The Master Electrician Magazine Summer 2013

Registered by Australia Post Publications No. PP424022/2346

inside V8 Supercars Championship Viva Las Vegas Monster Trucks: The Future of Automation THE INTERVIEW: Robin Norris

summer 13

themaster

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table of contents Average Net Distribution 30,116 CAB Audited as of September 2012

the insider’s guide to solar panels 04 energy spotlight 06 monster trucks 08 the buzz 10 depression in the workplace 14 sparkies celebrate christmas 16 viva las vegas 18 tearing up the track 22 meet a master electrician 24 benefit spotlight 26 news from the distributors 28 regulator wrap up 32 letter of the law 36 the interview 38 gadget guide 40 techno biz 41 technical talk 42 turn on to the turnover issue 46 workplace relations 48 all about ME 50 test drive 54 events calendar 56 best or worst story 57 the last word 58 read the magazine online here General Enquiries Master Electricians Australia PO Box 2438, Fortitude Valley BC Queensland 4006 PHONE 1300 889 198 FAX 1800 622 914 EMAIL magazine@masterelectricians.com.au WEB www.masterelectricians.com.au ABN 31 145 178 203

Welcome to the summer edition of The Master Electrician.

Despite a relatively strong start to the local economy in 2012, the pace of growth slowed towards the end of the year and key nonmining areas including construction, remained weak.

The number of Building Approvals is expected to increase across most States in 2013 which can only be good news for the electrical industry.

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Editorial Contacts & Contributors EDITOR Malcolm Richards ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kirsty Bond ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Janelle MacDonald PHONE 07 3252 4860 EMAIL magazine@masterelectricians.com.au DESIGN AND PRINT POMO 07 3844 3873

Follow us @MasterElectrics on Twitter Become a Fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/ masterelectricians

www.masterelectricians.com.au or call 1300 889 198 The Master Electrician is printed on environmentally responsible paper sourced from FSCÂŽ certified forestry plantations. The paper is made with Elemental Chlorine Free pulps (ECF).

Disclaimer: The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are offered solely in pursuance of the objects of the Electrical Contractors Association and Master Electricians Australia to provide an informative service to contractors in the electrical industry on legal, commercial and other issues and problems related to the industry. The Electrical Contractors Association and Master Electricians Australia are not aware that any person intends to act or rely upon such statements and opinions contained in this publication or the manner in which it might be possible to do so. The Electrical Contractors Association and Master Electricians Australia issues no invitation to any member or other persons to act or rely upon such statements or opinions or any of them and it accepts no responsibility for any of them.

It intends by this provision to exclude, to the extent permitted by law, all liability for any such statements and opinions. The Master Electrician Magazine can be viewed online at www.masterelectricians.com.au

If 2012 taught us anything, it is that remaining adaptable is key to running a successful business. This year, MEA will celebrate turning five.

Turn to page 50 to read about the tremendous growth experienced particularly in the last twelve months, and the re-structure that will better service members locally.

This year, MEA are holding their Electrical Industry Conference in Las Vegas! Turn to page 18 to take a closer look at the glitter city.

Until next time.

Kirsty Bond Associate Editor

The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

4

feature

The insider’s guide to solar panels (Part two – good installation practices) Climbing on top of a roof isn’t as simple as it looks. Stephanie Lim chats to MEA’s Michael Thompson to learn the crucial dos and don’ts when installing a solar panel array.

In the previous issue of the Master Electrician Magazine, we identified the increasing popularity of solar panels among Australian home owners, and took an insider’s look into choosing the right solar panel to suit conditions.

But the efficiency of a solar panel can largely depend on the way it has been installed.

Michael Thompson from Master Electricians Australia (MEA) is an expert at solar panel installations and explains it is crucial good installation practices be followed.

“There are several very important reasons to ensure you follow ‘best practice’ techniques when installing PV systems,” Mr Thompson says.

“This is not only for optimal performance of that system, but also for the longevity of system components and the customer’s satisfaction. A poor PV installation can cause significant losses over the life of the system and result in efficiency and possibly warranty issues.

“For example, drilling into panels for mounting systems instead of using quality rail systems with the correct panel clamps could cause a possible warranty issue from the manufacturer.

“Dissimilar metals can be another issue that can create early corrosion of components and roofing materials, causing the racking system or roof to have a limited life and possibly fail. www.masterelectricians.com.au

“Installers tend to forget about the effect of installing the array with small clearances between the roofing material and the bottom of the panels. When installed too close to the roofing surface, panels may not be able to dissipate heat. Using a quality rail and mounting system to obtain satisfactory clearances will assist in cooling of the panels to increase efficiencies, and also assist in the self-cleaning of debris from beneath the array.

water possibly entering the enclosure when opened in wet conditions,” he says.

“Side mounting is the preferred option, but always install enclosures to the manufacturer’s instruction on maintaining the IP rating.”

Mr Thompson also encourages confirming the UV rating of all equipment before using them.

“It may not seem like much to lose two to three per cent of your panel’s efficiency due to heat, but over the life of the system that can equate to a substantial loss.”

“Cables, plugs, connectors and sockets that are exposed to the environment are required to be UV resistant or protected from UV by a UV resistant enclosure,” he says.

When mounting enclosures, he warns the use of self-tapping screws into panels is not a good practice, and manufacturers may void warranties if the frame is found to have been penetrated.

“Array earth cables are also commonly exposed to UV, so if the cable is not rated for UV it will need to be enclosed in a UV resistant enclosure.”

“Always check with your panel manufacturer,” Mr Thompson cautions.

“Using self-tapping screws may also create a dissimilar metals issue with the screws or bolts used to fix the enclosure to the module. It would be advisable to source a mounting bracket for the enclosure or use the rail.”

Mounting direction is vital in maintaining the IP rating of an enclosure, and Mr Thompson warns never to install the enclosure on its back facing upwards.

“This will cause the water to sit in the cavity around the lid and possibly leak if the seal on the lid deteriorates over time, as well as

When using conduits and enclosures, always check with the manufacturer as to the product’s UV resistance.

“Most of these types of products are UV resistant but some may not be, depending on the application on which it is intended for use,” Mr Thompson says.

“The same principle applies to glands or screw adaptors, and most other outdoor products. Likewise, with isolators and circuit breakers, you will need to confirm with the equipment manufacturer that the CB is rated for UV. Most of the rotary versions of isolators will be rated but you cannot always be one hundred per cent sure.

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Follow Michael Thompson’s good installation practices when installing solar panels: Mounting Enclosures • Ensure mounting enclosures’ insulation is maintained by insulating the mounting bolts or screws, otherwise the insulation rating of the enclosure will be compromised. If a cable works loose from its termination and contacts the screw, the array may become live • When mounting the enclosure, seal or use a gasket wherever mounting screws penetrate the enclosure. Water can track into the enclosure via the screw, as well as the screw/bolt being more susceptible to corrosion from water resting between the enclosure and mounting point.

Cable Penetrations “Ask yourself if you have been installing equipment that could deteriorate from UV exposure.”

Mr Thompson reminds sparkies that safety is always the number one priority when installing solar panels – and in nearly all cases, this involves climbing on a roof. But there is a whole lot more to roof climbing than meets the eye.

“Practicing good installation techniques also extends to roof safety,” Mr Thompson says.

“Prior to getting on a roof always check the condition and suitability of the roofing material. Ask yourself – Is it wet? Is there mould or mildew on the roof that is making the surface slippery? Is the roof susceptible to bending or cracking? Are there already many cracked tiles or bends in the material from previous trades? And most importantly, will it hold your weight?

“These may seem like some pretty obvious things to check for, but you’d be surprised how many people forget or just simply don’t bother!”

When it comes to roof safety, Mr Thompson says a harness is one item you definitely don’t want to be frugal with.

“A harness could possibly save your life or prevent serious injury when working on roofs,” he says.

“This is one cost you simply can’t cut. Train your staff on the correct use and fitting of all equipment and ensure your harness fits well, is suited for the intended use and complies with national standards.

Don’t forget that harnesses are also required to be regularly tested by a height safety equipment inspector.”

Roof anchors are also a crucial piece of equipment with many different types of anchor points available on the market.

“It is a good idea to have a few different types in the work vehicle, and once again, select ones that are suitable for the purpose for which they are to be used,” Mr Thompson says.

Mr Thompson reminds all contractors to practice safe habits when installing solar panels.

“The use of Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and onsite Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or Risk Assessments are a necessary process to ensure the safety of all involved,” he cautions.

• Glands – If you choose to use glands, ensure that they are of the correct type for the cable and they are installed on the bottom edge of the enclosure. Preferably glands are to be avoided due to cables being exposed to UV and possible mechanical damage • Conduits & Adaptors – If correctly glued and sealed, screw adaptors with conduit can be an effective way to seal cable penetrations. Ensure you seal the ends of conduit to prevent moisture or fauna from entering the enclosure • Sealing roofs - The use of roof penetration specific equipment is highly recommended. Many are available to suit all roofing types. Ensure you use the correct type for the type of installation. It is acceptable to install conduit under tiles as long as the tile is not raised and therefore compromising the integrity of the roof. Silicon on its own is not a suitable penetration seal as it has a limited life and will deteriorate.

Panel Lift Systems and Procedures • There are many options and styles to choose from, so do your research and look for one that suits you and the application where it is to be used. A good system or procedure will prevent possible injury to staff and damage to equipment/premises. Training is essential for staff such as a Working at Heights course.

Array Mounting Frame Feet • It is important to select a quality mounting frame that is designed for the installation and complements the roof type • Tile – Tile roofs can be difficult to work with but with the correct system you can achieve the desired result with ease.

Ensure the tiles are sitting flush when re-installed after the mounting foot is installed. If the tile is raised then the roofs’ integrity is compromised and water may penetrate the roof • Metal – Metal roofing types make it easier to install a system but can leak just as easily. Ensure you use a rubber or nylon washer or silicon between the foot and the roof surface, and then under the screw (if not already fitted). Roofing screws not correctly installed or suitably sealed are a major cause of leaking roofs.

“Staff training in the processes and systems used are essential in managing safety in the workplace.”

The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

6

feature energy spotlight

Tasmanian island to be King of renewable energy

We explore the project which is implementing Australia’s largest battery and aims to provide solutions to the challenge of supplying renewable energy to remote communities across the globe.

A world-leading project is bringing together a portfolio of new

and existing technologies, and combining them in novel ways to increase renewable energy use. King Island is famous for its premium beef and dairy products, as well as kelp farming and tourism. The residents of King Island form a tightly-knit and selfreliant community – finding ways to overcome the challenges of living on a remote island.

Generation of electricity on this remote island is no different – it must be self-reliant.

Since 1985, Hydro Tasmania has been responsible for generation, distribution and retail of electricity on King Island. Like thousands of other islands across the globe, King Island has historically relied purely on diesel generators for electricity supply, a reliable but costly and emissions-intensive source of power.

Hydro Tasmania has been focused on improving the power system on King Island as well as reducing the dependence on imported diesel fuel through deploying a range of innovative technologies.

In 1998, Hydro Tasmania took the first steps into ensuring renewable energy was part of the mix. Commissioning three Nordex N29 wind turbine generators at Huxley Hill near the King Island power station, they established Australia’s second commercial wind farm.

The Huxley Hill Wind Farm was a huge success, paving the way for more renewable energy development on the island. In 2000, the King Island Renewable Energy Expansion (KIREX) project started and was officially opened in 2004. The goal of KIREX was to increase the contribution of renewable energy in the system through expanding the Huxley Hill Wind Farm to a total rated capacity of 2.45MW and implementing a new control system and an emerging battery technology to store energy.

The purpose of the liquid-based battery system, a Vanadium Redox Battery (VRB), was to capture excess wind generation when

www.masterelectricians.com.au

available and to use this to smooth the variable output of the wind farm to make this more manageable in the system.

This battery system showed some early promise, but being an emerging technology it was subject to plant outages and was unfortunately not able to deliver on a sustained basis, prior to an eventual plant failure. The VRB has since been decommissioned and with the rapid advance of battery technology in recent years, it will be replaced by a more proven technology in 2013.

In 2008, two further technologies were added to the King Island power system. A 100kW dual axis tracking solar project was installed by an independent power producer with Hydro Tasmania agreeing to purchase the energy for the life of the project.

The second technology introduced was a Resistive Frequency Control system to take over the role of maintaining the supply/ demand balance. As the resistor can be adjusted rapidly, any excess energy generated by the wind turbines can either be absorbed or allow more of the wind energy to serve customers.

The $46 million King Island Renewable Energy Integration Project (KIREIP) is the most recent initiative of Hydro Tasmania and is being developed with the assistance of the Australian Government’s Renewable Energy Demonstration Program and the Tasmanian Government. Officially opened in October 2012, it has one main goal – to further reduce dependence on diesel generation by increasing the use of renewable energy generation.

Hydro Tasmania Chairman Dr David Crean says solutions developed under KIREIP had significant potential to increase the use of renewable energy and reduce reliance on diesel fuel on islands and in off-grid systems across the globe.

“The aim of KIREIP is to reduce diesel consumption for power generation on King Island by more than 65 per cent and provide for the ability to generate all of the island’s power needs using renewable energy when conditions allow,” Dr Crean said.

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“The unique part of this system is the integration of technologies.

Although the renewable generation sources such as wind, solar and bio-diesel are mature, the enabling and storage technologies are new and emerging.

“The way these technologies are being used and integrated is world-leading and another example of the clever solutions to realworld problems that have been developed in Tasmania and can be exported globally,” he said.

Australian energy storage company Ecoult has been awarded the contract to supply KIREIP with the largest battery-based renewable energy storage system in Australia.

The 3MW/1.6 MWh UltraBattery storage system will complement other elements of Hydro Tasmania’s KIREIP. It is a completely new lead-acid technology with an asymmetric capacitor, which modifies the process associated with the formation and dissolving of sulphate crystals in the negative plate when charging and discharging. This enables the storage system to operate more efficiently in continuous Partial State of Charge (PSoC) use without frequent overcharge maintenance cycles.

Ecoult CEO John Wood says the UltraBattery storage system would shift and smooth renewable energy generated on King Island and will help maintain stability of the power grid.

“Ecoult’s UltraBattery solutions support the utilisation of renewable energy by storing energy in periods where there is excess generation and making it available when it is needed to better match demand,” Mr Wood said.

The UltraBattery produces an optimal balance of an energystoring lead-acid battery with the quick charge acceptance, power discharge and longevity of a capacitor. The storage system will have the capacity to power the entire island for up to 45 minutes.

Hydro Tasmania expect the system will deliver more than 65 per cent of King Island’s annual needs from renewable energy, and do

Explaining how the technologies are integrated at the KIREIP Showcase centre.

it without any loss of reliability or grid stability, at a price lower than the diesel power alternative. In addition, the KIREIP is expected to lower CO² emissions by 95 per cent through the use of sustainable clean energy sources, including bio-diesel.

Hydro Tasmania’s CEO Roy Adair says the KIREIP solution could be established in other remote and off-grid locations around the world, providing cost-effective renewable energy solutions.

“Although there are remote area power systems in some parts of the world that are capable of supplying the energy needs of single homes or small villages, this is the first remote system on this scale capable of supplying the energy needs of an entire community primarily through wind and solar energy,” Mr Adair said.

KIREIP will be completed by the end of 2013 and Hydro Tasmania is seeking to export the energy solution to utility and mining customers in Australia, the Pacific and the South East Asia region.

The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

8

feature

Monster trucks: The future of automation

In Western Australia’s dusty Pilbara region, driverless trucks as high as a twostorey building are working in mining pits. Kirsty Bond takes a closer look at the automated systems set to transform the Australian mining industry.

Within the next three years, half the trucks working for Rio Tinto, the nation’s biggest iron ore exporter, will be transporting Australia’s main resource bounty without drivers.

Rio Tinto, which is pioneering the move into automated mining equipment in Australia, is adding 150 automated trucks to its Mine of the Future program after signing an agreement with Komatsu to expand the fleet by the end of 2015. Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore mines began receiving the new Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) trucks in 2012. The trucks can be given instructions and set on a course, and will be overseen from its remote Operations Centre in Perth.

At a cost of $6 million each, safeguarding workers from the 500-tonne (when loaded) trucks is what Rio Tinto calls a “protection bubble” of cross-referencing radars, lasers and GPS designed to stop the trucks in their tracks if something goes wrong.

Rio Tinto’s CEO Tom Albanese says autonomous haulage is an important component in their Mining of the Future program.

“These 150 new trucks will work with our pioneering Operations Centre that integrates and manages the logistics of www.masterelectricians.com.au

14 mines, three ports and two railways.

These technologies are revolutionising the way large-scale mining is done, creating attractive hi-tech jobs, and helping us to improve safety and environmental performance and reduce carbon emissions,” Mr Albanese said.

need to expand, even in jobs such as truck driving where relatively little training is required. Hence the shift to automated trucks, which started a decade ago in the copper mines of South America and is expanding faster in Australia than anywhere else.

The Mine of the Future program has also awarded Ansaldo STS two contracts worth $353 million to upgrade the Pilbara railways and introduce a system to control the company’s driverless trains. The automated heavy haul railway is expected to be completed in 2015 and the company said the move would increase safety and deliver better efficiencies in fuel and scheduling. The system will include a central safety server that will coordinate train movements and an on-board driving module, which will allow full automation of the trains.

While Rio Tinto is aggressively moving into automation in the Pilbara, it is not alone.

Last year Vale announced that it would make its Carajas Serra Sul S11D iron ore mine automated and completely truckless.

The contract worth $140 million will introduce shiftable conveyor belts instead of off-highway dump trucks to move the ore from the mine to the processing plant.

It is not just a desire to boost productivity, reduce costs and remain globally competitive that is driving the rapid automation of Rio Tinto’s vast network of Pilbara mines, railways and ports, which when combined make this the biggest and most profitable resources venture in Australia.

It is also the simple fact that Australian mines cannot attract the people they

BHP Billiton has announced that it will implement a fleet of between 12 and 15 automated Caterpillar trucks at its new Jimblebar mine, and is also investigating going completely truckless at future operations.

Economist and former government forecaster Brian Fisher, who was commissioned by Rio Tinto to report on automated mining technology, says productivity in the Australian mining industry has been flat for 20 or 30 years, making the quest for an automated mine an important one in an environment of high costs and scarce labour.

9 “The prize is huge,” says Mr Fisher.

generation of autonomous equipment.

“Increased automation may sustain Australia’s competitiveness, compared with a (alternative) situation where resource exports decline in importance relative to those from competitor countries with equally good or better resource endowments but fewer constraints.”

Speaking at a Perth conference, a spokesperson for Sandvik said that the endgame of automation was to produce mines vastly different to what we know today.

“The prize is huge, increased automation may sustain Australia’s competitiveness...”

According to experts at Sandvik Engineering Group and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the future of automation in mining is already upon us. While sophisticated technology has started to be introduced at Australia’s mines, researchers show no signs of slowing down. While the monster trucks and automated trains are in the spotlight, researchers are digging deeper than the hardware requirements.

Communication technology is the crucial wiring that supports automated vehicles, and it is on this sector that experts are focusing in order to roll out the next

“The final objective is full automation of the mining process,” he said.

Communication will form the foundation of these gradual improvements, allowing companies to move beyond driverless trucks, trains, and drills and into other parts of the mining process.

For the CSIRO, embedding machines with the same ‘geological awareness’ as humans is one of the biggest challenges. While machines may be good at completing repetitive tasks, their awareness of conditions outside their programming is effectively zero. So the awareness that geologists, surveyors and any other worker has needs to be built into these machines.

On top of this heightened state of awareness, CSIRO Principal Research Scientist Elliot Duff said managers would need to consider reshaping the design of a mine to ensure autonomous vehicles did not risk the lives of humans on site.

Computers may be taking over more responsibility but most experts insist that humans aren’t on the way out just yet and according to Mr Duff, today’s workers are vital to securing the success of this new technology.

“People are most critical to the success of automation.

“At the end of the day you can have the best technology in the world, but if the people do not buy into the technology, if the people do not know how to operate the technology and do not support the technology then you’re setting yourself up for failure,” he said.

Moving forward, the challenge for Australian mining companies will be how best to take advantage of the productivity and cost improvements these revolutionary technologies offer in order to remain globally competitive and ensure business expansion. Business growth will in turn help create more large-scale mines and ultimately, more jobs for people, as well as machinery into the future.

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The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

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the buzz

Asbestos deaths set to rise Prior to the mid-1980s, Australia was one of the highest users of asbestos in the world.

Today, Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related disease in the world.

With the extended period between exposure to asbestos and the onset of the disease, it’s not surprising that asbestos-related illness is still projected to rise.

Asbestos Audits International, an asbestos auditing and management company, has seen the demand for their service increase significantly due to the rise in Australian deaths.

Managing Director, Donald Pitt, says the risk to electricians is steadily growing due to the home renovation trend and increase in modern lighting products requiring the cutting and drilling of asbestos materials.

“The latest statistics available identifies electricians as having the third highest death rate from asbestos behind carpenters and fitters.

“Most electricians will only think of ‘asbestos cement sheeting’ as being very hard.

However, there are different types of sheeting and these vary in density between the materials and the age of the material,” Mr Pitt said.

Common places electricians could come across asbestos include: • Backing boards to electrical meter boards • Asbestos insulation blankets inside electrical fuses • Asbestos cement sheeting • Asbestos containing plaster • Asbestos floor penetration material around electrical wiring • Asbestos mastic • Asbestos containing paint • Ceiling coating material (vermiculite).

In response to an extensive report on asbestos, in September 2012 the government announced the establishment of the Office of Asbestos Safety.

The Office will primarily work with state, territory and local governments to develop a national strategic plan in dealing with asbestos. The plan is due for completion by June this year.

The Office will also undertake a number of research projects such as a cost benefit analysis of prioritised removal of in-situ asbestos, a study into the current and future capacity of infrastructure dealing with asbestos waste, and community awareness of and attitudes to asbestos. www.masterelectricians.com.au

Wiring Rules Amendment 2 released Standards Australia has recently released the second amendment to AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules.

Some of the changes detailed in Amendment 2 include: • Clarification on RCD types • Identification of installation wiring • Use of wiring enclosures and multicore cables • Revised recessed luminaires section • MEN connection size • Changes to required bonding arrangements.

Electricians are encouraged to review the new amendment to ensure any work performed is compliant with the latest addition to the Wiring Rules.

To assist contractors, Master Electricians Australia will be covering the new amendment in the first round of 2013 roadshows.

The new amendment can be obtained from Standards Australia as a separate document or integrated with Amendment One and the original Wiring Rules. The documents are available in spiral-bound, paperback or downloadable PDF format.

For a copy of the new amendment, visit www.saiglobal.com

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ElectricaBlusiness on Refrigerati LE A S R FO operates inrket a pr o t e c t ed m

Dial Before You Dig launches app Dial Before You Dig has released a new iPhone app allowing users to submit a request for information about Australia’s underground infrastructure while on the move.

The company says the system has been adopted amongst the underground services community with great success.

The app enables you to view a map (including street and satellite views) of your location and detail your proposed work site before submitting the enquiry directly to the Dial Before You Dig service.

The application uses the iPhone’s on-board Assisted-GPS capabilities to provide enhanced location searching capabilities.

A Dial Before You Dig job can be created and delivered entirely from your phone.

Visit www.1100.com.au to download the app straight to your iPhone or iPad. Using your existing Dial Before You Dig registration, you can get started in minutes.

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The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

12

the buzz

www.olimpiasplendid.com.au

To prevent entry by vermin through the air ducts when the machine is turned off, extra lengths of tubing were required to ensure the ducts were sealed. In addition, there were no screen filters provided, which could allow entry by small lizards, mud wasps and other insects.

Steve also recommends the unit be placed on its own safety switch protected circuit to take advantage of future tariffs by distributors, as well as peace of mind.

Typical installation of Unico Air Conditioner fitted onto a load-bearing external wall.

Product Review: UNICO Air conditioner

Model: UNICO 11,5 HP 01075 Cooling capacity: 2,60 kW Heating capacity: 2,50 kW Annual power consumption: 473 kWh (in cooling mode) Weight: 40kg Sound level: 34-43 db Refrigerant gas/load: R410A/0,550

The Unico air-conditioning unit is the latest innovation to hit the market. Removing the need for an external compressor, the system only requires two holes (around 202mm diameter) cut into the wall to allow air in and out. As a self-contained unit, the system can be installed at any height.

eliminates small particles and emissions such as smoke, dust, pollen, animal hair to prevent allergic reactions; and an activated carbon filter which eliminates bad odours and inactivates any harmful gases.

Accredited Master Electrician, Sea Eagle Electrical, installed the Unico system in a Brisbane home with the following results.

Installer comments Steve from Sea Eagle Electrical considers the unit well designed and in most cases simple to install. He notes that no refrigeration skills are required and the unit can be installed at any height, although scaffolding may be required if installed in a two storey or multi-level unit installation.

Steve found the operation of the unit quite simple with the remote control using familiar international symbols. In addition, the internal noise level is minimal with air flow from the top of the unit.

The Unico system generates up to a maximum of 490 m3/h of air, which is distributed efficiently throughout the room thanks to the large-sized flap (690x60mm).

As the test unit was installed in a double brick home, Steve found he had to first remove several bricks from the internal and external walls.

The unit has been developed to maximise accessibility during maintenance operations with all sections able to be separated.

“Certain construction methods could pose some issues in creating penetrations of 200mm in diameter,” Steve said.

There are two types of filters: an electrostatic filter which controls and www.masterelectricians.com.au

“I would caution installers to inspect before quoting to ensure that the external wall can be penetrated.”

Consumer comments The home owner, Marcus, said the unit performed extremely well. Marcus would normally run two split systems to cool the home, but with the UNICO system installed in the centre, kitchen area, a comfortable temperature was easily achieved therefore reducing his energy use.

Marcus found the ease of installation in an area not easily accessible a key feature of this system. In addition, the time taken compared to installing split system units was noticeably shorter.

When his original split systems units were installed, Marcus noted it took several days and several trades were involved with considerable noise and disruption. None of this was evident with the UNICO system, except the penetrations through double brick wall.

While a neighbour did complain about the exhaust noise, when measured it was well below levels that might cause disturbance. In addition, the noise level of the compressor was very low.

Summary Overall the Unico system is a stylish looking reverse cycle unit that produces effective cooling and heating for its size.

The removal of additional trades to install the unit creates considerable savings though care should be taken when creating external holes.

The fact that this unit does not require an external compressor is a big plus as the install required less foot print. In addition the unit is remarkably quiet, even when the compressor is operating.

All in all, a good solution.

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Compensation awarded to subbies for unlawful strike action Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) has secured compensation payments for subcontractors affected by unlawful industrial action taken by the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and Communications, Electrical, Plumbing Union (CEPU), and officials at the Gold Coast University Hospital and Brisbane Supreme Court & District Law Court projects in 2011.

The deal struck by FWBC will see the Unions pay 95 per cent of losses incurred by ten Queensland subcontractors as a result of the unlawful strikes.

Following the action in early 2011, FWBC made a public call for companies that had suffered loss due to the strikes. Based upon that response, and from FWBC’s own investigations, action was taken to recover the losses of a number of affected subcontractors.

Ten subcontractors included in FWBC’s action will receive payments from the CFMEU and CEPU totalling $101,930 for loss of profit, plant and equipment hire costs, and wages for unproductive work.

> > > >

Phase out of the solar PV multiplier On 16 November 2012 the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, the Honourable Greg Combet AM MP, announced the phase out of the solar PV multiplier.

The phase out date was brought forward six months from its original date and became effective 1 January 2013.

For those undertaking solar PV installations the following conditions now apply: • For any contract entered into prior to 16 November 2012, the multiplier is preserved at a factor x2, irrespective of installation date • For any contract entered into from 17 November 2012, the multiplier is preserved at a factor x2, but must be installed before 1 January 2013 • For any contract entered into from 1 January 2013, the multiplier is not applicable, so is x0.

For assistance members can contact our Technical hotline on 1300 889 198.

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The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

14

feature

Depression in the workplace

MATES in Construction hold information sessions for businesses of all sizes.

If you’ve ever thought a colleague was doing it tough, you might be right.

Jessica Jasch explores what you can do to help individuals who feel the effects of depression or anxiety disorders both at home and in the workplace.

With approximately one million people

having been diagnosed with depression, and a further two million with an anxiety disorder, depression and anxiety disorders touch the lives of many Australians. As the leading cause of disability and mortality across the country, awareness, acceptance and support for all those who are adversely affected by these illnesses has never been more important.

As the numbers rise, the effects these illnesses have on both an individual and the workplace can be significant.

The Australian Institute of Suicide Research and Prevention reported that 33 per cent of suicide victims suffered from a diagnosable mental illness, whilst the other 67 per cent of victims were not necessarily depressed or anxious, they were instead ‘doing it tough’. MATES in Construction is a charity aimed primarily at people without a diagnosable mental illness but www.masterelectricians.com.au

who are feeling pressure, a factor which makes up the majority of suicide cases.

The organisation has focused on reducing suicide rates in the industry by reaching out and helping a larger amount of people who need a guiding hand.

Targeting the building and construction industry, MATES in Construction aims to improve mental health awareness and general mental wellbeing within workplaces.

The organisation holds information sessions for business of all sizes, completely free of charge, as well as providing a 24 hour helpline for workers in the industry who feel they need assistance for themselves or a mate.

CEO of MATES in Construction, Jorgen Gullestrup, says it is important to look out for fellow workers and colleagues.

“Often people who are doing it tough feel

despair because they cannot deal with a particular situation, so they begin to suffer hopelessness or loneliness, and without the right support this can all become too much for them,” Mr Gullestrup said.

“When a mate has a reason to feel they may be doing it a bit tough, you should be aware of any changes in behaviour, whether their moods are going up or down suddenly, and find out what is going on.

“Often, in an environment where people aren’t necessarily comfortable with sharing their feelings about a problem, the best thing you can do is simply ask if they are alright,” he said.

With similar objectives to MATES in Construction, the increasingly popular R U OK?Day initiative is a day dedicated to encouraging Australians to ask family, friends, colleagues, and any others around them “Are you ok?” The R U OK?

15

organisation values the belief that the community reaching out and connecting with each other can help reduce the rate of suicide and suicide attempts.

be the result of influences outside work, it has an impact on their productivity and relationships with colleagues because they cannot simply leave their illness at home.

awareness, Employee awareness to action, Manager awareness, Impact and action, and Strategies and solutions for HR professionals.

beyondblue is another not-for-profit organisation working across Australia to address depression and anxiety disorders publicly, in order to raise community awareness and reduce stigma connected with illnesses such as these.

The organisation is a leading source of information and support for those with depression and anxiety disorders, and also advocates for improved mental health status, support and awareness in workplaces.

“When workers experiencing depression or anxiety get the help they need, there are huge knock-on benefits for workplaces as motivation improves, sick days are reduced and productivity grows.

The NWP aims to increase the reach and impact of depression and anxiety disorder awareness in Australian workplaces.

In doing so, there will be more support available for those who are affected by work-related depression or anxiety, as well as those with colleagues who are affected.

Stresses and other factors in a workplace have the ability to influence a person’s mental health, and if the impact is negative, it can lead to the development or increase of depression and anxiety.

Depression and anxiety caused in the workplace costs the economy $730 million per annum, largely due to governmentsubsidised medical care such as counselling and antidepressants. However it is factors such as loss of productivity, due to both absenteeism and workers feeling unmotivated whilst at work, that lead to employers often bearing the most significant cost.

CEO of beyondblue, Kate Carnell, says while people’s mental health problems may

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“Often people who are doing it tough feel despair because they cannot deal with a particular situation, so they begin to suffer hopelessness or loneliness...”

“One of beyondblue’s key focuses is on mentally healthy workplaces and we continue to develop resources for employers, managers and employees,” Ms Carnell said.

The National Workplace Program (NWP) has been developed by beyondblue in order to increase the knowledge and skills of staff and managers to address mental health in the workplace through awareness, early intervention and prevention. The NWP offers five different workshop options, depending on the needs of each individual workplace. The workshops include Senior Executive briefing, Organisational

A greater understanding of depression and anxiety disorders in the workplace has the potential to create a harmonised, more considerate environment for the employer and all employees. It is also likely to benefit businesses financially, as the losses incurred from having depressed, anxious or under-motivated staff can be reduced just by providing the necessary information and support.

For more information about depression, anxiety disorders, workshops, and the National Workplace Program, please visit www.beyondblue.org.au To get involved in R U OK?Day, or find more information, visit www.ruokday.com Find out more about how you can positively impact and help your workplace, including workplace training, by visiting www.matesinconstruction.com.au

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The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

16

feature

PHOTOGRAPHY: David Liddle

Parramatta Park

Sparkies Celebrate Christmas: Sydney style In December, the New South Wales MEA office invited members to a picnic in the park to celebrate Christmas the Aussie way. Families braved the summer heat to take part in what shaped up to be a fun and enjoyable day for all.

After a week-long forecast of rain, the Master Electricians Australia (MEA) team were not sure what to expect when they arrived at Parramatta Park early one Sunday morning in December.

The day turned out to be a baking 38 degrees, so while it was a little warmer than anticipated and the icy cold drinks were in high demand, the park proved to be an ideal setting for the picnic. From space for sports and activities to a fabulous shaded pavilion area for picnic goers to escape the sun and heat, the park had plenty to offer.

MEA’s New South Wales State Manager Jody McGann admits she was anxious prior to people arriving.

“First with the forecast of rain and then the sudden, dreadful heat that hung over the day, we were a little worried we wouldn’t get the crowd we were expecting.

“I should have known not to worry though, www.masterelectricians.com.au

as Master Electricians are never unreliable!

We ended up with a large group, and had a really enjoyable day with them,” Ms McGann said.

Soon enough, Master Electricians and their families began to arrive. Despite the heat, a friendly cricket game and a bit of soccer quickly encouraged both adults and children to participate. Those children who preferred to stay cool were treated to the fabulous artistic talents of team member Nina Tran and volunteer Caitlin McGann, who ran the face painting stall. The stall proved so popular that many designs were enjoyed, and then washed off by the children in order to line up again, with a fresh face, ready for another round.

At another stall, the children were treated to a choice of balloon animals and shapes, with a dog, a sword and a flower being the favourites.

Adam Cromack from Cromack Electrics says his family really enjoyed the day.

“It was a really great opportunity to catch up with other Master Electricians outside of the work setting.

“It was nice to be able to take the family and have a good time just relaxing,” Mr Cromack said.

Lunch featured a delicious spit roast and sumptuous desserts that were quickly polished off by the group. After lunch, the children were delighted by a surprise visit from Santa, who arrived with his sack full of gifts. Of course all the ‘Junior Master Electricians’ had been exceptionally good throughout the year, so Santa had brought a present for each of them.

After thanking Santa for coming along on his day off, the children settled down to play with their newly acquired Christmas presents. The attendees spent the

17 afternoon relaxing under the pavilion, getting to know their new-found friends and industry colleagues, and catching up with old friends too.

Matthew Cox from Ku-ring-gai Electrical Services says he thought the MEA team had put a lot of thought and effort to make the day run smoothly.

“I was really impressed with the organisation on the day, and the New South Wales team did a great job picking the location and bringing excellent food to the table for us all to enjoy.

“It was nice to meet everyone involved with Master Electricians Australia and to network with other electrical contractors in a relaxed atmosphere,” Mr Cox said.

All in all, the inaugural New South Wales Christmas picnic turned out to be a great success. The staff and volunteers who helped out on the day did a sterling job and MEA would like to thank all those who were involved. This year’s picnic is set to be even bigger and better so stay tuned!

Clockwise from top left; New MEA team member Maureen O’Brien getting to know the other members and their families. Simon Becker shows off his cricketing skills. Our Junior Master Electricians eagerly awaiting presents from Santa.

The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

18

feature

Viva Las Vegas!

Las Vegas has fast become a destination for holiday makers, corporate conference delegates and gambling enthusiasts alike. Jessica Jasch takes a closer look at all that glitters in the city of lights.

This year, Master Electricians Australia (MEA) and the Electrical

Contractors Association (ECA) are holding their Electrical Industry Conference in Las Vegas!

From 23 to 27 September 2013, delegates will get the opportunity to both learn and play in the city of lights that has an incredible 15,000 miles of neon tubing on the Strip and Downtown. An electrician’s dream!

As the destination of the next Industry Conference, it is only right we focus on Las Vegas and highlight some of the best aspects and activities the city has on offer which help make it an ideal conference destination.

One of the greatest selling points Las Vegas has is that there is little difference between peak and off-peak times, so really every day is a weekend. As a result, you are not restricted by normal opening hours or having to share the city with almost 40 million visitors per year just at holiday times or on the weekend. This openall-hours destination has allowed us the option to hold the Industry Conference during the week, which in turn will give delegates the freedom to organise a holiday around it.

The 2013 Electrical Industry Conference is being held at The Venetian, where accommodation deals are available for delegates at The Venetian and the adjacent Palazzo Tower. The Venetian holds the city’s best conference centre and The Palazzo boasts the world’s largest five diamond resort. In addition, it is also home to some of the world’s most luxurious suites. The Venetian and Palazzo suites range from the 650 square foot Luxury Suite, up to the 1,980 square foot Renaissance Suite and 2,900 square foot Penthouse Suite. www.masterelectricians.com.au

Located towards the top of the Las Vegas Strip, The Venetian is a world-class amenity of the highest standards. After three years of preparing the site and building, The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino was opened in 1999 as a $1.5 billion mega-resort that redefined destination standards for Las Vegas.

The Venetian also hosts a range of dining options, from fine dining at Emeril Lagasse’s Delmonico, Thomas Keller’s Bouchon and Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio, to more casual dining at an authentic Italian street-side cafe, from a patio set beside the Grand Canal and RIVA Poolside Dining. However, if you prefer to spend time away from the crowds in your luxurious suite, there is always the option of in-suite dining, where you can choose simple to extravagant meals, desserts, wines, and cocktails from the awardwinning menu, at any time of the day or night.

There are more to the hotels in Las Vegas than first meets the eye and visitors are sure to be delighted by the spectacular displays.

The Mirage Hotel features a 20,000-gallon seawater aquarium just behind the front desk, and you can step into another world under a 100-foot dome housing an atrium of palms, lagoons and waterfalls.

The most famous of the Mirage attractions however, is the volcano in the front, which is scheduled for ‘eruption’ every hour from 5pm until 11pm nightly.

Alternatively, you could kill two entertainment birds with one stone and go up the ‘Eiffel Tower’ situated in the front of Paris Hotel and Casino. Not only will you get a 360 degree view of the Las Vegas skyline from 46 storeys above city level, but if you time it right, you will also get the perfect view of the Bellagio fountains dancing for your entertainment, interwoven in time with music and light.

19 If you are a thrill-seeker or adrenaline junkie, there is something for you too. The iconic Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States.

Standing at 1,149 feet, or 100 floors high, the Stratosphere Tower is a part of the skyline not to be missed. Not only are there spectacular views, but it also houses the world’s highest thrill rides in the form of the tallest controlled free fall. SkyJump Las Vegas allows you to experience a controlled free fall of 855 feet, or the equivalent of 108 floors.

There is also Insanity the Ride which will spin you and other passengers 64 feet over the edge of the Tower in the open air, where you will accelerate to forces of up to three G’s. You will also be twisted at an angle up to 70 degrees, tilting you to look straight down. That is, of course, if your eyes are still open. With other rides as well as these in the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower, thrills are certainly plentiful for those who dare.

• Getting there – Flights from Australia to Las Vegas, Nevada will usually involve a (brief or long) stopover, but the good news is when you arrive in the US, the local time is roughly around the same time you left Australia

Las Vegas has more than just luxury, entertainment, good food, and thrills on offer. It is only a short trip to Boulder City, where you can catch a brief flight to the Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, one of the awe-inspiring Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

• Visas – Australian passport holders who are travelling to the USA for business or tourism purposes will need an ESTA VISA (ESTA USA Visa Waiver Program). Applications are valid for two years and cost only $14. You can find more information and apply at https://estaapply.net/en/

The Grand Canyon National Park attracts nearly five million visitors each year, who come to marvel at the sight of this natural wonder and, by the time they leave, are humbled by its majestic presence.

An impressive 446 kilometres long, the Grand Canyon stretches up to 29 kilometres wide and 1.6 kilometres deep.

• Currency – The Australian dollar is particularly strong at the moment and at time of print, the conversion rate is $1AUD to $1.04USD. This means you get more for your dollar in one of the most affordable cities in the United States.

This handy website www.xe.com provides information on exchange rates and has a conversion calculator

Most trips to the Grand Canyon also involve a flight over Hoover Dam, a concrete arch-gravity dam on the Colorado River, and Lake Mead, the country’s largest reservoir. The Hoover Dam was named one of the Top 10 Construction Achievements of the 20th Century, and still continues to draw crowds of visitors after more than 70 years following its creation. Hoover Dam also forms the 16th largest manmade lake in the world, Lake Mead, a teal-blue paradise in the middle of the desert.

• Climate – Las Vegas is set in an arid basin of the Mojave Desert and has a variable climate, depending on the time of year you visit. At the time of the Electrical Industry Conference in September, it is usually a comfortable, warm climate and the oppressiveness of the desert Summer heat has mostly departed for the year • More info – For more information about the Electrical Industry Conference in Las Vegas, or if you would like to register, please contact Julie Anderson at events@masterelectricians.com.au or call 1300 889 198.

Las Vegas certainly is the entertainment capital of the world.

Whether you are a solo visitor, travelling as a group, taking a family holiday, or even attending a certain electrical industry conference, there is no doubt the glitter city will dazzle with its vast array of choices designed to suit any taste.

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The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

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feature

Tearing up the track – The 2013 V8 Supercars Championship

The competition for the upcoming V8 Supercars Championship series is quickly heating up. Stephanie Lim speaks with new entrants Nissan and Erebus Motorsport to get their take on one of the most eagerly anticipated series in decades.

Thrill seekers need look no further.

It’s time to ride the adrenaline-high and get stuck into one of the most death-defying, blood-pumping sporting events of the year.

The V8 Supercars has quickly risen over the years to become the premier motorsport category in Australasia and one of our nation’s fastest growing sports.

Garnering millions of television viewers in Australia alone, the competition has achieved an international broadcast footprint and is one of the few truly national sports in Australia, with an average of 126,000 people attending events in Australia and New Zealand last year.

“This is the first time the Altima nameplate has gone on-sale in Australia, and what better way to introduce the Altima to the nation than to have it on-track in the V8 Supercars Championship from the start of this season,” Mr Peffer said.

“The Altima is the first all-new V8 Supercar model unveiled in two decades, as Nissan joins the V8 Supercars Championship with the four-car, factory Nissan Motorsport team.

“It will be a proud day for Nissan to have the Altima on the Championship race track, and a significant occasion for the sport of V8 Supercars,” he said.

Kicking off at the end of the month, this year’s V8 Supercars Championship series has already seen considerable excitement from racing fans due to the introduction of Nissan and Erebus Motorsport into its fold.

This season will mark Nissan’s first entry into the V8 Supercars Championship since winning the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1990, 1991 and 1992, as well as in Bathurst in 1991 and 1992.

Nissan Australia Managing Director and CEO William F Peffer Jr says the company was extremely excited to introduce the all-new 2013 Nissan Altima V8 Supercar to Australia at the Championship.

The year after, the Australian Touring Car Championship was relaunched as the V8 Supercars Championship with only Ford and Holden able to compete.

www.masterelectricians.com.au

This year marks the first year other

manufacturers will be allowed to enter into the V8 Supercars Championship since its relaunch.

Nissan team co-owner, racing director and driver Tod Kelly had the honour of becoming the first person to drive the Nissan Altima V8 Supercar, and admits to being slightly emotional while doing his first laps.

“I jumped in and had the very first three laps in the Altima,” he said.

“It ran flawlessly well. I went out onto the track, put my foot on the clutch and knocked it into gear and drove out, warmed the tyres up and then after a lap, stood on the throttle. I felt and heard the engine come alive and leave two big black marks down the straight as it drove off. It was unreal.

“That was the first point where I thought ‘this is a pretty impressive project’, and I got a bit emotional driving the car around after that,” Mr Kelly said.

Nissan will be the only manufacturer to use a production-based engine to power

23

its Championship campaign this season.

The Nissan Motorsport VK56DE engine is a brand new, state-of-the-art make that brings new technology to the V8 Supercars grid.

“The engine has all-aluminium block and heads, Double Overhead Cam (DOHC) and 32-valve configuration for quad camshafts and four valves per cylinder, twice the amount of the incumbent engines,” Mr Kelly says.

“The VK56DE is also the power plant of choice in many motorsport applications around the world as a formidable choice for high horsepower and efficiency.”

Nissan team commercial director and driver Rick Kelly says the Nissan team has ambitious goals for the 2013 season despite the significant task ahead.

“This year will be the first time in my career that I will be a factory driver and it’s a responsibility I’m not taking lightly,” he says.

Ross Stone says the decision to end its partnership with Ford after a relationship that began when the team was first formed in 1998 was not an easy one.

“Since SBR’s inception in 1998, Ford has backed the team and together we have enjoyed many successes, including three Championship wins – two with Marcos Ambrose in 2003 and 2004, and again with Russell Ingall in 2005. We also won Bathurst with Jason Bright and Steven Richards in 1998,” Mr Stone says.

“Leaving Ford was not an easy thing to do, but as car markets change here in Australia we felt the time was right for a new challenge and with Ford’s mutual agreement we have decided to part ways.

“I have absolutely no doubt that the hard work that everyone here and at SBR have put into this so far will be rewarding.”

“Our entire team is working harder than ever to ensure that we rise to another level as we head into the Championship season.

This is the most exciting time in our sport in two decades and it’s amazing to think that our team is at the forefront of this change.

“We thank Ford and all our supporters for their backing and we now look forward to entering a new era of racing with Erebus Motorsport.”

“A lot of hard work still lies ahead but we want to ensure that Nissan is competitive this season and a force to be reckoned with at the V8 Supercars Championship!”

Erebus Motorsport is fronted by CEO Ryan Maddison and owner Betty Klimenko, who is the first female team owner in V8 Supercars.

Nissan may very well get their wish in the form of three V8 Supercars based on the new E-Class Mercedes-AMG, run by the exciting new alliance of Erebus Motorsport and Stone Brothers Racing, who will certainly bring friendly competition to the fore this season.

It also marks the amicable split of one of the V8 Supercars’ longest serving teams Stone Brothers Racing from Ford. The split has paved the way for a merger with Erebus Motorsport, and an agreement to run three AMG E Class V8 Supercars in the Championship from this year, almost a year in the making since its initial concept in early 2011.

Stone Brothers Racing (SBR) owner

Mr Maddison has enjoyed a long association with the AMG brand and V8 Supercars, and sees great opportunities with the marque in the sport.

“Our entry into V8 Supercars is an entirely Erebus Motorsport funded initiative as a private race team that is accessing the Customer Sports program of AMG,” Mr Maddison says.

“There has been a lot of work required between the merger and the first event this month, by no means will it be an easy road with V8 Supercars being such a highly competitive environment.

“We do not underestimate the task ahead as a new team in V8 Supercars, but we have the expertise and experience of

SBR which is considered to be one of the best teams in V8 Supercars. They are a professional outfit and know how to win races and Championships and we see a perfect fit for Erebus Motorsport.

“I have absolutely no doubt that the hard work that everyone here and at SBR have put into this so far will be rewarding.”

The Erebus Motorsport-SBR alliance was made possible under the Car of the Future program, which aims to cut running costs and encourage other marques to compete, in turn broadening fan and sponsor appeal.

The three Erebus Morosport-SBR entries will run 5.0 litre engines with the AMG bodywork over the COTF chassis.

Results from early testing indicate that both new teams are ‘on the pace’ and are set to be highly competitive with Ford and Holden teams right from the first round of the season.

V8 Supercar Chairman Tony Cochrane says the sport intends to grow to 18 events world-wide across 40 weeks in the coming years.

“Having Erebus Motorsport combined with SBR on the grid says much for the evolution of V8 Supercars to an internationally recognised brand,” Mr Cochrane said.

“With the customer sports support of AMG, the marque joins another world-wide giant in Nissan in our Championship under the Erebus Motorsport and SBR partnership, further demonstrating that our sport is truly on the international stage.

“We are an extremely popular sport world-wide and arguably one of the most respected motorsport categories internationally. This is largely due to our professionalism, safety first approach, fantastic events, technological prowess, spectacular racing and our hugely respected teams and drivers,” he said.

The V8 Supercars Championship series will kick off in Adelaide later this month.

Four-time V8 Supercar champion and fourtime Bathurst 1000 winner Jamie Whincup will start the season as the defending drivers’ champion.

The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

24

meet a master electrician Name: Justin Donnelly Company: CB Electrics State: WA Status: Accredited Master Electrician

What is most rewarding about your job, what makes it all worthwhile?

Over the years, the company has stepped up from working for builders on your average house to being part of elite housebuilding, incorporating complex Structured Cabling and Home Automation systems for some of Perth’s most prestigious builders.

I get a real sense of satisfaction training all our own staff from the beginning and due to the nature of our work, I get to see many apprentices turn out to be the best sparkies around.

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud of finally achieving my dream of owning a farm. After paying off my current house by the age of 35 and then building my studio in the backyard, we managed to save enough for the deposit. I now have a wonderful 140 acre property where I am able to begin living out my dream.

Master Electrician Justin Donnelly from CB Electrics shares how he achieved his dream at just 35 years old.

Where did you grow up?

In my early years, we lived in the quiet suburb of Hamersley in Perth. My teenage years were spent on my parent’s farm in Gingin, about an hour’s drive North of Perth.

morning, I like to take a drive up to my property 40 minutes away and this is where I do up old cars and tractors, unwind, forget the cares of the business and the world, and remind myself that life wasn’t meant to be a race track.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a youngster, I learned the guitar and played bass in a band, so naturally I wanted to be a big time musician. As I grew older, my passion changed into a love of the outdoors and the land, so I always wanted to have a farm of my own.

Are you involved in any community organisations?

About 12 years ago I set up a donation fund within the company. Each of the field workers donate five dollars per week, which goes to underprivileged people overseas. Over the years, many thousands of dollars have been donated to charities and organisations, with the Christian Blind Mission being the main benefactor.

What’s your favourite weekend/ holiday activity?

There are two activities that I particularly enjoy. Firstly, I enjoy playing music with a couple of good, old muso friends on a Friday night, in a purposely built ‘jamroom’ in my back yard. Early on a Saturday www.masterelectricians.com.au

I am also the Musical Director of our local parish church and am currently providing our electrical services at cost during the construction of the new Divine Mercy Church in Chittering.

What do you think the most important thing is to remember in order to do well in your profession?

The most important thing is honesty.

People like to do business with someone who they know is ‘straight up and down’.

The second most important thing to remember is that we all make mistakes, but if you learn from them quickly, it will quickly put you back on the right track.

What motto do you do business by?

‘Service, service and service’. Not everything in business can be charged directly, but when your clients see you going the extra mile, more often than not they will keep you on board for longer than you imagined.

What tip would you give to others starting out in the industry?

Go slow and easy. Remember Rome wasn’t built in a day, and many prosperous electrical companies around today started years ago with only one or two founding members. They are where they are because they have slowly built up their empires with diligence and dedication.

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benefit spotlight

Master Electricians – Get your voice heard at the top table

MEA has been very active on the advocacy front over the past few months, with its representations to government resulting in several key wins for Master Electricians and the industry as a whole.

Our lobbying efforts have given Master Electricians Australia (MEA) the opportunity to meet with several State and Federal ministers, to discuss the issues currently affecting the electrical industry.

Months of strenuous lobbying by Group CEO, Malcolm Richards, including meetings with ministers and his appearance at a parliamentary inquiry, has resulted in drastic changes being proposed to the Queensland Building Services Authority (QBSA). Of most significance are revisions to the QBSA Act which will see an end to electrical contractors being required to hold a QBSA licence if an element of a project for which they are the principal contractor involves ‘building work’.

MEA has also made several appearances in front of Parliamentary Committees as a representative of the electrical contracting industry, to give evidence in relation to workplace bullying and workers compensation reforms.

MEA’s WA State Manager, Tony Mancini, has been active in advocating on behalf of Master Electricians to the Ministers office regarding payments that were not made to project sub-contractors under the Building the Education Revolution (BER) program.

With the help of MEA’s intervention, an investigator has now been appointed with the aim of resolving the issue by early this year. Tony has also made www.masterelectricians.com.au

representations to the Western Australian Minister for Energy recommending specific improvements to Western Power’s Service Apparatus Connection Scheme (SACS) to make it viable for electrical contractors to participate.

MEA has also put the interests of electrical contractors at the forefront of the publics’ mind with Workplace Relations Manager, Jason O’Dwyer, appearing in several media channels urging reform of workplace relations laws. This followed months of militant behaviour by construction unions at a long running strike at the Queensland Children’s Hospital site that saw subcontractors threatened with fines by the lead contractor if their workers returned to the job site. The strike action has since ceased.

MEA’s advocacy on workplace relations issues also involved contributions to public and industry consultations on superannuation reforms, workplace health and safety laws and amendments to the Fair Work Act. We continue to ensure government considers the impact that workplace reforms can have on employers, particularly those operating small businesses who have limited resources at their disposal.

National Occupational Licensing reforms gave MEA the opportunity to contribute to the development of the new occupational licensing regime to be

introduced in 2013. As well as providing a comprehensive submission to inform the development of the new licensing arrangements, Group CEO, Malcolm Richards has been appointed as a representative of the electrical industry on the the Interim Occupational Licensing Advisory Committee. Malcolm will use this valuable opportunity to urge for a best practice approach to regulation to ensure the highest standards are maintained for electrical occupations.

MEA has maintained our push for greater awareness and regulatory action about electrical safety, recently making a submission to the coronial inquest into the 2009 death of insulation worker, Matthew James Fuller. In this submission, we made several recommendations including the need for urgent reforms to safety switch laws throughout Australia to put an end to the needless deaths and injuries that could have been prevented by a safety switch.

MEA is committed to advocating for the interests of our Master Electricians and will continue to dedicate ourselves to the continued success of the electrical industry.

Join Master Electricians Australia and get your voice heard at the top table. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help your business.

Visit www.masterelectricians.com.au or call 1300 889 198.

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who else would you trust!

Ampere Electrical Manufacturing Co. Pty. Ltd. 168-176 High Street, Prahran,VIC 3181

Tel (03) 9510 4333, 9510 2428 Fax (03) 9510 5940 Toll Free 1800 AMPERE (1800 267 373) www.ampere.com.au

28

news from the distributors SA Power Networks

SA

New substation part of a new era Glynde residents will be at the forefront of a new era of electricity distribution substation design for South Australian residential areas.

After an exhaustive and ultimately unsuccessful search for an alternative site, SA Power Networks will build a new architect-designed suburban substation at its existing site on the corner of Davis and Barnes Roads, Glynde.

The $13 million substation is required by late 2014 to meet the future electricity needs of people in the eastern suburbs and will be located on land SA Power Networks has owned since the mid 1950s.

Powercor

Powercor prepared for bushfire season with state of the art technology

VIC

Work is nearing completion to upgrade power line safety in the Powercor network, with new generation technology to reduce the likelihood of fire this bushfire season.

New investments to assist with bushfire prevention include the installation of 179 state of the art Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) remote Automatic Circuit Reclosers (ACRs) in high bushfire risk areas within Powercor’s distribution network, which include the Otways, Macedon Ranges and other areas in central and Western Victoria.

“These works are part of a cooperative approach between the Victorian Government’s Energy Safe Victoria, the Department of Primary Industries, and electricity distribution businesses to remove the need for a six week manual suppression of SWER ACR’s in high bushfire risk areas that occurred last Summer,” Garry Audley, General Manager Electricity Networks said.

SWER lines generally service rural areas involving a small number of customers. Many SWER lines across Victoria are equipped with ACRs, which automatically reconnect power after an outage caused by a line fault. With these new remote ACRs, the bushfire risk can be reduced without the need to send out a service truck and other field resources as needed with older generation, manual ACRs. “It is very important to note that most customers affected by these changes are unlikely to notice any impact on the reliability of their power supplies and there is no plan to cut off power during periods of high bushfire risk,” Mr Audley added.

In addition to these new devices, Powercor also contributes to reduce the bushfire risk through a thorough vegetation management plan, continuous asset inspection and maintenance programs, adjustments made to the electricity network during high-risk periods (Total Fire Ban days and Code Red days), and preparedness by Powercor crews throughout the network over the entire Summer season.

More information can be found at www.citipower.com.au www.masterelectricians.com.au

Sue Filby, General Manager Customer Relations, said SA Power Networks successfully operated hundreds of substations across metropolitan Adelaide that all met environmental requirements including noise and safety, and had a proven track record as a good neighbour and corporate citizen.

“We also understand that residents living around the site are concerned about its potential visual impact and we will be working with them to develop urban design, fencing and landscaping treatments that enhance the amenity of the area,” Ms Filby said.

Ms Filby said SA Power Networks had already met with some key stakeholders and was committed to a process of consultation on external design elements.

“I am hopeful that once residents see the new urban design concepts and have an opportunity to influence the external look and feel, they will be less concerned about the visual impact.

“This won’t be a substation like any other we have built in Adelaide. It is a greenfield site and we are embracing this opportunity to show the community we are moving forward with a more modern and sympathetic approach to substation design and construction in residential areas, that is still cost effective for electricity consumers,” she said.

More information regarding public information days can be found at www.sapowernetworks.com.au

29

Energex

QLD Metering requirements for large customers

For the purpose of determining the type of metering installation required for a customer’s connection point, the Electricity Industry Code requires that a customer with an annual consumption of 100MWh or more is categorised as ‘large’.

As such, when Energex receives an Electrical Work Request (EWR) for a connection with a maximum demand of more than or equal to 200amps per phase, the connection will be considered ‘large’.

This is used as a guide, as a customer’s annual consumption can vary depending on the type of installation and duration of operation.

All ‘large’ customers require the installation of remotely read interval meters. This metering must be provided by an Accredited Meter Provider*. Energex will only connect the premises to the distribution network once this metering has been installed.

When arranging a new connection, ‘large’ customers need to contact their retailer at the earliest possible time to ensure an Accredited Meter Provider has been appointed. If the retailer fails to nominate an Accredited Meter Provider on their B2B service order, Energex will advise them that

the connection cannot be completed.

For existing installations for small customer connections, increases to capacity where consumption will exceed 100MWh will also require the customer to engage an Accredited Meter Provider.

For all jobs requiring current transformers, whether the customer is considered ‘large’

or ‘small’, these must be ordered from Energex via Form 1291.

To download a copy of this form or for more information, visit energex.com.au *Note: For more information and a list of Accredited Meter Providers by the Australian Energy Market Operator, visit www.aemo.com.au

New ProTag Optima System Australia’s Most Compact Appliance Testing and Tag Printing System.

The new ProTag Optima System tests portable appliances and RCDs, and prints test tags in a compact system weighing only around 2kg.

No interface cables between the tester, printer and scanner provide maximum mobility on construction sites, factories and workshops.

Light weight, wireless, battery powered and with logging of visual inspections and risk assessments, the Optima System guarantees greater efficiency, huge time savings and a lower cost per tag.

Call EMONA Instruments on tel: 1 800 632 953 email: testinst@emona.com.au or www.protag.com.au The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

30

Ausgrid

Safe asbestos removal in Sydney CBD

NSW

Crews are safely removing asbestos from 10 small underground and basement electricity substations in and around the Sydney CBD now and over the coming months, as part of Ausgrid’s asbestos management program.

The majority of work is taking place during the night to minimise disruption to customers and the public.

Some of the work requires access to roadways, while other remediation requires the electricity supply to be interrupted to customers so the work can be carried out as safely as possible.

Customers will be notified of any planned interruption.

A spokesman for electricity network company Ausgrid said the work would be carried out under strict WorkCover guidelines.

“Unfortunately asbestos was a common material used in buildings and for insulation throughout electricity networks before the 1990s,” he said.

“Ausgrid has been working for more than 10 years to firstly identify the exact areas where asbestos is present around its electricity network, and then to safely remove it.

“This remediation work is part of those plans. The priority will be to ensure that staff and the public are kept absolutely safe while the work takes place. This includes the use of clear signage so people are aware of the work taking place.”

The type of removal and remediation work will vary at each site, however it will generally involve setting up an exclusion zone, air monitoring, and decontamination areas. Any material to be removed will be bagged and wrapped, and the site will be vacuumed and all waste disposed of appropriately.

Members of the public who have questions about this removal program should contact Ausgrid on (02) 9966 7985. More information can be found at www.ausgrid.com.au

www.masterelectricians.com.au

Western Power

Changes to the existing service Connect scheme

WA

From 1 January 2013, Western Power has been replacing the existing Service Connection Scheme (SCS) with the new Service Apparatus Connection Scheme (SACS).

The pre-existing SCS operated normally until 31 December 2012 and was discontinued from 5pm on that day. The new SACS became operational on 1 January 2013.

All existing SCS participants should have received correspondence from Western Power in September 2012, requesting interested participants to register for the new SACS. Western Power has suspended any new applications from electrical contractors and electrical workers into the SCS. New applications are welcome for the new SACS. Please go to www.westernpower.com.au for more details.

Changes to the existing Contractor Connection Scheme (CCS) The CCS is currently under review and will continue in its present format until further notice. Effective immediately, there will be no new applications approved for entry into the CCS. Changes to the existing Changeover Scheme The Changeover Scheme is currently under review and will continue in its present format until further notice. Effective immediately there will be no new applications approved for entry into the Changeover Scheme.

Changes to the existing Portable Builders Supply Pole Scheme The Portable Builders Supply Pole Scheme is currently under review and will continue in its present format until further notice.

Effective immediately, there will be no new applications approved for entry into the Portable Builders Supply Pole Scheme.

For more information, visit www.westernpower.com.au or email sacs@westernpower.com.au

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32

regulator wrap up the latest state news from regulators

EnergySafety

LP Gas cylinder safety in bushfire prone areas

WA

EnergySafety has produced a guideline for the storage of LP Gas cylinders on properties in bushfire prone areas.

The report into the February 2011 Perth Hills Bushfire ‘A Shared Responsibility’, prepared by M J Keelty AO APM, considered the impact of gas cylinders installed or located within close proximity to houses. EnergySafety testing found gas cylinders could rupture if they fell over during a fire, creating a risk for Emergency Services personnel and bystanders.

The guideline advises residents in bushfire prone areas to ensure their gas cylinders are supported or secured so they remained upright at all times.

Although EnergySafety has recommended changes to the Australian Standard to make support or tethering of LP Gas cylinders mandatory, this is a lengthy process and would only apply to new installations.

The guideline ‘LP Gas cylinder safety in bushfire-prone areas’ aims to help residents reduce the risks associated with LPG cylinders should a fire approach. It provides information on where and how to position gas cylinders and safety valves, installing support structures, actions to take during a bushfire and gas cylinder maintenance.

To obtain a copy of the guideline, visit your local council or the EnergySafety website at www.energysafety.wa.gov.au

www.masterelectricians.com.au

33

Electrical Safety Office

QLD

Electrical work within a declared disaster situation

When a declaration of the Disaster Situation for a Disaster District is in place under the Queensland Disaster Management Act 2003, the following applies: • A District Disaster Coordinator (DDC) or Declared Disaster Officer (DDO) may require a person to give reasonable help to assist with the carrying out of powers in the event of a disaster (s.77(1)(q)) • A person, including a person who may not be the holder of an electrical licence but who has a relevant electrician qualification and has relevant experience, may be required to give reasonable help in work such as maintaining or restoring essential services, including electricity.

Undertaking repair and reinstatement work within a declared disaster situation Licensed Electricians: A person who holds a current Queensland electrical mechanic licence or a current equivalent interstate or New Zealand electrical licence, as per Schedule 1 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (The Regulation), and who wishes to undertake flood repair electrical work should contact Master Electricians Australia (MEA) for specific flood-related electrical work for repair or reinstatement.

Unlicensed Electricians: A person who claims to be a qualified electrician but has an expired Queensland electrical mechanic licence, or an expired equivalent interstate or New Zealand electrical licence (as per Schedule 1 of The Regulation), must produce their qualification to a DDC, who may authorise the person to perform specific floodrelated work for electrical repair or reinstatement.

Electrical work other than within a declared disaster situation All electrical installation work outside a declared disaster situation must be carried out by a qualified electrical mechanic who holds a Queensland electrical mechanic licence or an equivalent licence of another Australian jurisdiction or New Zealand, as listed in Schedule 1 of The Regulation. The electrical mechanic must either be employed by a licenced electrical contractor, or they may be the employee of a company on whose own electrical installation they perform electrical installation and maintenance work.

The Electrical Safety Office will expedite an application for an electrical contractor licence from an out of state electrical contractor licence holder.

There may be particular situations where a Queensland electrical contractor licence is not required. For these, or if you have any other relevant circumstances not described above, please contact the Electrical Licensing Information Service on 1300 362 320.

In order to volunteer your availability in the event of a declared disaster situation, please visit the Volunteering Queensland website at www.emergencyvolunteering.com.au or call 1800 994 100.

InstalTest Combo Single & 3 Phase Multi-Function Tester for All Your Electrical Installation Testing and Verification.

Replaces 5 instruments with 12 tests in one instrument.

Single & 3 phase installation testing to AS/NZS3017 covering earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, correct connections, fault loop impedance and RCD testing.

Optional 3 phase adaptors for safe, quick and reliable 3 phase testing from the 3 phase socket outlet - no need for probing!

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Optional MI-TPI for 3 phase testing of RCDs, fault loop etc.

Call EMONA on tel: 1 800 632 953, email: testinst@emona.com.au or www.instaltest.com.au The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

34

regulator wrap up Office of the Technical Regulator

SA

Testing and verification of electrical installations New electrical installations and any modification to existing installations, including repairs, must be tested before being put into service or use. This is to verify that the installations comply with the requirements of the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000 where applicable.

The Electricity Act 1996 (section 61) requires that a person undertaking work on electrical installations or proposed installations must ensure that: • The work is carried out as required by regulations • Examinations and tests are carried out as required by the regulations • The requirements of the regulations, as to notification and certificates of compliance, are met.

Breaches of the Electricity Act 1996 (section 61) may incur penalties ranging from expiation fees of $315 pre-breach, to the maximum penalty of $5000.

All tests and examinations must be carried out on the installation before an electrical certificate of compliance is issued by the electrical worker. The installations must not be energised before an electrical certificate of compliance is issued.

When testing an electrical installation for compliance: • If a test fails, all preceding tests that may have been influenced by the fault must be repeated after the fault is rectified

Fair Trading

Sparkie convicted for electrical safety rip off

NSW

New South Wales Commissioner for Fair Trading Rod Stowe welcomed the successful prosecution of electrical contractor Switchworx Electrical Pty Ltd and its sole Director, Charbel Khoury in November 2012.

Khoury pleaded guilty to 14 charges brought under the Australian Consumer Law (NSW) and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004, including falsely representing the need for goods and services, using coercion in connection with the payment for goods or services, performing deficient electrical work, and failing to comply with required electrical safety standards.

Parramatta Local Court ordered Khoury and Switchworx to pay fines and costs totalling $31,162. At the time of sentencing, Khoury paid an additional $25,000 as compensation to be distributed by the Commissioner for Fair Trading to consumers who were affected by Switchworx’s activities but not part of the court action.

Prior to sentencing, the defendants refunded $25,000 directly to consumers involved in proceedings in the Local Court and the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal. www.masterelectricians.com.au

• All parts of the installations, such as switchboards, sub-mains or outbuildings, must be inspected and tested for a full verification of the installation.

In testing electrical installations, the provisions of AS/NZS 3000 (section 8) represent the minimum standards of inspection and testing. These provisions are required to satisfy the safety principles set out in Part 1 of the Standard.

The Office of the Technical Regulator has developed a testing and verification sheet to assist in the recording of test results. For a copy of these or for more information, visit www.sa.gov.au/otr

In June 2012, NSW Fair Trading commenced an investigation into the trading activities of Switchworx after a number of consumer complaints. Switchworx sent out promotional flyers that falsely represented the need to undertake electrical safety inspections in the home and misled consumers about the actual nature and cost of the electrical services on offer.

Consumers who responded to the flyer were misled into believing that the wiring, fuse box or smoke detector in their home was faulty. Despite Switchworx’s flyers advertising residential electrical safety inspections for a senior’s rate of only $44, elderly consumers paid excessive costs of several thousand dollars for the work, many fearing their home was unsafe. Upon inspection by NSW Fair Trading, investigators determined that the fire safety hazards represented by Switchworx did not exist. Fair Trading investigators also found a number of deficiencies in the quality of the electrical work conducted by the company.

Mr Khoury is disqualified from working in the industry for three years, and disqualified for a further three years from holding a licence in his own right. The licences for Switchworx Electrical Pty Ltd and Mr Khoury have been cancelled.

For more information about Fair Trading, visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

35

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Energy Safe Victoria

‘Safety First’ for you and your workmates

VIC

Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is reminding people to be careful when working on or near highvoltage electrical apparatus following two serious incidents in which three men received serious electrical burns while working near live 22kV powerlines.

Workers must always comply with safe approach distances when working on or near electrical apparatus.

In the first incident being investigated by ESV, two linesmen received serious flash burns when carrying out electrical work on a pole top distribution sub-station, while in an elevating work platform. In the second incident four days later, a contractor doing tree clearance work for a distribution business sustained electrical burns when the pole saw he was using contacted or came within the safe approach distance of a 22kV overhead conductor.

Safety must never be compromised, and employers and workers must comply with relevant electricity safety regulations, codes and approved safe work procedures when working on or near overhead powerlines.

While the exact cause of these incidents is still under investigation, workers must: • Be appropriately trained and have demonstrated their competence for the task being performed • Conduct a detailed job safety assessment

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• Follow the rules and procedures and create good habits • Plan work effectively with the correct work methods selected, according to each specific situation • Take the appropriate time to complete tasks.

When there is any doubt about the safety of workmates or the public, the condition of electrical apparatus or the procedures to be followed, workers should speak up and, if necessary, seek advice from the supervisors or relevant operation authorities.

For more information, visit the Energy Safe Victoria website at www.esv.vic.gov.au

who else would you trust!

Ampere Electrical Manufacturing Co. Pty. Ltd. 168-176 High Street, Prahran,VIC 3181 Tel (03) 9510 4333, 9510 2428 Fax (03) 9510 5940 Toll Free 1800 AMPERE (1800 267 373) www.ampere.com.au The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

36

letter of the law

Been defamed by a customer?

Defamation: A false accusation of an offence or a malicious misrepresentation of someone’s words or actions.

We are quite often consulted by trade contractors who feel that they have been defamed. A recent decision of the Queensland Supreme Court concerned a builder in a regional centre who was defamed by one of his customers.

The customer told the builder’s apprentice, one of the builder’s customers and one of the builder’s sub-contractors that the builder was incompetent and dishonest.

At his trial, the builder called evidence that he had become depressed and as a result, had to consult a psychologist.

The apprentice, customer and sub-contractor all gave evidence that their view of the builder had not been changed by what the Defendant had said about him.

Reputation needed to be vindicated The court nevertheless took into account the ‘grapevine effect’ and considered it important that in the business context, sufficient damages should be awarded to signal to the public that the builder had vindicated his reputation.

There was no evidence of specific economic loss suffered by the builder, and the court took the view that any downturn in the www.masterelectricians.com.au

business may have been attributable to other economic factors.

Damages of $50,000 The court awarded the builder $50,000 despite the fact that only three people had definitely heard the allegations and that there was no evidence of economic loss.

However, considering that the Plaintiff could only call evidence that the statement was made to just three people, the sum of $50,000 is a relatively significant amount of money.

History is replete with examples of people being worse off as a consequence of having sued for defamation, Oscar Wilde being perhaps the best known. However, there are no doubt circumstances in which it may be necessary to sue, particularly if you are a business in a small centre.

An important restriction to be aware of regarding the right to sue for defamation is that you must bring your court action within twelve months of the defamatory statement having been made.

This article was contributed by McKays Solicitors. For further information please contact Michael Cope, Special Counsel on (07) 3223 5939 or email mcope@mckayslaw.com

37

Five minutes to spare?

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Fill out our short survey by 5pm on Monday 1 April 2013 for your chance to join us in Las Vegas (worth up to $2,000*).

What are you waiting for?

Go to masterelectricians.com.au/winvegas to get started. * The prize value is for a member or non-member for one conference registration only and does not include flights or accommodation. For full terms and conditions please refer to www.masterelectricians.com.au/winvegas. NSW Permit Number: LTPS/13/00530. ACT Permit Number: ACT TP 13/00337

GENERATING WEALTH FOR ENERGY EMPLOYEES It’s just how we’re wired.

Energy Super is the leading industry superannuation fund for people who

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We are a platinum-rated* $4.2 billion industry superannuation fund with over 48,000 members and offer you flexible retirement savings solutions and professional advice so you can build practical strategies to help secure the future lifestyle you want including: • a choice of up to 9 different investment options • tax effective income stream solutions

• financial advice for members • educational materials including seminars, webinars, superannuation calculators & more • Energy Rewards which offers members discounts and savings for your finances today, and • ‘Life Event’ support for members who may be experiencing hard times.

For more information on the services that Energy Super offers visit energysuper.com.au or call us on 1300 4 ENERGY (1300 436 374). *2012 Platinum rating for Best Value for Money provided by SuperRatings (ABN 95 100 192 283 AFSL 311880). Ratings are only one factor to be considered when making investment decisions. Electricity Supply Industry Superannuation (Qld) Ltd (ABN 30 069 634 439) (AFSL 336567) is the Trustee and issuer of Energy Super (ABN 33 761 363 685). A Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) is available from energysuper.com.au or by calling 1300 4 ENERGY (1300 436 374). Before making an investment decision you should consider the PDS and whether Energy Super is right for you. If you need assistance, talk to one of our financial advisers.

The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

38

the interview

What other business ventures have you been involved in prior to L&H? I have been involved in the electrical industry since I left school at the age of 15.

I completed my apprenticeship in Hobart and have been in the wholesaling segment of our industry for 40 years, 34 of which have been with L&H Group.

Tell us how you came to be involved in the industry?

I was reasonably good at maths and science in school. When I left, I was interested in doing a trade and the electrical industry looked like a good choice for me. My older brother was a cabinet maker and also suggested electrical because, as he claimed, “it paid better!”

What are some day-to-day tasks and responsibilities you perform as CEO of L&H Group?

My main day-to-day tasks involve firstly, ensuring our culture of the organisation remains intact, and secondly, that we are consistently basing how we conduct business on our organisational values.

These values are driven by respect for our people, respect for our business partners and a passion for customer service.

L&H Group CEO, Robin Norris After 40 years in the industry, Robin Norris from L&H is showing no signs of slowing down. We get an insight into what he believes makes a successful business and the importance of ‘people’ to any organisation.

www.masterelectricians.com.au

What is the single most important piece of advice you would offer to Master Electricians running their own business?

Value your business! Regrettably, too many people seem to know the price of everything and the value of nothing these days. It is important to understand the value of your business in order to differentiate, promote and sell these values. If you focus on customers that are only concerned with price, it makes it very difficult to be successful.

How do you feel about imported products meeting quality and safety standards?

I strongly believe the vast majority of imported products actually do meet quality and safety standards. However, there is no ‘silver bullet’ solution that will eliminate products that do not comply. Rather, we all need to be prepared to address issues when they arise, and promptly identify them instead of just simply walking by in ignorance.

39

How do you think it could ideally be counteracted?

It starts with all key players clearly identifying products that do not comply and refusing to support them. Also, I believe it is important that the industry continues to promote and support quality products, and educate the public on those that do not meet adequate standards, explaining how this can put their safety at risk. I also do not believe any of the major wholesalers would support known non-complying products in any way.

You seem to have a lot of staff who have been with L&H for a long time, which is a real asset to your business. How do you motivate and retain staff?

There are several key factors we like to ensure are present at all times. Firstly, it is important we recruit well and make sure the potential employee fully understands our industry and what is expected. Secondly, we must induct people correctly so they have the training and support to be successful. And thirdly, providing a culture that is driven by organisational values, and that motivates staff, rewards them and recognises the value of their contribution, is paramount.

It is so important to involve your people, seek ideas from them in order to improve, and respect their thoughts and suggestions on how to do it better. Leadership is what they want and need, not management.

“Regrettably, too many people seem to know the price of everything and the value of nothing these days. It is important to understand the value of your business in order to differentiate, promote and sell these values.”

What does L&H Group have in store for 2013 and beyond?

I think we will experience a significant increase in the use of e-business tools, while at the same time ensuring the importance of people and relationships is core to what we do.

It’s all about using innovation to suit our values. We need to provide our contractor customers with better tools to up sell and gain a larger share of the ‘consumer’s wallet’; www.useasparky. com.au is an example of this.

What do you believe to be the most important part of running a successful business?

I believe the people you work and deal with every day are crucial in running a business well. Without those people, there would be no business to run!

When we are given the responsibility and privilege of a leadership role, we cannot abuse that position. We become ‘people leaders’ and it is at times frustrating and challenging, but at the same time wonderfully rewarding when you see how people grow and develop, sometimes becoming better than they thought they could be.

The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

40

gadget guide

Kobo Touch eReader The Kobo Touch eReader was awarded Wired Magazine’s 2012 Editor’s Pick for Best eReader. The contemporary, lightweight and travel-friendly design do not take away from feeling like you are reading a real book. You are able to sort the library in your own way, with large cover images, multiple views, predictive search and a special list you can use in order to keep track of your favourites.

You are not limited to only reading books on the Kobo Touch either. With Wi-Fi capabilities, you are also able to download, access and read personal and professional PDF documents on the go. Just navigate by zooming in, magnifying or highlighting text sections as normal.

The Kobo Touch eReader is 114mm x 165mm, 10mm deep, and weighs only 185g, allowing you to easily take it with you when you travel. It has 2GB of storage, 1GB of which is available to store over 1,000 ebooks. If you are a fanatical reader or just simply like having choices, the Kobo Touch has space for a 32GB SD Memory Card, which can hold a further 30,000 ebooks.

Starting at RRP $129 Visit www.kobobooks.com for more information.

WX254.1 SD SlideDriver Bit changes have never been simpler. The WX254.1 SD SlideDriver is the first and only fully loaded automatic screw driver with six bits ready on board. With the SlideDriver mechanism, you can select the bit you need in less than a second. Just slide it open and the bit cartridge will automatically rotate. The two cartridges come preloaded with the popular Phillips, slotted, Torx, hex and square recess bits. There is even a special screw starting drill bit if you need to make a pilot hole before driving a screw. If you’re dealing with some really special screws, any standard 6.5mm hex screwdriving bit will work in the reloadable cartridges.

Pocket-sized, this screwdriver is great to carry with you on the go. It incorporates only the most widely used bits to achieve its fantastic portable and compact size. At only 0.47 kilograms, it is so lightweight you will never think twice about bringing it along with you wherever you go. It is powered by an integrated 4V lithium ion battery, making it powerful and dependable. A built-in LED is great for illuminating dark areas and serves as a low battery indicator.

RRP $69 Visit www.worxtools.com/au/4vScrewdriver.aspx for more information.

Aircon Off AC-12 Air-conditioning Controller The Aircon Off AC-12 can reduce energy costs by up to 80 per cent and is universally compatible with any airconditioner that can be operated by an Infra Red remote control. It will sense when the air-conditioner is running and then scan the room for occupancy using Passive Infra Red (PIR) technology. As the sensor will only detect body heat, it will not be affected by items such as ceiling fans or curtains.

When no occupancy has been detected after a pre-set time delay, a signal will be transmitted to the air-conditioner to switch it off. This ensures that the air-conditioner always shuts down correctly as it goes into standby mode.

During standby mode, for as long as the room remains unoccupied, Aircon Off will not transmit any further signals to the airconditioner. As soon as the AC-12 detects movement upon re-entry into the room, it returns to active mode, messaging the airconditioner to switch on again. At no time will Aircon Off switch the air-conditioning on.

The AC-12 will not affect the warranty of the air-conditioner. It is mains powered and can be fitted directly adjacent to your air-conditioning head unit ensuring that the simple connecting cables are tamperproof.

RRP $299 Visit www.airconoff.com.au for more information.

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41

techno biz

Telefunken Centum driverless T8 LED Tubes The ultra efficient Telefunken Centum driverless T8 LED tubes can cut carbon emissions and electricity costs by over 60 per cent, plus save time by removing the need for consuming and expensive annual light replacements. Telefunken is the first product to have the weak point of internal and external drivers removed from it, using only solid state devices to regulate the LED tube. Traditional LED tubes contain hundreds of electronic parts susceptible to heat, moisture and age, so a change to driverless means expensive annual light replacements will be a thing of the past.

Driverless technology means Telefunken tubes have a rated service life of 100,000 hours, more than 11 years of 24/7 operation. In addition, there is also an industry-first five year manufacturer guarantee on the whole of the tube.

Visit www.truebright.com.au for more information.

Brightgreen Cube D900

Fluke CNX 3000 Wireless Test Tools

Brightgreen’s D900 Cube is the world’s first square LED downlight with a square beam and is also the most efficient 16W downlight on the market.

The Fluke CNX 3000 Wireless ‘Team’ allows you to take readings quicker, from a safer distance. The Fluke CNX wireless test tools also work together to help you troubleshoot faster, which in turn solves problems faster.

The Cube was the Product Design winner at the Melbourne Design Awards for 2012, as well as earning Best Product at DesignEX 2011.

The D900 Cube is uniquely dimmable straight out of the box using standard leading, trailing or universal Triac dimmers.

They are also able to be dimmed using an Analogue 0-10V input through the Brightgreen M-Dim. The more heat you extract from an LED, the longer it lasts. The D900 Cube is uniquely designed to dissipate heat in hot Australian conditions, ensuring its long life and comes with a guarantee of seven years.

Visit www.brightgreen.com for more information.

With the CNX ‘Team’, measurements are remote, simultaneous and recordable. The CNX 3000 Wireless Multimeter displays the meter measurement, plus readings from up to three wireless modules as far as 20 metres away.

You are able to see up to four measurements on one screen, in one place at the same time, and set up the modules to take the readings from up to 20 metres away. In addition, you can view and analyse readings from 10 tools at once on a PC to gain a complete understanding of the situation. So the CNX ‘Team’ allows you to save time and money by taking measurements simultaneously, and enables you to isolate intermittent events or record signal fluctuations without even being there, using the log function on the modules.

You are able to customise your own CNX ‘Team’ or choose from one of the pre-defined kits already compiled, for additional savings.

Visit www.fluke.com for more information.

The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

42

technical talk

Safe testing of existing pool installations There is never any hesitation when it comes to getting the car or the boat serviced or repaired, but all too often, servicing the pool gets overlooked.

Pools are rated as number three on the list of the largest

capital purchases we make in our lifetime, with a house in first position, and a car in close second. Out of these three, the car is the only one that tends to receive regular maintenance and servicing. Houses and pools have electrical wiring and plumbing systems which require periodic maintenance, but generally owners only contact an electrical contractor when something goes wrong.

Of course, the problem with this approach is that it poses a safety risk and may even cost lives if not kept in check.

Recently there have been a number of near-misses reported concerning electrical faults in pool pumps, lights and heaters.

There appears to be a lot of misunderstanding surrounding the testing of pools, both old and new, so Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has put together a simple guide for electrical contractors to follow in order to ensure a pool meets electrical safety standards.

What can I do to assist my customers?

As an electrical contractor, you have an obligation under electrical

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safety legislation to ensure that: • The way the electrical equipment or electrical installation is installed or repaired is electrically safe • The process followed for installing or repairing the electrical equipment or electrical installation ensures that, once installed or repaired, it will be electrically safe • After the electrical equipment or electrical installation is installed or repaired, the electrical worker tests and examines it to ensure it is electrically safe.

But how can I test a pool?

Below is an outline of a method for inspecting and testing low voltage electrical pool installations, which incorporates a multiple earthed neutral (MEN) system of earthing. The methods comply with the principles of testing for AS/NZS 3000:2007. At all times, a safe system for performing electrical work should be in place before testing is undertaken.

43

Tips for safe testing of existing pool installations

• Switching devices for particular electrical equipment, e.g. socket-outlets, cooking appliances

Method

• Particular installation conditions, e.g. locations affected by water, explosive atmospheres, extra-low voltage, high voltage

1. Visual inspection checklist

• Compliance with required standards

2. Mandatory tests

4. Presence of voltage on exposed metal work.

• Protection against external influences, e.g. ambient temperature, external heat sources, presence of water or high humidity, presence of corrosive substances, solar radiation etc.

Visual inspection checklist

Earthing

The following items provide a guide on the points to be checked during the visual inspection, in order to determine that the relevant requirements of AS/NZS 3000:2007 have been satisfied. Further items for inspection can be found in CL 8.2.2.

• MEN connection

General

• Equipotential bonding conductors, e.g. size, identification.

The minimum equipotential bonding conductor size for a pool area is 4mm², unless the conductor is incorporated in a multi-core cord supplying electrical equipment that is required to be removed for maintenance

3. Equipotential bonding

• Protection against direct contact with live parts, e.g. insulation and enclosure • Protection against indirect contact with exposed conductive parts, e.g. double insulation or isolation transformers • Protection against hazardous parts, e.g. enclosure, guarding or screening of flammable materials, hot surfaces, and parts that may cause physical injury • Protection against spread of fire, e.g. penetration of fire barriers • General condition of the electrical equipment, e.g. signs of damage that could impair safe operation, disconnection of unused electrical equipment or cables.

• Earth electrode • Earthing conductors, e.g. size, identification

• Connections, joints and terminations • Protection against external influences (as above) • Connection to earthing arrangements for other systems, e.g. generating sets, PV array etc • Creation of earthed situation that may require earthing of additional electrical equipment • Visual inspection of any other parts relevant to the electrical installation should also be performed.

Wiring Systems

Mandatory tests

• Conductor size, e.g. current-carrying capacity and voltage drop

1. Continuity of earthing system. Clause 8.3.3 (a)

• Identification of cable cores • Adequate support and fixings • Connections and enclosures • Particular installation conditions, e.g. underground, aerial, emergency systems • Segregation from other services and electrical installations • Protection against external influences, e.g. enclosure • Potential risk of mechanical damage.

Electrical equipment • Isolation and switching devices for protection against injury from mechanical movement devices and motors • Isolation and switching devices for protection against thermal effects, e.g. motors, room heaters, water heaters

2. Insulation resistance. Clause 8.3.3 (b) 3. Polarity. Clause 8.3.3 (c) 4. Correct circuit connections. Clause 8.3.3 (d) 5. Verification of impedance required for automatic disconnection of supply (earth fault-loop impedance). Clause 8.3.3 (e) 6. Verification of operation of residual current devices. Clause 8.3.3 (f).

NOTE: If the electrical installation fails a test, that test and any preceding tests that may have been influenced by the fault indicated shall be repeated after the fault has been rectified (Clause 8.3.3).

CONTINUED OVERLEAF...

The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

44

technical talk Safe testing of existing pool installations

For specific values of results please consult the quick reference tables.

Equipotential bonding (see clause 5.6.2.6 AS/NZS 3000:2007 Amendment 2) Confirmation of any equipotential bonding conductor to the pool shell or surround is paramount. The following sequence should be followed: 1. Ensure supply is isolated 2. Check operation of ohmmeter and set zero Ω with leads connected together 3. Test between each end of equipotential bonding conductor under test (this is all the way back to the main switchboard).

Results should indicate that resistance does not exceed 0.5 Ω. (If trailing lead is used for this test, take the resistance of the lead into consideration) 4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 for each equipotential bonding conductor, e.g. bonding at metal water pipes near pool area, swimming pool attachments, swimming pool fixtures etc.

Ultimately, exposing part of the reinforcing may be the only way to check some equipotential bonding connections and their associated conductors. Any fixed extraneous conductive parts of the pool structure, including the reinforcing metal of the pool shell and deck, and the concrete slab within arm’s reach of the pool, shall also be checked as these items are often missed during the construction phase.

Presence of voltage on exposed metal work With all supply connected, use a voltmeter to prove the instrument is on a known live source and as an indication of voltage is present. Using the voltmeter, confirm any

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exposed metal parts of the pool installation, e.g. metal subswitchboards, metal water pipes, casing of hot water elements etc, are not energised by testing between the metal part and an independent earth*.

Results should indicate NO VOLTAGE. These procedures have been developed with reference to AS/NZS 3000:2007. In some cases a pool installation may be effected using methods that were acceptable when that part of the electrical installation was originally installed, provided that the methods satisfy the fundamental safety principals of Part 1 of the Standard. MEA highly recommends compliance with the current standard and the use of RCDs on all pool-related circuits as a precautionary measure. *Note: An ‘independent earth’ is an earth that is completely independent of the electrical installation. That is an earth that is driven by you for the purposes of testing only. The independent earth shall be driven no closer than four metres from the point at which you are testing, or any part of the electrical installation such as the earth electrode.

Disclaimer Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this document, the accuracy, completeness or currency of the content is not warranted or guaranteed. This document has been published as a guide only.

No liability The Electrical Contractors Association, Queensland Industrial Organisation of Employers, takes no responsibility for, and will not be held liable for, any loss or damage suffered by you, your servants or agents, arising out of or in connection with the provisions of the document to you or the use of the document by you, your servants or agents.

46

feature business

related businesses still experiencing a tightness in the market place.

Whilst specific research into the electrical industry is sparse, if we look at information that is more freely available it becomes obvious that high turnover is a significant cost. A recent Resource Industry Turnover Analysis showed that turnover in this sector can be as high as 59 per cent. The result is a massive amount of money spent on orientating, inducting and training new employees, making it almost impossible to keep and maintain any sort of company culture alive.

Turn on to the turnover issue Increase your chances of recruiting the right people and holding onto them.

A recent study surveying 11,000 employees conducted by Insync

Surveys examined the reasons for staff leaving their employment.

The survey focused primarily on employees who have left their position between January 2011 and April 2012. The results indicate that the reasons why employees leave have not changed over the last four years since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). Insync results show that the top five reasons for leaving are: 1. Employees feel that their job is no longer challenging for them 2. A lack of resources to do their job well 3. A lack of connection/relationship to their employer, manager or colleagues 4. Personal reasons, such as situations at home 5. Being poached by another employer.

To demonstrate this, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that tenure of employees is currently just over four years, compared to an average of 15 Years back in 1959. This would indicate that most businesses are experiencing an average turnover of 20 per cent per year.

Considering the staffing costs for a business can be as high as 70 per cent of total expenditure, and it is through staff that businesses in the electrical industry tend to generate the majority of their profit, it is surprising that businesses often view recruitment as a transaction rather than an investment. Recruitment in many cases is still seen as a bother rather than an opportunity to select a candidate with a ‘better fit’, thus helping to reduce turnover.

Given Australia’s patchwork economy, businesses are faced with either a large choice of staff or a skills shortage. In the electrical industry this is even more pronounced given the lack of work in the Housing Sector. However, we see resources and construction-

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Many businesses do not realise the costs involved in staff turnover and how important it is to their bottom line. The costs are hidden or, in reality, just not calculated or contemplated. Let’s take a look at what the costs of turnover for an electrical worker who has resigned and is on $34 an hour would be. As we all know, the $34 is not the real cost once we add Superannuation, Payroll Tax, Workcover, mobile phone, laptop, motor vehicle, tools, amenities, other overheads, and productivity. A conservative view is that the actual cost is as high as $75 per hour.

The conservative estimate opposite clearly demonstrates that it can cost up to 75 per cent of a year’s salary to replace a staff member.

If you have 20 staff and 20 per cent turnover in a year, this equates to approximately $200,000 in a single year. Another way to look at recruitment is to simply divide your total turnovers by the number of positions multiplied by 20 per cent and you will see the overall impact this has on your business.

Many businesses have a very ‘multigenerational’ look and feel to them, thus the reason why employees in different age groups will leave a position varies.

Generation Y (Born after 1976)

Generation X (1964-1976)

Boomers (Prior to 1964)

Career opportunities (45%)

Job satisfaction (40%)

Job satisfaction (37%)

Better job offer (40%)

Career opportunities (39%)

Personal reasons (36%)

Job satisfaction (39%)

Better job offer (36%)

Personal reasons (38%) Professional development (36%)

Personal reasons (33%)

Career opportunities (28%) Better job offer (26%)

Balancing work and life (32%)

Balancing work and life (26%)

Source Insync Surveys 2012

Each generation is different in their focus. Generation Y are focusing on equipping themselves with skills, knowledge and abilities that will prepare them for promotions and increased earning capacity into the future. Whereas Generation X (Gen X) and Boomers primarily want satisfaction in their role, Gen X still has an eye on future earnings and career.

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The costs involved in staff turnover Direct Costs Reduced productivity during notice period of four weeks

One week

$2,850

Advertising

Two advertisements - one print, one electronic

$1,500

Recruitment agency fees*

15 per cent commission

$15,500

Termination payments

Four weeks annual plus loading

$6,100

Medical tests pre-employment medicals (approximately) Processing termination payments and other related administration costs Induction

$340 Four hours admin time

$200

One – two days

$1,200

Four weeks

$5,200

Indirect Costs Loss time due to vacancy Candidate short-listing and rejections

Interview panel of two with 20 candidates

$900

Interview time

Three candidates one hour each

$450

Reference checking

One candidate

$150

Qualification and licence verification

One candidate

$90

Productivity loss / reduction in profit

20 per cent of first three months work

$7,410

Total

$41,890

Situational costs Relocation (if applicable) family of four

Three bedroom house - removal plus flights/ travel costs and rent assistance for two weeks.

Grand Total

$8,000 10,000 $51,890

*This is an estimate of the average fees and the actual percentage may vary depending on the agency.

For an employment relationship to be successful, both the employer and employee need to understand what is on offer and what can be offered.

So what can employers do to increase their chances of recruiting the right people and holding onto them? It comes down to what you as the employer want from your employees and what sector you are operating in. If an organisation is on a high growth and aggressive expansion track, you will most likely be looking for well motivated people seeking a challenge and who you may grow into team leaders, supervisors and eventually management positions.

If you are on a more steady growth path, you may need staff who are well qualified but looking for an employer able to provide job satisfaction in a stable environment. But the question is, how do you find this out and how do you recruit more effectively?

Often a formal, honest and realistic recruitment process will increase your success rate. If your culture is matched to what an employee is looking for, your success is more than 75 per cent of the way there.

What do we mean by a formal process? It generally has six key features.

1. A good job description and realistic company profile The job description is obviously key and should detail the position accurately, however, a company profile is also important as this will allow employees to understand your business. The profile can

be online or a formal document but must contain information that an employee (not a customer) can relate to. This is a common mistake that employers make as the two groups are very different in what they are looking for.

2. Advertising - Sourcing candidates • Traditional print and electronic advertising • Head Hunting - use your professional contacts and networks • Social Media Ensure that you are timely in sourcing candidates and communicate, communicate, communicate to keep them interested and demonstrate your interest in them. Otherwise, another opportunity might present itself and a good candidate can be lost.

3. Short Listing • Look beyond the qualification and positions held.

Candidate resumes will detail positions held, however look for employment length, keeping in mind that four years is about the average. Look for progression in terms of skill and leadership and examine how they balance their time with extra circular activities such as volunteer work where skills may have been gained that demonstrate a willingness to take on added responsibility or knowledge.

The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

48

workplace relations Updates for the Industrial Relations Arena 4. Structured Interview where the employee does most of the talking • Use behavioural, open-ended questions. For example, “Can you describe for me the hardest electrical installation you have done and how did you successfully overcome the difficulties?” or “Tell me about your most difficult customer and how did you deal with the situation?”

In general, past performance is the best predictor of future performance. Ask questions about how they have handled conflict with others and ask them specifically what are they looking for in their next position, for example, what do they want to achieve out of it and how do they think they can contribute towards meeting the business goals, which should have been in the company profile.

Employers need to be wary of candidates using jargon and who avoid specifics about accomplishments as this can be an indicator of candidates stretching the truth about their experience stated in the resume.

5. Skills/Qualification checks This is an obvious step and not particularly problematic in our industry, but it does happen. Be vigilant and do not offer an employment contract until you have seen the appropriate licence or confirmed with an appropriate authority.

6. Reference checks References must be work-related and ideally should be from their last employer and preferably a supervisor from that company. A key point here is that this is yet another opportunity to find out if they match your company and management style. However, many employers struggle to ask the right questions. Asking a previous supervisor for advice on how they managed the person to get the most out of them will provide insights into the candidate’s working style. You can then determine if that matches your own.

Overall, these suggestions will help increase the chances of a match between you and a new employee and ultimately, increase your chances of a successful hire. An employer can increase their staff retention rates by doing a few simple things. Employers can measure what is happening regularly by monitoring turnover and absenteeism. Absenteeism is a key indicator, so if absenteeism starts to increase, if the trend continues, turnover will start to show signs of increasing weeks or months later. Other simple activities for employers include:

Fair Work Act Review The Federal Government’s first legislative response to the Fair Work review panel report has now been passed through parliament and came into effect on 1 January 2013.

The Bill brings cosmetic changes, such as renaming Fair Work Australia Tribunal to the Fair Work Commission as well as more substantial changes to the Fair Work Act. Key changes to the way enterprise agreements are made Bargaining notices have to be more specific and union officials can no longer be a bargaining representative for employees who cannot belong to that union.

Clauses in agreements that permit employees to ‘opt out’ are now prohibited. Enterprise agreements cannot be made with just one employee.

Protected action ballots also have had some changes: • Electronic voting is permissible • Employee bargaining representatives and new employees who become a union member after a protected action ballot has been granted may vote and take protected industrial action • The Fair Work Commission will ensure ballot agents conduct ballots expeditiously.

Unfair Dismissal Rules The time limit for lodging unfair dismissal applications has been extended.

The previous time frame for unfair dismissal applications was 14 days. From 1 January 2013, this has been extended to 21 days.

General protections claim time frames have now been reduced from 60 days to 21 days.

Fair Work Commission will now be able to dismiss applications where the parties have concluded a settlement agreement, or when an applicant fails to attend a proceeding or fail to comply with directions or orders. This is good news for business owners as there is greater scope to deal with vexatious claims.

• Understand different people and groups and what drives them

Fair Work Commission also now has the ability to make costs orders against a party that has unreasonably failed to discontinue a proceeding, or that has unreasonably failed to agree to terms of settlement that could have led to the application being discontinued, or whether it’s through an ‘unreasonable act or omission’, has led the other party to incur costs.

• Recognise achievements and effort in different ways including monetary and non-monetary. Employers, supervisors and team leaders should understand that personal recognition of a good job well done is always appreciated.

Internally though there are greater powers for the president, or any deputy president, to stay the operation of a decision which is under appeal or review even if they are not a member of the bench hearing the appeal.

These simple steps will greatly improve a business’ opportunity for success and in these competitive times, those who do the little things well, will have the greatest success.

Master Electricians Australia will keep members updated on the Fair Work Act Review, and any further changes to the Unfair Dismissal Rules.

• Asking employees whether their job is meeting their expectations and if able, making appropriate adjustments

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50

all about ME

WA State Manager Anthony Mancini congratulating Tony Tartaglia from Freeway Electrical on becoming Accredited Master Electrician 1,000.

1,500 solar inspections on behalf of the Clean Energy Regulator and 3,500 jobs have been logged online by home owners. In a similar response to the flood crisis in Brisbane, Northern NSW and North-Eastern Victoria at the end of 2010 and beginning of 2011, MEA have been very active in connecting electrical contractors with victims of the severe weather experienced in early 2013. Many of our Master Electricians generously contributed to the recovery efforts following the devastating bushfires in central Victoria.

Over the last five years, Mr Allardyce says MEA has always been very active on the advocacy front, with representations to government resulting in several major wins for the industry as a whole.

“In our five years we have seen MEA gain significant publicity for national issues which weren’t being represented before. This exposure has given the brand a bigger and better name not just with consumers but in the political arena and industry as a whole,” Mr Allardyce said.

Key milestones include waging the debate against the Home Insulation Program and being heavily involved in the ‘rectification’ process, including auditing, compensation and legal action that followed in 2010.

As MEA turns five, the future of the organisation looks bright In August 2008, Group CEO Malcolm Richards appeared before a group of journalists in Brisbane to introduce something completely unexpected from the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), known at the time as the peak industry body representing electrical contractors in Queensland.

And so, the national accreditation program from Master Electricians Australia (MEA) was born. MEA had identified a need amongst consumers for the security that comes with higher levels of service, safety and quality assurance. The Accredited Master Electricians program was developed in order to meet this need.

Whilst the original purpose and goals of the program remain the same today, MEA has undergone tremendous growth and transformation since August 2008. As MEA gets ready to celebrate its fifth anniversary in August, we reflect on the journey so far.

A high percentage of Accredited Master Electricians are solar installers and MEA has been a major commentator on the solar industry to ensure standards are complied with throughout Australia.

MEA has always been centralised and controlled in a truly national sense, and over the last two years, the organisation has established on-ground infrastructure across Australia. MEA now has a team of State managers running offices which provide local services in NSW, VIC, QLD, and most recently WA. Tony Tartaglia from Freeway Electrical became Accredited Master Electrician number 1,000 in August 2012. He says he is delighted to be part of an organisation with such a strong presence across the country.

“Electrical contractors in WA now have the representation and support that is essential to operate successfully in today’s electrical industry,” Mr Tartaglia said.

He feels the safety and technical support provided by MEA is critical in assisting electrical contractors with compliance matters.

“It is so helpful having a real person at the end of the phone to assist me with any issues that arise,” Mr Tartaglia said.

“It added an extra level of professionalism to our business and being an Accredited Master Electrician is recognised by our client base as something bigger and better than just being a standard electrician,” Mr Allardyce said.

MEA has run many successful campaigns across Australia over the years, focusing on safety for consumers as well as electrical contractors. Project Safety Switch is in one such example with the ambitious goal of safety switches being installed on all circuits in all Australian homes by 2016. A comprehensive report was prepared on this subject and is available on the MEA web site.

Activity still continues, with a major campaign currently underway in conjunction with Blacktown City Council in the western suburbs of Sydney, promoting the installation and testing of safety switches in residential properties.

Since the program started, Accredited Master Electricians have delivered over 11,000 jobs for the home insulation program,

As MEA continues to lead the industry and grow from strength to strength, it is certain the future is looking bright!

On 15 August 2008, Acsel QLD Pty became the very first contractor to earn the Accredited Master Electrician status. Managing Director Gordon Allardyce explains whilst Acsel had already been in business for 22 years when the opportunity to join the accreditation program came along, it was a simple decision to get involved.

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51

QUEENSLAND’S LEADING PROVIDER OF ELECTRICAL APPRENTICES Organisation re-structure for 2013

‘We take the hassle out of employing apprentices’

In December 2012, MEA bid a fond farewell to Wayne Crookes,

who was General Manager of Operations and an integral part of the Executive management team and MEA family over the last four years.

Wayne quickly climbed the ranks from SafetyConnect Facilitator to Technical Officer and then SafetyConnect General Manager. As the organisation expanded, the need for a General Manager of Operations arose and Wayne was the ideal candidate to fill this new position.

“The last four years at MEA has been a time of significant development for the organisation of which I am proud to have been a part of, including the growth of the SafetyConnect program from 300 to 1,200 subscribers,” Mr Crookes said.

With the substantial growth of MEA and the Connect Services in the last twelve months, the organisation needed a re-structure to better service members locally. The re-structure brings Queensland into line with the other State offices and also places greater emphasis on developing the services MEA offers.

“With the organisational re-structure about to happen, I felt there was an opportunity for some fresh ideas to take MEA to the next level and I hope the legacy of my achievements will be held in high regard for years to come. I move on leaving behind many friends and colleagues and look forward to transferring the knowledge and experience gained to my next role and beyond,” Mr Crookes said.

Wayne will be sorely missed and the team at MEA wish him the very best for the future.

Bringing the QLD office in line with the other States who already have State managers, Stephen King has been appointed into the newly created position of QLD State Manager. This will mean there is a designated person looking after the specific requirements and needs of electrical contractors in QLD. Mr King has a wealth of experience in membership services having spent seven years at Master Builders Association QLD. He will be able to advocate on behalf of electrical contractors, industry and importantly on behalf of consumers and the general public to State and Local Government and participate in Federal Government issues.

In addition, a position for General Manager - Service Development has been created. Mark Dearlove started in this role in January and brings with him an extensive career in the industry with Energex, ESO and the Electrical Workers and Contractors Board. This position has two key focuses. One is to develop new programs, products and models that meet the electrical industry’s needs. The second is to further enhance the SafetyConnect and ApprenticeConnect services. All services and programs being successfully delivered whilst ensuring financial viability of the businesses will be a key focus.

So while 2012 has been a great year for opportunity and growth, the outlook for the new year is equally positive. We look forward to extending our services and offerings to industry and the public in 2013.

WANT E HOST D: EMPL OYE NOW! RS

How you benefit:

No Recruitment Hassles No Tax Obligations No Down Time No Long Term Commitmentss Flexible Placement Periods Provision of uniforms, PPE and training Blue Card, CPR and LVR accredited

Our apprentices are trained at our industry owned and operated electrical training college.

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McKays Solicitors & the Electrical Industry A unique connection Focus & intelligence Straight talking Legal solutions

Advice on contracts Contractual & payment disputes Debt Collection services Employment Law Business Structures

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Call Ian Heathwood on (07) 3223 5942, Michael Cope on (07) 3223 5939 or Louise Wessel on (07) 3223 5924

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McKays Solicitors Pty Ltd ABN 37 150 269 506 Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation

The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

52

all about ME Master Electricians Australia Chairperson appointed to the Electrical Safety Board Chairperson of the Master Electricians Australia Board, Richard Flanagan, has recently been appointed as chair of the Queensland Electrical Safety Board.

Established under the Electrical Safety Act 2000, the Electrical Safety Board gives advice and makes recommendations to the Minister about policies, strategies, and legislative arrangements for electrical safety.

• Reviewing the appropriateness of legislative provisions of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and subordinate legislation • Giving advice and making recommendations on matters of energy efficiency and performance of electrical equipment.

Key functions of the Board include:

The Honourable Jarrod Bleijie, AttorneyGeneral and Minister for Justice, appointed Mr Flanagan to the position in January of this year.

• Developing, evaluating and updating a 5-year strategic plan for improving electrical safety

Mr Flanagan has extensive industry experience and is currently the Managing Director of SEQ Electrical Pty Ltd.

• Advising the Minister about state, national and international electrical safety issues

He has been an active member of various groups supporting the electrical industry including the Electrical Contractors

www.masterelectricians.com.au

Association and the Advisory Committee on Industrial Requirements for Gold Coast TAFE. Mr Flanagan is also the Director of Contracting Industry Redundancy Trust and Director of JETCO, past Chairman Regional Vocational Education and Training Roundtable, and Advisor to the then Queensland Utilities and Services Industry Training Advisory Board, and Councillor for the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE.

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Master Electricians Wanted COMMERCIAL / RETAIL / RESIDENTIAL / INDUSTRIAL

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The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

54

test drive

Silence of the LAMS

as the bike seems to run on the smell of an oily rag!

The front brake is excellent for a single disk. It can be smooth and progressive or bite hard if need be. The rear brake has been improved with a larger diameter but I found it lacks a little in the feeling and power.

This could be an advantage though, where it is more forgiving to inexperienced riders with underdeveloped rear braking skills.

Test rider Mike Thompson reviews one of the leaders in the Learner Approved Motorcycles field, the Yamaha 150cc R15 version 2.0.

The new R15 is longer than its predecessor, with its wheelbase extended nearly 55 millimetres due to a new alloy swing arm, and a slightly larger 130/70 radial rear tyre and new rear wheel hugger completing the rear end, all of which improve grip and stability. The rear disc now has a slightly larger 220 millimetre diameter where the front brakes are fitted with a larger carrier.

Learner Approved Motorcycles (LAM) are not something you regularly see in reviews, despite accounting for a large percentage of road bike sales, so it was time to take a closer look.

First, a little bit about the LAM Scheme. The scheme allows riders who hold an RE class licence to ride moderately powered motorcycles which do not exceed a power to weight ratio of 150 kilowatts per tonne (kW/t) and have an engine capacity up to 660 millilitres. To qualify as a LAM, a motorcycle must be in the standard form as produced by the manufacturer. So any motorcycle modified in a way that increases the power-toweight ratio of the motorcycle is not LAM approved.

Coming from 22 years of www.masterelectricians.com.au

experience on both dirt and road bikes, the R15 is not something that would have immediately caught my eye, but riding it was pleasantly surprising. The V2.0 is very well balanced and easy to ride. With just the thought of cornering, the bike turns in and before you know it, you are through the corner with ease and stability. This is all achieved by the addition of the longer swing arm and a larger tyre on the rear, which complement the tried and tested Deltabox frame.

Of course after stepping off my 1000cc everyday rider and onto the R15, the first thing I noticed was the power plant, or lack of. Yamaha has stuck with the previous version’s 16.8hp at 8500 rpm peak power output, which

is sure to disappoint some avid fans, but in saying that, the power delivery of the V2.0 has improved. It has become more responsive with increased grunt in the bottom to mid-range, which proves to be a plus in the assault of the everyday commute in the urban jungle. Yamaha has also improved the throttle response through the retuning of the ECU and the cam is now shaped for a more linear response.

The V2.0 has a range of 10,000 rpm before it hits the rev limiter, and can easily achieve and maintain 100 kilometres per hour. It features smooth and linear power delivery and the clutch is so light that it could be operated with the touch of your little finger. Fuel consumption is next to nothing

The riding position of the V2.0 has a slightly more forwardset stance in an attempt to be more track-orientated than the previous model and yet is still very comfortable and upright, which is perfect for the beginner or novice rider.

Some reports have been that the riding position is uncomfortable, but I did not find that to be the case at all. Most sports bikes have a riding position that is far more forward, whereas the R15 has a higher bar position and tourer-based rider position.

A heavier front bias also allows for more road feel and handling.

In regards to lighting, Yamaha maintained its sharp twinheadlight configuration but they have used a version of the R6 LED tail-lamp that sits higher than before, which is accompanied by an alloy number plate and indicator mount. The look of the exhaust has also been improved with a more aggressive angle.

55

The mid-fairing region is more robust with slotted vents which Yamaha claim improve the motorcycle’s aerodynamic efficiency by four per cent, and is complemented by mock carbon fibre panels that resemble part of the bikes frame. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of the split seat inherited from the larger bikes of the R series, which adds to a sharp and aggressive styling expected from a race-bred background.

Overall, the R15 V2.0 is perfect for its intended induction into the LAM’s market for beginner riders. The bike is very easy to ride and forgiving, but still allows for the necessary skills to be developed by a novice in order to become a good rider.

It has a strong Yamaha racebred background and looks

just as good. Given the choice between a scooter and the aggressive-looking R15, I know which one I would choose.

Finally, one of the best points of the bike is the price. At $3,995, it is a steal! With bikes like this available at entry level and allowing for depreciation, there is no need to spend large amounts of money on a bike that you will only have for a short period of time. While I would not buy one for myself, I would have loved this bike as an apprentice. I would have no hesitation recommending the R15 V2.0 to family and friends as a LAM’s-approved bike for the initiation into the fantastic world of road riding.

Thanks to Top Gun Yamaha in Ipswich for providing the motorcycle.

AutomAtion C AD s of twA r e • Provides a complete solution for

electrical design engineering and as Built drawings.

• designed for large projects

and electrical contractors.

• automatic creation of cross-

references, parts lists, wiring diagrams, wire & node numbering and device labelling.

For further technical details please visit our web site:

www.startek.com.au or ring our office for a Free Cd trIaL VerSION

Startek Pty.Ltd. Unit 28/756 BUrwood Hwy, ViC. 3156 tel: 03 9752 3905 MoB: 0418 517 125

Specifications Engine type

Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4-valve

Cylinder arrangement

Single cylinder

Displacement

149.8cc

Compression ratio

10.4:1

Maximum power

17PS/ 8,500rpm

Maximum torque

15N.m / 7,500rpmm

Starting system

Electric start

Lubrication

wet sump

Fuel tank capacity

12 litres

Fuel supply system

Fuel Injection

Ignition system

T.C.I

Clutch type

Wet Multiple-disc

Transmission type

Return type 6-speed

Frame type

Delta box

Tyre size (Front / Rear)

90/80-17 / 130/70-R17

Suspension type (Front / Rear) Overall length x width x height

Hydraulic, single disc (Front / Rear) Telescopic / Linked type Monocross 1,970mm x 670mm × 1,070mm

Seat height

800mm

Wheelbase

1,345mm

Kerb weight

136Kg

Brake type (Front / Rear)

ElEctrical SafEty rEcall SinglE modulE rcBo (comBination rcd & mcB) HagEr ‘mono’ rangE ad310t, ad316t, ad320t & ad325t identification: Products affected include: AD310T - 1 module RCBO 10A 30mA AD316T - 1 module RCBO 16A 30mA AD320T - 1 module RCBO 20A 30mA AD325T - 1 module RCBO 25A 30mA These products have been sold nationally from July 2010.

No other Hager branded RCBO’s are affected by this recall.

Hazard: Risk of electrical shock. action required: Electrical wholesalers and electrical contractors are advised to stop selling and/or installing the above products and contact Hager B&R Pty Ltd to arrange return of their stock and/or replacement of the installed products.

for further information

Please direct all calls and any queries concerning this recall to Telephone: 1300 786 685 Website: www.hagerbr.com.au Email: recall@hagerbr.com.au See www.recalls.gov.au for australia Product recalls information

The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

56

events calendar FEBRUARY 23 – 24 February 2013 Dads ‘n’ Lads Boys Weekend Phillip Island, VIC www.penguins.org.au 23 – 24 February 2013 South Australian Wooden Boat Festival River Port of Goolwa, Goolwa, SA www.woodenboatfestival.com.au 28 February - 3 March 2013 Clipsal 500 Adelaide Adelaide, SA www.clipsal500.com.au

MARCH 1 – 17 March 2013 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Melbourne, VIC www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au 8 – 12 March 2013 Centenary of Canberra Long Weekend Canberra, ACT www.canberra100.com.au

11 March 2013 Adelaide Cup Morphettville Racecourse, Adelaide, SA www.adelaidecup.com.au

IMPORTANT DATES THIS QUARTER

17 March 2013 Australian Formula 1 Albert Park, Melbourne, VIC www.grandprix.com.au

4 March 2013 Labour Day WA

19 - 21 March 2013 Safety in Action Trade Show Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, VIC www.safetyinaction.net.au

11 March 2013 Labour Day VIC 17 March 2013 St Patrick’s Day

27 March – 12 April 2013 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Palais Theatre/Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne, VIC www.comedyfestival.com.au

29 March 2013 Good Friday

APRIL

25 April 2013 ANZAC Day

1 April 2013 Easter Monday

20 – 21 April 2013 Dads ‘n’ Daughters Weekend Phillip Island, VIC www.penguins.org.au

Online energy efficiency training available now!

If you’re keen to diversify your business and enter the energy efficiency sector, the UEE43111 Certificate IV in Energy Efficiency and Assessment course is for you.

Offered exclusively by SkillsConnect Australia, this in-depth online course will allow you to provide smart energy efficiency solutions in homes and workplaces.

Valued at $5,000

Now

$1,650 )

(GST FREE

For more information and to register visit, www.skillsconnect.edu.au or phone 1300 907 209

* For students who are eligible for government funding.

CIRT members may be eligible for a training subsidy from JETCO up to $1,800 each financial year.

To find out more about JETCO training subsidies call 1300 200 123 or e-mail enquiries@cirt.com.au

www.masterelectricians.com.au

57

best or worst story

LIKE TO WIN $50?

Send us your favourite picture (in high resolution of at least 1MB please) and if we publish it, we’ll send you $50!

A switchboard saga!

A customer at a house near Petrie in Queensland wanted to run power and lights from this switchboard to his new extension. A previous sparkie had recently installed a safety switch to the power circuits but failed to mention to the customer that the main switch had been burning!

Thanks to Andy from Whiteside Electrical in Brisbane, $50 is on its way.

Send your entries to magazine@masterelectricians.com.au for your chance to win.

EW N onerange onebusbar onesolution onekonekt residential range of modular devices Hager’s onekonekt system offers one of the most versatile & flexible solutions to residential electricians on the market today. The use of busbar in our industry is not a new concept. However, providing a full range of residential protection devices that connect to the same busbar, increasing safety, reducing installation time, improving technical characteristics and aesthetics within one system, definitely is.

www.hagerbr.com.au

The Master Electrician

Summer 2013

58

the last word

Polls and wires – the politics of energy efficiency People often say that politicians are

out of touch, but the fact is no-one spends more time or money trying to find out what people are thinking than political parties.

And right now all the pollies – whether they’re State or Federal, blue or red – are talking more about one thing than anything else. That’s the cost of electricity.

This is a sure sign that power prices are the hottest issue showing up in political party polling and focus groups. We know this from our own experience anyway, but the pollies are confirming what your friends, customers and even your own hip pocket are telling you: cutting power prices is a major priority for Australian households right now.

And that presents both a challenge and an opportunity to electrical contractors.

Both State and Federal Governments have failed in attempts to deliver solutions to the community through unqualified auditors delivering Mickey Mouse programs. Even Victoria failed in trying a broad scale implementation of so called ‘smart meters’.

Smart meters themselves don’t save anyone any money but they (or electronic meters) are required for some of the new tariffs. But do these tariffs achieve the result of getting a high percentage of the population to significantly reduce their peak demand? Time of Use Tariffs have failed to offer good enough incentives for

people to change their behaviour. After all, we do need to cook dinner at dinner time and watch TV when our favourite shows are on. Inclining block tariffs are also a negative penalty to people with large families and fail to reflect the true cost to deliver power.

We are now realising the impact of all the over-subsidised solar installs. While it has been a life support for a sector of our industry, the average homeowners without solar are paying a lot extra to cover the cost of the feed-in tariffs.

Some of our best solutions have been there all the time but have been left behind – such as off peak tariffs. Many electrical contractors have not been promoting these tariffs, as they received poor feedback in past years. Now with the higher focus on saving on the power bill, these tariffs are a viable alternative and really provide solid savings to the homeowners and businesses. Isn’t it about time we remove the archaic rules such as permanently wiring appliances that are limiting the use of these tariffs?

an essential training program to equip electricians with the tools to provide homeowners and businesses with the best advice. We have also lobbied for and secured essential Government support for anyone needed to upgrade these.

The system works on improving every appliance in the home and measures it against the best available, then calculates the return on investment for the customer.

Let’s take control of this issue as an industry and become the primary providers to the community to assist them save money and the environment.

So where to from here?

Well informed electricians are best placed to help domestic and commercial customers minimise their cost of power while impacting their lifestyle as little as possible. To help with this we at Master Electricians Australia have developed

MALCOLM RICHARDS Group CEO

Ducted Electrolux Ducted Vacs are back in Australia Latest Technology in competitive prices Install kits – Units – Spare Parts – Hose Kits Contact us - 1300 881 240 www.electroluxductedvacuums.com.au www.masterelectricians.com.au

T H E

2 0 1 3

E L E C T R I C A L

I N D U S T R Y

C O N F E R E N C E

Proudly presented by:

Early Bird Special Be quick - ending soon!

Exclusive ECA members and Master Electricians Early Bird rate - $1,595* Non members are welcome to attend at the full conference rate - $2,000*

FREE

Hoover Dam tour valued at $79.99 for the first 100 registrations

* Price is per person, including GST. The price is for Conference registration only and does not include flights or accommodation. The Early Bird rate is available until 28/02/2013 and is only available to ECA members and Master Electricians.

For full terms and conditions please refer to the conference website.

Monday 23 September 2013 - Friday 27 September 2013 For more information or to register visit: www.masterelectricians.com.au/conference or contact the Events Team on 1300 889 198 or email events@masterelectricians.com.au

A big difference This air-conditioner is unique. It has no outdoor unit.

The Italians have done it again. The Unico from Olimpia Splendid represents the latest in air-conditioning technology. Instead of a big outer box, it’s got two small holes. The air-conditioner is installed from the inside, quickly and without any complex masonry. This means fast and low cost installation. Four models with Inverter technology to choose from. Four models with On/Off technology. With or without heat pump technology.

Unico. It means “the only one”, in Italian. You’ll agree. It’s unique.

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