“Black Saturday” Bushfires

“BLACK SATURDAY” BUSHFIRES – Online COES available soon 6 WARNING: Keep air conditioners clear of LPG installations 10 how the energy industry ESV action on unapproved electrical products 20, 21 responded to the disaster Gas Standard AS1596 – further changes explained 28 PAGES 3, 4, 5, 15, 16, 17, 18 Electricity installation issues – more questions answered 24 New Gas Safety (Gas Installation) Regulations 2008 29 The e-book option is far more interactive than Why not join those who standard PDF versions, giving readers the option contents. to turn the page, zoom, search and print specific receive the magazine articles of interest. 3 ESV initiatives to assist bushfire recovery as an e-book. The new format is easy to use and already a large More and more readers are choosing to receive number of recipients have opted for the e-book 3 ESV concern over safety of generators energysafe online in an e-book format, and you facility. can join them. It is quite simple to arrange to receive the magazine 4, 5, 15, 16, 17 and 18 The introduction of the e-book is one way for ESV to as an e-book. More bushfire articles and pictures reduce its impact on the environment. 1. Log on to www.esv.vic.gov.au and select online services by clicking Login 6 Online certificates of electrical safety 2. Enter your user ID and password (if you don’t know available soon this, contact ESV Licensing on 1800 815 721) 7 Charges in court over leaving apprentice 3. Make amendments to your details as required unsupervised 4. Enter your email address and select box to receive electronic mail 8 Windsor Caravans recall 5. Click save Alternatively, email [email protected] 8 Boys injured in gas cylinder incident advising your wishes to receive the e-book version. 9 Outdoor patio heaters in childrens’ Once you have subscribed, you will receive an email notifying you when the latest edition is available and play centre a direct link to it. 10 Important information – keeping air conditioners clear of LPG Installations

12 Good progress in repairing Port Philip pipeline

13 ESV’s “Look Up, Look Down – And Live” 2 DVD From 14 Rework of evaporative air conditioners

19 Incidents involving young electricians continue the 20, 21 ESV action on unapproved electrical products editor. 22 Latest prosecutions brought by ESV There are not enough words in the dictionary At ESV we don’t believe that the people who worked 23 Christmas lights warning from Minister to describe the terrible events of Saturday 7 so hard restoring major power infrastructure and February – probably Australia’s worst peace volunteered their time and skills to assist residents www. energy safe .vic.gov.au 24 Electrical installations – more of your time disaster – with so many dead and injured to get their electricity and gas supplies restored questions answered and so much damage to hitherto bustling where possible have been properly acknowledged communities from bushfires displaying a for their contribution. 26, 27 never seen before ferocity. Gas technical articles and other SP AusNet’s distribution area in the eastern part information There is deservedly a great deal of praise due to of the State was undoubtedly the hardest hit. the fire fighters, police and other personnel from The work by its crews and others, joined in a 28 Gas standard AS 1596 – further a variety of different emergency services who fought mutual aid contribution by crews from other changes explained the dreadful fires, rescued as many people as businesses in Victoria and the rest of Australia, possible and are now fully involved in the process to rebuild essential infrastructure so that supplies 29 New Gas Safety (Gas Installation) of recovery for communities and individual victims. could be restored was not far short of phenomenal. Regulations 2008 Naturally enough the power system took a huge Of course the work is not finished and it proceeds 31 How to become an REC hit – there was no way it could have kept operating at great pace. Well done everyone – keep it up. in those conditions – with transmission systems, Hopefully this issue of energysafe will go 31 The correct connection of generators distribution infrastructure and the very wires into someway towards giving some credit where credit to electrical installations individual properties virtually being wiped away. is due. We make no apologies for devoting a great There are a number of unsung “heroes” to emerge deal of space to the bushfires and their aftermath from what has been termed for want of a better as far as energy supplies are concerned. And we name “Black Saturday”. The energysafe team for this issue: have not forgotten the efforts put in to ensure the Editor David Guthrie-Jones Lineworkers, electrical and plumbing/gasfitting integrity of supplies in the three-day extreme heat Contributors Charlotte Roseby, Roger Lambie, John trades – and everyone who has played a part in wave at the end of January. restoring electricity and gas supplies to bushfire Murphy, Doug Rennie, Terry Clement, Michael Leahy, But we do have a great deal of other information ravaged areas – would not regard themselves as John Stolk, Neil Fraser, Trevor Hudson, Kevin Nathan, in this issue. We hope you find it useful. Bala Balendran, Badri Srinivasan, Kerry Marshall. “heroes”. As far as they’re concerned they’re just Editorial assistant Taryn Drewett doing their bit to help those who are worse off David Guthrie-Jones Photographers Taryn Drewett, Shelley Burnside, Trevor than themselves – a sentiment expressed all over [email protected] Hudson, Michael Bull. Australia and many parts of the world. Cartoonist/illustrator Paul Harvey Design AER Design Printing Energi Print

FRONT COVER: The bushfires of “Black Saturday” advertisenow! caused immense damage, wiping out communities and For advertising information and bookings contact Barry Telfer of Barry Telfer Media Services on inflicting a terrible toll of deaths. The power system was Ph: (03) 9579 7787, Fax: (03) 9579 0375 or by email at [email protected] never built to withstand such a ferocious attack and also Bookings are now being taken for the next and subsequent issues of energysafe. suffered. The work of line crews and the electrical and plumbing/gasfitting trades helped relieve a great deal of Our attractive advertising rates are as follows: the stress caused by the fires by getting energy supplies Full page > $5000 Half page > $2500 One third page > $1700 Quarter page > $1500 restored wherever possible. It was a great effort and their commitment to help in any way possible continues. ESV joins others in acknowledging the contribution made to the Authorised by: Energy Safe Victoria, Building 2, 4 Riverside Quay, Southbank, Victoria 3006 Ph: 03 9203 9700 short term recovery of many bushfire ravaged communities. Printed by: Energi Print, 25-27 Olive Grove, Keysborough, Victoria 3173. Our first front cover for this year is purely symbolic of what Copyright. All material appearing in energysafe is copyright. Reproduction in whole or in part is not happened over such a vast area. A transformer pole permissible without the written permission of Energy Safe Victoria, depending on the source of the article. literally burnt to the ground. There is no need to say more. Liability. Howsoever arising as a consequence of use or reliance upon any advice, representations, statement, The picture is by ESV Compliance Officer Michael Bull. opinion or conclusion expressed herein is expressly denied by Energy Safe Victoria and all persons involved in the preparation of this publication. ESV also announced that other registered electrical contractors/licensed electricians ESV’s who issued certificates of electrical safety for electrical work carried out in bushfire affected initiatives areas would have the certificates replaced by to support ESV also free of charge. Proposed changes to the electricity safety bushfire regime were also brought forward allowing Licensed Electrical Inspectors who have a ravaged G class licence to inspect the installation of generators. Normally this work is confined to inspectors with S or R licences. Changes were communities made to the ESV certificate system so that G class inspectors would not need to make With hundreds of licensed electricians a licence application before being available answering the call to voluntarily assist for the work. in restoring power to properties ravaged Information on the safe connection of by the horrendous “black Saturday” generators to electrical installations was loaded bushfires in the Kinglake area, ESV moved onto the ESV website at www.esv.vic.gov.au quickly to assemble a suite of initiatives in “what’s new” under “about ESV”. to help the work. In another initiative, ESV also announced it After the call by the ETU and NECA for would permit builders’ poles to be used to electricians to volunteer their services to help connect properties in bushfire affected areas reconnecting supplies to properties, ESV to the electricity supply, and remain in place for worked with both organisations to coordinate 12 months. This arrangement could apply to 3 a speedy and effective response. temporary accommodation, new construction Crews restoring power infrastructure following or for equipment such as pumps. the “Black Saturday” bushfires. ESV Compliance Officer, Michael Bull, worked A large amount of electricity and gas safety from the Kinglake West fire station helping ESV said that the use of overhead supply advice was provided by ESV in media releases to coordinate the program advising both builders’ poles could only be used in such and also in flyers for emergency authorities to electricians and residents. circumstances if there is not enough vegetation to pose a risk of fire. ESV announced that distribute around the areas which suffered from Director of Energy Safety, Ken Gardner, told it expected everyone involved in such work the bushfires. energysafe: “Like so many other authorities, – licensed electricians, licensed electrical Ken Gardner said: “We wanted to help as much ESV wanted to do all it could to help relieve inspectors and staff of distribution businesses – as we could. At the same time safety could some of the suffering of the bushfire victims and to use their judgment and assess if there was not be compromised – hence the need for wanted to support the efforts of the amazing a risk by using builders’ poles. other electrical safety regulatory requirements

number of volunteer electricians who came to remain in place, with the integrity of the S ESV also announced that electricians coming u forward to restore supplies.” certification system also being maintained. mm er from interstate to help restore and repair The ESV initiatives: installations in the fire damaged areas would “While extending our deepest sympathy to

One of ESV’s first actions was to supply an be able to obtain a Victorian licence for a period all individuals and communities impacted by /A initial 500 certificates of electrical safety free of six months at no cost to them. the fires, ESV also pledged to consider other utu

of charge to electricians supporting the ETU’s initiatives which may assist communities mn ESV would also be flexible when it came to call and carrying out electrical work. Further during these very difficult times.” I 2009 certificates have been supplied since the initial permitting the use of interstate lineworkers More bushfire related recovery articles announcement. to assist with cleanup and repairs. and pictures on pages 15, 16, 17 and 18. SS 15UE Concern over the “People are reportedly using modified With many residents of the Kinglake district extension leads to connect generators straight returning to their properties and wanting their connecting of into the electrical installations of properties. electricity supplies restored, the Energy and generators prompts These extension leads have three pin plugs at Resources Minister issued a news release both ends which means that one end will be urging them to get assistance from licensed ESV and Minister to “live” at 240 volts when plugged into a socket. electricians for all electrical repair work issue warnings This practice could result in loose wires including connecting generators. around properties also being “live”. ESV and the Minister for Energy and Natural “Connecting permanent generators or Resources Peter Batchelor expressed deep “Without putting too strong a point on performing other electrical work around the concern through the media when it received it, people could be killed because of this home can be extremely dangerous and should reports from its own staff “on the ground” practice.” only be carried out by a licensed electrician.” in the bushfire ravaged Kinglake area that When connecting a generator or having main “Because of the safety risk involved this work residents were adopting some dangerous power connections repaired, people must of connecting generators to the electrical practices trying to connect generators to only use licensed electricians. Residents installations of properties can only be carried the electrical installations in properties. who need a licensed electrician should call out by licensed electricians. These generators the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on A note ESV prepared for ABC Radio 774 have to be wired into switchboards. 1800 240 667, he said. said: “Currently we have electricity safety experts based at the Kinglake West “For their safety, residents and their families “Volunteer electricians will be available to assist Fire Station helping to coordinate the are asked to be patient. Electricians are reconnecting power supplies to properties program for volunteer licensed electricians available in Kinglake and residents should where possible and make homes safe. helping residents to connect generators. call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 to arrange for one to call.” “Generators are available locally and a “They have reported major concerns to representative from Energy Safe Victoria us that some residents are connecting ESV said that while small portable generators is currently based at Kinglake West to help generators extremely dangerously, threatening can be used by residents they could only be coordinate licensed electricians to safely themselves and the power system. connected to single appliances such as radios connect generators for residents.” and water jugs. Continued on page 4 Generator concern – continued from page 3 The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) are coordinating volunteer electricians and have received a high number of offers to help.

ETU and NECA both have coordinators on the ground in the Kinglake area in touch with volunteer electrical workers.

Mr Batchelor said power company SP AusNet would be working to rebuild fire- damaged infrastructure and to restore power to key facilities and residents in and around Kinglake.

“Large generators were brought in earlier this week to connect key facilities such as the local supermarket, council offices and properties with underground power,” he said.

Mr Batchelor said Kinglake had been A glimpse of the sun through bushfire ravaged trees. picture by Michael bull. a focus of relief efforts because of 4 These include changes to facilitate the use The Minister said that for more information, the severe damage to local power of electricians, inspectors and interstate electricity workers and licensed electricians infrastructure and the number of powerline workers. Fees have also been should refer to the Energy Safe Victoria people effected. waived temporarily for mandatory certificates website www.esv.vic.gov.au of electrical safety issued in bushfire In addition to the on-ground coordination ESV issued advice both to the electrical trades impacted areas. of electricians at Kinglake, Energy Safe on the correct connection of generators to Victoria has also implemented a number Residents in other bushfire impacted areas electrical installations and prepared a “flyer” of temporary measures to assist with of the state can also register through the for distribution through the area listing the sourcing electricians and electrical Victorian Bushfire Information Line if they precautions to be taken with generators. workers for bushfire effected areas. need a licensed electrician. www. energy safe .vic.gov.au energysafe advertorial – an article supplied by NECA

NECA appointed Greg Johnson, an experienced We have also been very Electrical disaster coordinator, as the on the ground generously supported contracting coordinator of NECA’s response to deal directly by Middy’s who have with the various agencies, organisations and donated materials and industry’s individuals who required help and to coordinate tools to assist with the unprecedented the volunteers and organise the necessary relief effort. resources for each instance. Greg is employed The recovery program will take many months response to the by NECA member Greens Group who very and if not years. The initial process has been generously made him available immediately. bushfire crisis to re-enter and make safe, which has in most The recent tragic and horrific bushfires here The program has seen most of the houses that instances happened. in Victoria has seen the electrical contracting survived the fires back on some sort of power. The next step which has commenced is to industry respond in an unprecedented way. The key was working closely with SP AusNet re-occupy which will be into those homes and Energy Safe Victoria in those areas to ensure The immediate weeks following the fire saw more that have little or no damage. that each property was made safe to connect. than 100 contractors and many of their staff In addition there will be some instances involved in a wide range of voluntary work all Wes said that the response from all the where people will want to use temporary designed to get those affected by the fires back volunteers had been magnificent. “It has accommodation on their land as they start on a supply. been overwhelming to see just what people to the long process of rebuilding. This will in are prepared to do and how they respond The relief effort began immediately following most instances require temporary power being in a situation such as this. They are to be the fires and saw many teams working in the supplied. Again there may well be a need for congratulated on the unselfish way they Kinglake area, which was one of the hardest hit, volunteers in this process. put others before themselves”. and continued nonstop over the ensuing days. Then finally the major phase begins of rebuilding, “We also knew right from the outset that there Following a call for support to members, which is not expected to begin for some months. would be contractors who live in those areas that NECA was overwhelmed by the volume of would be directly affected themselves and we Victoria has never seen a natural disaster of this calls and emails from members and even non- have put in place a program to assist them get magnitude. The response from the electrical members offering labour, materials and even back on their feet as soon as possible. Some industry has been outstanding and those who cash donations. contractors have lost everything and face the participated both directly and indirectly has NECA Victoria President, Wes McKnight, said formidable prospect of trying to get their life been exemplary. In the wake of tragedy comes that NECA and its members stood ready to back in order, so anything we can do to help a strength of human spirit and understanding support those that had been directly affected them get their businesses back up and running that once again reinforces the spirit of mateship by the fires. “Getting people back on power is important.” A number of contractors have that is uniquely Australian. was critical for many people and electrical already been assisted in this way and enquiries contractors have the expertise and resources for assistance can be directed through NECA. to assist in that”. Others involved with the work based in Kinglake “Unfortunately there were just a few instances itself were members of Club Clipsal and where people walked away when told it was Praise for staff from the inspection company, Electrical dangerous and illegal for them to do their Inspections Victoria. own electrical work including hooking up generators,” said Michael. volunteer Wholesalers supplied wiring, socket outlets, extension leads and other equipment free With supply reconnection programs underway of charge to electricians involved in the in other parts of the state affected by the electricians reconnection work. bushfires, Michael listed a issues of concern which should be addressed where possible “Everyone involved should be commended by those involved. They include: as they for their efforts,” said Michael. > The condition of some of the generator sets While the licensed electricians were doing the pushed into service to restore electricity right thing, Michael and others had serious reconnect supplies. Some were old, had not been concerns at the reports of generator sets and properly maintained and by their appearance wiring repairs being carried out by others. properties it was obviously some years since they had “When I first got there generators were arriving last been used. by the hundred on the backs of trucks and > Generator sets connected to electrical ESV Compliance Officer, Michael Bull, spent trailers. There were alarming reports of people installations unsafely by unlicensed persons. three days stationed at the Kinglake West Fire trying to connect them, and other reports Station assisting local registered electrical where residents had hooked them straight > Wiring work carried out in properties unsafely contractors to coordinate the re-energising into switchboards or power plugs. by unlicensed people. of properties by putting residents in touch > Possible problems of fatigue among the “We also heard of local people buying up with the hundreds of volunteer electricians licensed electricians working hard to reconnect supplies of electrical equipment including who answered calls to help. properties where it was safe to do so. wiring from hardware stores. “I have nothing but praise for the electricians > Exposure to asbestos in fire damaged “Fortunately many residents did come to us 5 who came forward to help the reconnecting of properties. Electricians were advised to wear seeking help to connect generators or other properties, firstly with generators and later when masks to prevent infection from airborne electrical work, or advice on why things were power was restored. They worked carefully contaminants. not operating properly. They were quickly and safely by ensuring that installations were allocated electricians who went with them > Electricians needing to take care when properly tested before work started to ensure to their properties to make sure the work working in damaged properties. it was safe to do so,” Michael told energysafe. was done properly. “Because of the care taken there were no injuries and that’s a credit to everyone involved in what was a massive effort. Mind you some of the electricians were getting a bit tired and grumpy working hard and snatching whatever

sleep when they could in the back of their cars.” S u Michael worked mainly alongside local REC Ziad mm er Ghobril of Road Runner Electrics who matched his own employees and other local licensed /A electrical workers with the volunteer electricians utu to answer the residents’ calls for help received mn

at ESV’s Kinglake West base. I 2009 He also liaised with the reconnection work

undertaken by NECA members based in the SS

Kinglake township, and distribution company 15UE SP AusNet which based its operations involving ESV Compliance Officer, Michael Bull, at Kinglake some 160 truck crews replacing the supply West with Ziad Ghobril of Road Runner Electrics (extreme right) and two members of his staff. infrastructure from the local zone substation. 6

The screens for accessing and lodging online certificates. The names will be prefilled when the screens are accessed.

> The ability for online lodged COES to pre-fill The introduction of the online certificate system Online with contractors details is one initiative provided by ESV to help meet > Ability to notify Retailers/DBs that a certificate the State Government focus of reducing the certificate to be has been lodged regulatory burden for businesses. New electronic and paper certificates will be > Ability of RECs/LEIWs to email prescribed introduced soon introduced in line with the introduction of the online certificates to LEIs or inspection companies system. Some of the reporting functions required The new system enabling the electrical trades to arrange inspections www. energy safe .vic.gov.au to purchase and lodge certificates of electrical in the existing certificates have been removed safety online will be introduced by ESV shortly. > Ability of LEIWs to use certificates purchased and this is reflected in the new certificates. by their employer and to return the completed Paper certificates already purchased will still Updates on progress introducing the new COES to their employer electronically system – and how to use it – will be posted on be able to be used, however all certificates the ESV website well ahead of its introduction. > If the certificate is lodged online a copy of the purchased from the introduction of the online certificate will not have to be posted to ESV certificates will be in the new format. The information will also be provided to registered electrical contractors, licensed > Ability of LEIs to receive completed COES The move to the online system has come about electricians and licensed inspectors who have online and accept or reject the inspection because of extensive consultation between provided their email details to ESV. request online ESV and the electrical trades. The consultation has covered a number of areas including The trade is advised to make sure their contact > Ability of inspection companies to receive the COES form itself, the purchasing online details are updated on the licensing register as completed COES online and to allocate them interface, the lodging online interface and the required to ensure the information is received electronically to individual inspectors email/fax interface. in a timely manner. > Ability for employers of licensed electrical ESV wishes to acknowledge the support Details of the new system will also be provided workers to purchase COES for their workers provided in assisting the introduction of this at industry presentations around Victoria. via a nominated licensed electrical worker important new facility. As indicated in previous issues of energysafe, who agrees to be the responsible person for ESV wishes to stress, however, that the current there will be a number of advantages for those the ‘employer’s organisation’ Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system will who select to use the online system. They > Ability of employer to provide licensed workers remain unchanged and be available to those include: lists within the system so that those workers can use COES that are purchased by the people who do not wish to avail themselves > Ability to purchase COES numbers on line of the online system. and lodge those COES online employer and stored in the system. ESV urges those with an online capability to use While paper certificates will need a signature, > Ability to print off, email or fax the lodged the new system because of the advantages that there is no such requirement for electronically COES to the customer it provides through its enhanced features. submitted certificates.

Under the change, distribution businesses Have you ever thought of COES – certificate will ask for the individual prescribed certificate for each individual occupancy. working at ESV? required for In the case of an installation containing multiple We currently have vacancies each occupancy individual occupancies, the address for each for experienced technical individual occupancy requires its own prescribed As explained in a recent issue of certificate to be issued. managers in our gas and energysafe, a prescribed certificate An example would be a unit sub-division with electrical areas. of electrical safety (COES) is required 6 units, it would foreseeable that up to 7 For more information please prescribed certificates would be required, one for each occupancy address within for each unit (6) and if there was public light and log onto www.esv.vic.gov.au, a multiple installation. power this would make it seven certificates. ‘About ESV’, ‘Working at ESV’. The defendant gave instruction for relocating The company was convicted for failing to ESV three phase equipment and told the apprentice disconnect circuits before working on electrical he had isolated supply from the circuits and equipment. It was fined $1000 and ordered to prosecutes conducted tests to ensure they were isolated. pay costs of $700. However, not all the phases of the circuit had The director worker was also charged with been tested, the court was told. company and failing to disconnect circuits before working on The apprentice was told by the defendant to run electrical equipment. The defendant gave an electrician new wiring for an isolator switch across the roof undertaking to be of good behaviour for one of the building and to cut existing wiring so that year and agreed to make a payment of $500 over leaving the switch could be moved. to the court fund. The defendant was also ordered to pay costs of $700. When the apprentice cut through the cables he an apprentice told ESV the wires “exploded”, blew a hole in the pliers he was holding as well as blackening Electrician dies unsupervised the index finger of his left hand. ESV recently prosecuted a registered electrical after receiving contracting company and its sole director and The defendant returned to the site about one technical supervisor, a licensed electrician, after hour later and the apprentice told him what had electric shock investigating an incident in which a first year happened. The defendant then took time to test A 53-year-old electrician died in hospital electrical apprentice received an electric shock the circuits where the incident occurred before at the start of the year a few days after when working unsupervised. asking the apprentice if he had been injured. receiving an electric shock while working at a factory in Mulwala – just over the The company and the director were both The court was told the apprentice went home Victorian border in NSW. at the end of the working day and his parents charged with failing to disconnect circuits As the man died in Wangaratta Hospital, insisted that he see a doctor. The doctor put him before working on electrical equipment. the Victorian Coroner will determine off work for three days and shortly afterwards his cause of death. WorkCover NSW is A summary of evidence provided to the the apprentice resigned from his employment. investigating the incident. 7 magistrates court said that in February 2008 ESV received a report that the first year When interviewed about the incident by ESV, the The man reportedly received the electric shock while working in a cherry picker which electrical apprentice had received the shock defendant agreed that he had left the apprentice touched overhead powerlines at an explosives while working unsupervised at a property in without supervision while he went to pick up factory in Mulwala on 30 December. Dandenong a few days earlier. material. He agreed that the apprentice had cut through a “live” cable but said the apprentice Colleagues rushed to help the victim The investigation found that the electrician, had not received an electric shock. and gave him CPR before a doctor and the sole director of the company, went to a job ambulance crew took over. The defendant explained that the reason the with the apprentice. The defendant isolated The man was reportedly resuscitated in cable was still “live” was that the circuit had parts of the electrical circuits before leaving the ambulance on the way to hospital but been incorrectly wired from two circuit breakers the apprentice to work alone. died some three days later. resulting in an incorrect test. S u mm er /A

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VIC NSW QLD SA WA (03) 9793 6111 (02) 9734 9944 (07) 3216 2799 (08) 8340 9200 (08) 9475 0777 Good progress ESV’s warning on made in recall of gas cooker caravans to ensure advertised they are safe. on the internet ESV reports that good progress is being According to figures provided to ESV, by the ESV has warned that an unapproved made in recalling a number of caravans end of January, 771 Windsor caravans had been tested “in the field” and nine minor gas failures product, Jace Model JHL-610 Gas manufactured by Windsor Caravans Pty had been detected. Cooker Oven with an electrical Ltd to ensure gas fittings in them are The caravans were tested at a pressure of connection, was recently advertised tight and safe. 14kpa whereas the code requires 7kpa. Normal over the internet for purchase by Last year ESV issued a direction to the company operating pressure is up to 3kpa the general public. requiring it to trace all vehicles manufactured Director of Energy Safety Ken Gardner told The Jace JHL-610 is not certified nor has between 1 May 2007 and 10 November 2008, energysafe: “ESV has not received any reports it gone through any approval system and and arrange the checks of fittings. of fires or injuries involving Windsor Caravans in is therefore not to be installed under any the actual field post delivery from dealers. This is 8 The number of vehicles identified by Windsor circumstances, says the warning. Caravans requiring testing totals 1192. to be expected with dealers required to conduct tests including pressure testing of gas fittings Under the Gas Safety Act 1997 Version as Windsor Caravans published a Product Safety before vehicles are delivered to customers. published 18th January 2009 clause 71, it Recall notice in newspapers around Australia is an offence to supply or sell unaccepted on Friday, 5 December 2008. Owners of vans “In addition, there have been no reports of leaks made by caravans owners or users to either ESV appliances. Under clause 71A it is an were also contacted through dealers asking or Windsor Caravans.” offence to sell unsafe appliances and this them to present their vehicles for inspection clause would also apply to this product. Ken said the process of PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL by licensed gasfitters. CUSTOmER ALERT tracing and testing vans Gas Tightening Test The offences still apply even if the product Windsor Caravans advises customers th Procedures were also put in place to contact safety audit of gas fittings it was determin is advertised for sale with a declaration which have not yet been a possibility in some circumstances at during a recent some fittings. ed that there is of gas escaping from owners who might have been in transit when We therefore request you have your car from the vendor stating that it is not certified located continues. inspected by a licensed gas fitter, and r using your gas until inspected. The avan/pop top the recall notice was published. need to contact Windsor Caravans ecommend not or approved. 03 9930 4900 to obtain a copy of the licensed gas fitter will “ESV will continue to tests to be undertaken. Customer Service on Windsor Caravans notified the Caravan and The cost of the inspection i instructions of the warranty. ESV advises that Licensed/Registered s covered under your monitor the situation This notice applies to units manufactu www. energy safe .vic.gov.au Recreational Vehicles Association (CRVA), which 1st May 2007 and the 10th Novem manufacture is stamped on the VIN red between the Plumbers and Gasfitters should always to ensure the direction chassis of the van). ber 2008. (The date of plate located on the forwarded details of the recall to approximately Any enquiries should be directed to the check any appliance they are asked to install is complied with Customer Service Manager, Win dsor Caravans P/L 2000 park operators throughout Australia. 50 Stanley Drive Somerton,on Victoria 3062 to ensure they are badged and approved by and take whatever or telephone 03 9930 4900. Contact was also made with parks which are follow up action a licensed authority. A failure to do so would not members of the CRVA. be also deemed an offence. is required.” 10867

As the hose connection for the single ring ESV has published a new brochure advising burner was not compatible with the cylinder of the safety precautions required to ensure ESV warning valve connection, the boys removed the BBQs operate safely at all times. It points threaded hose connection and placed the out that more than half the injuries sustained after two hose into the female section of the cylinder by Victorians from gas use each year valve, and wrapped both the hose pipe and involve domestic BBQs. It also advises the cylinder valve with a PVC style tape. community to engage licensed gasfitters boys burned As a result of the incident, ESV and the fire to regularly check and maintain BBQs. authorities provided the following important The authorities also provided the following due to LPG gas BBQ safety advice: general advice for barbecues and outdoor > Ensure the barbecue and the gas cylinders cooking: escape are in good condition; > Use soapy water on hoses to check for > Ensure connecting hoses between the leaks to ensure they are tight and in good ESV and the CFA investigated an incident condition; involving an LPG cylinder at Werribee in early cylinder and appliance are not damaged > If a wok burner is fitted to the barbecue, December in which two boys – aged 14 and or leaking gas; make sure its connections are tight; 11 – received serious burns requiring > Ensure hand-tightened cylinder connections treatment at the Royal Childrens Hospital. are as tight as they can go – in the case of > Always store cylinders outside; The incident prompted ESV and both the other fittings use a spanner if possible > Never use barbecues or other outdoor CFA and MFB to issue a joint media release > Do not drink too much alcohol when in appliances inside the house; warning the community to be particularly charge of a BBQ. It can impair judgement > Do not leave gas cylinders on the transit careful over the summer months when and delay appropriate safety activities in hook when a barbecue is in use; handling gas cylinders. It was one of a number cases of emergency; of warnings issued by the authorities on BBQ > Only transport LP gas cylinders in an > Always seek medical attention if a burn upright and securely fastened position; safety in the lead up to the warmer weather. occurs. The CFA report said the two boys had been > Never leave the barbecue unattended CFA Manager Community Development, when cooking; attempting to cook a meal inside a dome tent Gwynne Brennan said: “Many people use gas erected in the rear yard of a house when the operated barbeques over the summer months > Do not allow children near the barbecue incident occurred. that haven’t been professionally checked in a unless supervised; The report said the incident was due to the number of years. We encourage all Victorians to > Keep barbecues clear of flammable boys attempting to connect a single ring regularly inspect items such as gas cylinders, to material such as vegetation. burner and hose pipe onto an LPG cylinder prevent injury and deadly fires in the outdoors inside this tent. this summer.” A childrens’ play centre with external Outdoor patio heaters. gas heaters located in childrens’ play centre Recently ESV investigated reports that external gas patio heaters were located inside two childrens’ play centres in Melbourne suburbs – one in Hallam, the other in Cheltenham. An ESV Gas Inspector checked out the claims “As you may be aware the original use of and found five of the heaters in use at the centre ESV warning on the heater and its original certification by the in Hallam. No outdoor heaters were located at unapproved hot Australian Gas Association was in combination the other premises. with a spa package. water heaters “ESV has recently received advice from Takagi The director of the centre in question was sold on Ebay Japan, the manufacturers of the water heaters, 9 interviewed and said he had been told by a that they are unable to warrant the safety of ESV has warned people who have purchased representative of an LPG company that such the heater as an independent and separate or expressed an interest in purchasing a heaters were permitted inside factory type hot water heater and that they cannot supply Takagi SQ 16 Hot Water Heater that the buildings, such as the one in which the centre operating specifications for separate use. product is not approved for sale in Australia. was located. “As a result ESV is unable to assess the safety ESV has commenced legal proceedings of the Takagi SQ 16 water heaters under He was advised to remove the heaters which against an individual who offered the heaters section 69 of the Gas Safety Act 1997.” were tagged with an ESV “Do Not Open” for sale on Ebay. Purchasers were asked to valve tag. bid for one of the products. The letter said that if any of any of the heaters have been installed they will need to be A letter to everyone who placed bids says that A letter detailing the non compliance of the removed without delay because of safety ESV cannot accept the heater being installed installation AS 5601 has been sent to the centre. considerations. as a stand alone unit. S u mm er /A utu

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Safety Institute Register to visit of Australia www.safetyinaction.net.au (VIC Division) Inc “For some time the LPG industry has been The Wiring Rules (AS/NZS 3000:2007) requires Explosion struggling with electricians (and others) that adequate clearance must be maintained positioning the compressor units of split system between electrical equipment (e.g. outdoor unit hazards air conditioners too close to LPG cylinders of a split system air conditioner) and vessels installed on the exterior walls of premises. containing flammable gases/liquids. associated “This results in our previously compliant and Unlike the situation where a natural gas meter safe gas installations being compromised, often installation is determined by the authority and with placing air to the cost to the customer who we then require takes into account safe location – i.e. free of to make things safe again by repositioning the vehicular traffic etc, ventilation and possible conditioners compressor unit,” said the industry. ignition source – the sighting of LPG portable Recently ESV issued a Gas Company Action cylinders to service in particular a domestic too close to Request on an LPG company which the industry residence is determined in many cases by claimed resulted from an electrician illegally the installer, a licensed gasfitter. LPG cylinders and unsafely installing air conditioners through In all installations whether they be domestic, a caravan park, compromising previously commercial or industrial, LPG gas cylinders ESV has been advised of a number of compliant cylinder installations. dependent on their application require recent installations where the outdoor “Whilst we acknowledge that we have a part predetermined locations as described in Gas units of split system air conditioners to play in ensuring the safe supply of LPG to Installations AS/NZS 5601 – The Storage and have been located too close to gas our customers, it appears that there is a gap Handling of LP Gas AS/NZS 1596:2008. See also Classification of Hazardous Areas AS/NZS storage containers (LPG bottles) and in the knowledge of many electricians and air 2430.3.4 which classifies the hazard presented gas regulator equipment – resulting conditioning installers concerning the “legalities” of placing electrical components near LPG by lighter-than-air flammable gases (natural gas) in the need to relocate the electrical cylinders,” said the industry. and heavier-than-air flammable gases (LPG) are equipment. to be adhered to under all circumstances. A hazardous environment/explosive situation 10 All electrical workers should be aware of the can be due to the combination of released Prosecution! hazards that arise from installing electrical flammable gas/liquid and the ignition source The installation of any electrical switching equipment in close proximity to containers presented by normal electrical equipment. equipment in the exclusion zone around an LPG such as LPG cylinders or others containing The consequences can be horrific. cylinder installation, as described in the above flammable gas or vaporising liquids. ESV’s advice to installers codes, such as split system air conditioning The Liquefied Petroleum Gas industry recently These gas cylinders may be installed at equipment, would contravene the requirements asked ESV to help remind electricians and domestic premises, caravan parks, restaurants, of these codes and the installer would be liable installers of split system air conditioners in commercial kitchens, etc. to prosecution. particular of the need to observe the regulations Generally the following clearances, for other which apply to such situations. than large scale gas installation, apply. www. energy safe .vic.gov.au

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The cattle farmer had been attending a The officer confirmed the four children – Father Christmas party with his family on a neighbouring two boys and two girls – had witnessed property at Sarre Station, around 70 km south of their father’s death. Richmond in central northern Queensland. electrocuted A local shopkeeper said the dead man was A group of children had been playing with a kite, a long-time resident who was well known in front of which became tangled in power lines, police said. in town, having played football for the local team and once worked as a shearer. The farmer, aged in his early 40s, is believed children to have used a metal pole to retrieve the kite A Police Media spokesperson said Four children watched as their father and suffered an electric shock. Queensland Workplace Health and Safety was investigating the death. was electrocuted while retrieving a “The people at the property commenced CPR kite which had become entangled in and continued until the Queensland Ambulance power lines in Queensland some three Service arrived but he was deceased,” a local days before Christmas. police officer told the media. Electrical engineering design solutions for Electrical Contractors

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HAZARDOUS AREA 15UE • Single Line Diagram Export to AutoCAD® • L.V. Distribution Network Ground Level Ground Level Modelling • Automatic Mains and Submains CableSelections *This distance is measured from *This distance is measured from the top of any cylinder valve. 1500mm the top of any cylinder valve. 3500mm • Automatic Final Subcircuit Cable Sizing Ignition sources must be located outside the shown hazardous area • Light Fitting and Motor Libraries • Reports with Print Preview • Direct Online Support • Standards AS/NZS, IEE, BS,CP5 and IS (India) No one was injured in the incident and 60 > The final tie-in spool will be fabricated after ESV tonnes of flammable gas that escaped did not measuring the exact distance between the ignite because of wet conditions. flange faces. > Prior to the installation of the tie-in spool, ESV Pipelines Safety Engineer, Bala Balendran, supervises the pipe sections will be flushed with told energysafe that repairs to the pipeline potable water from both sides. i.e. from are progressing well and are ahead of the repairs to LIP and Altona. original schedule. > On completion of the tie-in, the pipeline (LIP major Port The supply of ethane to Qenos and Huntsman to Qenos) will be hydrotested at 1.25x MAOP, is scheduled to commence during the first week dewatered, air dried and N2 purged until O2 of March, he said. content of 0.2% or less is recorded and the Philip Bay pipeline will be left with N2. Bala provided the following current status of repairs to the pipeline: > Exposed pipeline within the bay will be buried pipeline in a trench to a depth of about 2 metres. ESV is supervising repairs to a major > The damaged sections of the pipeline have > Concrete mattresses will be placed over the ethane pipeline damaged by the anchor been cut. The cut ends have undergone flanges and the mechanical connectors for mechanical tests to confirm the integrity of mechanical protection. of a cargo ship during a thunderstorm the ends of the pipeline where the mechanical in mid December. connectors are to be installed. > Then the pipeline will be ready for commissioning with Ethane. The pipeline carries ethane from ExxonMobil’s > Fabricated pipe spools (3 nos.) with welded > Supply of ethane to Qenos and Huntsman Long Island Point plant at Hastings overland to flanges have been installed and connected to the LIP side of the pipeline via the is scheduled to commence during the 1st Mordialloc and then under Port Philip Bay to week of March. Altona where it supplies Huntsman Chemical mechanical connector. Legal action is reportedly underway with the Company and Quenos plastic manufacturers. > Another mechanical connector has also been installed on the Altona end of the pipe. pipeline owners suing the ship’s agents for the The anchor of the ship, APL Sydney, cut through cost of repairs, and the pipeline customers 12 > Mechanical connectors were pressure the pipeline during the storm on 13 December. claiming compensation for losses. tested at 6000 kPa to confirm the integrity of the seals.

Rowville school is a

www. energy safe .vic.gov.au winner in the 2008 Switch Awards Happy students at Heany Park Primary School, Rowville, proudly show their prize certificate which they received as a winner in the 2008 Origin Energy Switch Awards. With them is Origin representative, Mark McCabe. The school won the $2,500 Energy Review in the energy safety category of the awards. The students have been dressing up as Energy Police and checking every part of the school for energy efficiency and energy safety. ESV assisted in judging the awards.

Let us help you grow your business. During these challenging times, why not use victec apprenticeships to alleviate your employment risks. To invest in a victec apprentice is a sharp choice. Not only do you get a valuable and safe worker, but the hassles of recruitment and apprentice management are gone. This lets you get on with your business. 03 9389 9959 www.370degrees.com.au As reported previously, the DVD is in some ESV hopes to distribute the DVD through as ESV’s new ways an update of a version made in NSW many avenues as possible across the State, in some years ago but with a new script, film particular organisations and individuals whose DVD: “Look Up, footage and animation explaining the right work activities bring them into close contact way to do things and what can go wrong. with overhead and underground assets. Look Down – There is hardly a day that passes without an Keep the orders coming – remember the DVD incident involving contact, particularly with will be provided at no charge. And Live”. above ground powerlines, not being reported ESV has received orders totaling several to ESV, and the DVD has been produced in hundred copies for its new DVD production direct response to these continuing incidents aimed at preventing incidents and injuries across Victoria. – and even deaths – involving contact with Fortunately the vast majority of these overhead and underground powerlines and incidents do not result in injury. Regular gas pipes on rural properties. readers of this publication will not need Details of the DVD entitled “Look Up, Look reminding, however, that in 2006 two Down – And Live” were provided in the last drivers and a farmer were electrocuted issue of energysafe. Orders can also be as trucks hit powerlines on farms. Police officers arrive at a property to relay placed by accessing details in “quick links” the tragic news – a scene from ESV’s new Only last year a man lost a leg and a foot DVD “Look Up, Look Down – And Live”. on the home page of the ESV website. There among a number of horrific injuries he received is no charge for the DVD. when a scissors lift hit a powerline at Mildura. Copies will be distributed shortly once the The idea for the new DVD came during final touches have been completed. The discussions ESV held with the widows and DVD will come in modular form enabling families of the two drivers who died in 2006. recipients to watch the entire 13 minute or 13 so production or segments dealing with The widows are not identified in the different safety scenarios. production but their thoughts and emotions which they experienced at the loss of There will also be a warning that some their loved ones result in some compelling scenes showing what can go wrong when The crew films a truck arriving with a bulk messages as they are delivered by actors load delivery at a farm – a scene from ESV’s truck deliveries are made to farms could in the production. new DVD “Look Up, Look Down – And Live”. be distressing.

Death could have An electrical fatality in Erskine, near Mandurah, Archicentre recently revealed that more than in December could also have been avoided if a one in five WA homes have faulty wiring. been avoided if safety safety switch had been fitted to the circuit, said Since 1990 all new residences in WA have been switch was installed the authority. S required to have at least one RCD to protect the u mm er A total of 33 out of the 38 electricity related “Residential buildings built before 1990 do power circuits. Since 2000 this was expanded deaths reported in West Australian homes in not have any RCDs installed unless the owner to require at least two RCDs for each domestic the past 16 years could have been prevented if has arranged their installation as a family installation, to protect against electric shock /A utu a safety switch or residual current device had safety initiative,” said Director of Energy from faulty appliances and lighting fittings, as been installed, says the State’s safety regulator, Safety Albert Koenig. well as from damaged wiring associated with mn

power point and lighting circuits. I 2009 EnergySafety. “EnergySafety has run safety campaigns on In late January a 12-year-old boy died in Perth’s TV, radio and the press, but it is believed EnergySafety in Western Australia has proposed southern suburbs. It was reported that he that voluntary installation of RCDs has a low that the regulations under the Electricity Act be SS contacted a “live” 240-volt connection on an penetration rate of only about 20 per cent of amended to require the installation of at least 15UE appliance whose circuit was not protected by an the relevant housing stock,” Mr Koenig said. two RCDs in homes, where not already fitted, RCD. The home was built about 20 years ago. before they are sold or leased.

y a r tin G s nd Ju t a e e Klo yn a w y, D y, e oom e T mi a ) J R – L ( insulation over a downlight spread to the cooler. evaporative “We deeply regret the inconvenience that this will cause but believe it be to in our customers’ best interest as a precautionary measure” said Mr Hogan. Brivis has advised that ESV as of the middle of February customers had or 11,955 so, jobs registered for the rework and 10,119 had been completed. Brivis was hopeful of completing the work soon. Brivis also advised that it had sent out 3,200 registered letters customers to on their database who had not registered for the rework. This resulted in nearly400 additional registrations. haveESV investigated three reported fires involving Brivis evaporative units since the start of the year but only one of them, whichappears haveto started in the water pump connections, is related the to rework program. Another of the damaged units is being investigated by Brivis and a report will be provided Into ESV. the other incident it is believed that a fire caused by thermal “After extensive testing an by independent laboratory and discussions with Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), we have launched a national rework program for the affected models,” said Mr Craig Hogan, Brivis’ Managing Director. “This work will be done technicians by on the sites where the unit has been installed and owners of the premises will be informed of our plans. “We have advertised in newspapers around Australia and are writing all to known customers. willWe carry out the work as quickly as we can. per“Around 75 cent of these coolers are in Victoria but as this is a large undertaking we are using additional external resources assist to with the work. “While we are writing our to customers, anybody who installed Brivis evaporative coolers during this time is invited contact to us 553on or 754 1800 visit our dedicated recall website at www.briviscoolerrework.com.au “Although, the problem has been rare, we ask affected customers not to operate their unit until we have performed the required rework. “Eastland has three defibrillators, just in case, we all thought we would never have use to them. a great It’s feeling save to someone’s life. not somethingIt’s you want have do to to but when it has an outcome like this, it does feel saidgood,” Mr Toomey. The young electrician, Dwayne Kloet, was at the awards ceremony. He said: pretty “It’s overwhelming, it was really good see to them again and thank to them for what they did.” Ambulance Victoria CEO Greg Sassella said this award year’s recipients were chosen from more than nominations 100 made by paramedics over the past year. “These awards show ordinary people can be heroes. Regardless of whether it was for a friend, family member or a stranger, their actions were clearly heroic,” Mr Sassella said. Mr Sassella said people could prepare themselves for a medical emergency by enrolling in a first aid course,keeping a first aid kit handy, having an accurate record of medications and teaching children when and how call to emergency services. “What happens before an ambulance arrives is vital the to outcome for patients in a medical emergency,” he said. “For cases such as cardiac arrest the equation is simple, the longer it takes for someone to get help, the less their chances of surviving. “We need the public become to more and more involved in the process of saving lives,” said Mr Sassella. al r c i , r t e in the c e s safe r ativeai ea or s fi cr ia’ . or evap t tedtheele g ant in rs c r i c le lvin ale nifi o V g coo i s by V S t E inv

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nditi ade r a r co numbe auth Two courageousTwo workers who went the to rescue of a young electrician after he received a severe electric shock at Eastland Shopping Centre have been honoured for their bravery and compassion. As reported in the last issue of energy Bravery awards rescuing for young electrician Andrews and Ambulance Victoria CEO Greg Sassella during a ceremony at Parliament House in Melbourne late last year. Lysterfield resident Justin a tradesman Gray, working nearby, heard the commotion and wasted no time in alerting security, calling an ambulance and beginning CPR. “I basically saw him on the ground, lay him on his side and checked his pulse and breathing. Therewere no signs eitherof so rolledI him onto his back and started very CPR. It’s exciting to be called a hero the At time today. it wasn’t very exciting but today it definitely said is,” Mr Gray. of Oakleigh,Jamie Toomey, works as a security guard at the shopping centre and used a semi automatic defibrillatorto start heart.the man’s The two men continued work to on the man until paramedics arrived. the 20-year-old heart man’s stopped during the incident at the shopping centre in September. The two workers were among recipients 16 of the 2008 Ambulance Victoria Community Hero Awards t Subsequent investigations and ESV by the fire authorities identified a possible problem with some fan motor start/run capacitors installed in units. An outcome of the investigations was the announcement air by conditioner manufacturer Brivis just before Christmas that it was undertaking a national rework of some of its evaporative air coolers. The company said that the rework, which would be free of charge, involved upgrading the fan motor starting device in some evaporative coolers installed between 1 August 2001 and October 31 2003. A media release from the company said it had identified a potential defect in the supply fan motor starting device which, in rare cases, property damage and/or personal injury could result. This rework will be free of charge. evaporative coolers evaporative E conducts national rework of of rework national conducts Air conditioning manufacturer manufacturer conditioning Air

www.energy .vic.gov.au

safe 14 15 Summer/Autumn 2009 ISSUE 15 Boring and Difficult conditions In difficult conditions, safety was the number one priority for all crews. The signalled CFA electricalto teams when an area was safe, and that information was fed back through an emergency service liaison officer. Electrical teams completed a comprehensive set of safety checks beforeundertaking any work. electricalassessed crews safe, the was Onceit tremendousbegan effortdamageand the to areassome in power. restore repairsto complete crews worked continuously through the night. The teams worked hard keep to each other positive, and keep their collective spirits up, said Powercor’s Damien Batey. continued next page . ea r

ake a e Kingl (Citipower and Powercor areas) es to th uppli r s e Water Tappings Water Horizontal Boring - under roads, driveways and pathways Road Opening Permits Management Plans Traffic Pipe and Services Locator Trenching and Boring Services for Electricians Plumbers Trenching Underground mains Pole to pits • • • • • • • • Trenching Trenching toring pow ‘One call does it all’ es d in r ve ol v ks in ruc T in Kinglake, which was achieved by connecting a generator underground to cables that weren’t damaged by fires, said Natasha Whalley of SP AusNet. “In a tremendous effort crews, by the Kinglake Zone Substation was re-energised, which provided power Kinglake’s to shop, hotel and station.” CFA “We have been pleased with the offers of support from across the industry during this critical time and we will be utilising mutual aid assistto us with restoration and reconstruction jobs across the network,” said Natasha. They managed to restore power to 49 homes . r

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r fte unp ele Jeeralang area. area, and crew 100 members in the Churchill/ crew members in the Kinglake/Yea/Murrindindi than 9,700 homesthan 9,700 in a single week, with 270 aid crews were able restore to power more to Kinglake. More SP AusNet than 375 and mutual their recovery efforts in the devastated area of equipment SP to AusNet help to them with Powercor provided line 20 workers and heavy ETSA in South Australia also offered its support. Australia left home join to the restoration effort. drivers from Cape Cable Layers in Western In addition, six trucks full of linesmen and crane CitiPower/Powercor crews restore to power.” from dawn to dusk alongside SP AusNet andalongsideAusNet dusk SP to dawn from “In a show of solidarity that makes me proud solidarity me makes of that show a “In worked and towns affected fire to travelled Chief Operating Officer Don Plowman. Warrnambool from crews travelling our and support those left with so little,” said Jemena industry, this workingin life my spent have to depotBroadmeadows our from Jemena crew 55 “I know each of us are doing what we can to survivors returning their to homes. checked and installed generators for those made repairs and replaced powerpoles, and reconstructionwork. They inspected powerlines, horrific conditions,to complete electricity and interstate worked side side, by in control, electrical crews from across Victoria As CFA fireAs CFA fighters brought the fires under

A to fire-ravaged areas fire-ravaged to as crews restore power power restore crews as fi Impressive performance performance Impressive ele continued from previous page The hotel owner was advised that the LPG “Our people are incredibly resilient and showed Volunteer plumbers supply to the premises via four individual great bravery to push on and get the work done set up water tanks cylinders manifolded together was not up to in fire-devastated communities. Of course it standard and should be rectified. After some impacts different people in different ways, but for properties discussions, a Kleenheat representative as a general rule they are remarkably resolute surviving the fires offered to carry out the required work at and take great pride in helping restore essential no cost to the hotel. services to these communities.” Some 30 volunteer plumbers also helped the recovery program in the Roger Lambie told energysafe: “We were “We had a young apprentice lineworker who had there to advise and assist. Hopefully our bushfire ravaged Kinglake area by one of his mates killed in the fire. We decided presence helped ensure a satisfactory not to roster him on to go to Redesdale near taking part in a program coordinated conclusion to the gas supply issue at the Bendigo for reconstruction works but he insisted by the Australian Army to set up water hotel. Everyone has a lot on their minds he wanted to go. He had a strong conviction this tanks at properties which managed to up there but safety is still very apparent.” was the right thing to do for his mate. survive the blazes. And, what about the mood of people in the area? “There is never a shortage of volunteers. We’re In another gesture of support for the area, Roger said: “When talking to a police all in it together.” LPG company Kleenheat were on site Inspector he said that the sooner they started providing 9kG cylinders free of charge to All transmission and distribution organisations getting Kinglake back on track with normal residents requesting them. acknowledged the strong cooperation between facilities functioning the better it was going all emergency services in responding to one The company was also happy to provide 45kG to be for the overall morale of the people of the worst crises in the state’s history. cylinders to homes provided that Kleenheat affected by the fires. personnel delivered the cylinders and checked Work continues “This became all too apparent at a meeting the safety of the installation before connecting At the time of going to press, there were still of the townspeople later on when it was the cylinders. several hundred properties without power – most announced that the local kindergarten was 16 of them in the townships totally destroyed by ESV gas safety experts – Manager Gas about to reopen. The news was met with fire which have been declared as crime scenes, Installation Safety, Doug Rennie, and Gas loud cheers and sustained clapping by all thus preventing crews for being able to inspect Safety Officer, Roger Lambie – also visited those who were there.” the damage. There will be long-term restoration the area to assist with advising and resolving issues for electrical supply in many areas. some gas fitting issues. Activities included addressing a meeting of essential services With fires still burning and the chance of further personnel explaining how they could help. blazes all too likely this season, power company crews are involved in some intense electricity ESV brochures and safety information were asset protection works in a number of areas – provided to information centres at both again mostly in the north east of the state. Kinglake and Kinglake West. SP AusNet’s distribution area was the most An example of a gasfitting issue in which ESV

www. energy safe .vic.gov.au severely affected by the bushfires and yet within was involved included advising on the gas just over a week power had been restored to installation at a local hotel which had suffered more than 10 000 homes and the number a large amount of water damage requiring gas was coming down all the time. appliances to be disconnected and moved. LPG supply to a local Kinglake Hotel found to be not up “Our people are incredibly resilient and showed to standard and requiring rectification. great bravery to push on and get the work done… it impacts different people in different ESV’s gas safety “Licensed/Registered Plumbers and Gasfitters ways, but as a general rule they are remarkably will be able to safely determine whether there resolute and take great pride in helping restore advice to bushfire is a problem particularly when carrying out essential services to these communities.” areas: check any purging or relighting appliances. “There is never a shortage of volunteers. We’re installations “Households are also warned that Liquefied all in it together.” Petroleum Gas (LPG) is heavier than air and before gas is used where it escapes it will remain in depressions or within confined areas rather than dispersing. ESV issued important advice post the “black Saturday” bushfires recommending that gas “LPG installations include the use of bullet tanks, supplies – both natural gas and liquefied and multiple or singular cylinders. If they have petroleum gas – to properties in affected areas been affected by any heat whether direct or should be checked for safety by experts before radiated, the supplier should be contacted and being used. where necessary the cylinders replaced. “All associated valves, regulators, and the It is strongly recommended that prior to using general security of the cylinder installation any existing gas installation a Licensed/ should also be checked by a Licensed/ Registered Plumber Gasfitter should be Registered Plumber Gasfitter. engaged to make an overall inspection of the installation and in particular carry out pressure “Licensed/Registered Plumbers and Gasfitters testing, said the advice. should also check that all appliances and their associated supply and flue systems have not “Heat, whether it is direct or radiated, can been damaged or blocked due to fallen tree reduce the integrity of joints in the pipe work branches and other contaminates that may or fittings of a gas installation and cause leaks. have entered the flues. “The installation may also require the pipe work “Restoration work must be carried out by to be cleared of any internal debris caused by a Licensed/Registered Plumber Gasfitter heat reaction causing scaling within pipe work. to meet the requirements of Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) and all associated “The scaling can cause blockages in pipe work Compliance Certificates must be issued. A transformer pole brought and/or long term problems with appliances in down by the bushfires. the installation. “Plumbers and gasfitters should phone the ESV Gas Safety Technical Information Line on 1800 652 563 if they require further information.” Power system tested during Victoria’s record heatwave The bushfires of Saturday, 7 February, tended to push into the background the extreme record heatwave experienced just a few days earlier. While Victoria’s electricity transmission and distribution networks came in for a good deal of scrutiny from a number of quarters both during and after the event, the system coped well in very trying circumstances. New records were set as both temperatures and power demand soared across the three days at the end of January when the thermometer topped 43 deg C in Melbourne 17 and went much higher in regional areas. But power outrages across the state affected thousands of homes and businesses due to a number of issues. Power was not the only infrastructure affected – Melbourne’s train system also suffered due mostly because of buckled rail lines in the extreme heat. Victorian Premier John Brumby defended the state’s power system, however, saying the blackouts were the result of catastrophic events during a record heatwave, the likes of which Crews being briefed during the program to restore power supplies after “Black Saturday”. S

only occurred every 100 or 200 years. u

The Australian Energy Regulator is reportedly Basslink chief executive Malcolm Eccles said mm er “These are unprecedented conditions, it’s the going to investigate what caused the massive the 360km cable stopped operating when hottest week since records began,” Mr Brumby

power blackout. the temperature reached 45 degrees on its /A told reporters. Victorian end and 35 degrees in Tasmania. The utu Victoria’s distribution companies reported shutdowns were necessary to protect the asset He said authorities had carefully managed numerous incidents of blown fuses and mn power supplies during the hottest week in the and the cable worked to its design criteria. transformer outages across the state during I 2009 There were no engineering solutions available Preparing to manage a power outage state’s history but catastrophic incidents had the exceptional heat. Power outages can occur .at Complete any time. the To list prepare, provided in thrown the system into chaos. to upgrade the stations at either end of the you should have an energy plan and kit, which includes: 1. Important Contacts

SS this brochure and keep these numbers somewhere On Thursday afternoon 29 January demand in cable to cope with higher temperatures. safe and easy to find, insuch case as ofa mobilea power phone outage. that How you can help prevent Access to a phone However, Mr Brumby said he could not 15UE power outages 2. , such as candles or torches. doesn’t rely on electricity to operate. Victoria peaked at 10,494 megawatts, smashing . Trees interfering with powerlines are a cause of many 3. Alternative lighting guarantee that another “catastrophic incident” easily preventable power outages. Remember to keep naked flames away from the previous record set last March 2008 of flammable material and gas sources. You can help to reduce this risk by regularly checking would not occur again and that infrastructure Why we have power outages the size and health of trees growing close to powerlines, 4. Alternative cooking facilities and heating 9,818 megawatts. On Friday 30 January, and letting the appropriate people know if these trees Keep in mind that some gas appliances may still Victoria has the most reliable power supply in Australia. need to be cut back or removed. require electricity to operate them. Always ensure upgrades may be needed. DEPARTMENT OF But sometimes power outages do still occur. gas connections are maintained. Stay and tuned in goodto news DO NOT attempt to remove or prune trees near electricity demand reached 10,378 MW and PRIMARY INDUSTRIES working order. Power outages can be caused by severe weather, powerlines yourself even if they are on your property. such as lightning, floods, bushfires or high winds, A battery-powered radio If the tree is on your property contact your local 5. or by trees falling on powerlines. Animals, services to get updates on weather conditions that was the day Melbourne’s temperature electricity distributor. If the tree is in the street, call your . If you use electricity to run There were probably two “catastrophic car accidents or digging near underground and power outages. powerlines can also cause interruptions to power. local council. These groups can arrangewww.esv.vic.gov.au for the trees to

reached 45 deg. C plus. be pruned or removed according to safety regulations. 6. Access to fresh water Electricity power outages can last from several a water pump, make sure you have an alternative incidents” which resulted in load shedding and For more information on tree clearing, visit the minutes to several days in some situations. source for fresh water. Energy Safe Victoria website at Restoring power is usually the responsibility or call (03) 9203 9700 or 1800 800 158. the scrutiny of the power system. What if you have special needs? ESV issued a number of safety messages during of your local electricity distribution company, who owns and maintains the poles and wires If you require an uninterrupted supply of power the heatwave and recommended households bringing power to your home. because you: > The loss of the 600 MW undersea Basslink This guide outlines some simple things you • are on life support equipment; can do at home to help prevent power outages • have a medical condition that requires continuous should not operate their air conditioning systems – and to prepare for those rare occasions when power supply; or interconnector when it was shut down due power is lost for a long time. • have any other special needs, to high temperatures in both Victoria and with the thermostats set below 25 deg. C. you should report your needs to your electricity retailer (the company you pay for your electricity) so they can contact you in the event of an outage. Tasmania on the afternoons of Thursday and Make sure they have your up-to-date telephone Crews were flown in from Tasmania, the ACT numbers and contact details. Friday (29 and 30 January) which resulted in and Queensland and together with local crews the need to reduce load by some 350 MW; Your guide to were working “flat out” to restore power supplies power outages and, during the heatwave. How to prepare > A transformer explosion on the afternoon of and be safe Friday, 30 January, which according to reports Commenting afterwards, Victoria Police deputy sent shrapnel into the air and sparked several commissioner Kieran Walshe said from a grass fires. The explosion took out two major policing point of view, Victorians had handled 500kV transmission lines operating from the effects of the heat-wave relatively well, South Morang to Keilor and South Morang to including the extreme temperatures and Sydenham. This disruption alone resulted in power blackouts that left 500,000 homes some 500,000 homes and businesses, some and businesses without electricity on Friday in the Melbourne CBD being blacked out 30 January. during early Friday evening. Melbourne’s trains were also severely affected. “Certainly there was frustration, certainly there The Department of Primary Industries were people trapped in the city, a fair slice of the has published a brochure to help people prepare for power outages CBD was without power for a period of time and and remain safe. It is available at there were traffic lights out,” Mr Walshe said. www.dpi.vic.gov.au/poweroutage > If electricity supplies have not been restored to Gas safety during hot weather Electricity and homes for any reason, householders must not While the use of some backyard BBQs may connect generators or perform other electrical be permitted during Total Fire Bans, they must gas safety work around the home. Such practice is both be operated with care and safely during such illegal and dangerous – such work can only periods. be carried out by licensed electricians. advice issued > Households still without power after > Never disconnect an LPG cylinder without electricity supplies have been restored to their checking that it is turned off; by ESV ahead neighbourhood should seek the help of their > Ensure hose/pipe connections are in good network provider. The problem could be a condition, unblocked and fit snugly; of “Black fault in the supply line to the property, or a fault > Check for leaks in connections between within the property’s electrical installation. BBQs and gas cylinders by using a soapy Saturday” > If there are continuing power supply problems water solution; within properties, an electrician licensed by > Always ensure adequate ventilation when With dire weather conditions predicted Energy Safe Victoria must be engaged to using gas BBQs; for Saturday, 7 February, ESV issued a perform any electrical repair work. Contact series of both gas and electricity safety a registered electrical contractor – contact > Store LPG cylinders outside, upright and away from sources of heat; messages in a media release distributed details are available in local newspapers and Yellow Pages phone directories. the previous day. > Remember it is dangerous to be in charge > When there is a power cut, make sure cooling of a BBQ after drinking too much alcohol. > Restrict the use of electricity in the home to appliances are turned off (if they come back Further information: www.esv.vic.gov.au avoid overloading the power system. on and there is no one at the property, fires > Turn off lights if not required. This action will could eventuate.) In the case of emergencies, households are reduce heat in the property: > Where properties have been significantly advised to contact their network provider. damaged by storms or strong winds, it is Relevant contact details for faults and > Do not set the thermostat for air conditioning imperative that checks of wiring and other emergencies can be found on power bills. systems at temperatures below 25 deg.C; 18 electrical installations are made before > Ensure that air conditioning systems are appliances are connected and turned on. serviced regularly so that they operate Such checks must be carried out by a licensed effectively and are not overloaded; electrician or licensed electrical inspector. > Do not use electrical appliances close to swimming pools – or in the pools themselves. An electric shock received in the swimming pool area is more likely to be fatal than in other locations; > If using appliances, such as coolers or “bug zappers” for the first time, ensure they are in good working order;

www. energy safe .vic.gov.au > Avoid the overuse of powerboards and extension leads to power appliances; > Do not use any appliances if there is doubt about their condition and safety; Important electricity safety messages for households ESV also provided the following safety advice for households: > Because of the extreme weather and demand on the power system, some properties could experience power blackouts; > When outdoors keep clear of powerlines which have fallen to the ground because of high winds and make sure others do the same. They could be “live” and dangerous. Destroyed vehicles lying by the roadside. picture by Michael bull.

to be restored. > Ensure your generator is placed in a ESV’s > Ensure your generator is correctly connected. location where the exhaust fumes do not Incorrectly connected generators can cause come into contact with any combustible safety advice fallen powerlines in the vicinity to become material “live” and cause further damage which > Always plug appliances into the generator may delay your property and neighbouring rather than plugging the generator into the to bushfire properties from being reconnected to the power socket as this increases the risk of communities electricity supply system electrocution > Keep your generator outside. Generators in > Ensure you have the appropriate power enclosed areas such as homes, sheds or board and leads to fit the generator you on use of caravans, even with windows open, can cause are using. Also ensure they are in good carbon monoxide poisoning which can result working order generators in death > Take care when refuelling your generator ESV issued this advice on precautions > Ensure you do not overload your generator. as it is likely to be hot. Make sure the This can cause damage to appliances feeding to be followed if using generators generator is off and has cooled before off the generator. If your generator is not big refuelling as petrol spilled on hot engine while waiting for electricity supplies enough to power all appliances, appliances parts can ignite. should be rotated As reported in the last issue of energysafe, an alarming trend has been recorded over recent Young months of young workers receiving electric shocks. Faulty Writing in the latest issue of the NECA Victoria electrician newsletter, Director of Energy Safety Ken extension Gardner said: “I am stating the obvious receives when I say that these latest incidents and those involving young electrical workers and cord may serious apprentices reported last year, expose only too clearly that the fundamental electrical safety have principle of not working ‘live’ or working close burns when to ‘live’ parts has to be re-enforced time and time again.” caused working “live” The Victorian victim was working in the almost completed but still unoccupied clubhouse fire ESV is investigating an incident which of a new retirement village when the incident occurred a couple of weeks before occurred. By all accounts it was the first job of The Melbourne Metropolitan Christmas in which a 25-year-old the day for the young electrician who is highly Fire Brigade believe that a faulty electrician received serious burn regarded by his employer because of his work. extension cord powering a lamp injuries and possibly an electric shock But, according to his employer, there was caused a $100,000 fire at a house when working “live” changing a circuit no need for him to work “live” in such in Black Rock. breaker on a switchboard in a new circumstances with the main contractor for the construction project being perfectly agreeable News reports said two people walking by development at Caroline Springs. to shutting off the power for a short time while the house in Arranmore Avenue alerted the occupant, an 88-year-old woman, The victim received 30% burns to parts of his the work was completed safely. 19 body and was taken to The Alfred hospital where and helped her to escape the fire. Ken wrote: “So, lets ensure that 2009 is free of a tube was inserted to assist his breathing. such incidents. When it comes to work in and The fire took hold in the roof and Fortunately he is alive and recovering. But as around switchboards etc there is an onus on quickly spread. often happens in such incidents, it could, of everyone involved including contractors and course, have been much worse for him. Firefighters took about 30 minutes to electricians to always follow safe work practices control the fire and saved most of the after identifying and evaluating all the risks that The victim has told an ESV investigator that house but the roof and second storey he has no recollection of what happened. might be involved. were extensively damaged. The Victorian incident occurred at around the “The fundamental principle has to be to turn A spokesman for the MFB said a fire same time that a young Queensland electrician, the power off when working on or near ‘live’ investigator had determined that the who had just completed his apprenticeship, was exposed parts. Contractors and electricians blaze had started in the upstairs extension, electrocuted. This particular incident is under should tell customers of the dangers involved which had been used as a storage room. S investigation by the Queensland Electrical Safety in such work and resist any pressure to keep u mm er Office, but by all accounts he was working within the power on at such times. The cause was due to an electrical fault a switchboard at the time and inadvertently “Please stay safe and do not take any risks.” in an old extension cord powering a lamp, contacted the “live” terminals on a main switch. he said. /A utu

Worker survives According to media reports, Ronald Mackie, 47, Mr Mackie was also lucky the ash at the mn suffered a broken cheek, cuts to his knees and bottom was not hot because the boiler I 2009 50-metre fall at severe rope burn when he fell 10 storeys into an had not been operating for three days. ash hopper at the plant early one morning early in January. He was actually lucky to survive. Paramedics treated Mr Mackie at the scene SS

power station and 15UE for rope burns and head and chest injuries blames himself! The father-of-two told reporters from his hospital including a punctured lung before he was that he released a lever in the harness of a rope flown to The Alfred hospital. A worker at the Yallourn W power attached to him to drop down a level, but ended WorkSafe’s acting Executive Director, Eric station is blaming himself for falling up freefalling 10 storeys to the bottom, hitting walls along the way. Windholz, said the outcome was fortunate some 50 metres while cleaning the though the consequences could have been “The rope was fine, it was probably my error, walls of a boiler at the plant. much worse. human error I suppose,” he said. Battery chargers “The electrical equipment being supplied > detailed list of all companies they supplied without electrical safety approval are not in this unapproved equipment to; without electrical accordance with Section 57(2) of the Act. The > actions being taken to ensure that all safety approval penalty for non-compliance is up to $4,537 prescribed electrical equipment supplied for a natural person and in the case of a body without approval, is immediately withdrawn ESV has served a $2, 268 Infringement Notice corporate up to $22,684.” from supply from all sources in Australia; on a company for supplying battery chargers which have not been approved in Australia. The company was also advised that under the > why these Battery Chargers were being Electrical Safety (Infringements) Regulations sold without Australian approval; In a letter sent to the company towards 2000, ESV may also serve Infringement > reasons why ESV should not take further the end of last year, ESV said it was very Notices for any failure to comply with the Act. legal action; and concerned that the company was still offering The penalty for an Infringement Notice ranges > an assurance that the company to supply “Power Saver” Battery Chargers from $454 to $2,268 for each breach. understands the requirements of Section without evidence of electrical safety approval. 57(2) of the Act. In accordance with Part 11A of the Act, ESV ESV alleged the company was still supplying served a $2, 268 Infringement Notice against A full list of Definitions for Prescribed the equipment even though it had been the company for supplying unapproved Electrical Equipment is available for ordered in December 2007 to immediately equipment – “Power Saver” and “Solar Force” downloading from http://www.esv.vic.gov. withdraw the chargers from supply. Battery Chargers. au/tabid/184/Default.aspx. “ESV is particularly concerned to learn that The company was also directed to supply ESV Examples of you are also offering to supply the new “Solar Unapproved “Power a written statement advising: Saver” & “Solar Force” Battery Chargers, prior to getting them Force” Battery approved in Australia,” the letter said. > full contact details of both Battery Charger Chargers supplier(s) and proof of purchase if available; The company was told that Power Supplies > total numbers of each brand sold in 2008 and Battery Chargers have been a prescribed and total numbers still in stock; 20 class of electrical equipment for many years.

ESV warns store over The store was warned that under Section 57(2) “You are advised that Section 54 of the Electricity unapproved fluorescent of the Electricity Safety Act 1998 (the Act) - Safety Act 1998 (the Act) states (in part): “A person must not supply or offer to supply “ A person must not supply or offer to supply lamp ballasts electrical equipment prescribed under sub- electrical equipment unless – A store in Clayton has been ordered by ESV to section (1) unless the equipment – explain why some brands of fluorescent lamp a) the equipment complies with the minimum ballasts were being sold without an Australian a) is approved by ESV and is marked as standards prescribed for equipment of that approval marking. prescribed; or class;” b) is approved by a prescribed authority or, Identical penalties apply if equipment does The store was directed to supply a written www. energy safe .vic.gov.au under the regulations, is deemed to be not meet minimum safety standards. statement to ESV advising: approved; or The store was also > full contact details of the Compact c) is certified in accordance with a prescribed told that under the Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) supplier(s) – if known; method or prescribed process.” Electrical Safety > total numbers of each brand purchased and Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts – including Compact numbers of each remaining in stock; (Infringements) Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) have been a Regulations 2000, > why these CFL’s were being sold without an prescribed class of electrical equipment in ESV may serve Australian approval marking; Australia for many years. infringement notices > actions being taken to ensure that all non for any failure to compliant, or prescribed electrical equipment The store was told by letter: “The ‘TCH’, ‘Okes’, comply with the Act. without approval, is immediately withdrawn ‘Kilips’ & ‘Kunpeng’ branded CFL’s being The penalty for an from supply; and supplied without an approval marking would infringement notice > that the store understands the requirements of appear to be not in accordance with Section ranges from $454 Sections 54 & 57(2) of the Act. 57(2) of the Act. The penalty for non-compliance is up to $4,537 for a natural person and in the to $2,268 for each It was during visits to the shop over a couple case of a body corporate up to $22,684. breach. of days in mid December that ESV Compliance Officer Mr Trevor Hudson noticed that various “ESV is also concerned that these Compact CFLs not displaying brands of CFLs were being offered for supply Fluorescent Lamps may not comply with evidence of approval without evidence of the required Australian Australian Standards for safe operation at electrical safety approval mark. 240 volts.

ESV reports that the two-year-old heater was The report said the fire was not an isolated ESV alerts being used in the bathroom of a property near incident as ESV is aware of other fires in NSW, other authorities Geelong while the owner was taking a shower. Western Australia and Victoria originating in the model FHS35 and a similar model FHS34. to heater fire She heard a loud noise and noticed that the heater was on fire. She then soaked a towel in water and ESV recommends that a recall of all models ESV has alerted other electricity threw it over the appliance. The safety switch in covered by the Q050051 approval number safety regulatory authorities in the property activated shortly afterwards. be considered. Australia and New Zealand to a fire In its incident report, ESV said the heater was in a heater and recommended that badly damaged and that it was lucky the owner the product be recalled. was in the same room to extinguish the fire. The product is a Sunair fan heater with an “It will need further investigation to establish approval number Q050051. The model the cause of the fire, however ESV is also number is FHS35 on the box and Cat No concerned that the plastic material in production FH-04 on the approval certificate. samples does not appear to comply with the requirements for ‘resistance to heat and fire’.” The Sunair fan heater – before it caught fire and afterwards! “This standard also requires that the active and > total number of ‘Zhicheng’ powerboards ESV warns store neutral plug pins be of the insulated type from you purchased and number sold; about supplying 3 April 2005. It was noted that on the ‘Zhicheng’ > total number of ‘Rice Light’ 100L LED powerboard you were selling the active and Christmas lights you purchased and unapproved neutral pins were not insulated as required. number sold; powerboards and “ESV is also concerned that the ‘Zhicheng’ > reason why these ‘Zhicheng’ powerboards Christmas lights powerboard is not fitted with an over current were being sold without Australian approval; A store in Clayton has been questioned by ESV cutout, also the socket outlets are not designed > actions being taking to ensure that all non over the supply of non-compliant powerboards, for use in Australia and therefore would not compliant, or prescribed electrical equipment and also directed to dispose of unapproved and comply with the safety requirement of AS/NZS without approval, is immediately withdrawn potentially unsafe Christmas lights. 3112:2004.” from supply; and > that the store understands the requirements The store was also warned that ‘Rice Light’ An ESV compliance officer detected the of Sections 54 & 57(2) of the Act. offences during a visit to the shop in December. 100L LED Christmas lights being offered for supply carried an invalid approval number. A letter to the store from ESV said: “The electrical equipment being supplied without “According to the Electrical Safety Office in an approval marking would appear to be not in Queensland, Q02693 is the approval number accordance with Section 57(2) of the Act. The of a portable electric grill. You are therefore penalty for non-compliance is up to $4,537 directed to safely dispose of these unapproved for a natural person and in the case of a body and possibly unsafe Christmas lights,” said the corporate up to $22,684. ESV letter. “You are further advised that on electrical The store was directed to supply a written equipment, any fitted plug or pins for direct statement to ESV advising: insertion into a socket outlet shall comply > contact details of the above powerboard & 21 with AS/NZS 3112:2004, Approval and test Christmas lights supplier(s) – if known; specification – Plugs and socket-outlets. The unapproved powerboard

ESV warning on supply > full contact details of your supplier, of the spas “ESV is concerned that if the spas and their of unapproved swimming listed on Ebay; components you are supplying are not > evidence of approval for the spa items in approved, they may also not comply with pool/spa equipment question; Australian Standards and could present the ESV has recently sent a warning letter to an > a declaration that all your other spas – and risk of electric shock to users. organisation which is offering to supply spa their components, are approved; “The penalty for non-compliance is up to equipment on Ebay for which there is no evidence > if any spas are unapproved, reason(s) why of the required electricity safety approval. they were being supplied without approval; $4,537 for a natural person and in the case of a body corporate up to $22,684.” > actions you are taking to ensure that any The organisation was also warned by ESV in S prescribed electrical equipment without full The organisation was also advised that under u June last year not to supply spas, unless they mm er approval, is immediately withdrawn from the Electrical Safety (Infringements) Regulations and their prescribed components are approved. supply and from listing on Ebay; and 2000, ESV may also serve infringement notices ESV files show that the organisation offered to > that you understand the requirements of for any failure to comply with the Act. The /A utu withdraw the unapproved spas from Ebay at Sections 54 & 57(2) of the Electricity Safety penalty for an infringement notice ranges from

Act. mn that time. $454 to $2,268 for each breach.

The warning letter from ESV says: “The electrical I 2009 When considering purchasing electrical or ESV then supplied contact details for two equipment being supplied without the required gas equipment on Ebay or another on-line approvals consultants so the organisation could approval markings would appear to be not in

trader ask: SS arrange for the spas and associated equipment accordance with Section 57(2) of the Act. The Is it safe? 15UE to be approved. penalty for non-compliance is up to $4,537 Is it approved? for a natural person and in the case of a body The organisation has been required to supply Demand a copy of the approval certificate ESV with a written statement advising: corporate up to $22,684. If not sure if approval is required, contact ESV. InstalTest 3017 Electrical Testing to AS/NZS3000 Wiring Rules, Save Test Results & Print Compliance Reports No more hand writing test results when compliance testing electrical work and providing reports of test results. Simply conduct the test, press the MEM button to save the result and assign the result to a location, e.g. DB1 or 1st Floor, Room 5. The InstalTest 3017 covers all AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules tests, including Polarity, Correct Circuit Connections, Fault Loop, RCD Testing and Visual Inspections. In-built Australian Pass/Fail limits & tables also simplify testing. No more multiple instruments to carry around. No more handwriting test results. The InstalTest 3017 guarantees faster and accountable electrical work.

Call EMONA Instruments on tel: 1 800 632 953, email: [email protected] or www.emona.com.au Prosecutions Electricity related > A registered electrical contractor was > A licensed electrical installation worker prosecutions charged with two counts of installing unsafe was charged with two counts of permitting equipment, two counts of carrying out a person to carry out work that is not in ESV has recently taken legal proceedings non compliant work, failing to complete a accordance with the Act and Regulations under the Electricity Safety Act 1998 certificate of compliance within four working and giving misleading information to ESV. against the following. Under the Privacy days and failing to record all the work carried The defendant gave an undertaking to be out on a certificate of electrical safety. The of good behaviour for three months. Act, energysafe is precluded from defendant was convicted, fined $800 and publishing the names of individuals > A registered electrical contractor, A. Above Pty ordered to pay costs of $1660.79. Ltd, was charged with failing to disconnect charged with offences. > A registered electrical contractor was circuits before working on electrical equipment. > An unlicensed person was charged with charged with three counts of carrying out The defendant was convicted, fined $1000 and carrying out unlicensed electrical work and non compliant work. The defendant was ordered to pay costs of $700. unlicensed gasfitting work. The defendant convicted, fined $750 and ordered to pay > A licensed electrical installation worker was gave an undertaking to be of good behaviour costs of $6369. charged with failing to disconnect circuits before for six months and was ordered to pay costs working on electrical equipment. The defendant of $1100. > A licensed electrical installation worker was charged with two counts of installing unsafe gave an undertaking to be of good behaviour > An unlicensed person was charged with equipment, one count of failing to test, and for one year and agreed to make a payment of holding out that he was a registered one count of failing to complete a certificate $500 to the court fund. The defendant was also electrical contractor, carrying out contracting of electrical safety within four business days. ordered to pay costs of $700. work when not registered, three counts of The defendant gave an undertaking to be of > An unregistered company. GCC Services carrying out electrical work when unlicensed, good behaviour for three months and agreed Pty Ltd, was charged with carrying out 22 carrying out plumbing (water supply) work to make a contribution of $500 to a local contracting work when not registered, aiding when not licensed and carrying out plumbing hospital. The defendant was also ordered and abeting an unlicensed person to carry (water sanitary) work when not licensed, The to pay costs of $2400. out electrical installation work. The defendant defendant was convicted, fined $5000 and was convicted, fined $800 and ordered to ordered to pay costs of $2228.54. pay costs of $1200. > A registered electrical contractor was charged with 44 counts of failing to provide certificates of electrical safety to people for whom the Infringement notice summary work had been carried out and 44 counts Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Total of failing to provide the COES to ESV. The 08 08 08 08 08 08 08 08 08 08 08 09 defendant gave an undertaking to be of good Total 0 2 3 0 1 1 9 0 1 6 5 0 28 behaviour for four months with the condition

www. energy safe .vic.gov.au that the certificates are provided to the customers and to ESV for filing. The defendant was also ordered to pay costs of $1300. Infringement notices 2008/09 types of infringement notices issued Earth hour – 2008/2009 REC LEW Other Offence Code Offence Penalty Mar 08 REC 6298 Fails to give electronic notice $55 March 28 2009 LEW 6212 Unregistered person holds out to be a $551 contractor Australian organisers of Earth Apr 08 LEW 6227 Fail to disconnect equipment from supply $440 Hour 2009 are hoping that one billion OTHER 6384 Supply equipment not approved $2,202 people will switch off their lights in a REC 6242 Fails to give certificate in time $110 worldwide campaign to raise awareness Jun 08 OTHER 3595 Unauthorised excavation near pipeline $1,101 of climate change. Jul 08 REC 6233 Fail to have connected work inspected $440 The campaign – which began in Sydney in Aug 08 OTHER 6384 Supply equipment not approved $2,202 2007 – aims to encourage people to turn off OTHER 6384 Supply equipment not approved $2,202 lights and unessential power for one hour from 8.30 pm on Saturday, March 28. OTHER 6381 Supply non complying equipment $2,202 OTHER 6201 Supply unregistered electrical equipment $567 As well as householders, businesses that might OTHER 6201 Supply unregistered electrical equipment $567 otherwise keep lots of lights burning after hours will be encouraged to flick the switch, World OTHER 6201 Supply unregistered electrical equipment $567 Wildlife Fund resource conservation program OTHER 6205 Offer unregistered electrical equipment $567 manager Andrew Rouse said. OTHER 6205 Offer unregistered electrical equipment $567 OTHER 6205 Offer unregistered electrical equipment $567 Organisers say over 1,000 businesses signed up for the event across Australia last year. Oct 08 OTHER 6298 Fails to give electronic notice $57 Nov 08 OTHER 6384 Supply equipment not approved $2,268 After the inaugural event in Sydney in 2007, LEI 6301 Fails to give electronic notice in time $55 Earth Hour was taken up by more than 70 $55 countries for a second Earth Hour in March LEI 6301 Fails to give electronic notice in time last year. LEI 6301 Fails to give electronic notice in time $55 LEI 6301 Fails to give electronic notice in time $55 Next March, organisers hope to enlist as many REC 6242 Fails to give certificate within time $110 as 1,000 cities around the globe with Los Angeles, Las Vegas, London, Rome, Manila, Dec 08 REC 6377 Non complying installation work $2,753 Mexico City, Dubai, Copenhagen, Hong Kong REC 6378 Fail to have work inspected by inspector $2,202 and Cape Town joining the Australian capital REC 6378 Fail to have work inspected by inspector $2,202 cities which have already signed up. REC 6243 Fails to lodge copy with the Office $110 REC 6243 Fails to lodge copy with the Office $110 “Unapproved lights can be dangerous with the Mr Batchelor said ESV had served ‘stop sales’ Minister’s warning potential to start fires in homes and give people notices to some retailers following the audits electric shocks,” he said. and if people were aware of unapproved when unsafe products for sale they should immediately Christmas lights “Audits of some ‘bargain stores’ by Energy contact Energy Safe Victoria on 9203 9700 Safe Victoria (ESV) compliance officers over or 1800 800 158. detected in recent weeks have detected a number of non- compliant imported Christmas light products. “Outlets selling unapproved electrical products Melbourne stores face hefty fines of up to $4000 for individuals “Of particular concern are non-compliant and $21,000 for companies,” Mr Batchelor said. In mid-December 2008, Energy and controllers provided with lighting sets. ESV has Mr Batchelor said Energy Safe Victoria, the Resources Minister Peter Batchelor detected evidence of overheating in units, along with exposed ‘live’ parts and inadequate insulation. Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services joined with ESV and the State’s fire Board (MFB) and the Country Fire Authority authorities to warn the community not “Christmas can be an expensive time for (CFA) were also warning the community to to put their family in danger by buying families, but you should never be tempted to take extreme care when installing and using buy cheap or second-hand lights at markets cheap decorative Christmas lighting Christmas tree lights or other decorative lights and bargain stores that are not approved for over the festive season. products that do not meet Australian use in Australia. safety standards. “Christmas should be a time to celebrate, so “Christmas tree lights and other electrical don’t turn it into a tragedy through fires or The Minister said the warning followed the products are only approved for sale in Australia injuries as a result of incorrectly using defective discovery of Christmas lights with exposed once they have been exposed to rigorous Christmas lights,” Mr Batchelor said. “live” parts for sale in Melbourne stores. testing by accredited test agencies.” Mr Batchelor said hazards associated with unapproved Christmas lighting products include: > Dangerously thin electrical insulation on the flexible leads; 23 > Incorrectly rated globes that may overheat and cause surrounding materials to catch fire; > Inadequately attached cords that may pull out of lamp holders; > Light sets designed for (overseas) voltages less than 230 Volts (normal supply voltage in Australia is currently 240 Volts); > Plugs incompatible with Australian power points. ESV continues to take action against suppliers Unapproved Christmas lights of unapproved Christmas lighting products. S u mm er /A all your Downlight utu mn I 2009

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VIC NSW QLD SA WA (03) 9793 6111 (02) 9734 9944 (07) 3216 2799 (08) 8340 9200 (08) 9475 0777 Your questions on electricity installation issues – and the answers Compiled by ESV Electricity Technical Advisor, John Stolk

ESV regularly receives questions covering a range of electricity installation issues, some of them relating to gas installations. For this edition, energysafe continues what will be a regular series featuring some of the questions – and the answers, providing references to the Acts, Standards, Regulations and Clauses which apply to them.

Question Answer Standard Clause

Do I need to consider providing additional protection where Yes, additional mechanical protection is required for wiring AS/NZS Clause the conductors installed within the cavity wall are fixed in systems that are fixed in position and concealed within 50mm 3000:2007 3.9.4.2. position without movement, and located against the plaster from the surface of a wall when cable is located more than Fig 3.3 sheet where they enter a recessed switchboard? 150mm from the corners of the wall or ceiling.

As a REC I am quoting for the replacement of wired-in Yes, by removing the base and checking the connection it Electricity Section smoke detectors. The replacement smoke detectors becomes electrical installation work and compliance certificates Safety Act 45A(1). can plug into the existing base but the contract involves are required to be issued. 1998 checking the connections in the base. Do I need to allow for compliance certificates for this work?

24 Are exit signs regarded as light fittings (luminaires) if so, Yes, exit signs are considered luminaires and RCD protection AS/NZS Clause would the installation of a new final sub-circuit supplying is required. 3000:2007 1.4.64. & exit signs require RCD protection? 2.6.3.

Does the electricity distributor’s low voltage service No, in Victoria, the fuse at the overhead mains connection box AS/NZS Clause protection device provide overload protection for provided by the electricity distributor provides short-circuit 3000:2007 2.5.1.1(c) consumer’s mains? protection, not overload protection.

Can I use heavy duty PVC conduit that is not orange in Yes, the PVC conduit need not be orange in colour, but it must AS/NZS Clause colour for a category A underground wiring systems? be heavy duty and comply with AS/NZS 2053. However an 3000:2007 3.11.3.1 & orange marker tape complying with AS/NZS 2648.1 shall be 3.11.4.5 placed approximately half way between the ground and top of the wiring system.

www. energy safe .vic.gov.au Is an electric induction cook top classified as an open Yes, an electric induction cook top is a cooking appliance and AS/NZS Clause cooking surface, which incorporates electric heating would require the installation of a switch, operating in all active 3000:2007 4.7.1 elements that requires a switching device? conductors, mounted near the appliance in a visible and readily accessible position.

I have installed a socket-outlet for an evaporative cooler Yes, in a residential electrical installation, any addition to a final AS/NZS Clause. in the ceiling space of a house. sub-circuit supplying socket-outlets requires RCD protection. 3000:2007 2.6.3.1

Do I need to provide RCD protection for this socket-outlet?

I would like to install a split system air conditioning unit No, the number of main switches shall be kept to the minimum AS/NZS Clause. in a home. practicable to provide for effective operation in an emergency. 3000:2007 2.3.3.2

The existing switchboard has 5 main switches one for Domestic electrical installations, shall be provided with not more each final sub circuit, can I install an additional main switch than one main switch for— for the air conditioning unit? (a) each separately metered supply; or

(b) where there is more than one separately controlled supply from a meter, a main switch for each of the separately controlled supplies.

I have installed a new socket outlet final sub circuit in an Yes, a RCD/MCB may be used to protect the new final sub AS/NZS Clause older house. The existing circuit breaker switchboard has circuit. 3000:2007 2.6.2.4 one RCD protecting the 6 light and power circuits. The existing RCD arrangement complies with previous wiring Can I protect the new final sub circuit with a new RCD/MCB regulations. or do I have to have to re-arrange the existing circuits so there are no more that 3 final sub circuits per RCD?

I have been asked to replace an old domestic switchboard Yes, additional protection by RCD’s is required for the outgoing AS/NZS Clause which has no RCD protection with a new circuit breaker socket-outlet and lighting final sub-circuits. 3000:2007 2.6.3.1 switchboard. Do I need to install RCD protection for the outgoing socket-outlet and lighting final sub-circuits?

Can I install a main switchboard in the basement Yes, but with conditions; AS/NZS Clause of a building? 3000:2007 (i) The switchboard must be readily accessible (Capable of 2.9.2.3 being reached quickly and without climbing over or removing obstructions, mounting upon a chair, or using a movable ladder, and in any case not more than 2.0 m above the ground, floor or platform).

(ii) Located within easy access to the entrance of the building.

(iii) Must not be located within any tenancy of a multiple installation. The new bracket, and the replacement process, This initiative has eliminated the risk of a personal ensures there is reduced risk of losing control injury due to slipping with the saw and cutting Lineworkers’ of cutting tools and allows lineworkers to someone’s hand. It’s a work in progress as minor keep their hands clear of the cut zone. This modifications may be required to ensure the end contribution reduces the risk of injury when replacing Fargo product is extremely user friendly. conductor sleeves. WorkSafe’s Executive Director, Health and to improved The need for the bracket arose after an SP Safety, John Merritt said SP AusNet was AusNet program was identified to remove the selected from 134 Award applications received safety when Fargo sleeves from conductors and replace with from across the state. alternative sleeves. To remove a Fargo sleeve requires a lineworker to cut the sleeve in half “There was a strong field of nominations for this cutting and slide the two halves off each end of the year’s WorkSafe Awards, which give well-earned conductor. credit to those striving to make real difference in their workplaces. sleeves After discussion with work crew members, “The Awards are about rewarding these people The Traralgon depot of electricity Wayne and David designed and constructed the pro-type support bracket that would and acknowledging that, no matter what the distribution company, SP AusNet, was eliminate the potential for an injury due to field or initiative, progress occurs when people a finalist in the prestigious WorkSafe manually supporting the sleeve while cutting. believe that things can be done in a different Victoria Awards 2008 thanks to an or better way.” Mr Merritt said. innovative safety device invented by local lineworkers, Wayne Paulet and David Graham. The company was one of four finalists in the Best Solution to a Health & Safety Risk 25 category of the Awards, which recognises individuals and organisations that have developed an innovation or invention that eliminates or significantly reduces a risk. The Awards recognise individuals and organisations that have made a significant contribution to improving workplace health and safety. While they did not win the top gong, Wayne and David did very well to be recognised in the awards. David and Wayne designed and built the Fargo S

Conductor Sleeve Cutting Support Bracket, u which eliminates the risk of personal injury to mm er electricity lineworkers. /A

The bracket attaches to the side of an elevated utu work platform (EWP) basket where screw down mn clamps hold the Fargo conductor sleeve in place while the sleeve is cut with a saber saw. I 2009 Previously lineworkers had to hold the sleeve SP AUSNET’S Network Safety and Environment Manager Barry Steers with the while they cut it. inventors of the Fargo sleeve, line workers Wayne Paulet and David Graham. SS 15UE

He said the summit will involve key figures from Mr Batchelor said the introduction of the the power industry workforce and the Victorian proposed carbon pollution reduction scheme Power Government. in 2010 would bring significant change to the Latrobe Valley. “While details are still being finalised, the summit industry will build on the skills, experience and industry “There’s no doubt there are challenges facing strength that has underpinned the Latrobe the power industry in Victoria but there are summit for Valley for more than 80 years. also opportunities that industry in the Latrobe Valley needs to grab with both hands,” Mr “The summit will draw upon the latest expert Batchelor said. Latrobe advice on ways to develop and use our brown coal and other natural resources in a cleaner “The Latrobe Valley has a long history of and more sustainable way. providing Victoria with power and we want Valley to see that continue through the sustainable “The future needs to provide secure employment use of brown coal and the development of Energy and Resources Minister Peter for the families who live and work in the Valley.” gas and renewable technologies too. Batchelor has announced that an Mr Batchelor said that he had also offered to “The Government is already taking action energy summit will be held this year to provide technical advice to assist the Gippsland to ensure the Latrobe Valley is ready to take Trades and Labour Council to develop packages enable the State Government, energy on challenges the carbon pollution reduction to train workers for a low emissions future and workers and trade unions from the scheme might present. work in a changed energy environment. Latrobe Valley to discuss ways to drive “We’ve just passed new legislation that will “The Government, energy workers and unions allow onshore carbon capture and storage jobs growth and investment in the have to work together and with the community and this will drive jobs and growth in new transition to a cleaner energy future. to create the right climate for new lower clean coal technologies,” he said. emissions investment in the Latrobe Valley.” Andrew scores an Advanced Gas Apprentice Award Apprentice Plumber Andrew Taylor has been awarded the Advanced Gas Apprentice Award for Frankston TAFE College for 2008. ESV Gas Inspector Kerry Marshall presented Andrew with a certificate and cheque, together with an award donated by ESV Andrew who is formally from Tatura near Shepparton now lives at Carrum Downs and is employed by Clayton based Astroid Plumbing. His plumbing teacher, Craig Truscott, said that Andrew had shown a willingness to learn and had carried out the various aspects in theory and practical tasks in his plumbing course to achieve top marks and win the award. Kerry Marshall, Andrew Taylor and Craig Truscott.

26 In some cases a cladding or lagging has been Requirements permanently fixed over a flue not allowing Bolted sleeve access for disconnection. (A removable section securely fitted for appliance flue of cladding can provide access to the flue onto flue pipe. disconnection. disconnection point). By ESV Type B gas Inspector Bolted sleeve Kevin Nathan removed for When installing gas appliances disconnection consideration shall be given for the and removal removal of the appliance for repair of appliance. www. energy safe .vic.gov.au or maintenance. A means of disconnection is required as per the current AS 5601 clause 5.13.4.1. An acceptable method of connecting the flue to the appliance would be the use of a slip socket or bolted sleeve. At the same time the flue must be supported Independently of the appliance as per AS 5601 clause 5.13.4.2. At the time of Inspection / Audits, ESV is finding that some installations do not comply

with AS 5601 and do not allow for the removal Photograph 2 shows the Bolted Sleeve removed and the Flue Photograph 1 shows a correct Flue installation. or disconnection of the appliance. supported allowing removal of appliance.

Gas industry identity Roger Lambie joins ESV Roger Lambie has chosen to continue Later he undertook a number of roles including Over the past couple of years Roger his long gas industry career by joining supervising a team of service fitters; investigating worked for Accutherm International in the incidents and appliance faults; and carrying out sales and development of gas appliance ESV in the role of Gas Safety Officer. operational field surveys on appliances. digital test equipment. Roger started his career as an apprentice In 1993 Roger was employed by Ausmalt Pty Ltd Among his many functions at ESV, Roger plumber & gasfitter for a large building company, to develop and generate sales of gas appliance will also be sourcing, editing and preparing eventually joining the office staff undertaking parts. In 1996 he joined Reece Pty Ltd to develop gas technical articles for energysafe. costing and estimating and pipeline design. national sales of gas appliance parts. He joined the Gas & Fuel Corporation in Roger also became involved with Holmesglen 1976 and over the next 17 years progressed TAFE and has written an online appliance from appliance service fitter to foreman, then servicing course for the Master Plumbers supervisor at Technical Services in Highett Association of Victoria. After gaining a Certificate where appliances were tested for AGA 4 in Workplace Training & Assessment he Approval and Gas & Fuel Appraisal. conducted a pilot course on this subject and taught advanced gas at Holmesglen TAFE. Roger Lambie Special Gas Installations – b) the location of valves, pressure control Dealing with what the Gas Safety (Gas regulators and other controls or devices Installation) Regulations installed within the piping; dangerous gas c) the location of any gas meter (but not the 2008 say gas company’s meter); An “Application for acceptance of certain gas installations – installation” must be submitted to ESV where d) piping designed to safely discharge gas a gas installation exceeds 3.8 gigajoules per from safety or control devices; and any associated electrical circuit diagrams. advice for hour (3800 Mj/h) or the building exceeds 10 storeys above ground level. 2. Details of design, calculations, the trad e test and commissioning procedures Application details are in Schedule 8 of the including: The Gas Safety (Gas Installation) Gas Safety (Gas Installation) Regulations 2008. a) calculations of pressure loss; Regulations require a person carrying ESV requires submission of the details listed b) testing for gas tightness; out Gasfitting work to take certain in Schedule 8 prior to acceptance of the c) purging associated with commissioning or actions if they become aware of a installation. de-commissioning piping; and dangerous installation. Schedule 8 Details: d) commissioning pressure control and other A dangerous installation is one that presents Additional Information to be Supplied pipeline devices. a threat to life or property. by Persons Seeking Acceptance of 3. Details of all control or other devices Certain Gas Installations. installed within the piping, including. Gas installations (and appliances) are found to a) manufacturers data sheets; and be dangerous because of various defects, such 1. Details of the gas installation, b) proposed settings of all adjustable devices. as the following: including drawings of: a) the general arrangements of the If further information is required, please phone > Appliance obviously illegally installed. consumer piping; the ESV Gas Safety Technical Information > Serious appliance fault or malfunction. Line on 1800 652 563. 27 > Appliance safety devices tampered with or removed. Beware the Storage of the cylinders is to be in an area with > Significant gas escape. plenty of ventilation reducing the risk of over > Significant flue spillage. hidden dangers of heating and the build up of gas should a leak be present. > Dangerous storage of LP Gas. portable cookers > Inappropriate appliance location. When transporting ensure the cylinders are Portable cookers are just so convenient for secure in a ventilated area where possible, and > Carbon monoxide present or suspected. making that welcome cuppa or cooking up if being carried in a vehicle make sure they are The first priority on finding a dangerous a meal when enjoying that great Australian not in the boot or glove box of the vehicle. installation is to safeguard life and property. pastime – camping in the bush. But, as with all things needing disposable gas cylinders, Consider all these precautions when When notifying the occupier, explain that in your

precautions have to be observed. It’s a case of using a portable cooker: S opinion, further use would put the occupier at u

user beware. > Place the portable cooker on a flat, even mm er serious risk and that you are obliged under the and non combustible surface clear of any Gas Safety Regulations to make safe. To be convenient, these cookers usually come overhanging or any adjacent combustible in a compact carry case approximately 36 x 31 products. (Consult manufacturer’s /A If the occupier refuses to allow you to make utu x 9 cm and weighing around 2.5 Kg. To achieve instructions). safe, including withdrawal of supply, explain that this compactness, many of these portable mn you are required to notify the gas supplier. > Never use the portable cooker in a confined

cookers are supplied with a loose trivet and space ensuring there is always plenty of I 2009 You have no right to work on the installation splash bowl combination that is stored upside ventilation. without the owner’s permission. down to reduce any bulkiness.

> Do not use a portable cooker in a caravan, SS

Record the details of the refusal (owner/ It is therefore paramount that the Trivet/Splash tent or boat (The build up of any escaping 15UE occupiers name, date, time etc) and nature bowl is located correctly over the burner head gas that is heavier than air in a boat may of the defect and danger. before operating. The trivet or pot support legs result in an explosion). must be facing up and be visible and the splash > Never use the portable cooker as a If the dangerous installation appears to have bowl firmly positioned in place. heating device. been caused by poor workmanship, or it is an > Ensure the trivet/splash bowl is located illegal installation, ESV should also be notified. A good piece of advice is to read the manufacturers instructions and labelling on the correctly with the pot holders facing upwards If the person carrying out the Gasfitting work is appliance prior to operating it! and the splash bowl firmly in position. unable, or it is unreasonable for the person, to > Do not place a pot or saucepan any larger make the gas installation safe, he or she must, Any gas cylinder used in conjunction with a than 27 cm on the trivet. portable cooker is to be approved to AS 2030. without delay, notify ESV and: > Do not store the gas cylinder in place within a) if the gas installation uses natural gas, the The gas is a mixture primarily of Butane and the portable cooker. gas distribution company which supplies that some Propane which is heavier than air. gas to the gas installation of the defect; or These cylinders are to be treated with care b) if the gas installation uses LPG, the gas in all situations either when in use, storage or retailer which supplies that gas to the gas transporting. Many of these cylinders have a installation of the defect. temperature limitation of 50°C to pressure relief. Penalties may apply for failure When changing a cylinder over follow the to act as above manufacturer’s instructions, ensure all naked flames or ignition points are turned off and Remember if further extinguished. Change over of cylinders should information is required, only be carried out in an open and clear area please phone ESV’s Gas and away from others. At the conclusion of changing over the cylinder Safety Technical Information check the connection to the portable cooker Line on 1800 652 563. with some soapy water. Photo 1 depicts a pot sitting on the trivet correctly while Photo 2 shows one with the trivet fitted incorrectly. New version of AS 1596 / 2008 covering the use of LPG at events In the last issue of energysafe we provided a The maximum sized cylinder shall not exceed Where the floor area is greater than 200 m² comprehensive report explaining some of the 15 kg. This includes the indoor and outdoor the maximum volume of 500 L (water capacity) changes in AS 1596 / 2008, which has replaced areas for each temporary structure. of LP Gas per 200 m² of floor area applies. the 2002 version. AS 1596 explains the location, (45 kg = 108 litres) Example; The majority of cylinders used limits and requirements for the installation of at events are of 9 kg capacity, the normal Such groups of cylinders shall be separated LPG cylinders, and is the standard that LPG barbeque sized cylinder, so potentially you may by at least 15 metres. cylinders are to be installed to. have up to six 9 kg cylinders for each temporary Tables for the locations and volumes of LP Gas It goes without saying that AS 1596/2008 is structure. that are allowed are available in AS 1596. recommended reading for installers who usually Multiple temporary structures utilising LP Gas carry out LP gas installations, or set up LP gas Permanent (Indoor) structures shall not exceed a cluster of 10 such structures. at events. These structures should be connected via a When a cluster of 10 structures has been fixed and external fuel supply; if not then LP Gas In summary achieved, there is to be a 15 meter exclusion limits as defined in “Indoors within buildings” > AS 1596 includes the cylinder/tank location and piping to and including the first stage zone, required from another or part cluster section 2 of AS1596 shall apply. using LP Gas. regulator. LP Gas cylinders shall not be connected to non > AS 4645 covers piping and components from Structures located within this 15 meter approved or home made appliances. the outlet of the first stage regulator to any exclusion zone, shall not have ANY flammable Any non approved or home made appliance LP Gas meter installed including the meter. gases or liquids in use and or stored within should go through a certification scheme to such structures. > AS 5601 applies from any LP Gas meter or gain approval. from the outlet of a first stage regulator if no This therefore will prevent Catering Vehicles 28 gas meter is connected, including the piping, For more information on approval of setting up in any such 15 meter exclusion zone. components, appliances, flues and the non-approved appliances, contact Energy ventilation of appliances etc Even though these structures are defined as Safe Victoria’s technical information line. Here we explain some of the other changes. outdoors, they should be well ventilated to allow 1800-652-563 any accidental gas leakage to be removed. LPG use at events Minor storage indoors, “within buildings” For those involved in setting up gas installations Major event organisers should consider the as above at events a new version of AS 1596-2008 has installation of a distribution system from a This would apply to hotels, bars, restaurants, now been published by Standards Australia. permanently installed vessel installed on site cafes and take-away shops. The Standard is the requirements for the storage to AS1596 requirements. Gas appliances be they portable or temporary, and use of LP Gas. Temporary Structures (e.g. marquees, tents, and in use within such permanent structures It now defines the locations and quantity of booths) and under awnings are not defined as shall not exceed the cylinder connected

www. energy safe .vic.gov.au LP Gas that are allowable in outdoors, including outdoors for the use of appliances unless they capacity as indicated. Both ends open open air, temporary structures / indoors, within meet theBoth ventilation ends open requirements for outdoors. Maximum cylinder size 15 kg. a building with a roof and three or more walls. 1) Both ends open Maximum total quantity is not to exceed 30 kg. Temporary Structures (e.g. marquees, tents, 2) Open one side at least 25% of total wall area, booths) and under awnings are defined as and at least 30% of total remaining wall area There shall be no more than 10 kg per 10m2 outdoors for the use of LP Gas cylinders. open and unrestricted. of floor space. The quantity of LP Gas allowed for temporary Exhibition buildings The normal barbeque cylinder equals a 9 kg structures are as follows: For exhibition buildings where the floor area is size cylinder, which means one 9 kg cylinder less than or equal to 200 m² the maximum fuel only in a 10 m2 floor area. Total fuel load of in use or reserve cylinders load shall not exceed 45 kg, per 50 m² of floor Both ends open shall not exceed 60 kg of LPG. area up to a maximum total quantity of 180 kg per occupancy

The premises can be classed as outdoors One side open at least 25% of total wall area, and 30% or more of the remaining Open side at Open side at if Both ends, or two sides open wall area is leastop e25%n aof nd unrestricted. least 25% of total wall area 30% or more in total total wall area 30% or more in total of the remaining wall area of the remaining wall area is open and unrestricted is open and unrestricted

Open side at least 25% of total wallOpen area side at 30% or more in total Open side at least 25% of of the remaining wall area least 25% of total wall area is open30% and or moreunrestricted in total total wall area 30% or more in total of the remaining wall area of the remaining wall area is open and unrestricted is open and unrestricted

Both ends open Both ends open

Open side at Open side at least 25% of 30% or more in total least 25% of 30% or more in total total wall area of the remaining wall area total wall area of the remaining wall area Open side at is open and unrestricted least 25% of is open and unrestricted total wall area 30% or more in total of the remaining wall area NOT TO SCALE NOT TO SCALE is open and unrestricted

Thanks to Standards Australia for sketches

Open side at Open side at least 25% of 30% or more in total 30% or more in total least 25% of Opentotal sidewall atarea total wall area of the remaining wall area least 25% of of the remaining wall area is open and unrestricted total wall area 30%is open or more and in unrestricted total of the remaining wall area is open and unrestricted NOT TO SCALE

Open side at least 25% of Opentotal sidewall atarea 30% or more in total least 25% of of the remaining wall area total wall area 30%is open or more and in unrestricted total of the remaining wall area is open and unrestricted

Open side at least 25% of 30% or more in total Opentotal sidewall atarea of the remaining wall area least 25% of 30%is open or more and in unrestricted total total wall area of the remaining wall area is open and unrestricted NOT TO SCALE

NOT TO SCALE > The 50M length of pipe requirement is This is what the new regulations say New regulations replaced with a Pressure limitation. This information is provided to clarify the legal bring changes > The height of buildings has been altered requirements for gas installation notification from 3 to 5 storeys or less. and to ensure that Licensed Persons and their to “Standard > The use of meters grouped together has customers are not unduly inconvenienced Gas Installation” changed to 5 supply points. when a new meter fix or gas supply is sought. (A supply point is the outlet of the gas requirements companies billing meter, or the shut-off Below is an explanation of building types and valve of an LPG cylinder or tank) there is also a table on which the requirement The introduction of the new Gas Safety (Gas > Should the number of Gas Meters or LPG to submit a Gasfitting Notice or a Certificate Installation) Regulations 2008 has seen some cylinders exceed 5, the installation would of Compliance is based. changes to the “Standard Gas Installation” then be defined as Complex Installation. requirements. Building classification In the case of an LP Gas installation, the (as per Building Code of Australia) 1) The “Prescribed Standard Installation” as maximum operating pressure of the second- Class 1: One or more buildings which in previously detailed has been removed. stage gas pressure regulator is 70 kPa and the association constitute- 2) Groups of Gas Meters installed in a common prescribed maximum operating pressure of any a) Class 1a – a single dwelling being- area have been removed. subsequent gas pressure regulator associated i) a detached house: or 3) For flats/apartments the height has been with that installation is 7 kPa. ii) one of a group of two or more attached altered from 3 to 5 storeys or less. dwellings, each being a building, separated 4) Apartments/flats exceeding 5 storeys For Natural Gas the maximum metering by a fire-resisting wall, including a row in height that are occupied will become pressure is 7 kPa. house, terrace house, town house or villa standard installations for the residential unit: or sections of these premises. See table for more detailed information Continued on page 30 5) Energy Safe Victoria will carry out the inspection If further information is required, please phone or audit only for the original installation. the Gas Safety Technical Information Line on For commercial premises 1800 652 563. 29 Gasfitting Notice or Compliance Certificate? Class of Building Brief Description (See Limitation Max. Pipe pressure Supply Point Location Type of Notification previous page) & Gas Consumption Standard Installations 1(a) * Single dwellings CC 2 * Flats Building not CC exceeding 5 storeys 4 Single dwelling in a Class 5, 6, Building not CC 7, 8, 9 building exceeding 5 storeys 5 * Office building Building not Not exceeding 500 MJ/h or Not exceeding 5 supply CC exceeding 5 storeys Pressure shown *** below points ** S u

6 * Commercial building Building not Not exceeding 500 MJ/h or Not exceeding 5 supply CC mm er exceeding 5 storeys Pressure shown *** below points **

– Mobile homes CC /A utu – Caravans CC mn Complex Installations I 2009 1(b) Guest house G/F Notice 2 Flats G/F Notice SS

3 Unrelated persons’ Exceeding 5 storeys G/F Notice 15UE accommodation 4 Single dwelling in a Class 5, 6, Exceeding 5 storeys G/F Notice 7, 8, 9 building 5 Office building Exceeding 5 storeys Exceeding 500 MJ/h or Exceeding 5 supply G/F Notice Pressure shown *** below points ** 6 Commercial building Exceeding 5 storeys Exceeding 500 MJ/h or Exceeding 5 supply G/F Notice Pressure shown *** below points ** 7 Wholesale premises or car G/F Notice park 8 Factory or laboratory G/F Notice 9 Building of a public nature G/F Notice

– Mobile Catering Vehicle G/F Notice – Marine Craft**** G/F Notice

Notes: CC Compliance Certificate. G/F Notice Gasfitting Notice * If a Type B appliance is to be installed, submit a Gasfitting Notice. ** Gas supply point is the outlet of the gas company meter assembly, the outlet of the primary shut-off valve of a LPG storage vessel (More than 5 manifolded or 5 single cylinders would exceed supply point amount) *** Pressure of consumer piping. Natural Gas. – 7 kPa. Metering pressure Liquefied Petroleum Gas – Maximum inlet pressure to second stage regulator 70 kPa, Maximum inlet pressure of any other subsequent regulator 7Kpa **** Marine Craft not ‘in Survey’ (‘In Survey Craft’ are for business use and are regulated by the Marine Board) Inventions by Victorian The motors allow the mower to move forward, New “Standard backward, left and right and are driven by a students recognised battery operated four-way remote control, Gas Installation” originally from an electronic car, so there is in schools awards no need to push the mower manually. requirements – continued A remote controlled lawn mower and the The judges commented on Cameron’s model of a solar powered, rechargeable vehicle from previous page lawnmower project as a demonstration of invented by Victorian students were among how innovation can lead to a practical solution b) Class 1b – a boarding house, guest house, the winners of the national Electrotechnology for the disabled. hostel or the like – Secondary School Student Awards presented 2 i) with a total floor area not exceeding 300m by NECA at the end of last year. While Cameron isn’t sure about whether he will measured over the enclosing walls of the take on an apprenticeship or go to university, he Cameron Borg finished second in the awards class 1b: and is definitely considering a career in the industry. while Joseph Salibi was awarded equal third ii) in which not more than 12 persons would “I would like to pursue a career in the electrical place. Both Year 12 students attended the ordinarily be resident, which is not located industry, either as an electrician or an electrical Catholic Regional College in Sydenham. above or below another dwelling or another engineer,” he said. Class of building other than a private Open to students enrolled in years 9, 10, 11 garage. and 12 at a secondary school in Australia, the Joseph built a solar powered rechargeable awards recognise secondary school students model car with luxury features using a standard Class 2: A building containing 2 or more who have excelled in their studies in the area radio controlled car as a base. His design uses sole-occupancy units each being a of electrotechnology. solar power to charge rechargeable batteries. separate dwelling. The power is then directed into a Receiver PCB Cameron has always enjoyed working on Class 3: A residential building, other than a to control the vehicle’s system features including lawnmowers and had most of the components a drive motor with gears and steering control, building of Class 1 or 2, which is a common needed for his VCE project at hand. He was the ability to open and close the hood and boot, place of long term or transient living for a particularly interested in adapting a lawnmower a neon system, an alarm and a horn. number of unrelated persons, including – that people with disabilities could use. a) a boarding-house, guest house, He has also included light activated headlights hostel, lodging-house or backpackers Cameron’s lawnmower consists of a 2-Stroke 30 power torque engine with a steel base and two- and tail lights as well as a rear collision sensor accommodation: or system. b) a residential part of a hotel or motel: or blade cutting disk. He adapted windscreen c) a residential part of a school: or wiper motors from a car to drive and steer Joseph said he was thinking about becoming d) accommodation for the aged, children or the mower, connecting them to chain and an electrical or electronic engineer. people with disabilities: or sprocket set-ups from push-bikes that are then e) a residential part of a health-care building connected to shafts between the two back which accommodates members of staff: or wheels and two front wheels. f) a residential part of a detention centre. Class 4: A dwelling in a building that is Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 if it is the only dwelling in the building. Class 5: An office building used for www. energy safe .vic.gov.au professional or commercial purposes, excluding buildings of Class 6, 7, 8, or 9. Class 6: A shop or other building for the sale of goods by retail or the supply of services direct to the public, including – a) an eating room, cafe, restaurant, milk bar, or Joseph Salibi was successful in winning equal third prize for his Cameron Borg with his remote controlled lawnmower which soft drink bar; or solar powered, rechargeable vehicle with luxury features. won second prize in the Electrotechnology Secondary School Student Awards. b) a dining room, bar, shop or kiosk part of a hotel or motel: or c) a hairdresser’s or barber’s shop, public Daniel scoops national “The award is also being recognised by the laundry, or undertaker’s establishment: or community and is great for our company as d) market or sale room, showroom, or service apprenticeship award the whole town is talking about it.” station. Daniel Thatcher from Maryborough was a Dayne Brennan of Taylors Lakes, who works Class 7: A building which is – winner in NECA’s Apprentice of the Year Awards for Allen & O’Brien, was third in the Industrial a) Class 7a – a car park: or for 2008 which were announced in November. category of the awards b) Class 7b – for storage, or display of goods or produce for sale by wholesale. The awards recognise the most outstanding Class 8: A laboratory, or a building in which young high-achievers in the electrotechnology a handicraft or process for the production, industry, with apprentices in three categories assembling, altering, repairing, packing, finishing awarded for their excellence in work skills and or cleaning of goods or produce is carried on for commitment to the industry. trade, sale, or gain. Daniel who works for Mark Edmondson Class 9: A building of a public nature- Electrical Services achieved first place in a) Class 9a – a health-care building, including the Industrial Automation & Communications those parts of the building set aside as a category. laboratory: or b) Class 9b – an assembly building, including He said that his award was unexpected. a trade workshop, laboratory or the like in a primary or secondary school, but excluding “Working with a small country contracting any other parts of the building that are of business makes this award all the more special another Class, or knowing that I was competing against people c) Class 9c – an aged care building. who work with big companies in the capital cities. This award is recognised by the whole Class 10: A non-habitable building or industry and is a great addition to my CV. Daniel Thatcher, with his employer Mark Edmonson structure – being a private garage, carport, shed or the like. If further information is required, please phone NO NEW FLUELESS GAS HEATERS Please note: Under the new regulations, the Gas Safety Technical Information Line on no new flueless gas heater or new bayonet fitting for a flueless gas heater can be installed. 1800 652 563. Replacement “like for like” flueless LPG heaters can be installed – subject to certain conditions. There will be more in the next issue of energysafe or contact ESV’s Gas Safety Technical Information Line on 1800 652 563. How to become a registered Business Nominee > ASIC Extract of Directors & Secretary electrical contractor Someone who has undertaken the Registered > Copy of Certificate of Company Name Electrical Contractor’s Course with their local > Letter from person authorised to make In the last issue of energysafe, ESV warned TAFE college, and has successfully completed application on behalf of a Corporation, if the applicant is not a Director or Secretary electricians that before they can offer or carry this course. OR out electrical work for profit or reward, including of the Company bartering, they must firstly become a registered Someone who has relevant business Fees electrical contractor (REC). We also promised to administration and management experience, provide details on how to become an REC, and with relevant qualifications, who ESV deems as The application fee is $240 for a one year here is a summary. qualified to act in the role of Business Nominee. period, which includes a $70 non-refundable application fee, and must be paid at the time If you require more information on a contractors Civil Liability Insurance the application for registration is submitted. licence visit the ESV website http://www.esv. Contractor must hold current civil liability Renewing your registration vic.gov.au/ForElectricityProfessionals/ insurance (minimum cover $5M) against as an electrical contractor LicensingandRegistration/Registered personal injury and/or damage to property in electricalcontractors/tabid/195/Default. connection with the electrical contracting work ESV will forward a renewal notice to your last aspv or contact ESV. of the applicant or their employees or agents. known address at least 2 months prior to the expiry date of the current registration. It is, The bottom line is that any person in the What paperwork am I required however, your responsibility to ensure your business of electrical contracting or offering to provide to ESV? registration is kept up to date at all times. to contract must be registered as an electrical Sole Trader contractor. The renewal fee is $170 for a one year period. > ESV Application Form Applying for registration > Business & Technical Nominee Consent Forms Your responsibilities as an Registered There are 3 types of registrations available as > Copy of Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency Electrical Contractor a Registered Electrical Contractor: > Copy of Business Name Certificate (if applicable) As a Registered Electrical Contractor, it is your > Sole Trader > Copy of LEA or LEM Certificate responsibility to understand the legislation and 31 > Partnership > Evidence of Apprenticeship Completion regulations in place at any time and work in > Corporation Partnership accordance with them: In all application types a Technical Supervisor > Application Form > Part 3 of the Electricity Safety Act 1998; and must be in place, and the appropriate consent > Business & Technical Nominee Consent Forms > Electricity Safety (Installations) Regulations 1999. declarations and qualification requirements > Copy of Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency > Ensure that Certificates of Electrical Safety are must be met. > Copy of Business Name Certificate (if applicable) issued and completed What do I need to be a Registered > Copy of LEA or LEM Certificate > Ensure that workers who hold supervisory Electrical Contractor? > Evidence of Apprenticeship Completion licences are suitably supervised throughout Corporation the course of their duties Technical Supervisor > Ensure that the details of your technical and Someone who holds a current Electrician’s > Application Form business nominees remain correct with ESV Licence (A Class), and who has completed the > Business & Technical Nominee Consent Forms at all times > Copy of Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency S Licensed Electrician’s Assessment (LEA) or > Maintain a workers list of all licensed workers, u > Copy of Business Name Certificate (if applicable) mm er previously the Licensed Electrical Mechanics who are employed by you as a Registered > Copy of LEA or LEM Certificate (LEM) assessment. Electrical Contractor.

> Evidence of Apprenticeship Completion /A utu mn i) Physically disconnect and safely terminate v) correct polarization of conductor by test. Guidance on the connection I 2009 existing incoming supply conductors, where 9) At the generator, of generators to electrical connected to the main switch/es and neutral

installations, ESV advice to link at the installation switchboard (including i) Do not install an earth electrode – it is SS

the electrical trades off-peak supply conductors) not required. 15UE ii) Ensure that the electrical link/connection The following precautions must be considered Connection of Generator Set to Existing between the neutral or centre point of the when connecting an electrical generator to Electrical Installation generator set winding and generator metal existing electrical installation where normal 5) Ensure that the generator set is fit for the purpose frame is removed. electricity supply is unavailable – such as the i) in good working order. 10) Ensure a separate earthing conductor is result of bushfires. ii) of adequate capacity for the electrical load provided from the installation main earthing system to the generator set metal frame. > The connection of electricity supply, by to be supplied (this may be limited to supply generator, to installation wiring must be only essential equipment). Inspection and Power-up carried out by licensed electrical installation 6) Position generator as close as practicable 11) The completed work must be inspected workers and is deemed to be ‘Prescribed to the electrical switchboard. by a licenced electrical inspector (G class Electrical Installation Work’. i) consideration must be given to exhaust Inspector) before generator is operated. > A certificate of electrical safety for ‘Prescribed emissions from the generator. Note: The S and R Class of electrical Electrical Installation Work’ must be issued. ii) refer to the manufacture’s operating inspection have been incorporated into instructions. the G class of electrical inspection) At the Existing Electrical Installation 12) It is recommended that the electrical 1) Conduct a visual inspection of the electrical 7) Cabling from the generator must be suitably inspector, in conjunction with the licenced installation. protected against mechanical damage and as a possible tripping hazard. electrician, should ensure correct i) Check for connections to electrical polarization of all supply conductors 8) Ensure, installations such as fire damaged by conducting a “live” test outbuilding, water pumps, garages. i) the generator active supply conductor/s 13) Operating Instructions, on the safe use ii) Fallen overhead power-lines. is/are connected to the supply side of the of the generator, should be provided to installation main switch/es. 2) Unsafe parts of the electrical installation the owner of the installation. must be disconnected. ii) the generator neutral supply conductor is connected to the neutral link on the For other Arrangements 3) Carry out electrical tests of the installation switchboard. 14) Refer to AS/NZS 3010:2005 to be connected to the generator. iii)the MEN connection has been made. (Electrical Installations – Generating Sets) 4) Ensure no unsafe inter-connection is available iv) all connections are suitably terminated and between the Electricity Supplier and the insulated where required. installation electrical systems. ESV_Advert(LIVE).indd 1 26/5/08 4:23:03 PM