Auslec Solutions 11 by Chris Bright

ISSUE 11 WINTER 2012

AUSLEC

CSG

AUSTRALIA’S ENERGY FUTURE?

WEIGHTING FOR WINTER OUR BUCKET LIST

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CONTENTS Published By L&H Group A.B.N. 19730 781 473 456 Lower Heidelberg Road Heidelberg VIC 3084 Australia Ph: +61 3 9243 3555 www.auslec.com.au Publisher Gavin Karthaus P: +61 3 9897 3758 E: info@badpanda.com.au W: www.badpanda.com.au Produced on behalf of L&H Group by

A.B.N. 67 150 113 101 PO Box 1258 Surrey Hills North, Victoria 3127 P: +61 3 9897 3758

OUR VIEW

BRANCHING OUT – ROXBY DOWNS, SA

OUR BUCKET LIST

CLEAN THAT MESS UP

WINTER WEIGHT CHALLENGE

PRODUCT CUT

DID YOU KNOW – PETRO CHEM

SUPPLIER’S VIEW - NHP

COAL SEAM GAS UNPLUGGED

CLIMBING TO NEW HEIGHTS

All material appearing in AUSLEC SOLUTIONS magazine is protected under Australian copyright laws. Copyright L&H Group. Reproduction of any material in whole or part is prohibited without the express permission of the publisher. The publisher does not take any responsibility for any statements, errors or omissions made in any editorial or advertising material that is published in this magazine. The publisher hereby advises all readers to ensure that all instructions, safety precautions and training is adhered to before attempting to use or operate any product or equipment that is published in AUSLEC SOLUTIONS magazine If you have any comment on anything to do with Auslec Solutions, just drop us an email at solutionsmagazine@auslec.com.au

OUR VIEW AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE

Australia’s manufacturing industry employs approximately 9% of the nations entire workforce meaning that just under one million of us rely on our employers to provide a safe working environment. Whether it is the petro-chemical, agriculture, construction or mining sectors, all have unique and sometimes specialised safety requirements. Whilst the vast majority of businesses are compliant with the various state and federal OH&S standards required of them, accidents and even deaths to employees in the manufacturing sector are still occurring at a rate that outstrips all other industries. According to Safe Work Australia’s latest data, 16% of all serious workers compensation claims were made by manufacturing industry employees. In simple terms, as a result of work related injury or disease, 57 employees each day require one or more weeks off work. For the period 2009-2010, nearly 80% of total workplace deaths occurred within the manufacturing and industrial sector. Whilst this is partly due to the high number of workers this area employs, it is a clear example of the often dangerous environments that employees are subjected to. Construction and Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing were responsible for 28 and 26 deaths respectively during this period whilst Mining reported 6 fatalities for the same time frame. Clearly, working in an industrial capacity has its inherent risks. We all have an obligation to ensure safe work practices are followed as our actions can have a very real and immediate

impact on not only ourselves but on our colleagues too but what is going to drive the incidence of work place injury in the manufacturing sector down? Here at Auslec, we believe knowledge is a critical and powerful tool in helping to combat workplace injury and death. Whilst employers have very strict and clear OH&S obligations, the individual employee also has a very real responsibility to ensure they have a thorough understanding of the environment they are working in, the tools and machinery they are working with and the personal protection equipment (PPE) needed to work safely. Take the chemical processing industry as an example. Potentially highly dangerous work places where personnel are subjected to machinery and substances that can inflict serious harm if the correct safe knowledge base has not been attained. Safe work knowledge can be acquired in many ways with information available from many sources. At Auslec, we work closely with our supplier partners to align the safety requirements of industry with an appropriate and effective safety solution. This often involves educating our customers on products that can help reduce their exposure to dangerous situations or protect them from injury. Whether it be highly technical sensing equipment for managing plant operations or chemical resistant footwear for a potentially corrosive work site, we have the expertise and the knowledge that can help a customer build their knowledge bank.

Information on workplace and product safety can be sometimes difficult to obtain however Auslec can provide specific industry related advice through trained staff and supplier capability to ensure your business gets the right safety product to in turn keep your operations and your staff safe. We take our obligation to safety seriously and as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), we can also help provide qualifications that don’t just look good on a resume; they may in fact save a life. What’s your view? What are the key areas that will help us all reduce the incidence of workplace injury? Give us your thoughts at solutionsmagazine@auslec.com.au

NOW IS THE TIME For customers with recurring or ongoing requirements, they can use the ‘favourites’ function, standard order lists or replications of previous orders. In addition to this, customers have total control of their account and can create multiple user ID’s and assign access privileges. This means only certain staff can view account balances or download invoices and statements ensuring any sensitive information is only seen by those with authorisation.

This continued upsurge in online usage has led Auslec to develop a business tool that provides significant benefits to customers.

“We have already received fantastic feedback from customers about NOW and apart from the obvious benefit of having access to so much information, our customers are most impressed by the intelligent search function”, says Lynda. “Being able to search by keywords, product descriptions, supplier or manufacturer

Auslec NOW, an intelligent and intuitive online site was launched last month with immediate interest and uptake from

and specification comparisons between products. Another simple yet time saving inclusion is the highlighting of items that are part of a fixed pricing agreement; this allows customers to quickly identify those products that will provide them best value for money. In summing up Auslec’s commitment to providing choice for customers, Lynda offers this. “We are in the technological age where everyone wants access to everything NOW. Our customers see bricks & mortar stores and business hour operations as minimum service requirements. More and more customers are looking online for information at their convenience; not just during the hours that a wholesaler’s branch is open”. And the name ‘NOW’? “Simple” says

“Apart from the obvious benefit of having access to so much information, our customers are most impressed by the intelligent search function” customers. Lynda Ramsay, eBusiness Development Manager for L&H Group said traffic on the site had exceeded all expectations. “We knew our customer online usage was growing dramatically and that for many, a resource like Auslec NOW would be a valuable tool”. The key to Auslec NOW is the ability for customers to have 24/7 access to an online catalogue, store and other useful web services. This state-of-theart system allows the searching of over 85,000 products online and the ability to view extended product details such as key features & benefits, images and even data sheets where applicable. Lynda says, “Auslec NOW is a first class system. Customers can view pricing and product availability in real time and then purchase immediately online with confidence. They can then opt to have their consignment delivered to their business, a dedicated job site or they can pick up from any branch within our network. It’s all about choice”.

part numbers or even customer specific part numbers that have been loaded into our system has made NOW all the more easy for them to use”. To further emphasise the capabilities of NOW, some customers have been particularly impressed with the “compare product” function that allows application

Lynda. “It reflects when our customers want access to their information. We have a saying at Auslec; Our Promise? Great Service - and in essence that’s what NOW is all about”. To get access NOW, just go to www. auslec.com.au and click on ‘NOW’ or drop in to your local branch to find out more.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

According to the most recent figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the number of internet subscribers nationwide now exceeds 10.4 million and is growing at a rate of 10% every six months. When dissected, these figures show a 26% increase in government and business subscribers meaning that each day, more and more companies are using the web as a device to help run their businesses more effectively.

BRANCHING OUT WITH

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

The township of Roxby Downs is unique in many ways. Whilst most towns throughout Australia have grown organically over time, Roxby Downs was a project – a mining town specifically built to support the working requirements of the massive BHP owned Olympic Dam mine.

AUSLEC ROXBY DOWNS, SA Branch Manager – Darryl Wilson Branch/warehouse floor space – 550 m2 Number of staff – 4 P: 08 8671 3111 E: ausroxbydowns@auslec.com.au A: 16 Gosse Street Roxby Downs, SA 5725

Situated some 570 kms north west of Adelaide in South Australia and with a population of around 4,500, Roxby Downs was initially a cattle station with its name derived from the original pastoral station. A dam on the pastoral lease was built during the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games close to the discovery drill site of what is now the Olympic Dam mine. The mine itself is located about 16 kms north of Roxby Downs where annually, over 9 million tonnes of ore is mined producing 1 million ounces of silver, 80,000 ounces of gold, 350,000 tonnes of copper and 4,000 tonnes of uranium oxide. “It’s a great place to live and work” says Auslec Roxby Downs branch manager Darryl Wilson. “Geographically, we might be considered remote but with that comes many positives; like traffic lights or more to the point, none of them!” When you consider the vast area that Darryl and his 3 staff service, you realise that traffic lights would be as useful as an ashtray on a motorbike. Darryl says, “We have a very wide customer base that obviously covers Roxby and Olympic Dam but we have customers 80 k’s away in Woomera and also in Andamooka”. ‘Customers’ for the Roxby Downs branch can be anyone from a small domestic electrical contractor, to local engineering and fabrication companies right through to the Olympic Dam mine. “We have companies like Mine Power Solutions and Broadspectrum which is owned by Transfield that have been long term customers of ours. We also supply service type organisations such as Sodexo and Spotless and even a couple of local pubs!”

With such a diverse customer mix, it’s not surprising that Darryl has had one or two interesting requests for products over time. “Nothing surprises me these days” he says. We can be asked to source anything from PlayStations, TV’s to air conditioners. Due to our location, we don’t have access to the large retailers so our customers often ask us to obtain items like these for them. It’s all part of our service offering; if they want it, we’ll get it”. Being part of a small but dynamic community also gives the Roxby Downs team an opportunity to bring the local industrial sector together. Darryl says, “We run an annual electrical trade show at the community hall in September with the help of our suppliers. We get around 200 people attending to look at the latest in product developments and to talk ‘shop’. There’s plenty of prizes and give aways and needless to say, a few beers consumed on the night”. Always striving to add value to customers, Darryl arranged for Auslec sister company, Specialised Lighting Solutions to demonstrate the latest in LED lighting technology and the energy savings that can be achieved by using these types of products. Also show-cased on the night was the Koolsola thermal air-conditioning units which are essentially solar powered split systems ranging from 2.6kw up to 7.2kw in size. These units can potentially reduce power running costs by up to 70% which makes them perfect for the high summer temperatures and near freezing winters that the Roxby Downs locals take in their stride.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

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OUR BUCKET LIST Drive a

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The term ‘the bucket list’ has made it’s way into our vernacular thanks to the 2007 hit movie of the same name. Starring screen legends Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, two terminally ill men embark on a road trip complete with a list of things they’d like to do before they ‘kick the bucket’.

Ferrari

Here at Auslec, we asked around to see what’s on the bucket list of some of our staff.

Gamble at

Monte Carlo

Fly a

helicopter

Complete a

triathlon

Visit

Rome

Learn to

scuba dive

Let us know what’s on your bucket list! We’ll choose the six most unique entries and publish them in the next issue of Auslec Solutions. Email your name, company and list to solutionsmagazine@auslec.com.au

NEW

E T N A E H T G N UPPI

SKILLED ELECTRICAL WORKERS DEMANDED THE BEST… SO WE ASKED OUR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM TO RESPOND…

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THERE’S NO THRILLS IN INDUSTRIAL SPILLS

You’re working on the weekly production report when the phone rings. A distraught warehouse supervisor blurts out something about a worker being seriously injured from a chemical spill. What do you do first – Call an ambulance? Check the worker’s injuries? Find out what went wrong with the equipment? Check your safety procedures? Call your lawyer?

These tragedies could easily have been prevented if the companies had been more diligent in safely storing and handling the hazardous chemicals in their facilities.

recently spoke to some hazardous materials subject-matter-experts – Michael Tibb, 3M’s ANZ Business Manager, Mining & Mineral Extraction and DuPont’s Protection Technologies team.

If your business uses hazardous chemicals, you too need to be diligent, not only in storing and handling them but also in spill-management.

The worker, whom you later discovered wasn’t wearing a protective face-shield, sustained chemical burns from caustic

On top of that, the recently introduced Workplace Health & Safety legislation places a greater degree of responsibility on

Managing spills Michael Tibb issues an important initial caution: “Don’t attempt to clean up hazardous spills, unless you’re properly trained to do so. This includes being fully aware of the spilt material’s MSDS, its hazards and its compatibility with the absorbent material to be used. If you don’t

“If your business uses hazardous chemicals, you too need to be diligent, not only in storing and handling them but also in spill-management”. all managers and workers to be proactive about workplace safety, with increased penalties for both individuals and companies emphasising the Safety Regulators’ intent to make us more proactive about it.

Consider another scenario: When you arrive at work one morning, EPA officers are waiting to interview you over a chemical spill in a nearby creek. The chemical found in it was a copper/ chromium/arsenic solution (CCA) that you use to treat timber in your plant. A subsequent investigation reveals that a mixing-tank valve in your facility was left open overnight, causing 20,000 litres of CCA to flow from your premises into the stormwater system and the nearby creek. The valve wasn’t fitted with an automatic cut-off switch and the factory’s spill-containment bund was cracked. What’s going through your mind – How could this happen? How will my company survive the court case? Who’s to blame for this mess?

So where do we go for reliable guidance on industrial-spill precaution, containment and clean-up?

Both scenarios depict serious safety and environmental tragedies from chemical spills. If it happened to you, not only would you be dragged through the courts, but you’d carry the stigma of the tragedy for the rest of your life. Sadly, they’re not hypothetical situations – they actually happened. In the first instance, the NSW company was fined $15,000 and the injured worker’s face was scarred for life. In the second, the Victorian company was fined $30,000 and its director given a 12-month goodbehaviour bond.

Safety Regulator’s guidance Naturally the workplace safety authorities are excellent sources of guidance. WorkCover NSW encourages written risk assessments be developed in consultation with employees in handling all hazardous chemicals, with all workers affected by them being informed of their potential hazards and trained how to work safely with them and any equipment involved, including emergency procedures in the event of equipment failure, spills or fire. Chemicals supplied with ‘Material Safety Data Sheets’ (MSDS) or ‘risk-phrases’ on labels tell workers and employers that a specific health-hazard may be associated with the use of the chemicals. Riskphrases often identify whether chemicals are likely to cause problems if breathed in, swallowed or come in contact with skin. Safe work methods should be developed to prevent workers being exposed to the hazardous substances identified in the MSDS and labels. Practical guidance What precautions can you take against spills? If you encounter one, what can you do to effectively contain it? To get some practical guidance, Auslec Solutions

know what it is, don’t go near it. Leave it to trained emergency HAZMAT teams. “If you are appropriately trained, your first step is to contain the spill, especially if it’s liquid. One of the ways to do this is to deploy booms to prevent further spread. Since booms are available in all sorts of dimensions to suit various environments and volumes, it’s wise to document the types of hazardous materials and their container volumes at your facility and keep appropriately sized booms to deploy around spilled liquids or drains to contain any anticipated spill.” Catering for the variety in potential industrial spills, 3M produces numerous spill-containment systems, including hydrophobic (water-repellent) oil and petroleum sorbents to absorb oil from areas where water may also be present; chemical sorbents with high-absorption capacities and suitable for absorbing many liquid chemicals depending on their compatibility with the sorbent material; general-purpose sorbents to safely absorb industrial fluids; and ‘floorsweep’ sorbents for liquid spills on floors, roads and other hard surfaces. 3M offers a simple, but comprehensive 8-step protocol to address most chemical spills: 1. Evacuate non-essential personnel and cordon-off area. 2. If necessary, notify relevant authorities. 3. Ensure any drains, channels, etc. in the vicinity are blocked or dammed using booms or pillows.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

soda that splashed his face when a hoseconnection came loose and flicked out of the mixing tank as he was decanting the corrosive chemical from one container to another.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au 12

4. Always wear PPE appropriate for the material being cleaned up. 5. Ensure booms deployed around the outside edges of spill are overlapped side-by-side to prevent leakage. 6. Ensure booms are in direct contact with the applied surface. 7. After containment, complete the clean-up procedure using available pads and pillows. Reduce surface area and facilitate further absorption by progressively pushing contaminated booms towards the centre of spill. 8. All used sorbents, clean-up equipment and disposable PPE should be collected in salvage containers and appropriately labelled for safe disposal. Choosing the right protection The local DuPont team warns that, while there are many different protective suits on offer, not all have the same performance standards. Because buyers can find it difficult to evaluate suits’ protective qualities, they generally depend on information provided by reputable manufacturers or suppliers. To help select the right protective-suit for specific applications, DuPont recommends four selection criteria: 1. Protective Barrier A suit’s most important consideration is its protective barrier. The material from which it’s made must be proven to offer protection against all hazardous substances to which wearers could be exposed. When evaluating the protection-levels offered by garments, ask:

2. Quality In addition to quality material, workmanship in seams, sizing and quality control is extremely important. Buyers should check seams carefully, asking:

•

The size of the suit should correspond to the appropriate size-code. Don’t make assumptions: some suits are cut much smaller than their size-code would indicate, making them uncomfortable for wearers and putting undue strain on the fabric and seams. Other protective clothing is cut too big and increases the risk of accidents caused by garments catching on things or tearing when stress is placed on unpredictable areas of the material, such as when wearers kneel down. 3. Comfort A good fit ensures protective suits are both comfortable and capable of affording adequate protection to wearers. Poor-fitting garments increase the risk of tearing and restrict movement, which can adversely affect wearers’ abilities to carry out their work. Since good-fit largely results from well-designed suits, buyers should ask: • •

•

Is detailed information on the garment claimed protection-level readily available? To what extent can users rely on this information? How trust-worthy are the manufacturer and supplier? Do the manufacturers or suppliers support their claims with appropriate test data? (Simple declarations of conformity aren’t enough). Is it easy for users to obtain more information on the level of protection offered? Is training offered?

Are they as tight and solid as the suitmaterial itself? Does the stitching conform to established barrier and quality guidelines?

•

• •

Does the hood move when the head is turned? Does the suit provide a close fit when the head is in motion? Are elasticated sections sufficiently durable and flexible to ensure suits fit easily over turn-backs of protective gloves or boots? Is the suit easy to put on and take off? Does the zip-fasten work properly?

Suit material also plays an important part in comfort. Buyers should consider: •

Feel: Is the material surface kind to the skin? As a general rule, smooth surfaces tend to rate less favourably

•

than nap surfaces. Flexibility: Flexible, thin materials are generally more user-friendly than rigid, inflexible fabric. Weight: The lighter a suit, the more comfortable it tends to be. Air-permeability: While materials which are permeable to the air are generally more comfortable because moisture and body heat can be wicked away quicker, the barrier effect of these materials is much lower, making them unsuitable for many applications

4. Physical properties Many applications demand properties in addition to barrier performance, such as tear- and wear-resistance. Selection criteria should also include cut and design of suit, seam-strength and stitching technology used, and materialsurface quality. In situations where face-shields are essential, it’s equally important to consider the varying shapes and sizes of wearers’ heads. MSA addresses this situation with its Black Eagle face-shield, which features fully adjustable head suspension and chin-guard. Its medium-velocity impact protection is also certified to AS/NZS 1337 for protection against flying debris and particles, liquids and vapours – something the injured worker in our introduction wishes he was wearing. DuPont summarises by warning that higher barrier-protection and higher quality workmanship generally demand more expensive fabric and a more costly manufacturing process, translating into more expensive suits. Choice of suit (or any other PPE) should therefore never be based on price alone. The overall cost should be compared with overall benefits and product comparisons should be carried out on this basis. Clear product labeling and identification (reduces risk of confusion), delivery service and delivery times, readily available product advice and user-support are all important factors in the decision-making process.

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EMC Premium weatherproof cable glands for screened variable speed drive (vsd) cable 12mm – 75mm IP66/68 ALCEMC

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Hazardous area weatherproof glands for armoured cable 20mm – 90mm IP66/68 ALCHAW

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Hazardous area weatherproof glands for unamoured cable 20mm – 90mm IP66/68 ALCHUW Ex d, Ex e, DIP A21

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Nylon Cable Glands 12mm – 63mm IP68 ALCMG

BRGM shutter type stainless steel cable gland for unarmoured cable 16mm – 63mm IP68 ALCBRGM-SS

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AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au 14

DON’T WAIT TO LOSE WEIGHT

If, like many workers in the industrial sector you commenced your working life as an apprentice, you may be at even more risk of winter weight gain due to the poor dietary habits you picked up when learning your trade. The Victorian government’s VicHealth department recently funded a research program that probed the dietary habits

In relation to the research findings, VicHealth’s Nutrition and Food Systems Manager and dietician Julie Woods said “Even though young men may not see the physical manifestation of a poor diet because of their active lifestyles, eating these types of foods can still do damage. It can establish unhealthy eating patterns for the rest of their lives”. Look around the average work site, plant or mining operation and it isn’t too difficult to identify examples of this ‘generational’ problem. So coupled with an historic pattern of poor eating and the resulting weight gain, the arrival of winter can be a dangerous time for your health. With the cold winds blowing, it’s difficult to conjure up the motivation to get off the

addition, it is usual to consume less of the fruit, vegetables and salads we enjoy in the summer months and instead we indulge ourselves with high-in-fat snacks because it’s ‘easy’. This helps explains the trend towards weight gain. What do we need to do? Eat better Replace the bacon burger for breakfast with a bowl of muesli and a banana. Instead of a meat pie for morning smoko, try an apple and a handful of nuts with a bottle of water. By reducing the amount of saturated fats ingested from burgers and pies, our bodies immediately start to feel the benefit and when these foods are substituted with fresh fruit, nuts and

“To state the bleeding obvious, winter is bloody cold! When the temperature drops, we batten down the hatches and spend more time indoors”.

of young Australian apprentices and discovered that while a handful of those who participated in the research consumed a reasonably balanced diet, the vast majority regularly ate food that was high in sugars, salt and saturated fats. There appear to be a number of reasons why young apprentices (men in particular) develop poor eating habits. For example, many apprentices are living away from home for the first time and have not developed or been taught the skill of cooking fresh food. In addition, fast food companies like McDonalds have been at the forefront of targeting young tradespeople with advertising suggesting that their ‘breakfast menu is convenient and healthy’. Convenient? Perhaps. Healthy? Debatable. The morning smoko ritual of a ‘Big M’ and a pie has also been around for a few decades now so each batch of new, young apprentices have been and are being exposed to the questionable eating habits of their employees and other senior work colleagues. Not only have apprentices over the years been learning and developing their trade skills, they have been educated in food and lifestyle as well.

couch let alone go for a walk with the dog or put in a session at the gym. But is it all doom and gloom? DEFINITELY NOT! Almost everyone (whether we admit or not!) understands the key to controlling weight gain. There are simply two aspects to the problem – diet and activity levels. The food we consume contains the fuel (kilojoules) our bodies need to create energy. When we are active, our bodies burn these kilojoules so we need to ensure the correct balance between the two. If our bodies burn less energy than we consume, it’s off to the supply department for the next size up in work pants. Perhaps surprisingly, warding off the ‘winter kilos’ is not too difficult and may in fact assist in overall weight reduction. We first need to acknowledge the causes so that we can avoid the winter weight gain. To state the bleeding obvious, winter is bloody cold! When the temperature drops, we batten down the hatches and spend more time indoors. As a result, we are less active and our metabolism (the rate at which our bodies burn kilojoules) decreases and we put on weight. In

vegetables we begin to receive the ‘good energy’ that our bodies have been craving. A great tip is to cook evening meals with extra vegetables so that you can take the leftovers for lunch the following day – it will save you both time and money! Exercise If you have a regular training or exercise regime, maintain it during the winter months. If you don’t have one, start now! Dragging yourself out of bed to go for a walk or run before work might be just too hard so why not lace up the Nike’s as soon as you get home? Jason Wong, personal trainer and fitness expert at Desyne Life says, “Don’t try and make it any harder than it has to be. You’re setting yourself up for failure if you think you’ll be getting up at 5.00am in the dead of winter to go for run. Look at more realistic options such as parking the car a block from work and walking or joining a gym where you can exercise in a dry, comfortable environment”. Jason also suggests getting a group of friends or colleagues together to form an exercise group. “The commitment to a group is a very strong motivator for individuals. No one wants to let the rest down. It can also be a more enjoyable experience and become somewhat of a social outlet for some”.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

With winter now officially upon us and the number of daylight hours in decline, the temptation for many of us to ‘bunker down’ will be too much. This is the time of year when historically speaking, we do less and eat more with the end result meaning a loosening of the belt to accommodate the extra you!

Keep the winter weight off • Exercise in the evening instead of morning • Limit high fat foods like chips and soft drinks • Don’t stop your regular exercise routine AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

• Commence a regular exercise routine!

• Reduce alcohol intake • Snack on fresh fruit – it’s easy • Get off the couch

Cut down on the booze What, I hear you say?! As tempting as it is to kick back on the couch, turn on the footy and devour a six-pack, resist! Alcohol contains a significant amount of ‘empty kilojoules’ that somehow have the ability to find their way to the waistline. Alcohol also slows down your metabolism, which as we’ve learnt has a tendency to increase weight gain. According to the New South Wales government’s Live Life Well program, men should keep their alcohol intake below 4 standard drinks in one day and never above 6 standard drinks any day. For women, the recommendations are lower due to the general size differences between males and females so for the girls, no more than 2 standard drinks a day and never more than 4 standard drinks is the rule of thumb. A reduction in alcohol content not only assists in promoting weight loss, it can have a dramatic positive effect on many aspects of your life.

Get some sun It may be hard to believe but even as winter descends to its coldest, collectively our Australian states still manage to produce an average minimum of 3 hours of sunshine each day. Getting some of this sunlight plays an integral role in ensuring a positive mood. It also makes going for a walk at lunchtime, riding the bike with the kids on the weekend or contemplating a bushwalk a much more enticing proposition. In some people, a lack of sunlight can actually trigger a very mild form of depression with sufferers displaying symptoms such as increased appetite, lack of usual energy and longer sleep requirements which can all result in unwanted weight gain. By staying indoors even as the sun shines, we perpetuate the problem by not allowing our mood to be lifted. So when the sun is shining, take it as your cue to get outdoors and get active.

Have a check-up If you haven’t been active for few months, it’s a good idea to head off to the docs for a check-up. Some medical conditions such as asthma can make exercising in winter a little more challenging but your GP will be able to advise you on the appropriate course of action. Getting a clean bill of health will also help put you in the right frame of mind to commence your attack on winter. Now that we have identified what we need to do, the final component to challenging the scales during the cold months should be the easiest but invariably it’s where most people fail. Implementation is the KEY. It’s all very well to have the knowledge and the ability but if we don’t take individual control and enact the changes ourselves, you can bet your last dollar that the weight will creep up and literally bite us on the……

The information contained in this article is of a general nature and should not be construed as advice. Ensure you consult with a medical professional before commencing any exercise regime.

Sometimes it’s more than simply turning the lights off

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

ITEM 3 HEADING GOES HERE

Schneider Electric’s range of meters shows you how you use your energy, so you can reduce consumption.

With rising power costs and compliance, energy efficiency is high on the agenda for every business. But before effective change can be made, it’s essential to understand where, when and how your energy is being consumed. Schneider Electric’s advanced range of power meters makes it easy to measure energy use, and identify potential savings and dysfunctions. They also enable sub-metering in multi-tenant environments and loads on one or three-phase supplies. It then becomes a whole lot easier to plan a strategy to lower energy consumption, achieve targets and comply with all relevant legislation.

To find out more, go to schneider-electric.com.au or contact your branch representative.

(Available now)

PM5350 is just one of the meters from Schneider Electric’s comprehensive range of energy monitoring devices. Brand new range - available soon

iEM2000

iEM3000

PM3000

© 2012 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved. Schneider Electric and Make the most of your energy are trademarks owned by Schneider Electric Industries SAS or its affiliated companies. • 78 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113 AUSTRALIA • www.schneider-electric.com.au • 1300 369 233 CLIPCOM24697

PM1200 (Available now)

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REMOTE RACKING DEVICE

AUSLEC AUSLECwww.auslec.com.au www.auslec.com.au

Communication Headsets for Extreme Environments

18 18

Developed in close collaboration with demanding users, 3M’s range of Peltor™ Blue Line headsets have undergone rigorous testing in harsh environments. Intrinsically Safe headsets ensure that the available electrical and thermal energy are always low enough so that ignition of hazardous atmospheres cannot occur. Immediately identified by the distinct blue colour, these headsets are approved under the IECEx scheme and offer highattenuating (Class 5) protection. Blue Line Headsets are available in a variety of configurations and options. The range includes Listen Only, Standard and Twin Cup Headsets for extremely noisy environments, up to the Tactical XP which contains additional features such as level dependent function, balance, equaliser and separate adjustment of radio input volumes.

NHP has developed a ‘remote racking device’ for use with the Terasaki brand ‘AR’ Air Circuit Breaker (ACB). The TemPower Rack completely isolates the operator from the front of the switchboard during the mechanical ‘racking’ operation. The base model version, called ‘Rack Attack 1.0’, is controlled by a pendant that is connected to the motor racking unit via a 10 meter cable. This technology means that the operator can be outside of the switchroom away from any potential source of injury. The TemPower Rack is battery powered therefore completely removing it from the main electrical system and ensuring overall operation is quick and easy. The TemPower Rack features a specially designed lifting trolley which gives safe and robust mounting for the drive mechanism and also serves as a lifting trolley for ACB bodies.

SIGN AND LABEL PRINTER The BBP®31 sign and label printer is an easy-to-use, versatile printer that prints signs and labels for a variety of applications; producing professional quality, customised signs and labels on demand. A range of pre-printer header labels are available allowing you to create colour labels using an affordable single colour printer. There are 6 headers available to suit a variety of applications – Danger, Warning, Notice, Restricted Area, Security Notice and Safety First. Packed with smart features, such as a full-colour touch screen display, auto-font sizing and easy-to-load supplies, users can simply walk up and print. When used in conjunction with the Markware™ Design Software you have access to advanced PC designs and editing capabilities.

CHEMICAL SPILL RESPONSE KIT RANGE 3M’s Chemical Spill Kits come in three sizes ranging from a compact, lightweight version to larger kits ideal for areas where chemicals are shipped, stored or transferred. Each kit contains chemical pads, mini booms, pillows, 3M™ disposable half face respirator(s), safety glasses, solvent and oil resistant gloves, a contaminated waste bag and spill response procedures. The 25L capacity kit is designed to contain a small fuel or chemical spill and is small enough to store in vehicles while the 35L capacity kit is stored in a 60 litre drum and is ideal for areas where smaller amounts of chemicals are shipped, stored or transferred. The 180L kit is suitable for larger areas and the contents are conveniently stored in a 240L wheely bin for ease of handling and deployment.

Zanardo enclosure solutions from NHP combine 316 grade stainless steel with a satin finish. The wall mounted enclosures come complete with IP 66 (single door and terminal boxes) and IP 55 (double door) protection ratings to ensure quality protection of your equipment in all environments and available in 21 different sizes.

LADIES WORKWEAR

SAFETY HELMET BALACLAVA The UniSafe Safety Helmet Balaclava is ideal for applications such as freezer or cold weather workers. The Balaclava easily fits into the UniSafe range of safety helmets with unique velcro attachment lugs ensuring the balaclava rotates with the Safety Helmet. Incorporating an integrated neck flap design for added warmth, the balaclava is made from polyester cotton with inner polar fleece lining, is machine washable and can be worn as a stand-alone item.

Huski has further increased its ladies Workwear/Safety range. The Opal jacket has zip-off sleeves and can be worn as either a jacket or vest, remaining day/night compliant to Australian Standards 1906.4:2010 & 4602.1:2011 class D/N in both forms. The Opal features warm polar fleece lining, superior quality 3M 8910 reflective tape and navy trim on the hem, cuffs and collar facing. Constructed from a durable 300 Denier polyester oxford with a 100% waterproof/ breathable coating and all seams sealed, the Opal jacket is available in Safety Orange/ Navy and Safety Yellow/Navy sizes 8 – 20.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

ENCLOSURE SOLUTIONS

Co M nn ale ec & to Fe rP m ai ale r$ 5. 00

SUNCLIX –

Tool Free Phoatovoltaic Connection Phoenix Contact introduces the ﬁrst toolless connection system for photovoltaics. Forget crimping pliers and shrink sleeves. AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

Install photovoltaic systems from the module to the inverter in three easy steps! 1. Insert the stripped PV conductor 2. Press down the latch and lock it in 3. Tighten the screw connection – that’s it!

ON SALE NOW from you local wholesaler! Call us to ﬁnd your closest wholesaler or visit our locator online: 1300 786 411 | phoenixcontact.com.au Seamless Connection Technology – From the PV Module to the Supply

Junction Boxes for PV Modules

Overmolded DC Plug-In Connectors

2.5 to 16mm² DC Plug-In Connectors

Y-Distributor

PV Cables

DC Panel Feed-Throughs

Data Plug-In Connectors

Prices valid Tuesday 1st May until Tuesday 31st July 2012. While stocks last. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Price excludes GST and Freight.

phoenixcontact.com.au

PhoenixContactAU

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VALVE SENSORS

ifm’s valve sensors operate safely with no wear at all, are virtually resistant to external influence and meet the protection rating of IP 67. Under certain conditions the units can be self-cleaning and compared to conventional solutions, weight is low. The sensors are also resistant to mechanical stress such as vibration and shock.

Three-Phase Power Quality and Energy Analysers Poor power quality can dramatically increase the amount of energy wasted in any facility — energy waste that still has to be paid for. The new Fluke 434 and 435 Series II Energy Analysers calculates the cost of energy loss, enabling the identification of problem areas so that appropriate solutions can be implemented. The 434 and 435 Series II Energy Analysers feature an energy loss calculator that monetises cost of poor power quality, an isolated USB port for PC connectivity and a Li-ion battery for extended operating time span. User functionality is enhanced by a 153mm full colour LCD screen and SD card storage of up to 32GB.

ENCLOSURES Built for severe environments, Legrand Marina polyester enclosures feature a self-extinguishing factor of 960°C, reversible doors and plain plates that can be mounted on depth adjustable runners offering greater flexibility. Available in 11 sizes with optional features including doors with glass windows, key locking and anti-graffiti treatment for longer life. For industrial applications, mild steel or stainless steel (304L or 316L) enclosures are available and come complete with plain plate and key lock along with reversible doors and cable entries. With more than 30 sizes to choose from, all Legrand enclosures are weatherproof IP66 - IK10 - RAL7035.

ENERGY METER NHP has introduced the latest in Energy Management technology with the new 3-phase energy meter from Carlo Gavazzi. A compact and easy to install device, the EM21-72R energy meter is perfectly tailored for retrofit applications and is pre-programmed, comes complete with pre-wired split CTs and is self-powered. The EM21-72R can be ordered with 90A, 150A or 250A allowing it to cover almost all possible applications up to 250A. Combined with the unit’s extremely compact and easy to install design, it can be connected to the powerful Energy Monitoring Software – PowerSoft, for all trending, analysis and reporting requirements..

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

Valve sensors are suitable for industrial processes where liquids, air or gases are used.

DID YOU KNOW?

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

Did you know this about Australia’s Petro-Chemical industry?

Australia’s oil and gas industry contributes

58%

of Australia’s primary energy

There is more than 25,000 kms of high pressure steel pipeline transporting natural gas within Australia

LNG (or Liquefied Natural Gas) is natural gas that has been super chilled to

-161°C

$9 billion a year in direct tax is paid by the oil & gas industry

It is estimated that Australia has enough gas reserves to power a city of 1 million people for 8000 years

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

Queensland’s coal seam gas industry will drill 40,000 gas wells in the state over the next 35 years

Australia’s first oil exploration well was drilled at Salt Creek, South Australia in 1866

1 ‘barrel’ of oil equals

159 litres

SUPPLIER’S VIEW Innovation is defined as making change to something by introducing new methods, ideas or devices. It’s a term that gets thrown around a lot these days; although sometimes, the innovation proves to be little more than a recycled idea, an old method with a new name or a product with a shiny new paint job.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

Real innovation is something that makes our lives easier. Real innovation results in an effective and efficient solution for those that use it.

One wonders whether back in 1968 if a young man by the name of Nigel Hugh Peck would have foreseen the innovation that his fledging company NHP would bring to Australia’s electrical and industrial sectors over the proceeding four decades. What we do know is that he had a vision to create a 100% Australian owned company that provided industry best service and the highest level of quality products.

With internet usage by businesses and contractors on the rise (particularly for product research), NHP has responded by unveiling their new corporate website with increased usability complete with a comprehensive product search capability. All of NHP’s catalogues and brochures are also available for download and are compatible with all mobile devices. These advances in technology systems are welcomed by Auslec who themselves have responded to the changing practices of customers. Using the reputable research of the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which shows incremental growth of both internet subscribers and usage, Auslec has developed an online program that gives customers 24/7 access to what they want, when they want it. Called Auslec NOW, you can find out more about it in the article on page 5 of this issue.

In an industry leading move, NHP have designed and constructed their own Sustainability Centre - located adjacent to their National Manufacturing and Distribution Centre in Laverton, Melbourne. The Sustainability Centre offers an interactive display that allows visitors to view and experience technologies including horizontal axis wind generators, photo-voltaic solar collectors, off-grid systems and energy management & control systems. This project allows visitors a first hand insight into alternative energy solutions for domestic, commercial and industrial applications and can help educate them on the significant growth opportunities in this sector. With these and other technology advancements designed to make life easier for customers, NHP and Auslec will continue to deliver innovative customer solutions throughout 2012 and beyond.

NHP commenced its operations in Melbourne with just 17 staff and today employs over 900 people throughout Australia and New Zealand specialising in motor control, power distribution and automation systems. With over 70,000 line items, major industries including mining, manufacturing, processing plants, food & beverage and oil & gas are well serviced. Like Auslec, 2012 has already been a busy year for NHP with not only new product releases but a significant focus on new technology roll outs. In response to the 2011 NECA Market Monitor survey where it was found that ‘smart phones were being widely used for business by 60% of respondents’, NHP has developed a unique Contactor Select App that allows customers to select contactors and overloads for three phase electric motors. By simply selecting the motor voltage and kW, the Contactor Select App will display the motor FLC (Amps) and suggest which contactor and overload to use. Useful for designers and electricians as a handy pocket reference tool, the Contactor Select App calculates full load current of three phase motors and allows correct product selection and overload settings to be made.

NHP was founded in 1968 by Nigel Hugh Peck

1 Choose your enclosure from simple IP55 metal enclosures up to IP66 stainless steel or glass reinforced polyester cabinets.

HEAVY HITTERS

When you are working on the big, industrial projects in harsh environments, you want to be working with proven, robust and reliable products from a brand you can trust. Much more than emergency lighting and domestic switches and sockets, Legrand is a world leader solely focussed on delivering the best products for electrical installations. We offer you a full range of solutions to cater for a variety of industrial applications. With a dedicated Technical Team you can be confident we will support you in any project, from specification to completion.

2 Fit intrinsically safe slotted duct and terminal blocks

3 Equip them with single-phase transformers up to 8000VA.

4 Use Starfix ferrules and crimping tools to terminate your cables.

Then mark them using Cab3 clip-on or Memocab sleeve type markers.

6 Our industrial offer is expanding rapidly. Ask for a copy of our new catalogue out now!

1300 369 777 www.legrand.com.au

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

LEGRAND FOR THE

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CONNECTOR SYSTEMS

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

POWER AND PROTECT Rittal and Phoenix Contact provide an extensive range of product that is engineered specifically for hazardous area applications. Rittal’s range of stainless steel enclosures and hazardous area junction boxes are built to house and protect against the harshest conditions while Phoenix Contact boasts the highest quality products from simple corrosion free terminal blocks to the most sophisticated Ethernet switches.

The DXN DECONTACTOR™ from Marechal has been specifically designed for use in hazardous areas in industries including chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food. The DXN is available up to 63A, 750V. It has silver-nickel butt contacts for added reliability and longer life. IP66 and IP67 automatic water-tightness are provided as standard while other features include integral breaking capacity, compact & robust design and a high impact resistant polyamide casing. In addition, the spring assisted terminals are unaffected by vibrations and thermal cycling. The DXN DECONTACTOR™ is designed for hazardous areas in accordance with ATEX Directive 94/9/ EC and IEC Ex for use in Zones 1 and 2 (Gas) and Zones 21 and 22 (Dust).

COPPER HAMMERS Mumme Products’ range of wooden and fibreglass handled copper hammers are avaiable from a small 450g (1lb) to a whopping 12.7kg (28lb). These non-marking soft-faced hammers are ideal for use in a non-sparking environment such as the petrochemical industry and are proudly Australian made. The heads are forged from pure electrolytic copper which contains no oxygen so they won’t chip or break while performing critical work. Available with sturdy hardwood handles or comfortable and strong rubber overlay on fiberglass, all Mumme hammers must be maintained in accordance with AS3797:1991.

PROTECTIVE OUTERWEAR Kimberly-Clark’s KLEENGUARD A30 Coveralls are an innovative addition to the KLEENGUARD range. Better comfort is achieved thanks to iFLEX stretch technology that allows the material to move with the wearer and breathable MICROFORCE BARRIER SMS fabric provides excellent protection. Anti-static material and particulate protection makes the A30 Coverall ideal for a range of industrial applications. An elasticised hood, waist & cuffs allows easier movement and provides greater comfort as a result of the more secure fitting.

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CHASSIS SAFETY

Australian made UniSafe Type 1 ABS Plastic Safety Helmets are ideal for general industrial, construction and mining applications. Available with or without UniSafe’s unique crown cooling vents to give added comfort during hot humid conditions, the helmet design incorporates multiple branding and reflective tape option positions and is available in 10 different colours. Compatible with UniSafe hearing protection, UniSafe safety spectacles and UniSafe safety goggles, the various UniSafe PPE combinations have been tested as an “approved” system under AS/ NZS 1801:1997. Featuring a comfortable 6 point terylene harness and adjustable headband, these helmets are also fitted with a replaceable terry towelling sweatband.

CABLE PULLING SYSTEM SuperRod is a revolutionary cable installation system. Consisting of rods of varying diameters, flexibilities and lengths that simply screw in place, the system easily comes together to form the required length. Attachments are available such as a torch that screws to the end of the rods, bead chain & magnet for fast retrieval from inside a wall and ‘Super Grips’ for fast cable attaching.

PLATFORM STEPLADDER The Bailey Fibreglass Stepladder range of temporary work platforms are designed for a wide range of users, from tradespeople to heavyduty industrial and commercial use. The range features a completely encapsulated, fold away safety gate for extra piece of mind, has a 150kg load rating and is Electro-Safe due to its strong fibreglass construction. Featuring a wide 490mm x 400mm anti-slip platform, a 900mm high multi-function polypropylene handrail/accessories holder and anti-slip rubber boots for added stability and stile protection, the range is available with optional castor wheels and comes in platform heights ranging from 0.6m to 2.4m.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

HEAD PROTECTION

Schneider Electric’s Isobar will change the way you look at chassis’ and safety. It features a unique busbar disconnection system for each busbar tee-offs and allows any tee-off to be converted to a neutral, providing unparalleled flexibility. The busbar disconnection system permits unused outgoing poles to be electrically isolated from the mains, enhancing protection for the user against direct contact with live parts. Ideal for critical power applications and hazardous areas, the Isobar Chassis is available in two types: the TNA and the PEV. Both types come in various sizes from 12 to 72 poles, have 250A current carrying capacity of the busbar (180A with neutral kit fitted), 100A current carrying capacity of outgoing tee-offs, 16kA for 200ms withstand rating and 25kA conditional withstand rating.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au 28

IT SEAMS THIS IS THE FUTURE

Switch to Australia and it’s a different story – we dig giant holes in the ground and cut down entire mountains to get to mineral deposits. We’ve even moved entire towns in Gippsland, Victoria to extract brown coal from under them. Speaking from an environmental-impact perspective, the Texans seem to have it all over us, since their landscape is unaffected by their substantial resources industry. But not all Australian resources are extracted by removing millions of tonnes of rock first. Vast reserves of Coal Seam Gas (CSG) have been found in Queensland and NSW, and all that’s required to extract the natural gas is

•

Gigawatt-for-Gigawatt, far more environmentally friendly than coalpowered electricity.

A CSG well has about the same 20-year lifespan and surface footprint as an individual mid-sized (5 MW) wind turbine, but delivers roughly five times the energy. The energy produced over a well’s expected lifetime is as much as 85,000 tonnes of coal will deliver. What is CSG? CSG is primarily methane that is found in coal seams, not conventional rock where other natural gases are typically found. Coal seams generally sit below layers of permeable rocks that form ‘aquifers’ that hold substantial amounts of water that’s often used by farmers and town-water supplies. In coal seams where natural gas is present, the seams are usually filled with water and the pressure of this water keeps the gas as a thin film on the surface of the coal. Geologists studying these subterranean formations believe parts of Queensland and NSW hold massive CSG reserves.

He went on to say that “its qualities as a readily accessible, lower-emission, baseload fuel makes [it] the transition-fuel of choice. These projects will help Australia and our trading partners make this transition to cleaner energy while ensuring continued growth in employment and our overall prosperity.” Furthermore, Australia’s CSG producers recently established an information campaign focusing on the investment, jobs, environmental benefits and enormous opportunities the CSG industry now generates. Produced by the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA), the apolitical campaign shows how CSG is providing much-needed opportunities for regional communities at a time of economic insecurity. Rick Wilkinson, APPEA’s Chief Operating Officer – Eastern Australia, said: “We’re getting strong community feedback in support of an industry now delivering a significant economic boost through mega-projects that will provide a clean energy source.

“Sixty years on and CSG is emerging as a mainstream energy resource in Australia that ticks all the boxes” a pump and ancillary equipment that occupies about half the footprint of a tennis court. CSG is not a new phenomenon. Australians have known about it for decades. In fact, back in November 1949, the Brisbane Courier Mail reported that Britain was about to attempt to produce gas direct from the coal mines without mining, stating: “The idea was to set fire to a coal seam underground and by regulating the burning speed to produce gas and pipe it to the surface.” Sixty years on and CSG is emerging as a mainstream energy resource in Australia that ticks all the boxes: • • • •

Immense reserves; Massive domestic and offshore demand; Easy and low-cost to extract; Minimal impact to surrounding landscape; and

The CSIRO estimates the CSG resources in these regions to be over 7 trillion m3 – enough to power a city of 1 million people for 5000 years! In its final processed state, CSG is used in the same applications as conventional natural gas, including generating electricity and fuelling natural-gas appliances such as heaters and stoves. Presently, CSG accounts for over 90% of Queensland’s gas supply.

This is despite the misinformation of professional activists lured to the antiCSG bandwagon.” In March 2012, APPEA released the following statistics: • •

• What does it do for our economy? The Federal Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM, stated in the Foreword of the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism’s recently published ‘Energy in Australia’ report that “Coal seam gas has great potential for development”, citing the fact that between October 2010 and January 2011, some $31 billion in new investment was committed across two projects to export LNG from CSG.

•

The CSG industry now employs 12,113 people; In Queensland alone, the CSG industry recruited 2,409 people in just the second half of 2011; In Queensland alone, the CSG industry last year committed capital investment at the rate of more than $30,000 per minute; CSG now supplies more than one third of Eastern Australia’s natural gas; and, In Queensland alone, the industry signed 398 access agreements with Queensland landholders in the last quarter of 2011, totaling 2459 agreements being in place at the time of writing.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

If you’ve ever driven through Texas, you’d be very familiar with the common sight of oil-well pump-heads pumping oil from deep below. They’re everywhere – alongside freeways, in fields amongst cattle, near houses, near shopping parking lots – everywhere. The locals are so used to them that they hardly notice them anymore. But every Texan knows the immense value that these little pumps bring to their economy.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

used by farmers and towns sit above the rock substrate, so the water drawn by CSG operations is from a different water source, one that is not utilised by farmers or towns. Others would argue that CSG disturbs the landscape. While there is admittedly some disturbance through drilling and pumping, this is insignificant compared to the land disturbance caused by open-cut or even conventional subterranean mining. There’s no massive hole in the ground, no constantly rambling mega-trucks laden with soil, rock or minerals going past homes and townships, no mountains of soil excavated to reach mineral reserves and no wholesale disruption to the environment.

But the more significant potential impact of CSG was stressed in a Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) article published 19 April 2012, which reported on NSW’s dwindling gas reserves and pointed to CSG as a viable technical, environmental and economic solution. The article relayed the NSW government warnings of gas shortages emerging within the next two years and its desire to consider CSG development as a means to head off supply disruptions. This was in spite of vocal protests by some community groups who opposed widespread use of CSG on environmental grounds, especially over the potential impact on aquifers in farms. The SMH article explained: “The NSW government warned that gas could begin to run short from as soon as 2014, as long-term supply contracts from the Cooper Basin begin to expire. At the same time, oil and gas reserves in the Bass Strait are running out, which will place further pressure on NSW to find additional gas sources. “The warnings come as the power industry is moving to replace coal with gas as its preferred source of energy to generate electricity, as a result of the carbon tax which may make coal uneconomic to use.” The NSW government endorsed this shift, saying that using gas to generate electricity

is likely to emerge as the ‘transition option to a low-carbon economy’. The SMH article continued: “As a result, gas demand might triple over the next two decades, which would place additional stress on existing gas supplies and drive the need for new sources to be found and developed. “Wood Mackenzie was engaged by the NSW government to research the merits of CSG. The consulting firm, a well-respected adviser in the global energy and resources sector, argued that demand growth on Australia’s eastern coast could be largely satisfied by new CSG developments.” The arguments against CSG It’s common to find CSG beneath the Great Artesian Basin; and it has been argued by opposers of CSG that its extraction will adversely affect the Basin – a lifeline to many townships and farmers, as well as millions of livestock. But it has been proven that these projects will not affect this water resource. The Basin, located under most of inland Queensland and parts of inland NSW, NT and SA, is estimated to store about 65 million giga-litres (GL) of water. Its annual recharge rate is approximately 880 GL. The APPEA reports that CSG operations are collectively expected to draw an average of 75 GL a year from the Basin. Yes, that’s a reasonable amount of water, but it’s drawn from coal seams that are beneath the rock substrate. The aquifers normally

Modern CSG exploration is very sophisticated - geologists can accurately plan locations for core-holes and wells to reduce costs and minimise land disturbance. This involves small-scale seismic surveys to produce detailed images of the geology underneath to determine the size and location of coal seams. Where they shows potential, 10-30 cm diameter core-holes are drilled to extract samples of rock and coal strata, enabling measurements of gas content, coal-seam thickness and other information. They are not wells and they can’t extract gas or water. If the core-holes are promising, they’re followed by a few pilot wells – small-scale production that gathers more information (reservoir pressure, gas production and composition) about coal seams and assessing the likely impact of local CSG production on aquifers by measuring how much water is pumped from wells before gas is produced. Once done, the regulator can make an informed decision on whether it’s safe to proceed to fullscale production. Regulators review each proposed program before deciding whether to grant a production license. Once testing has been completed, all core-holes are sealed completely from bottom to top using cement plugs and the site is then rehabilitated. CSG development only goes ahead after extensive community consultation, particularly with property owners and local councils. Despite all the protests, CSG is proven to tick all the boxes as a long-term, environmentally friendly, sustainable and cost-effective energy source for the Australian and international energy markets for at least the next century.

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SAFETY SPECTACLES The UniSafe Savanah safety spectacle offers appealing functionality and coverage. The close fitting design optimises eye protection and comfort. The slender flexible temple grip arms ensure security and make it highly compatible with other PPE. Available in clear, smoke and brown lenses, these spectacles incorporate a lightweight, polycarbonate frame  with 100% UV protection for use outdoors. Featuring anti-scratch and anti-fog lenses that prevents fogging in humid conditions, the glasses are certified to AS/NZS 1337.1:2010.

Thomas & Betts provides a ‘Total Solution’ to all earthing, lightning and transient overvoltage protection needs. A structural lightning protection system is designed to protect the fabric of a structure and the lives of the people inside by channelling the lightning strike in a safe and controlled way to the earth termination network. The Furse range of lightning protection and earthing products are world class – from standard lugs to specialised 3 cable earth clamps.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

LIGHTNING PROTECTION

INDUSTRIAL SWITCHGEAR Clipsal’s Metal Clad industrial switchgear has a tough aluminium enclosure casing that is dust resistant, hose proof and UV resistant, making it ideal for heavy industrial environments. Metal Clad’s die cast aluminium body gives greater damage resistance than plastic ranges and can withstand even a severe ‘crunch’ from something hard and heavy that would normally damage electrical equipment. For safety’s sake all the switches have been equipped with pad locking in the ‘Off’ position and if damaged, the live connections are unlikely to create a safety hazard as the metal body of the unit is earthed. A further safeguard is the switch plug interlock system, which is an integral part of each unit. The switch must be in the ‘Off’ position for a plug to be inserted or withdrawn from a live coupling.

HAZARDOUS AREA LIGHTING B&R Enclosures supply a large range of lighting products suitable for use in gas, vapour and dust hazardous areas from Zone 2 only to Zones 1 & 2, 21 & 22. All lighting products are designed to meet the stringent requirements necessary for conformity to the global IECEx certification scheme. The product range is extensive and includes 250W and 400W floodlights, fluorescents, emergency exit light fittings, annular fluorescents and LED lighting.

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Anti-Corrosion sprays CRC Industries has developed a specific range of products to deal with corrosion in the workplace. The range consists of four products including a Light Dry Film corrosion inhibitor that creeps quickly to cover exposed metal surfaces, drive out moisture and leaves an ultra-thin film that protects metal against corrosion. The Light Wet product is a thin, non-drying, protective, oily and penetrating wet film that provides a quick cover that clings firmly to protect surfaces against corrosion and will not crack, peel or become brittle. Anti-Corrosion Heavy Wet Film protects against corrosion thanks to its heavy, clean, oily film. The heavy duty compound will give long term protection to all metal parts that are subject to rust and salt corrosion. Completing the range is Anti-Corrosion Heavy Wax Film. This heavy transparent amber film is a long-term indoor/ outdoor corrosion inhibitor for machined surfaces and assemblies that are subject to long periods of storage.

TERMINAL ENCLOSURES & CONTROL STATIONS B&R Enclosures’ range of IECEx certified terminal enclosures and control stations are suitable for use in hazardous areas where dust, gases & vapours and liquids of a flammable nature occur in sufficient quantities to cause a fire or explosion. All enclosures are supplied with the controls and terminals fitted and are available in various materials including 316 stainless steel, Marine grade copperfree aluminium alloy and glass reinforced polyester.

FLIP UP FACE GUARD The new uvex lower face guard flip-up has been specifically designed to combat the harshest working environments in Australia and was developed in close cooperation with a large key end-user. The unique four step flip-up function of the lower face guard offers wide ranging functionality. The lower section can be raised allowing the user to communicate, drink or fit other protective equipment such as dust masks without removing the entire lower face guard while the upper section of the face shield remains fixed. A vertical ventilation system maximises air flow for ultimate comfort and effective heat management while the indirect features of the ventilation system means splash protection is not compromised. The lower face shield flip-up is compatible with the uvex ‘ultravision’ range of goggles and complies with the highest possible impact rating according to AS/NZS 1337.1.

WORKWEAR Comfort Clothing’s latest release in work wear is made from 155gsm lightweight cotton with under arm and vertical back cotton mesh vents. Featuring a twin button down flap chest pocket and hoop style reflective tape, they are available in sizes XS through to 5XL.

PRODUCT CUT

AVAILABLE FROM & RECOMMENDED BY AUSLEC. USE THE BRANCH LOCATOR AT WWW.AUSLEC.COM.AU

The Brady range of compact padlocks are ideal for energy isolation applications. Featuring a smaller shackle diameter and compact lightweight body, these padlocks have been designed for electrical lockout situations. The padlocks are non-conductive and feature a spark resistant body, while the insulated key chamber protects workers from shock when the key is inserted. The 4.74mm diameter shackle allows easy access to small device holes and the ribbed body design offers easy gripping and handling. Enhanced impact resistance ensures the padlock withstands harsh environments. Custom keying options (keyed-alike, masterkeyed) are available as is Brady’s secure key register. Locks are supplied with two keys, DANGER and PROPERTY OF labels.

HEATED JACKET

Working in cold winds or cold rooms? Pull on this jacket by Milwaukee, zip it up, press a button and within 15 seconds, the 3 heat zones kick in and you are as warm as toast. Milwaukee’s patented 1.5 Ah Red Lithium batteries will keep you that way for 6 hours; or 12 hours if a 3Ah battery is used. Both water and wind resistant, these jackets come complete with a 1.5Ah battery and charger and are available in a variety of sizes.

HAZARDOUS AREA PLUGS & SOCKETS B&R Enclosures range of plugs and sockets can be used to safely connect power in hazardous areas. Suitable for use in Zone 1 & 2, 21 & 22 applications, these plugs and sockets are perfectly suited to environments where flammable liquids, gases & vapours or combustible dusts are frequently present. The elastic shutter type spring casing in the insert sleeve ensures low contact resistance and low temperature rise while the protective cover and self-cleaning contact points ensure minimal maintenance.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au

COMPACT LOCKOUT PADLOCKS

SAFETY GLASSES The UniSafe Windy Hill safety spectacle offers medium impact protection in a functional wraparound style. The side arms incorporate integrated side shields and insert grip pads providing excellent coverage, product security and comfort. Featuring an attractive but robust one piece design with polycarbonate lenses suitable for indoor or outdoor use, the glasses are available in clear, smoke, amber, light brown, silver mirror and blue mirror lenses. The anti-scratch lens coating improves longevity of lenses making them ideal for use in dusty environments while anti-fog capabilities provide improved lens  performance in humid conditions.

AUSLEC www.auslec.com.au 34

HIGH... FROM GOVE! The Gove Peninsula in North East Arnhem land was an integral part of Australia’s defence during the Second World War. So much so that three combat air squadrons were based there to ensure the security of Australia’s north. Today, the Gove Peninsula is home to Pacific Aluminium’s (formally Rio Tinto Alcan) Gove operations. This Northern Territory facility consists of a mine, refinery, residue disposal service, port and steam power station. It exists thanks to the significant reserves of bauxite that were discovered there in 1955 and today, is the workplace for some 850 employees who mine the bauxite, extract the alumina and eventually produce aluminium that is then exported around the world. Like many mining or petro-chemical operations, the location of the Gove mine and refinery along with its chemical nature presents challenges to those that work there. Intense humidity and highly corrosive surrounds combine to create a very harsh environment for personnel and equipment. Geoff Allnut, Giovenco Industries’ scaffolding crew manager at the Gove site provides an example. “Due to the corrosive nature of this site, Pacific Aluminium were using timber ladders for scaffolding applications as metal ones just wouldn’t

be suitable. Issues began to crop up with the timber ladders in regards to potential rung failure and the unknown strength of the timber”. Working at height is dangerous enough without the added concerns of staying upright so alternative methods or products were needed to ensure worker safety. Mike Jones, Major Projects Manager for Branach Manufacturing discussed the application specifics with Geoff to determine the most effective outcome. “We needed to understand usage, site and environmental factors”, says Mike. “It’s far more than just being able reach heights; it’s the ramifications of injury and down time if the right solution isn’t provided”. Armed with the details relating to the problem at Gove, Mike in conjunction with the Auslec Darwin branch arranged for samples of the Branach CorrosionMaster single ladder to be provided on site for testing and appraisal. Due to their strong fiberglass construction, these ladders are corrosion and weather resistant and unlike their timber counterparts, won’t absorb water meaning workers can confidently continue working during inclement weather; of which there is plenty of during the wet season in Australia’s far north. The trial period allowed staff on site to test all facets of the ladder in relation to their

specific requirements and after 30 days of evaluation, feedback was positive to the point that a solution had been found. The decision by Pacific Aluminium and Giovenco Industries was to opt for the 450mm wide base model ladder complete with top and bottom rubber feet. Mike says, “Our ladders are manufactured using a unique construction method that provides minimum sway & twist and results in the strongest ladders possible. Being lightweight also makes them more user friendly on high scaffold structures so obviously these were key considerations for the guys at Gove”. Auslec Darwin branch arranged for the supply of 600 Branach CorrosionMaster ladders in three shipments of 200. “The Auslec team were terrific throughout the entire trial, order and delivery process. This is a great example of partnering together to provide a specific outcome for a customer” says Mike. Upon hearing about the successful solution provided by Auslec Darwin and Branach to the Gove site, Rio Tinto’s $1.5 billion Yarwun refinery north west of Gladstone is currently conducting trials with a range of Branach products. With over 250 scaffold structures on site and many requiring three or more ladders, Auslec along with Mike and the Branach team are sure to keep reaching new heights.

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If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hazardous Area Equipment, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NHP Ex. With over 40 years experience, NHP specialise in Hazardous Area Equipment, Motor Control, Power Distribution and Automation Systems and are able to offer the Australasian market the complete industrial electrical and automation solutions package. Ex d Junction Boxes & Enclosures

Coming soon to your local Auslec branch.

Plugs & Sockets

Local Control Stations

Ex Fluorescent Fittings