Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures Contents: Policy: 1.0 Background 2.0 Legal Requirements 2.1 Definitions 3.0 Responsibilities 3.1 University 3.2 Office of Facilities Management 3.3 Deans and Heads of School/Centre 3.4 Licensed Electrical Workers / Contractors 3.5 Supervisors, Staff and Students 3.6 Visitors 3.7 Safety and Health Office Procedures: 4.0 Administrative Arrangements 4.1 Hazards of Electricity 4.2 Equipment Safety 4.3 Protection from Electric Shock 4.3.1 Earthing / Insulation 4.3.2 Residual Current Devices (RCDs) 4.3.3 Low Voltages 4.4 Electrical Safety Risk Management 4.4.1 Regular in-service testing 4.4.2 Isolation and Tagging: Non-compliant equipment 4.4.3 Use low voltage equipment 4.4.4 Electromedical equipment 4.4.5 Design/hiring equipment 4.4.6 Purchasing equipment 4.4.7 Information, Instruction and Training 4. 5 Record Keeping 5.0 Electric Shock and Related Electrical Incidents 6.0 Contact Information 7.0 References and Links 8.0 Appendices ___________________________________________________________ 1.0 Background This document summarises the operating procedures of the University of Western Australia to control the hazard posed by electricity and to minimise the risk of injury or disease arising from such a source. The management of electrical safety at the University is designed to provide protection from – • Electric Shock arising from: • Exposed contacts • Damaged insulation on equipment or extension leads or • Wet conditions in the area in which electrical equipment may be used • Risk of Fire arising from: • Heating equipment • Overloaded circuits • Loose connections • Short circuits or • Inappropriate electrical equipment in hazardous atmospheres These procedures provide the minimum requirements on practical guidance on how to meet the requirements of Occupational Health and Safety (Plant) Regulations 1996, the objective of which is to protect people at work against risks to safety or health from plant and systems associated with electricity. Managers, supervisors, staff, students, contractors and visitors to the University shall follow these procedures. UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 1 2.0 Legal requirements The University and competent person shall comply with all requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (amended March 1999), the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996, Part 3 - Division 6 (amended December 1999), relevant Australian Standards, Codes of Practice, Guidance Notes and Electricity Act 1945 Electricity (Licensing Regulation 1991), AS/NZS 3760 - 2001: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and all relevant laws. 2.1 Definitions Further information see appendix5 Electrical Work Includes all work involving construction, repair or maintenance on: • electrical installation(s) • electrical equipment Electrical Installation The electrical installation is the electricity supply to a building, and includes the main switchboard, distribution boards, and all fixed wiring to isolation switches or socket outlets Electrical Equipment An electrical equipment is an electricity consuming device or apparatus (including the cable) that is connected to the electrical installation Electrical equipment can be classified into one of the following categories: • Hand-held / Portable: appliance which is hand-held while in operation or can be moved easily while connected to the supply, intended to be held in the hand during normal use and the electrical motor forms an integral part of the equipment. (Excludes battery operated equipment). Examples: floor polisher, power tools, power leads, multi-outlet power board, jug, toaster, laboratory stirrer/heater, heat gun, heating mantle, etc • 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. Examples: cathode ray oscilloscope, electronic balance, personal computer, printer, portable power generating equipment, etc • Fixed/stationary: an appliance which in normal use is fastened to a support or otherwise secured in a specific position or is of such a size or function as to be difficult or unlikely to be moved from one place to another. Examples: large workshop machinery (lathe, band saw, etc), oven, refrigerator, fixed power generating equipment, etc • Experimental: an appliance, constructed by a School/Section that does not fit into any of the other categories. Examples: immersion heater elements, furnaces, distillation control systems, laser sources, UV light sources, heater controls, etc. Electric shocks, incidents and accident An electric shock is defined as an incident which does not require medical or first aid treatment. An incident is where no injuries are sustained, but precautionary medical treatment is sought. An electric accident is defined as an incident which requires medical or first aid treatment and incudes fatalities. Electrical (Licensing) Regulations 1991, Regulation 63 (3) - an “Accident” means any accident that results from a sudden discharge of electricity or that otherwise has, or may ha ve, electrical origins. Competent Person (licensed electrical workers) A competent person for the purposes of these procedures will have been licensed by the Energy Safety Directorate. The licensed person is responsible for ensuring that electrical work he or she undertakes complies with relevant mandatory requirements set down by legislation. Electrical work must only be carried out by one of the following: UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 2 • • Licensed electrical workers under the direct supervision and control of the Senior Technical Officer (Electrical); Licensed electrical workers and Office of Facilities Management licensed electrical staff under the control of the Workshop Electrical Supervisor of the Office of Facilities Management; or Licensed electrical workers and licensed School staff under Schools control. Licensed contractors, who will employ licensed electrical workers. • • 3.0 • Responsibilities 3.1 University Is responsible for providing support for implementation of the Electrical Safety Procedures to ensure that all staff, licensed electrical workers, students and visitors comply with these Electrical Safety Procedures and electric shock and related electrical incidents which are documented below and in Section 5.0 • - Individual – report to / contact immediately your immediate supervisor; complete the UWA Confidential Incident / Injury Report Form Part 1 (After hours emergencies: contact the Security Office on 9380 2222). • - Supervisor – Report to / contact immediately the Office of Facilities Management, Senior Technical Officer Electrical on 9380 2036 or Workshop Electrical Supervisor on 9380 2016 who will conduct an investigation; contact the Safety and Health Office on 9380 3938; (After hours emergencies: contact the Security Office on 9380 2222); and immediately ensures where the incident occurred the area is made safe (provided safe to do so) and access to the area restricted until an investigation has been conducted - 3.2 • • • • • • • • • • Office of Facilities Management (OFM) (in their area of control) are responsible for: The electrical installation in all University buildings including provision, maintenance, repair, alteration and additions to the electrical installation The safety of such installation and its compliance with appropriate legislation, Australian Standards and this document Maintaining a list of University personnel authorised to carry out or supervise electrical work in the University Ensuring all electrical contractors meet University standards and relevant requirements of these procedures Liaising with others for assistance with compliance of this document Complying with the procedures of electric shock and related electrical incidents referenced in Section 5.0 Ensuring that appropriate staff attend an approved UWA electrical training course to comply with these procedures and associated legislative requirements 3.3 Deans and Heads of School / Centre (in their area of control) are responsible for: Liaising with the Office of Facilities Management for any electrical work required. Ensuring compliance with AS3760 - 2001 (Appendix 2 – Testing and Inspection Intervals for Electrical Equipment) Ensuring that only licensed electrical workers (including all contractors), as defined in these procedures, carry out and supervise electrical work in their School or area UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 3 • • • • Ensuring that procedures for the management of electrical safety in his or her School are established and implemented in consultation with employees and their elected safety and health representative, this includes conducting an annual Electrical Safety Checklist (Appendix 5), referencing the Safety Risk Management Procedures. Any local policy and procedures must be cross-referenced to these and any other relevant procedures Maintaining the Electrical Equipment Register (Appendix 1) and complying with Appendix 2 Complying with the procedures of electric shock and related electrical incidents referenced in Section 5.0 Ensuring that appropriate staff attend an approved UWA electrical training course to comply with these procedures and associated legislative requirements 3.4 Licensed Electrical Workers / Contractors (in their area of control) are responsible for: • Ensuring that all electrical work he or she undertakes complies with relevant mandatory requirements set down by legislation and the safety standards outlined in these procedures • Always advising the Workshop Electrical Supervisor of the Office of Facilities Management and / or the Senior Technical Officer (Electrical) of any change to their licensed status • Advising the Head of School / Centre of any change to their licensed status. Note: In event of failure to comply with these procedures or any of the rules laid down by the Electricity Act and Regulations, shall be liable to have their name removed from the list of licensed electrical workers on the University Electrical Contractor’s licence and from that date will be barred from carrying out electrical work on any property of the University • Always follow the example of the Standard Operating Procedure (Appendix 4) applicable to electrical work • Notifying the Office of Facilities Management, Senior Technical Officer Electrical, and / or OFM Workshop Electrical Supervisor of any situation they believe poses a threat to the safety and health of persons involved with electrical work (and any other person) • Complying with the procedures for electric shock and related electrical incidents referenced in Section 5.0 • Attending a UWA approved electrical training course to comply with these procedures and associated legislative requirements • • • • • • • • 3.5 Supervisors, Staff and Students Supervisors, staff and students shall comply with these safety procedures and associated legal requirements Shall comply with the procedures of electric shock and related electrical incidents referenced in Section 5.0 Attend an approved UWA electrical training course to comply with these procedures and associated legislative requirements 3.6 Visitors Are not authorised to interfere with or modify any electrical equipment Are always to be accompanied by a delegated personnel Shall comply with the procedures of electric shock and related electrical incidents referenced in Section 5.0 3.7 Safety and Health Office (in their area of control) are responsible for: Assisting Deans and Heads of School / Centres / Office of Facilities Management, managers, supervisors and others to implement these procedures Complying with the procedures of electric shock and related electrical incidents referenced in Section 5.0 UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 4 • Attending, coordinating and maintaining records of attendance of the UWA electrical training course to comply with these procedures and associated legislative requirements PROCEDURES: 4.0 Administrative Arrangements 4.1 Hazards of Electricity Electrical accidents can occur when electricity is present in faulty wiring and equipment or when poor work practices are followed. Accidents involving electricity can lead to burns and tissue damage and in some cases, cardiac arrest and death when the body forms part of the electric circuit. Electric shock can be very unsettling to the victim even if there is no apparent injury. Any person receiving an electric shock is strongly advised to seek medical attention within 24 hours. Refer to Section 5.0. Other possible consequences of electrical accidents are fire and explosion (as sparking can be a source of ignition) and damage to equipment. Many of the accidents can be traced back to faults such as incorrectly earthed equipment, frayed or broken insulation or practices such as inappropriate work on live equipment. Most mains power is supplied at 240 volts (50 Hertz), however, a higher voltage (such as 415 volts) or lower (such as 12 volt) systems may power some equipment. Low voltage systems are usually safer by virtue of reducing current flow through the body. Nevertheless, users should be aware that low voltage equipment may still be hazardous in some situations. 4.2 Equipment Safety The safety of electrical equipment and cables primarily relies on insulation to separate live parts and to guard against people coming into contact with those live parts. Additional safety is provided by connecting accessible conductive parts to earth. This means that if external parts become live, the electricity will be conducted to earth rather than through the person. Equipment can become unsafe after repeated usage if a component becomes faulty or insulation deteriorates, or if flexible cords are damaged. Visual inspections can usually verify that the following safety standards are maintained and are recommended to be carried out annually. (Appendix 3 – Electrical Equipment Safety Checklist) All work on electrical equipment, including construction or modifications must only be performed by a competent authorised person. Internal, non-visual or earthing equipment checks must only be conducted by a licensed electrical worker and in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. The use of electrical apparatus in applications that involve liquids can present special electrical hazards, as liquids will usually conduct electricity. This will be apparent in many laboratories where equipment such as electrophoresis equipment or water baths are commonly used. In these cases, the equipment must be of good standard and be suitable for the purpose for which it is used. Flammable liquids must be kept separate to prevent fire or damage. No double adaptors and piggy-backs to be used. All electrical plugs must be either moulded (integral part of the cord) or transparent. UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 5 4.3 Protection from Electric Shock 4.3.1 Earthing / Insulation Class I equipment includes not only insulation of live parts but an earth connection via the flexible cord and power outlet to accessible conductive parts. The accessible parts will not become live if the basic insulation fails. However, the disadvantage of Class I equipment is that an electric shock can still occur if a person forms a connection between live and earthed components. Class II (double insulated) equipment does not have an earth connection as in Class I equipment but relies on double or reinforced insulation for protection. Introducing an earth on this equipment can be dangerous. 4.3.2 Residual Current Devices (RCDs) Residual Current Devices (RCDs) operate by switching off electricity supply when an imbalance is detected between the current flowing between the active and neutral leads. An imbalance will occur when part or all of the current returns via earth rather than the neutral lead. As the detectable imbalance (~30 mA) and switching times are below the levels to result in injury, the RCDs are an effective means of protecting people in most situations but are not to be relied on. For this reason the University requires RCDs to be installed on all socket outlets. Where nuisance tripping of any RCD is a problem or for advice on requirements for RCDs, contact the Office of Facilities Management, Workshop Electrical Supervisor or Senior Technical Officer Electrical. 4.3.3 Low Voltages Susceptibility to electric shock varies widely between individuals and according to the circumstances and therefore it is not possible to set a safe voltage limit. However, generally low voltage (less than 50 volts) is unlikely to cause injury or electric shock. 4.4 Electrical Risk Management The responsibility for safety rests with the person with management and control of the workplace. In particular, Schools and Sections are to ensure that all equipment purchased or brought to the University is tested before use and at regular intervals thereafter and that electrical safety standards are maintained in accordance with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760:2001. Equipment that has been tested should be clearly indicated with an appropriate test tag. (Appendix 2 -Testing and Inspection Intervals for Electrical Equipment) 4.4.1 Advice on regular in-service testing Advice on testing of equipment to be arranged through the Office of Facilities Management, Workshop Electrical Supervisor or Senior Technical Officer Electrical. Electrical equipment and cords should be checked on a regular basis. 4.4.2 Isolation and Tagging: Isolation and tagging procedures cover basic safety principles and isolation requirements to protect personnel and equipment. It is a requirement that, before any repairs or alterations are commenced, the electrical circuits or equipment to be worked on be entirely disconnected from the electricity supply, unless other adequate precautions are taken to prevent electric shock and the appropriate tagging/isolation compliance procedure is undertaken. UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 6 • Danger tag (red and black): is a warning to all persons that the equipment is being worked on and must not be operated, as lives may be placed in danger. These tags are fixed and removed only by the person signing the tag, placed at common isolation points and removed upon completion of work • Out of Service tag (yellow and black): is a notice to all persons to identify appliances or equipment that are out of service for repairs or alterations. These tags are fixed at common isolation points of the equipment that is unsafe or not to be operated Equipment that is faulty or damaged or otherwise does not comply with testing (Appendix 2) shall be removed from service immediately and sent for repair or disposal. If disposed of, it must be clearly labelled and rendered incapable (eg. cutting off plugs) of being connected to mains supply. 4.4.3 Use low voltage equipment for hand-held Where appropriate, low voltage or battery powered hand-held equipment can provide additional protection. Low voltage equipment will have a special plug. 4.4.4 Electromedical equipment (Research) Because of the patient connections associated with electromedical equipment, use of such equipment would normally require the prior approval from the University Human Ethics Committee who would seek evidence that the equipment conforms to acceptable technical standards. Australian Standard AS/NZS 3551:1996 Technical management programs for medical devices refers to the safe management of electromedical equipment and provides guidance on setting up and maintaining electromedical equipment. In some cases, provisions of the Therapeutic Goods Act may also apply to electromedical devices in which case relevant approval must be obtained from the Therapeutic Devices Branch of the Commonwealth Department of Human Services and Health. Any persons cons idering using electromedical devices should contact the Secretary of the University Human Ethics Committee and the Safety and Health Office for specialist advice. UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 7 4.4.5 Design/hiring equipment Equipment designed or constructed within the University must be designed and constructed in accordance with relevant standards. It is also recommended that advice be obtained from the Safety and Health Office Insurance Officer beforehand, as the liability exposure of the University (to the end user) may be sufficiently great as to affect the viability of the project. Electrical equipment, which is lent for hire or loan, must be visually checked before each hire and regularly tested in accordance with AS 3760-2001. • • • • • • • 4.4.6 Purchasing equipment Equipment purchased for use must be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with relevant standards, specifically Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996, Part 3 - Division 4 and Part 4 – Division 4 (amended December 1999); and Be compliant with the UWA Plant and Equipment Safety Procedures, Purchasing Safety Procedures and OFM Electrical Work Regulations and Controls. For assistance, contact the Safety and Health Office on 9380 3938 and the Senior Technical Officer Electrical, Office of Facilities Management on 9380 2036. 4.4.7 Information, Instruction and Training (including Electric Shock) All personnel using electrical equipment are to be provided with information on the use and the associated hazards at commencement of contract or soon after. All nominated personnel are to attend a UWA electrical training course to comply with these procedures and associated legislative requirements. For an incident/accident involving electric shock please immediately notify your supervisor, then contact the Security Office on 9380 2222 emergencies and the Safety and Health Office on 9380 3938. Confidential Incident / Injury Report Form to be completed. Report any electrical hazards and faults to Urgent and Minor Maintenance x 2025 or email psjob@acs.uwa.edu.au. 4.5 Record Keeping Registers: • An electrical equipment record must be completed (Appendix 1) • A general electrical safety checklist inspection is to be conducted annually (Appendix 3) 5.0 Electric Shock and Related Electrical Incidents Anyone who incurs an electric shock and related electrical incidents must follow the following procedures: • Individual – report to / contact immediately your immediate supervisor; complete the UWA Confidential Incident / Injury Report Form Part 1 (After hours emergencies: contact the Security Office on 9380 2222) • - - Supervisor – Report to / contact immediately the Office of Facilities Management, Senior Technical Officer Electrical on 9380 2036 or Workshop Electrical Supervisor on 9380 2016 who will conduct an investigation and formally report the incident to Energy Safety Directorate and the Network Operator; contact the Safety and Health Office on 9380 3938; (After hours emergencies: contact the Security Office on 9380 2222); and UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 8 - immediately ensures where the incident occurred the area is made safe (provided safe to do so) and access to the area restricted until an investigation has been conducted 6.0 Contact Information: telephone, e-mail address For assistance and further information with implementing these procedures please contact: • Office of Facilities Management, Senior Technical Officer Electrical 9380 2036; • Safety and Health Office 9380 3938, email: sho@admin.uwa.edu.au; or • web site: http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/ 7.0 References and Links (related policies/documents) These procedures have been developed in reference to the minimum following documents and related legislative requirements: • Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (amended March 1999) • Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996, Part 3 - Division 6 (amended December 1999) • Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996, Part 4 – Division 4 (Plant) • Australian Standards (AS) - 3760: 2001; 1543; 1674; 2243; 2430; 2865; 3000; 3012; 3100; 3190; 3200; 3551; 3108; 1188; 3859; 3175; 3350; 3105; 3003 and 3108 • http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/ • UWA Policy and Procedures for Confined Space • UWA Personal Protective Equipment Guidelines • UWA Safety Risk Management Procedures • UWA Contractor Safety and Health Policy Office of Facilities Management: http://www.ofm.uwa.edu.au/plan/elecregs.htm 7.0 Appendices • Appendix 1: Electrical Equipment Register • Appendix 2: Testing and Inspection Intervals for Electrical Equipment • • • Appendix 3: Electrical Equipment Safety Checklist Appendix 4: Standard Operating Procedure (example) Appendix 5: Definitions Last Edits: Responsible: Date for Review: December 2002 SHO Manager October 2004 Previous Edits: Approved by: File Ref: October 2002 University Safety Committee Previous Titles: UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 9 APPENDIX 1: Electrical Equipment Register – Identification Number: eg. UWA – U1 UWA Location to be completed and updated regularly Description of equipment Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures Testing & Inspection Intervals done (Yes / No) - tick appropriate box Yes No R F T D [ ] / / Yes No R F T D [ ] / / Yes No R F T D [ ] / / Yes No R F T D [ ] / / Yes No R F T D [ ] / / Yes No R F T D [ ] / / Yes No R F T D [ ] / / Yes No R F T D [ ] / / Yes No R F T D [ ] / / Yes No R F T D [ ] / / Yes No R F T D [ ] / / Yes No R F T D [ ] / / 10 Outcome (R=Refer, F=Fix, T =Test & D=Discard) - tick appropriate box Documentation Tag Initial Date Appendix 2: Testing and Inspection Intervals for Electrical Equipment – Deans, Heads of School / Centre and OFM to ensure compliance with below requirements. Reference: AS/NZS 3760 – 2001: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment FREQUENCY OF INSPECION AND TESTS: Equipment shall be inspected and tested – i) prior to initial introduction to service. Where the equipment is new the supplier shall be deemed responsible for the initial electrical safety of the new equipment ii) before return to service after a repair or servicing, which could have affected the electrical safety iii) prior to each hire (for hire equipment, inspection only) and additionally tested at not greater than monthly intervals iv) at intervals not exceeding those specified below in Table 1 CAUTION: This page must be read in conjunction with AS/NZS 3760-2001 as a whole, and particularly Clause 2.1. TABLE 1 Type of environment and / or Equipment Interval between inspection and tests Interval Class of Equipment Class I – (protectively earthed) Class II – (double insulated) Residual Current Devices (RCDs) Push button test by user Portable i)Factories, workshops, places of work or repair manufacturing, assembly, maintenance or fabrication ii)Laboratories, health care and educational establishments, tea rooms and office kitchens iii)Office environment: where the equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to flexing in normal use OR is open to abuse OR is in a hostile environment iv)Office environment: where the equipment or supply flexible cord is NOT subject to flexing in normal use AND is NOT open to abuse and is NOT in a hostile environment UWA Cord extension sets and EPOs Fixed Operating time RCD tester Portable Fixed 6 months 12 months Daily, or before every use 6 months 12 months 12 months 6 months 12 months 12 months 3 months or before every use 6 months 2 years 2 years 12 months 12 months 12 months 3 months 6 months 2 years 2 years 12 months 5 years 5 years 3 months 6 months 2 years 2 years 5 years Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 11 TABLE 1 (continued) Type of environment and / or equipment Interval between inspection and tests Interval betwClass of Equipment Class I – (protectively earthed) Class II – (double insulated) Residual Current Devices (RCDs) Push button test by user Portable v)Hire equipment (note 3) Inspected before each hire. Test monthly Inspect before each hire. Test monthly Cord extension sets and EPOs Prior to each hire. Test monthly Fixed N/A Operating time RCD tester Portable Prior to each hire. Test monthly Fixed N/A Inspect before each hire. Test monthly vi)Repaired/serviced/second hand equipment After repair or service which could affect electrical safety, or on re -introduction to service vii)Equipment used for commercial cleaning viii)Residential type areas: Residential institutions, boarding houses, hospitals, accommodation houses and the like 6 months 12 months 3 months N/A 2 years N/A 12 months 2 years 2 years 6 months 6 months 2 years 2 years 2 years NOTES: 1 Multiple environments may exist in any location, eg. An ‘office’ classification and a ‘laboratory’ classification may exist within a ‘factory’ establishment 2 Regulatory Authorities, other Standards, workplace safety requirements or manufacturers’ instructions may specify intervals appropriate to particular industries or specific types of equipment RCDs in transportable equipment shall be regarded as portable RCDs The following Standards refer only to the inspection and testing method of Clause 2.3 of this Standard, but not to the intervals of testing in Table 2 above. Refer to the appropriate standard for specific test intervals: AS 3001 Electrical Installations – Movable premises and their installations AS 3002 Electrical Installations – Shows and Carnivals AS/NZS 3003 Electrical Installations – Patient treatment areas of hospitals and medical and dental practices AS 3004 Electrical Installations – Marinas and pleasure craft at low voltage AS/NZS 3012 Electrical Installations – Construction and demolition sites AS/NZS 4249 Electrical Safety Practices – Film, video and television sites 3 4 UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 12 APPENDIX 3: Electrical Equipment Safety Checklist Complete annually (eg. by 30th June) To be conducted by nominated representative on behalf of Deans, Head of School / Centre School / Section:………………………………. Date of Inspection: / / Who Conducted Inspection: ……………………………………………… Item Yes / No Action to be Taken By Whom By When Any electrical defects Yes No / / Electrical appliance dry and clean Yes No / / Correct appliance for the task Yes No / / Inspection test is current with tester’s licence number on tag Yes No / / Evidence of a maintenance program Yes No / / Danger tag or Out of Service tag applied Yes No / / Electrical appliance not in wet or in wet areas without RCDs Yes No / / Double adaptors used Yes No / / Protected Powerboard with circuit breaker used Yes No / / Electrical portable outlet device (EPODs) used and not overloaded Yes No / / Loose cables off the floor in trafficable areas Yes No / / Are plugs, sockets and extension leads in good condition Yes No / / Are flexible cords protected from damage Yes No / / Are power points protected from damage Yes No / / Appropriate fire extinguishers available Yes No / / Notes: • Do not withdraw a plug from a socket by pulling the cable: ELECTROCUTION • Before touching a person suspected of being electrocuted, switch off the electricity supply (i.e. by switching off and removing plug from socket) • Commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately (if trained) if heart and breathing has stopped following an electric shock - Arrange for first aid immediately • No double adaptors and piggy-backs UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 13 APPENDIX 4: Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs): Electrical Equipment Safety INSTRUCTIONS: licensed electrical workers MUST always follow these SOPs whilst working working with electrical equipment. 1. PURPOSE: Provide safe and efficient means for personnel working with electrical equipment 2. SCOPE: Throughout operational work area when working with electrical equipment PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE): Safety footwear (steel toecap shoes, safety helmets, cotton clothing: non-conductive buttons, sleeves to wrist length and legs which reach the footwear, safety glasses, insulating gloves, insulating mats, etc 3. ACTION: 3.1 Before your start work • Always follow the instructions of the (supervisor) • Know, recognise and understand the consequences of the hazards that may be faced with electricity • Use equipment properly • Plan and discuss the job with the supervisor / person authorising the electrical work • Take care and think about what is to be done • Isolate the electrical equipment or circuit • Fit a “DANGER – DO NOT OPERATE” tag • Erect safety barriers when required • Use the correct earthing equipment • Avoid working on live equipment whenever possible • Cover and insulate adjacent live apparatus • Test before starting work • Check test instruments before and after use • Start work only when authorised to do so 3.2 When working • Use safety observers when required • Check the isolation points before resuming work after a break • Regularly check and clean the tools that you use • Maintain tools and equipment in good working order • Use insulated ladders 3.3 On Completion of Work • Check that no tools are left on or in the job • Remove your own earthing equipment • Check that the work is complete and test prior the equipment can be energised • Notify all personnel involved that the equipment will be energised • Remove “DANGER – DO NOT OPERATE” tags • Energise supply • Remove and store all safety barriers 3.4 Safety Practices • Know the electric shock and resuscitation procedure • Know the first aid officer before your work • Know where the fire extinguishers are located in your work area and how to operate them • Know the correct type of fire extinguisher for the various types of fire • Keep your workplace clean and orderly • Report all electrical accidents to OFM, Workshop Electrical Supervisor and Safety and Health Office • Carry a mobile phone UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 14 APPENDIX 5: Definitions Clear Access Electrical Portable Outlet Device (EPOD) Electrical Work Extra Low Voltage Fixed Equipment Hand held equipment Hazard High Voltage Isolation Isolator Live (Energised) Low Voltage Network Operator Plant Residual Current Device (RCD) University Premises UWA Means unimpeded access to designated area, with a minimum clearance of 900mm greater than the radius of any opening door Means a device, other than a cord extension set, having a single plug intended for connection to a mains outlet socket, a (EPOD) sheathed flexible cord and an assembly of one or more outlet (Power Board) sockets. It may incorporate a reeling or cooling arrangement Is defined in the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 and means work on electrical machines or instruments, on an electrical installation or on electrical appliances or equipment to which electricity is supplied or intended to be supplied, at a nominal pressure exceeding 50 volts alternating current or 115 volts direct current , whether or not the thing on which the work is being performed is part of, or is connected to or to be connected to, any distribution works or private generating plant and, where work is performed on any appliance, whether or not electricity is supplied or may be supplied thereto through an electric plug socket or socket outlet Means voltage NOT exceeding 50 volts AC or 120 volts DC Means a component part of an installation hard wired through its own isolation point Means 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. (Excludes battery operated equipment) Means in relation to a person, anything that may result in injury to the person; or harm to the health of a person Means voltage exceeding 1000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC Means disconnected from all sources of supply by the operations of isolators, isolating links or fuses or connectors the physical break must be of length appropriate to the voltage and insulation medium Means a device that for reasons of safety provides a physical break in the circuit in the open position. The length of the break is dependent on the voltage and the insulating medium Means a term applied to all or part of electrical equipment when a difference of potential exists between it and the mass of earth under normal conditions of operation Means voltage exceeding 50 volts AC or 120 volts DC but NOT exceeding 1000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC Means (a) in relation to an electrical installation of a consumer, the supply authority supplying electricity in the area within which the electrical installation is situated and to the distribution works of which the electrical installation is or is to be connected; or (b) in relation to an electrical installation other than an electrical installation of a consumer, the Director Means any machinery, equipment, appliance, implement, or tool and any component or fitting thereof or accessory thereto used in the execution of the work under the contract but not forming part of the works 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 Means the place whether in a building or grounds, owned, occupied or controlled by the University Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 15