Procedure: Safe Operation of Electrical
Equipment and Appliances
1.
2.3.6
Title:
Safe Operation of Electrical Equipment and Appliances.
2.
Purpose:
The Facilities and Services Centre has been delegated the responsibility of project
managing all contract works involving electrical services. This procedure aims to provide a
mechanism for consultation and cooperation between the Facilities and Services Centre
and Centres and Faculties who are seeking assistance and advice regarding works on
University electrical services.
In all cases where advice is required, consultation should occur with the Manager,
Electrical Services.
3.
Organisational Scope:
The requirements of this procedure apply to all Edith Cowan University workplaces.
Managers and supervisors are responsible to ensure that all staff, students, contractors
and visitors are aware and comply with the provisions of the Electrical Safety Policy and
the related procedures.
4.
Statement:
The University is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all
persons on University campuses. The University strives to minimise the University’s
exposure to risk by ensuring that:
5.
4.1
University staff, students and visitors are informed of their Occupational Safety and
Health legislative responsibilities, and University policies and procedures regarding
electrical services;
4.2
The University meets its statutory Occupational Safety and Health obligations
regarding the provision and maintenance of electrical installations; and
4.3
The University meets the requirements of the controlling authority, Australian/New
Zealand Standards, codes of practice and guidance notes applicable to electrical
installations.
Definitions:
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Clear access – Unimpeded access to designated area, with a minimum clearance of
900mm greater than the radius of any opening door.
Campus electrician – The licensed electrician nominated as the campus electrician at
each campus.
Electrical accident – An accident that has caused, or is likely to cause danger to life or
property. The Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 definition of an accident is: “An
accident that results from a sudden discharge of electricity or that otherwise has, or may
have, electrical origins.”
Electrical equipment/appliance – An electricity consuming device or apparatus
(including the cable) that is connected to or capable of being connected to the electrical
installation. Electrical appliances can be classified into one of the following categories:
• Portable electrical equipment – equipment that is connected to an electrical supply and
intended to be moved when in use, eg electric arc welder, electric high pressure water
cleaner;
• Hand-held – portable equipment that is intended to be held in the hand during normal
use and the electrical motor forms an integral part of the equipment, eg electric drill,
angle grinder (excludes battery operated equipment);
• Movable – an appliance that can be moved readily from one place to another by
unplugging from a general purpose outlet, but that is not moved during operation, eg
cathode ray oscilloscope, electronic balance, personal computer, printer, etc.
• Fixed/stationary – an appliance which is, in normal use, fastened to a support of
otherwise secured in a specific position or is of such size or function as to be difficult or
unlikely to be moved from one place to another, eg large workshop machinery (lathe,
band saw, etc.), oven, refrigerator.
Electrical installation – All wiring, wiring enclosures switchgear, control and protective
gear appliances and any other component permanently connected to or associated with
the wiring that is on premises to which electricity is or intended to be supplied through a
distribution network.
Electrical work - All work carried out either on the electrical installation or on electrical
appliances.
Electric Portable Device Outlet (EPDO) – A device having a single plug intended for
connection to a mains outlet socket, a (EPDO) sheathed flexible cord and an assembly of
one or more outlet (Power Board) sockets. It may incorporate a reeling or coiling
arrangement.
Employee – constitutes the following:
• A person by whom work is completed under a contract of employment; or
• An apprentice or industrial trainee.
Hazard – Anything that may result in injury to the person; or harm to the health of a
person.
Manager, Electrical Services – The person occupying the position of Manager, Electrical
Services, Facilities and Services Centre.
Manager Occupation Safety & Health – The person occupying the position of Manager,
Occupational Safety and Health.
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Residual current device (RCD) – A mechanical switching device designed to make, carry
and break currents under normal service conditions and to cause the opening of the
contacts when the residual current attains a given value under specific conditions.
University Hazard Reporting Procedure – The reporting guidelines as set out at:
http://www.ecu.edu.au/msc/hrs/osh/procedures/hazard/docs/Hazard_Resolution04.pdf
University premises – The place, whether in a building or grounds, owned, occupied, or
controlled by the University.
Workplace – A place where employees work or are likely to be in the course of their work.
6.
Principles:
The University has statutory obligations to implement safe systems of work to prevent
persons from being exposed to electrical hazards. University employees, students and
visitors are required to read and comply with the requirements of this procedure.
It is strictly prohibited for unlicensed persons to effect any repairs or modifications to
University electrical equipment or wiring. Only persons registered with the Manager,
Electrical Services are permitted to carry out electrical work. Work on University electrical
installations is not permitted without the appropriate authorisation as dictated by this
procedure.
All electrical equipment and appliances used on University premises shall comply with the
requirements of the University’s policies and procedures.
Any project involving electrical additions, alterations or maintenance of University electrical
installations shall be authorised and project managed by the Facilities and Services
Centre.
If in doubt about any part of this procedure, or general responsibility associated with
electrical safety, the Manager, Electrical Services Facilities and Services Centre or the
Manager, Occupational Safety and Health should be contacted.
7.
Content:
7.1
Responsibilities of University employees
All electrical hazards are to be reported by University employees, using the
University Hazard Reporting procedure by calling the Maintenance Call Centre on
5554 or from an external telephone 4500 5554.
If there is a potential for injury or harm occurring from any electrical installation, the
person who has control of that workplace shall immediately cordon off the area and
contact the Maintenance Call Centre (extension 5554). When out of normal working
hours, or in the event of an engaged line, the instructions on the “ACCIDENT” page
of the Emergency Procedures displayed in all University rooms and buildings should
be followed.
In “hostile environments” where electrical equipment is being used, it is
recommended that the person who has control of that work area undertake a risk
assessment to identify potential injury, harm, or electric shock. Examples of areas
where this should be considered are:
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•
•
•
•
•
Wet areas;
Chemical laboratories;
Electrical/mechanical workshops;
Media production; and
Visual arts workshops/studios.
An employee who hires or leases any electrical equipment is to ensure that the
equipment meets the requirements of this procedure. It is their responsibility to
ensure that electrical equipment is maintained in good working order during use
within the hire or lease period, and that electrical tags are current at the time of use.
Any electrical equipment that is damaged, defective or in a dangerous condition,
shall be cordoned off or, if safe to do so, removed from service immediately and
reported to the immediate supervisor of the workplace.
The person who has responsibility for the workplace where electrical distribution
boards, switch rooms and substations are located, has the responsibility to ensure
that clear access is maintained at all times to these areas.
7.2
Residual Current Devices (RCD’s) / Safety Switches
In accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, RCDs shall be
used with all portable electrical equipment in use on the University premises.
Where RCDs have not been provided at the switchboard or socket outlet, a portable
RCD unit shall be used when using any portable equipment. Portable RCDs should
be positioned to provide protection to any extension leads in use with portable
equipment.
All Portable RCDs shall be checked and tested in accordance with the requirements
of the current edition of AS/NZS 3760. Periodic testing of these units may be
arranged through the Manager, Electrical Services. The procedure shall be
documented and retained for future inspection. The cost of Statutory testing,
including repairs, shall be borne by the owning Faculty or Centre.
7.3
Cooking appliances
The use of cooking facilities such as electric toasters, heated sandwich makers,
ovens including electric cook tops and other food cooking facilities are prohibited
from use within the University without written authorisation from the Manager
Electrical Services.
Re-heat facilities such as microwaves and tea and coffee preparation facilities are
permitted in areas that have been designated as food re-heat (tea preparation) areas
by Planning and Development within the Facilities and Services Centre.
7.4
Use of electrical radiators
Within air-conditioned buildings, the use of portable electric heaters is not permitted.
In non air-conditioned areas, only oil filled convection units (with or without a fan) are
permitted for use. The Manager, Electrical Services may give written approval for
other specific units.
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Portable bar type heaters or electrical fan heaters shall not be used within the
University.
7.5
Use of multiple adaptors or power boards
“Piggy back" plug tops SHALL NOT be used within the University.
An exemption to this requirement is given to the Performing Arts areas in the use of
lighting dimmer racks, subject to suitable overload protection being provided to each
dimmer rail. Double adaptors shall not be used in the University.
Continental or Universal style travel style adaptors shall not be used in the
University.
Where an EPDO is required to be used, it will be of a type that incorporates a cut out
button rated at no more than 10 amps. Under no circumstances shall a power board
be plugged into a second power board.
EPDOs shall not be used to supply portable power tools
Where an extension lead is used in conjunction with a portable power tool, the
extension lead shall be tested and tagged in accordance with the requirements of the
current edition of AS/NZS 3760.
7.6
Electrical Accidents
All electrical accidents must be reported immediately to the Campus Facilities
Manager, the Campus Electrician, the Manager, Electrical Services, and the
Occupational Safety and Health Section and as appropriate, the relevant authorities.
In the event of an electrical accident, the area must be made safe immediately.
Access to the area must be restricted until such time as the Manager, Electrical
Services has completed an investigation. A copy of the investigation report is to be
forwarded by the Manager, Electrical Services, the relevant authorities, Head of
Faculty or Centre and the Occupational Safety and Health Section.
7.7
Service and Tagging of Equipment
a)
All hand-held/portable electric appliances are to be inspected, tested and
tagged in accordance with the requirements of the current edition of AS/NZS
3760, eg Power Tools.
b)
All appliances that are located in high risk areas where cords and equipment
may be more susceptible to damage shall be inspected and tested and tagged
in accordance with the requirements of the current edition of AS/NZS 3760, eg
Hot Plates, Soldering Irons.
c)
For all other electrical appliances not included in items 7.6 a or b Centres and
Faculties shall implement a routine visual electrical safety inspection program
(Appendix A) the cycle of which shall be not greater than 5 years. Further
advice is available from the Manager, Electrical Services.
d)
Costs associated with the maintenance and testing of appliances are to be met
by that Centre or Faculty.
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8.
e)
If a Centre or Faculty seeks to lease or hire electrical equipment, they are to
ensure that the equipment is in good working order at the time of hire or lease.
f)
Where service tags are found not to be current, the equipment operator should
not use the equipment until such time as the equipment is tested and the hire
or lease agent attaches a current service tag.
g)
It remains the hirer or lease agents’ responsibility to carry out statutory service,
tests and tagging in accordance with the requirements of the current edition of
AS/NZS 3760.
h)
It is the employee’s responsibility to ensure that all electrical equipment is
maintained in a good working order during the hire or lease period and to
ensure electrical tags are current at the time of use.
References:
Procedure Code:
Procedure Owner:
Approved By:
Date Approved:
Revision Date:
Amendment Dates:
Related
Documents:
9.
FS 2.3.6
Manager, Building and Services, Facilities and Services Centre
December 2005
December 2007
May-06 : Sep-07
• Electrical Safety Policy
• Procedures for Electrical Workers of ECU at
http://www.ecu.edu.au/fas/procedures/listing.php
• Procedures for Electrical Contractors and their Workers within
ECU at http://www.ecu.edu.au/fas/procedures/listing.php
• Isolation, Safety Tagging and Locking Procedures at
http://www.ecu.edu.au/fas/procedures/listing.php
• ECU Contractor’s Policy
• Australian Standards at
http://www.ecu.edu.au/library/indoor/auststandards.html
• ECU Occupational Safety and Health Policy ref:
http://www.ecu.edu.au/GPPS/policies/docs/hr081.txt
• Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984
http://www.slp.wa.gov.au/statutes/swans.nsf/PDFbyName/16605
DDAA82252924825670400156B4C?OpenDocument
• Occupational Safety and Health Regulations1996 ref:
http://www.safetyline.wa.gov.au
Contact Information:
Contact Person:
Telephone:
Facsimile:
Email:
Manager, Electrical Services
6304 2925
6304 2787
p.wyatt@ecu.edu.au
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APPENDIX A
Visual Inspection of Electrical Appliance
Campus:
Building:
Room:
Equipment:
Equipment Serial Number:
Electrical checks shall either Pass (P) Fail (F) or be Not applicable (n/a) in the event of any Fails (F) appearing in the checklist,
the equipment must be immediately removed from service until repairs are completed by an authorised person. Repairs are
the responsibility of the owning Department.
Condition
Checklist Items
1)
Check for obvious damage or defects in accessories, connectors, plugs or extension
outlets.
Pass / Fail / N/A
2)
Check that flexible cords are effectively anchored to equipment, plugs and cord
extension sets.
Pass / Fail / N/A
3)
Check for damage of flexible cords
Pass / Fail / N/A
i)
Inner cores are not exposed or twisted
Pass / Fail / N/A
ii)
External sheaths are not cut abraded twisted or damaged or exposing the inner cores
Pass / Fail / N/A
iii)
Bare conductors are visible or the use of insulation tape is evident
Pass / Fail / N/A
4)
For the use of Power Boards that the maximum load is indicated in Amps (Typically
10A) and that an over current device is integral to the unit
Pass / Fail / N/A
5)
Check that all operating controls are in good working order ie they are secure, aligned
and appropriately labelled
Pass / Fail / N/A
6)
Check that ventilation inlets and exhausts are free from obstruction
Pass / Fail / N/A
7)
Check that the pins on insulated pin plugs are not damaged. This also includes the
shroud on extension cords.
Pass / Fail / N/A
Inspected by:
2.3.6 Safe Operation of Electrical Equipment and Appliances V3
Date
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Comments
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As at September 2007