live electric lines. the exclusion zones for overhead electric lines vary depending on circumstances. In general, exclusion zone for all overhead electric lines is 3m. The exclusion zone for overhead communications lines is 1m. Document Number: PRO-00006 Version Date: 16/10/08 Page: 2 of 9
3. Process Accountability It is the responsibility of all staff to be aware of and follow the requirements of this procedure. This includes contractors, visitors, clients, trainees, and apprentices. Relevant supervisors and managers are to ensure their staff are following this procedure by conducting training and regular inspections of worksites. The Seqwater Safety Team is responsible for the maintenance of this procedure. Supervisors will: Ensure the safety of those persons under their supervision; Ensure that damaged electrical equipment and leads are immediately tagged as unsafe or repaired; Ensure that testing and tagging procedures are followed at all times; Ensure that faulty equipment is not used; Ensure that registers are kept for the purchase and testing and tagging of electrical equipment; Ensure that only fibreglass or wooden ladders are used when working with any overhead electrical work or installations Ensure that work is left in a safe condition and that testing is carried out and recorded. Provide information, training, instruction and supervision regarding the use of electrical installation to enable employees to perform work without the risk to health and safety; Ensure that leads and flexible cables are supported from the floor or ground if the lead or cable crosses a passageway; if there is water in the vicinity of the cable or work being performed. Electrical workers will: Conduct a risk assessment before commencing any electrical work; Ensure that they or others are not at risk throughout the whole installation; Ensure that procedures for live work and live testing are followed; Check electrical equipment before use and report to their superior or repair any equipment that is damaged, not operating correctly, not tagged or is due for retagging; Not use piggyback plugs or double adaptors; Support an extension lead or flexible cable from the floor or ground if; The lead or cable crosses a passageway or access way; There is water near the cable or work being performed and Comply with safety instructions relating to the use of electrical equipment. Risk Assessment A risk assessment should be conducted on the electrical hazard using the IAC Process and suggested corrective actions implemented through a Corrective Action Report (CAR). Document Number: PRO-00006 Version Date: 16/10/08 Page: 3 of 9
Always conduct a risk assessment before any controls are implemented and a risk assessment after the controls are implemented to ensure the risk has been reduced. Using Electrical Equipment The following are general safety rules when using electrical equipment: 1. Electrical workers must hold current Electrical Workers licences and they only will carry out electrical work. 2. Always check to ensure that the electrical equipment used has been tested and tagged and is in current test date; 3. Always use portable electrical equipment in a workshop or construction site connected to a safety switch; 4. Specified electrical equipment used in manufacturing work must be protected by a fixed safety switch. 5. If using a portable safety switch always test that it trips after the equipment being used is plugged in, by pressing the test button on the side of the safety switch; 6. Never use a double adaptor or piggy back plug in a workshop, construction site or other work areas, including offices; use an appropriate power board; 7. If any electrical leads to portable equipment are frayed, or single insulated coloured cables are showing, do not use the equipment; 8. Place a Danger Out of Service tag on any faulty or damaged electrical equipment; and 9. If personal electrical equipment is to be used at the workplace, the Supervisor needs to approve and visually check it to ensure that it is safe, has been tested and tagged and is in current test date. Hire Equipment If electrical equipment has been hired and is to be used at the workplace, visually check it to ensure that it is safe, has been tested and tagged and is in current test date. If Seqwater is to hire out electrical equipment for use in a workplace, it is to be: 1. Inspected and tested by a competent person before every hire; 2. Inspected, tested and tagged by a competent person at least every 6 months; 3. Withdrawn from use if it is not safe to use or is not working properly, and a Danger Out of Order tag affixed to the equipment; and 4. Records of the test are to be kept for 5 years. Failure to do so could result in 40 penalty units or $3,000 penalty being imposed. Tagging Out Faulty Electrical Equipment Each time electrical appliances are to be used, they must be visually inspected for damage and there must be evidence of current tagging before use. If any electrical equipment is found faulty or does not work: 1. It is to be immediately removed from use; 2. It is to be tagged with a Danger Do Not Operate or Out of Service tag; 3. Your supervisor is to be notified immediately; and 4. This tag is only to be removed when this equipment is fixed. Note: The person finding the equipment out of order is required to place the tag on the equipment. (see Corporate Safety - Electrical Testing and Tagging Procedure (PRO-00307)) Document Number: PRO-00006 Version Date: 16/10/08 Page: 4 of 9
Machinery Maintenance If machinery or moving parts are being cleaned the equipment must be locked out and tagged to protect against accidental or inadvertent operation that could cause injury to employees or others. (see Lockout and Isolation Procedure PRO-00014) Second-hand Electrical Equipment Note: This section applies if Seqwater sells electrical equipment. Obligation of the seller of electrical equipment is: 1. The seller, (Seqwater) of electrical equipment has an obligation to ensure that when electrical equipment is sold, it is accompanied by information about the way it must be used to ensure that it is electrically safe; 2. Manufacturer s information contains this information and safe-use instructions for common type electrical equipment is avail on the Electrical Safety Office web site: www.eso.qld.gov.au 3. A person must not sell second-hand electrical equipment unless the person gives the purchaser information about whether the equipment has been tested (test results) and found to be electrically safe; and 4. If the equipment has not been tested the person selling the item of second-hand electrical equipment, must give the purchaser information that the equipment has not been tested and found to be electrically safe (tag attached to the electrical equipment). Failure to do so could result in 40 penalty units or $3,000 penalty being imposed. Electrical Switchboards 1. Ensure all electrical switchboards are kept free of obstructions and the doors are closed. (Include in the Workplace Hazard Checklist); and. 2. As a general rule a 1m clearance zone should be allowed in front of a switchboard and may be clearly indicated with yellow painted lines on the floor. Also protection from vehicle damage may be needed. 3. Periodically engage an Electrician to provide advice on conducting thermo scans and tests on large switchboards. Portable Generators 1. Always use a portable safety switch connected to a portable generator; and 2. Specialist advice may be sought from an electrician to identify the correct safety protection when using portable generators. Welding Safety When using an electric welder: 1. Do not touch live electrodes unless using insulated gloves; 2. Do not allow any part of the electrode to touch any part of the your body; 3. Ensure the electrode holders are of an all insulated type; and 4. Ensure the welding leads are correctly connected and in good condition. (see Corporate Safety - Hot Work Procedure (PRO-00009)) Document Number: PRO-00006 Version Date: 16/10/08 Page: 5 of 9
Metal Materials and Ladders 1. Any piece of metal is a conductor. Take extreme care when handling material such as reinforcing rods, metal piping, guttering, or roofing material in the vicinity of electrical overhead lines; 2. Metal scaffolding, planks and ladders are to be handled with extreme care in the vicinity of overhead power lines; and 3. Electrical workers must not use metal ladders if the ladder has the potential to be contact live wires and become energised. Overhead Lines Working near exposed and electrically live parts (such as overhead electric lines, electric wiring or underground cables) without proper precautions has the potential to kill and seriously injure. Even if you don't touch the exposed live parts you are still in danger, as high-voltage electricity (more than 1000 volts) can arc, or jump, gaps. Work around electricity in electric lines, around buildings, underground cables or repairing equipment is subject to the Code of Practice for Working Near Exposed Live Parts 2002. Under the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (Qld) (LEG-00192) an employer or selfemployed person must ensure that work performed in the conduct of their business does not involve: a person or any operating plant or vehicle coming into direct contact with an electrical part; a person or any operating plant or vehicle entering the exclusion zone for an electrical part. If cranes, pumping booms, tip trucks, elevating platform vehicles etc, come into contact with energised electrical overhead lines, it is extremely dangerous as they will become energised and may cause electrocution. There are specific clearances that must be maintained when working in the vicinity of overhead lines. This includes lines under the control of an electricity entity and also a customer s private line. Clearances for a particular person will depend on the training and authorisation of that person. 1. No person, including contractors, on Seqwater controlled land or construction workplace, is to enter the Exclusion Zone (3m) for overhead electric lines unless; Written safety advice is obtained from the Overhead Electric Line Owner; and The work is authorised by the Manager using the work permit. 2. No person, including contractors, on Seqwater controlled workplace is to operate any item of plant within the Safety Observer Zone for overhead electric lines unless: authorised by the work permit; or the person is an Authorised Person or an Instructed Person and has approval for the work under the work permit. 3. Low voltage electrical overhead lines near work areas may be covered with insulated covers such as black and yellow tiger tails or a similar arrangement indicated by the Overhead Electric Line Owner; Document Number: PRO-00006 Version Date: 16/10/08 Page: 6 of 9
4. Barriers may be installed to prevent vehicles coming within range for any contact with the electrical overhead lines; 5. A trained Safety Observer is to be used when in the vicinity of power lines and these conditions apply: The safety observer should not be required to carry out any other duty during the time they are carrying out duties as a Safety Observer; be competent in observing, warning and communicating effectively (this may mean the use of electronic communications, e.g., a two-way radio); be hazard and risk aware; be able to warn about approach to electrical apparatus; be able to stop the work if necessary; not be expected to observe more than one crane or plant at a time; not be located in an elevated work platform; and The safety observer should mark the border of the exclusion zone with suitable markers e.g. Red warning tapes or paint, which can easily be viewed by the machine operator. 6. Always look up before work starts and during work Document Number: PRO-00006 Version Date: 16/10/08 Page: 7 of 9
Safety Observers Exclusion zone safety observer Low voltage safety observer High voltage safety observer Should be hazard and risk aware Must be hazard and risk aware Must be hazard and risk aware Should be assigned to no other duties, other than as safety observer to observe, warn and communicate Must be assigned to no other duties, other than as safety observer to observe, warn and communicate Must be assigned to no other duties, other than as safety observer to observe, warn and communicate Should not observe more than one crane or plant at a time Should not observe more than one crane or plant at a time Not a requirement Should not be positioned in an elevating work platform basket Should not be positioned in an elevating work platform basket Must maintain a suitable position to observe the work Should be appropriately skilled in observing, warning and communicating effectively; and who warns about: approach to electrical apparatus unsafe conditions Must be appropriately skilled in observing, warning and communicating effectively; and who warns about: approach to electrical apparatus unsafe conditions Must be appropriately skilled in observing, warning and communicating effectively; and who warns about: potentially unsafe actions lack of compliance with approved work documentation Should* be able to stop the work being performed Should be able to stop the work being performed Must be able to stop the work being performed Must be competent to help with the electrical work. The safety observer does not need to hold an electrical work license or do the work themselves. To help is to assist or facilitate the work being performed Must be competent to perform the electrical work being performed. This means that the safety observer must be the holder of an electrical work licence Must be competent in isolation techniques where appropriate Not a requirement Must provide assistance in emergencies and be competent to: rescue the person performing the work provide resuscitation to the person performing the work (assessed in the last six months) Must provide assistance in emergencies and be competent to: rescue the person performing the work provide resuscitation to the person performing the work (assessed in the last six months) Document Number: PRO-00006 Version Date: 16/10/08 Page: 8 of 9
Underground Services: 1. Before any excavation is done, or any implement is to be driven into the ground to a depth greater than 300mm, approval must be attained from the supervisor; 2. Call Dial Before You dig on 1100. This organisation will advise if electrical cables owned by one or more of its contributory members are located near your worksite. In addition, definite cable locations can be determined by special arrangement with the organisations. Contact relevant authorities about any cables they may have placed near the excavation. Authorities may include: Distribution entities such as Energex or Ergon Communication companies such as Optus and Telstra Local government authorities Water authorities (typically to supply water metering equipment). In some instances, customers of distribution entities have authority to place electricity cables in public places. If excavating on private property, you should first contact the owner or occupier of the premises about buried cables. 3. Positive identification of the location of the underground service may involve careful hand digging. 4. When digging on Seqwater property, a trained cable locator should conduct an assessment to ensure the correct location of any cables in the vicinity. Communication of Electrical Safety Employees are to be advised of the electrical safety general requirements through conducting regular toolbox talks and information awareness sessions. 4. Responsibilities The Senior WHS Co-ordinator is responsible for the maintenance / ownership of this procedure. Specific responsibilities for action are included in Section 3. 5. Associated Documents LEG-00166 Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld) (Obligation of supplier of electrical equipment s34) LEG-00192 Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (Qld) (Second-hand electrical equipment Division 1, and Hiring electrical equipment s126) Code of Practice Working Near Exposed Live Parts 2002. 6. Verification Compliance with this procedure may be verified by internal audit. Document Number: PRO-00006 Version Date: 16/10/08 Page: 9 of 9