NECA News December 2021 by NECA_AUSTRALIA

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL AND COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATION

December 2021

WORKING IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR UNIQUE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

NECA MARKET MONITOR 2021 PAGE 12

THE GREAT RESIGNATION PAGE 68

Are you prepared for AS/NZS 61439 switchboard standards? Don’t be left behind. NHP’s Cubic Modular switchboard systems and Concept distribution panelboards will ensure you’re compliant with the new standards. For the complete 61439 switchboard solution, call your local NHP Account Representative on 1300 NHP NHP or go to nhp.com.au/61439

IN THIS ISSUE December 2021 Wrapping up 2021

NEWS IN BRIEF Your future, your super – stapling of superannuation funds

Revisions of AS/NZS 3835 earth potential rise – protection of telecommunications network users, personnel and plant

Clean energy regulator review

Branch update

Legislation for TasTAFE transition moves forward

State of the states: Tasmania leads Australia in 2021

The benefits of being a member of an industry association

NECA industry nights – connecting Tassie electricians

VIC BRANCH

POLICY AND ADVOCACY National construction code changes will affect contractors

Branch update

28 29

Standards Australia committees

ESV advising solar installation inspectors to confirm paperwork is correct

NECA speaks up on vocational education and training reforms

Expired DC isolator certificates

Technical update

Arc flash calculator

Licensed Electrical Inspector onsite training and mentoring program

New initiative: empowering women to succeed in electrical

AS/NZS 3000:2018 Amendment 2 came into effect 1 November 2021

MARKET MONITOR

HEALTHCARE FEATURE

TAS BRANCH

Working in the healthcare system – unique challenges and opportunities for electrical contractors

Regional hospitals – a rich source of experience

Branch update

Specialising in the health sector – the demands and the rewards

Haddow Electrical – meeting the challenges of small business

Enabling high-quality patient care and safety of staff with reliable electrical solutions

WA WorkSafe Inspectors’ powers

Private power poles inspections by Western Power

Understanding health sector standards

RCD requirements for properties for sale or rent

WA BRANCH

NECA News is the official publication of the National Electrical and Communications Association

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ACT BRANCH Branch update

NECA continues to broaden its course offerings for apprentices in the ACT

Switchboard and distribution board compliance

Asbestos training

NSW BRANCH Branch update

A word from Fair Trading: regulation of electrical installations in class 2 buildings

ISO for electrical contractors What makes a good apprentice

HEALTH AND SAFETY

ACRS NEWS Director’s report

Help people find your business – cabler listings

An introduction to 5G for cablers

QLD BRANCH 52

QBCC pilot CPD trial concluded

Watch out for deteriorated wiring in older electrical installations

Electrical Licensing Committee very active

Safety excellence starts with visible commitment

OPINION

TECH TALK

NECA wins 2021 WorkSafe and Return to Work award

Managing Christmas stress and anxiety

National technical update

New inverter standard

The net zero challenge: turning how dare you into how will we?

NEW TECHNOLOGY LEGAL Restraint of trade clauses

An employer’s guide to the upcoming silly season

Are your gloves certified?

Device substitution AS/NZS 61439.1

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

SA/NT BRANCH Branch update

HUMAN RESOURCES

The SA Roadshow Seminar Series will be back in 2022

The great resignation

Christmas closedown

Mandatory jab for SA healthcare workers

Collapse from increased load

Latest tools

BUSINESS Why good people leave

Insurance: what you need to know

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NECA ACT BRANCH

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NECA NSW BRANCH

NECA News is published four times per year for NECA members, industry providers, wholesalers and manufacturers. Your input is important. To contribute article suggestions or to advertise, contact necanews@neca.asn.au

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DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed by contributors in articles, in reproduced articles and advertisements are the individual opinions of such contributors or the authors of such reproduced articles or advertisements and not necessarily those of NECA, which does not hold itself responsible for correctness of any statement contained herein.

WRAPPING UP 2021! 2021 has been a year of challenges and opportunities for electrical contractors. Consistently across Australia, we’ve seen members being creative and responsive in managing our constantly changing environment, finding new ways of working and delivering innovative solutions. As the states start opening their borders, 2022 brings the promise of increased freedom to meet, travel and connect, creating more opportunities for industry. On the theme of opportunities, in this edition, we take a deep dive into working in the health industry - a diverse but highly-specialised sector

that presents many prospects. Our feature articles include contractors, apprentices and suppliers’ insights on the areas contractors need to consider before moving into this space.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all contractors for their continued support of NECA. If you have something to share about your corner of the country, let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

As we close out the year, it’s a great time to consider positioning your business for the coming year. We have a look at the Great Resignation, which is expected to gear up in March 2022, as well as reviewing technical, safety and legal developments that could impact on your business. Moving forward, NECA will continue to provide all the information you need to keep your business at the forefront of industry.

We wish you and yours a safe and restful festive season, and look forward to seeing you next year.

Take care and enjoy! The NECA News team

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ARE YOU A NECA MEMBER? We’re looking to showcase NECA member stories in each issue. Reach out to your NECA Branch or email necanews@neca.asn.au

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December 2021

onekonekt modular protection devices

one range, one busbar,

one solution

NEWS IN BRIEF YOUR FUTURE, YOUR SUPER – STAPLING OF SUPERANNUATION FUNDS Changes to superannuation funds will be introduced from 1 November 2021 under new reforms to the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth). These legislative changes, known as Your Future, Your Super (YFYS), have been introduced to align legislative needs with the needs of Australian employees to minimise the effects of creating multiple superannuation accounts across different jobs and enhance individuals’ retirement outcomes.

The legislative amendments Currently in Australia, where new employees fail to nominate a chosen superannuation fund at the commencement of their employment with a new employer, the employer may pay the relevant superannuation contributions to the employer’s nominated default superannuation fund. Under the new amendments, from 1 November 2021, where an employee fails to nominate a chosen superannuation fund, the employer will be required to contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to determine whether the employee has a ‘stapled’ fund. This will mean that where an employee moves from one job to another, their superannuation fund is stapled to them unless the employee makes a different choice. Where a stapled fund exists, the employer is to make superannuation contributions to that fund.

Stapled superannuation funds It is the employer’s responsibility to contact the ATO to determine whether the employee has a stapled superannuation fund. In doing so, the employer will need the following: 1. the employer’s login to the ATO’s online services; and 2. the employee’s details including their: a. full name; b. date of birth; c. address; and d. tax file number. There will also be an option to bulk request the information on employee stapled funds for up to 100 new employees.

The legislative changes and Enterprise Bargaining Agreements The YFYS changes may have some effect on the superannuation provisions of Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBAs). Where an EBA includes a provision stating that an employer is

to make superannuation contributions to the employer’s default fund where an employee fails to nominate a fund, the changes apply as follows: 1. where the EBA was made prior to 1 January 2021, this provision will remain applicable until the EBA is re-negotiated; and 2. where the EBA was made after 1 January 2021, then from 1 November 2021, the new stapled superannuation fund provisions override any such clause in the EBA.

What this means for employers In light of the new amendments coming into effect on 1 November 2021, employers are encouraged to obtain the required employee information that will enable them to contact the ATO regarding stapled superannuation funds. Also, employers who are currently undergoing the bargaining process for an EBA should amend clauses referring to superannuation contributions to reflect the new legislative requirements.

Under these new amendments, employers can only pay superannuation contributions to their default fund where the employee has failed to nominate a fund and the employer has been advised by the ATO that they do not have a stapled super fund. It is important to note that employees who commenced employment prior to 1 November 2021 are not directly impacted by these changes.

December 2021

News in Brief

REVISION OF AS/NZS 3835 EARTH POTENTIAL RISE – PROTECTION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK USERS, PERSONNEL AND PLANT Standards Australia has commenced the process to review and update AS/NZS 3835 Earth potential rise – Protection of telecommunications network users, personnel and plant. This standard specifies the means of identifying and minimising hazards to telecommunications personnel, users, and plant from earth potential rise (EPR) arising from earth faults on high voltage alternating current (AC) power systems. AS/NZS 3835 has not been reviewed or revised in over 14 years, and during this time, there have been a number

of changes in the telecommunications industry such as the national broadband network (NBN), the Internet of Things (IoT), networked substations, etc. As a result, this standard may not provide accurate guidance on identifying and minimising EPR hazards for life-safety.

EPR hazards to life, safety and equipment. Updates to AS/NZS 3835 will also take into account new equipment and technology, providing measurable assurance benefits for the telecommunications community.

The current standard also does not take into account changes introduced last year through AS/CA S009:2020, the wiring rules for the data and telecommunications industry.

An EPR event may expose personnel, users and structures to hazardous voltages. By revising this standard, the likelihood of related injuries from EPR hazards such as electric shocks or fires will be significantly decreased.

The net-benefit of reviewing and revising AS/NZS 3835 will be improved identification and treatment to manage and minimise

NECA will keep our data and telecommunications members fully informed throughout the review process.

CLEAN ENERGY REGULATOR REVIEW In September 2021, the Federal Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction released a government report conducted by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) into the rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) sector. This was in response to a range of issues relating to defective installations, misuse of accreditation details, safety and quality concerns and consumer complaints. The Federal Government endorsed some 12 out of the 13 recommendations (and noted one on payment installments) in regard to its Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES), in the areas of: ½ ½

eligibility requirements for installers; eligibility requirements for solar panels and inverters; and placing greater obligations on solar retailers.

scheme with the Clean Energy Council (CEC) remains in place, as is, until the CER develops the new rules and goes to tender. This is likely to be some time in 2022. In order to allow this to occur, the government will develop the necessary regulatory amendments to enable implementation of the new eligibility rules, and ensure the new regulations will allow for adequate transitional arrangements from the existing CEC scheme.

CER recommendations to be implemented

That being said, the government has announced that the current accreditation

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Other recommendations endorsed for implementation are to:

In addition, the Federal Government has allocated some $19.2 million in 2021/22 to effectively implement the recommendations.

In a nutshell, the government has agreed to the CER being given full responsibility for setting the rules and framework for a new installer accreditation scheme, and to conduct a competitive market tender to allow for one or more bodies to be selected to administer the scheme going forward.

provide better clarity to installers on their obligations under the SRES; mandate the training required to enable accreditation; boost the compliance powers of the CER; and require that accredited installers are on site during installation.

The recommendations for solar equipment will provide the CER with a direct role in: ½

setting the requirements for solar PV components; how PV products are listed for public and installer information (could be CER or a third party);

ensuring all PV components are given and marked with a serial number; and providing greater compliance powers to the CER for audits and actions against manufacturers, importers and suppliers.

The recommendations aim to improve customer outcomes and include: ½

increasing retailer accountability for the written statements they make on solar PV systems’ performance; and providing powers to the CER where retailers are found to be doing the wrong thing.

The government has also asked the CER to consult with relevant state and territory bodies and industry groups in developing the new installer accreditation requirements. NECA has already had discussions with the CER and will be part of this consultation process. NECA will keep members informed throughout.

POLICY AND ADVOCACY 2021 HAS SEEN SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITY IN THE POLICY AND ADVOCACY AREA WITH MANY STATE AND FEDERAL POLICIES, CODES, STANDARDS AND INITIATIVES BEING DRAFTED ALL WITHIN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. THE NATIONAL POLICY TEAM ARE CONSTANTLY ADVOCATING FOR MEMBERS AND THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY. IF THERE IS AN ISSUE THAT AFFECTS YOU, PLEASE CONTACT US.

NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CODE CHANGES WILL AFFECT CONTRACTORS Rooftop solar

Energy monitoring metering

Allowance for rooftop solar to be installed at a later date. This includes cabling provisions to be installed. A minimum of 20% of the roof space must be available for solar panel installation.

The NCC is proposing to increase the need for specific energy monitoring metering for specific applications. Some of these include artificial lighting, appliance power, central hot water systems, renewables, EV charging and battery systems. This will have significant impacts on switchboard design, location and cost.

Electric vehicle (EV) charging

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) released its draft National Construction Code 2022 (NCC) in two separate rounds of consultation. Both sets of consultation have been wide ranging and have potential impacts for NECA members. NECA continues to advocate that NCC rules should focus on building and construction rules and not overlap into the already heavily regulated electrical industry. Round one of the consultation process focused primarily on building construction requirements, but round two was dedicated to energy efficiency, where significant changes have been proposed. If adopted in 2022 these changes will include the following.

Provision of a dedicated distribution board on each level in Class 2 building carparks for electric vehicle charging stations. These distribution boards are required to have a minimum rating of 12 kW and a capacity to operate between 11pm and 7am daily, and it must contain all control equipment for these charging stations. In addition to this, there must be capacity for a dedicated energy meter to record consumption and this space must be labelled to avoid it being used for other purposes. Further to the need for dedicated switchboards, Class 2 buildings must have adequate space to install cable tray for future charging devices and must be installed to within 20 metres of the nearest edge of each car parking space. For Class 3-9 buildings there are further requirements that need to be considered.

Main switchboard considerations As part of the proposed EV and rooftop solar provisions, the main switchboard must contain labelled spaces for the future installation of solar rooftop and associated battery systems. These must be two three-phase circuit breakers as part of any new main switchboard. One component of the proposed amendments, that NECA believes has been overlooked, is the need to provide suitable space or dedicated rooms for the main switchboard and other distribution boards in the building design. With the additional provisions proposed above, and the additional clearances in AS/ NZS 3000, main switchboards have effectively increased in size by at least 20%, which creates a further footprint for these large switchboards in the ever-reducing space for them to go.

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA COMMITTEES Throughout 2021 NECA has been re-establishing itself as the leader in industry representation on committees for key Australian Standards. NECA now has one person coordinating these committee representations, to ensure our members have quality representation by NECA staff or members. Currently NECA has representation over 30 committees with around seven vacancies. Recently NECA asked all members who would be interested in joining one of Standards Australia’s committees to contact us to express their interest. The purpose of this was to fill vacant spots and to build a list of keen and willing members that can be called upon in the event of new committees being established, or vacancies on existing committees becoming available. There is still time for anyone to express interest, and this can be done via email to standards@neca.asn.au

December 2021

Policy and Advocacy

NECA SPEAKS UP ON VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING REFORMS The Federal Government, through its Vocational Education and Training (VET) group, released a consultation paper on the establishment of new “industry clusters” for all training and education institutions. The proposed industry cluster composition finds energy-related training packages dispersed across four different clusters, resulting in fragmentation and unfavourable employment outcomes for members and their apprentices.

NECA strongly advocates having an energy-sector specific cluster that represents the thousands of electrical apprentices and training pathways. We have consulted other affected industry bodies and submitted a consolidated response to VET on the concerns that the currently proposed approach will cause the electrical industry and our members.

The issue is important to NECA and its members, as it concerns safety outcomes that are critical within the energy sectors. Safely isolating, safely testing and commissioning of work are key activities requiring specific skill sets. Developing safety skills and standards is the most integral component of our occupation, embedded in most, if not all existing units of competency and skill sets. The fabric of our training system intersects with the quality of our workforce, so we need to ensure this new model facilitates collaboration to produce the safe workers required for current and future work activities. The skills required within our sectors for upcoming jobs will be determined by the new cluster model, hence we are entrusted by our members to set up the system to support simple access to the skills needed and to the standard set by industry to support economic growth.

TECHNICAL UPDATE supervision of apprentices;

There have been some important recent notifications from peak safety regulators on solar product safety and compliance that NECA members need to be aware of and take the necessary action to protect both themselves and their customers. It’s also important to check with your state safety regulator as well, to ensure you are complying with their requirements.

a potential electric shock. Some BESS inverters have been found to be switching the neutral connection, creating an open circuit neutral in certain situations.

NCC draft;

NECA members are urged to check all inverters in all modes of operation to ensure all circuit connections are correct as part of their commissioning checks.

the Metering Rules;

Direct current (DC) isolators

Industry representation

On 29 September 2021, the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) and Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) removed certification for 18 DC isolators. This means that these DC isolators cannot be installed. A full list of the affected brands and models can be found here: www.bit.ly/dcaffected

NECA are constantly representing our members on a number of issues to ensure electricians are getting the best for their staff and the industry. Some of these include:

If you find a proposed change to rules, codes or standards that you feel is not in the best interests of electricians and NECA members, don’t hesitate to contact your state’s technical team to raise the issue. NECA is here to represent our members at all levels, and we have highly skilled people that can lobby for our members and the electrical industry’s best interests.

Battery energy storage system (BESS) inverters Safety regulators have recently informed the industry of a serious safety concern with certain BESS inverters that if not corrected on installation, can lead to

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the NSW Accredited Service Provider (ASP) Scheme;

fire systems installations;

Home Building Act 1989 (NSW) review;

working groups for solar DC isolator location;

state-based service and installation rules; and Codes of Practice in Tasmania.

Paul Brownlee NECA Head of Policy & Government Relations (Acting)

AVERAGE TRADESPERSON CHARGING RATES AROUND AUSTRALIA

NECA’S 2021 MARKET MONITOR BIENNIAL SURVEY IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY OF THE ELECTROTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIA AND HAS BEEN TAKING THE PULSE OF THE ELECTRICAL AND COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY FOR THE LAST DECADE. Your participation in our survey earlier this year, allows us to engage with industry, government and key stakeholders on the issues that affect your business, identify future trends and build market insights on behalf of our industry. Here is an overview of the survey results:

$102.50

the national average

optimism at an all-time high

1615

average age of survey respondents is dropping 93% were male half were from NSW

people answered our survey

If you want to receive the latest industry data, join NECA. Visit www.neca.asn.au for more information.

December 2021

MARKET MONITOR

$128

Average Call-Out Fee

$96

Average Hourly Rate

AVERAGE TRADESPERSON CHARGING RATES $92.00

2013 2015 2017 2019 2021

$70

$97.50

$62

4th Year

$54

3rd Year

$98.20

$47

2nd Year 1st Year

APPRENTICE HOURLY RATE COMPARISON $95/hr

$87.50

40% say they use websites for at least some portion of their orders

FRUSTRATION

that the government is too slow to put in place effective regulations and rebates

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2013 2015 2017 2019 2021

ONLINE

is the language of the new generation of contractors, and social media is slowly growing as a place for product information. Is your presence functioning well and up to date in this key channel?

DOUBLE

the mention of electric vehicles in this study

WORKING IN THE HEALTHCARE SECTOR

UNIQUE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

In recent times, the health industry has received a significant amount of attention. The impacts of COVID-19, pressures on our health system and shifts in government policy and legislation have all highlighted the industry’s importance in our everyday lives. While many discussions have focused on vaccinations and our public health system, the sector covers a diverse range of public and private services, including aged care, mental health, dental clinics and preventative services. It is already Australia’s largest employing industry, with 1.8 million people employed in 2021, a figure that’s projected to increase to more than 2 million people by 2025*. To help members tap into the opportunities this growth area presents, we spoke to contractors, apprentices and suppliers who shared their insights about working in the sector. *Source: Australian Industry and Skills Committee — www.nationalindustryinsights.aisc.net.au/industries/health

December 2021

HEALTHCARE FEATURE

REGIONAL HOSPITALS: A RICH SOURCE OF EXPERIENCE

HOSPITALS ARE COMPLEX WORKPLACES. INCORPORATING MEDICAL FACILITIES, ADMINISTRATION SERVICES AND PATIENT LIVING SPACES, THEY PROVIDE EXPOSURE TO DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY. FOR APPRENTICES, THEY OFFER A RICH SOURCE OF EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT THAT CAN SET THEM UP FOR THEIR CAREER. GREG SMITHSON, AN INSTRUCTOR WITH THE COLLEGE OF ELECTRICAL TRAINING (CET), SHARED HIS STORY OF STARTING OUT IN THE HEALTH SECTOR AND HOW INDUSTRY HAS CHANGED SINCE HIS APPRENTICESHIP. After applying for an apprenticeship in 1975, Greg was indentured with the Medical Department of Western Australia, and worked on regional hospitals in Albany, Mount Barker and Denmark in WA until he finished in 1979.

we had to work in patient areas,” said Greg. “Anytime we had a job in a communal area, we needed to be as inconspicuous as possible. When we left a job, it needed to be as if we were never there.”

The hospital environment gave Greg broad experience in all aspects of the electrical trade. It also offered plenty of diversification, with the opportunity to work on mechanical services, boilers, steam radiators and a variety of machines, from simple vacuum cleaners and polishers through to catering and medical equipment.

“Technology and standards have changed a lot. Back then the requirement for government buildings was all screwed, metal conduit. There were no thermoplastic-sheathed (TPS) cables or anything like that. You had to install metal conduit and then run the cords through it. Residual current devices (RCDs) existed, but they were in their infancy and not being adopted in many areas, including medical. At that time, having a back-up power supply, generators, was a unique feature of working in the medical field. There were also no uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems either, which are pretty commonplace now.”

“I got to do a lot of mechanical things like breaking down and maintaining motors. What really intrigued me was looking at some of the medical equipment, because our work included that as well,” said Greg. “I once had an opportunity to work with a technician who needed a hand with our x-ray machine. When you’re working in the country, you’ve got to be a jack of all trades.” Many of the lessons Greg learned are still relevant today, however, he notes that technology, building requirements and safety standards have all changed significantly. “We had to be considerate of the fact that it was an operating hospital, and sometimes

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“Safety has changed too. One time, I was maintaining some batteries and overfilled a cell. I popped the button back down, but it had a small hole in the top and squirted battery acid into my eyes. I rinsed my eyes as best I could, then went and waited in the emergency room for two hours to be seen. Eventually I got tired of waiting, so I went back to

work. They called me an hour later asking where I was. I got told off for that.” Greg is very positive about his apprenticeship experiences in the health sector, which gave him a solid grounding for his later career. “Apprenticeships were different then. They had just changed from a five-year term down to a four-year term, but it was frowned upon to only do four years. Another difference was the training. All the lessons were done by correspondence, with everything printed and sent by mail to Perth for marking. The only time apprentices ever came together was for assessments. Then at the end of your apprenticeship, it was the government’s policy to dismiss you, so I moved on to the Main Roads Department, working as a construction camp electrician.” “I was truly blessed in my apprenticeship because I got an overall appreciation of the trade,” said Greg. “Since then, I’ve been all over the country and been involved in many different projects. Now I’m at CET and have had a chance to train the next generation of electricians. This trade has been nothing but good for me.”

SPECIALISING IN THE HEALTH SECTOR: THE DEMANDS AND THE REWARDS

IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS, THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF TALK ABOUT THE HEALTH INDUSTRY, IT’S FRONTLINE WORKERS AND THE NEED TO ENSURE THE SECTOR HAS THE CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY TO MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS. AN AREA THAT HAS NOT RECEIVED MUCH ATTENTION HOWEVER, HAS BEEN THE ‘ENABLERS’, THE ESSENTIAL WORKERS SUCH AS ELECTRICIANS, WORKING ON THE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE THAT ENSURES PROVIDERS CAN MEET THE NEEDS OF THEIR DIVERSE CLIENTS. We talked to three electrical contractors who shared their insights on working in this specialised and rewarding industry.

ANDREW RUSSELL AHT GROUP AHT Group (previously known as Adelaide Health Tech) is well known in South Australia as an industry specialist, delivering communication and electrical services for the health sector. AHT was initially formed to service the needs of the old Royal Adelaide Hospital. They spent 20 years leading and working with the electrical and communications project team, servicing all the hospital’s infrastructure needs. In 2013, the works contributed by the team were transferred to the Across Government Facilities Management Arrangements (AGFMA) Contract, which is managed by the Spotless Group. At the time, with the new Royal Adelaide Hospital also under construction, AHT identified the need to diversify, prompting their expansion into other health environments and the education sector, as well as taking on some commercial work. “Our experience was in delivering accurate, compliant work in sensitive environments. We also recognised that

our client wasn’t just the hospital, but also the patients, visitors and general public,” said Andrew. “This background meant we were well-placed to move into the education sector, which has similar needs and is closely aligned with health. We are very proud to help keep those environments safe.” “Despite our diversification, our passion is providing highly specialised services for our core health clients, where we understand the specific compliance requirements for their facilities,” said Andrew. Throughout their years of experience, AHT has demonstrated their expertise in installing and servicing health campus electrical and lighting systems, nurse call systems, communications and structured cabling, information communication technology (ICT) networks, building management systems (BMS) and systems monitoring, closed-circuit television (CCTV), master antenna television (MATV), security and audio visual to name a few.

AHT have put significant effort into resourcing and training their staff in the Australian Standards that govern the sector. These include: ½

AS/NZS 2500:2020 Safe use of medical electrical equipment in health care; AS/NZS 3003:2018 Electrical installations in patient areas; and AS 3811:1998 Hard-wired patient alarm systems.*

“Our team needs to understand the standards so that facility managers and key stakeholders can trust them to deliver compliant systems,” said Andrew. “Our team take ownership of their work, knowing that what we do is vital for vulnerable patients and their families, and for everyone’s safety and wellbeing. We see our people as our greatest asset.” In addition to the challenges that apply to running any electrical contracting business, including remaining viable, managing different people and

December 2021

HEALTHCARE FEATURE

personalities and dealing with pressure and timeframe expectations, the health sector presents a unique set of challenges. “Imagine being called out to an intensive care unit at a busy hospital at 3.00am where an emergency call bell is sounding and cannot be cancelled by the staff,” said Andrew. “On arriving, you find the faulty call point is in a patient room with a critical patient who can’t be moved and the monitoring systems and tubes for life support equipment restrict access to the call button. You’re surrounded by agitated doctors and nurses, plus other sick patients, and the spotlight is on you to get this resolved quickly. That’s just one example of the many challenges our staff manage.”

the impacts haven’t been as dramatic as expected,” said Andrew. “Early on in the pandemic AHT was in high demand, helping as South Australian hospitals ramped up and prepared for high numbers of cases; however, with Adelaide relatively unaffected by COVID-19, the extra space was never really leveraged.” “COVID-19 testing and the need for increased pathology services created new work. We were engaged to set up testing sites, as well as extra capacity at the laboratories for data entry staff. Both sets of work had urgent timeframes.”

For AHT COVID-19 has presented opportunities rather than challenges.

The expectation that all staff working at health sites be vaccinated has been another issue to navigate; however, AHT hasn’t had any pushback from their core hospital-based employees.

“Being a specialised health service provider, COVID-19 has affected us, but

“Compliance with health and contract directives keeps us constantly

vigilant from a management level,” said Andrew, “but overall, it hasn’t had a big impact – yet.” Andrew was enthusiastic about working in the health sector, but noted the importance of understanding its needs. “Delivering health-based services is a unique, but rewarding part of the electrical industry,” he said. “Personally, I highly recommend it and would be happy to discuss it further with any apprentices or tradespersons interested in making that career choice.”

*AS/NZS 2500 and AS/NZS 3003 are commonly used in the health sector, whereas AS 3811 only applies in some settings.

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SPECIALISING IN THE HEALTH SECTOR ALLAN O’GRADY GLOBAL CABLING Starting off as a one-man-band 28 years ago, Global Cabling has since grown to a team of 35 to 45 people, depending on project needs. Their health sector experience spans 22 years, starting when an electrical consultant approached them about working at the former Princess Margaret Children’s Hospital. “The consultant was having trouble finding a business with experience working with operating theatres,” said Allan. “At the time we didn’t know a lot about theatres, but after speaking with the consultant, we ended up working together.” Based on that experience, Global Cabling started actively looking for health work, which at that time was a very limited market. “There were probably only three other companies doing health work in Perth,” said Allan. “We could see an opportunity there, so we approached Royal Perth Hospital and started working with them. These days, around 40% of Global Cabling’s work is in the health sector. We still do a lot of work at Royal Perth and have probably worked in every other Perth hospital on a project-by-project basis.” Allan enjoys the challenge of working in this specialised sector. “I enjoy creating a new building or theatre from scratch,” said Allan. “You get the drawings and they tell you what’s there, but to actually put it all together, we have to do quite an extensive design and I really enjoy that part of the challenge.” “Nothing’s ever straightforward. Every job has to be planned in detail and there are a lot of rules to follow. A lot of the issues come back to the contractor to work out. In the health area, compliance and communication are vital because we’re working on live theatres, live boards and the like. We have to make sure everything’s covered, so testing certification is a really important part of what we do.”

“Our ratio of staff to tradespeople is probably quite high compared to a lot of other electrical companies. We have an amazing head office with people that are so switched on. That makes our performance on the job so much better.” COVID-19 presented a new set of technical considerations for Global Cabling. “Ventilation has become a major issue, especially in theatres,” said Allan. “Lighting requirements are always increasing, with a special type of lighting for theatres (Cyanosis) that makes veins clear so they can be found easily. Mechanical services have also increased, which has presented a lot of challenges, particularly regarding ceiling units. Everything needs to be sealed. If you took the ceiling down in an operating theatre, the whole area would likely be completely covered in duct work. Sometimes our light fittings just don’t fit and we have to change models to get everything to fit in with everything else.” “We’ve always had incoming uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for theatres and another recent issue has been protecting that supply. Theatres have three different coloured generalpurpose outlets (GPOs). White is general power and not a lot of things run on white in a theatre. Red runs off their generator. Then there’s blue, which runs off UPS power. Critical equipment, such as examination lights runs on UPS. If staff are in the middle of a procedure and the power goes out, they still have light. Red power points are coordinated to go off for about eight to 20 seconds, then the generator kicks in and all that power goes back up.”

“These days, theatres are holding a lot more equipment, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), x-ray machines etc. They often have a control room next to the theatre. While the medical procedure is conducted in the theatre, there may be two or three technical staff sitting in the adjoining control room operating the equipment. Servicing all those power needs increasing attention.” The health sector offers a growing number of opportunities for electrical contractors; however, Allan noted the high risk of making mistakes due to a lack of experience and knowledge. To get around this issue, Allan suggests contractors partner with experienced contractors who can carry out the compliance testing. “Global Cabling does a lot of this kind of work,” said Allan. “We meet with the contractor before the job starts and run through what’s required. Then we come in at the end and sign off on the job to confirm that it complies with AS/NZS 3003:2018. This approach also comes in handy when an inexperienced consultant has prepared the drawings. Sometimes it won’t be until the end of the job that the electrical contractor finds out that something’s wrong. The problem becomes the contractor’s responsibility to fix, costing time and money, so it makes sense to check it all out before you start.” This is a practical solution for contractors wishing to enter the sector.

December 2021

HEALTHCARE FEATURE AARON CASSIDY MEDELEC ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGIES Medelec Electrical Technologies started as Halogen Electrical back in 2005, with Aaron Cassidy working from his garage and an old Toyota Hiace. A lot has changed in the last 16 or so years, with Medelec now employing six full-time staff plus an administration team who Aaron says, ‘really keep us going’. Today Aaron delivers a lot of medical projects, in particular focusing on the dental sector. “The business recently changed its name from Halogen to Medelec Electrical Technologies as 95% of our work is within the dental and medical fields,” explained Aaron. “Unfortunately, Halogen is just an outdated globe!” Medelec started in the sector in 2006, when Aaron was approached by a builder who was already involved in the dental industry. “He gave me a great opportunity to get involved within this niche market,” said Aaron. “It was a very steep learning curve, particularly in regard to the regulations. For example, what is required within a body protected area, although not mandatory back then, can be quite the minefield for electricians who are inexperienced in this area.” For Aaron, the most rewarding parts of working in the sector are being involved in projects from the design all the way through to his clients’ first day of trade, and the long-lasting

relationships that he’s developed with his clients over the years. “Within the dental field, technology is always evolving and requires changing integrations,” said Aaron. “For example, because of changes to patient information and entertainment, we now install many more screens in a surgery. Gone are the days of staring at the ceiling while in the dental chair! 99% of our surgery installations have screens mounted over the chair so patients can be entertained, informed and distracted while the dentist carries out their work. The benefits of these screens are so positive, especially within the paediatric dental sector. Kids can watch Finding Nemo or Frozen and hopefully this puts them at ease.” While COVID-19 presented opportunities and technical challenges within the health sector, the dental industry had a different experience, with many surgeries closed due to lockdowns across Australia. “The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us in several ways, some good some bad. During last year’s lockdowns I thought we would be inundated with calls to get into the surgeries and do upgrades etc while there were no patients to work around. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Consumer confidence hit an all-time low and we were quiet! Almost 18 months down the track, the dental sector has taken off again.”

Compliance is a key element of work within the sector, with a strong need for contractors to understand the job requirements and standards. “I would say the biggest challenge that I face is giving dentists the bad news that their surgery is non-compliant and will need extensive work to make it compliant to AS/NZS 3003:2018. Sometimes this will be in a surgery that is 30 years old and the dentist doesn’t understand or doesn’t want to spend the money needed to make sure the patient area is safe. Sometimes, unfortunately, it’s a dentist that has just spent a lot of money on a recent fit-out that just doesn’t meet Australian standards.” Aaron advises anyone looking to get into the medical field to do their homework. “Perth is such a small place where everyone in the dental field knows everyone,” said Aaron. “The dental and medical fields are very specialised, and if your field work and knowledge base isn’t top notch, then you are in for a world of frustration. I always tell my workers that a dentist’s field of work is within the 40mm x 40mm of your mouth. Their eye for detail is impeccable. You aren’t going to get away with anything that isn’t 100% perfect, 100% of the time!”

Final Thoughts Health sector clients may be public or private organisations, offer multi-disciplinary or specialised services, and employ thousands of staff or just a few. This provides a broad landscape to work in; however, it is important for contractors to understand the demands that this highlyspecialised sector places on its service providers.

standards and compliance requirements, are sensitive and responsive to the sector’s unique operational environments, and have staff who pay attention to detail and can work under pressure. Contractors who can meet these needs will find a growing number of opportunities that their businesses can tap into.

Those wishing to enter the sector need to ensure they gain a thorough understanding of the health

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ENABLING HIGH-QUALITY PATIENT CARE

AND SAFETY OF STAFF WITH RELIABLE ELECTRICAL SOLUTIONS THE POWER REQUIREMENTS IN HEALTHCARE AND HOSPITAL SETTINGS ARE VARIED AND COMPLEX. FROM EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS AND OPERATING THEATRES TO RESEARCH LABORATORIES, PATIENT ROOMS, DATA CENTRES, TRAINING FACILITIES AND MOBILE MONITORING EQUIPMENT, THE NEED FOR UNINTERRUPTED, RELIABLE POWER IS NOT JUST FOR CONVENIENCE - IT CAN BE A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH AS EVERY SECOND COUNTS. EVEN IN LESS CRITICAL MOMENTS, PATIENT-CENTRIC CARE REQUIRES RELIABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS AND SOLUTIONS TO ENSURE OPERATIONS ARE RUN EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY. WITHOUT THEM, THE GOALS OF PATIENT HEALTH AND WELLBEING COULD NOT BE ACHIEVED. In addition to serving the patient, modern healthcare facilities are faced with the outwardly competing requirements of energy efficiency, sustainability and operational resilience. However, the good news is that these areas don’t need to be exclusive. Clever technology can be integrated to achieve a solution that keeps patient care a priority, while monitoring and maintaining reliable power availability and efficiency.

Power requirements for when every second counts Due to the critical nature of the care provided at healthcare facilities, there are two main types of power circuits, essential and non-essential. Assets and systems that are needed for life safety and those required for critical business operations, are categorised as essential. Even in an emergency, if a power outage occurs, these circuits must still be operational for the protection of occupants. This is made available usually through backup power sources, such as a diesel generator, which is always on standby in case of an outage. However, even when power sources are swapped immediately and automatically, there is a very small period when there is no power connection. For emergency circuits such as those in an operating theatre or intensive care unit where this is unacceptable, an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) should be installed to provide continuous access to power.

Switches and sockets on essential power circuits should be suitably labelled. To differentiate them even further, and for identification at a glance, outlets and switches must be supplied in contrasting colours, such as red for essential power or dark blue for UPS power. This helps ensure safety and prevent human error relating to accessing the correct circuit. Clipsal by Schneider Electric’s Medilec ML2000 range offers these options, bringing reliable and efficient power to healthcare facilities by incorporating technology that benefits medical staff, patients, and facility management departments. Designed and certified to be compliant with the application requirements as defined in the Australian and New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 3003 and AS 2896, the modular products can be manufactured into panels that are easy to install, as well as being aesthetically pleasing. The panels are custom produced for each project and can combine any of the Clipsal 2000 Series electrical accessories, including original equipment manufacturer (OEM) nurse call points and gas outlets, essential and non-essential power outlets and switches. For additional functionality, the range includes products such as residual current devices (RCD), Audible Alarms (AA) and Line Isolation Monitors for both body and cardiac protected areas, as well as clearly labelled “CLEANER” socket outlets. Line isolated power supplies, isolating transformers and remote displays that meet the requirements of leakage protection in cardiac protected areas, as defined in AS/NZS 3003, are also available.

December 2021

HEALTHCARE FEATURE A resilient system for better patient care Even with essential power circuits attended to, it still remains desirable to achieve a high level of power availability, or uptime. Essential to modern healthcare are the digital devices that doctors and nurses use to care for and monitor patients. Without the proper infrastructure to support these electrical demands, errors can be made, resulting in problems in getting the right information to the right people at the right time. With a resilient power supply, uptime can be maximised and access to integrated patient data and clinical monitoring systems can be maintained to ensure patients are cared for safely. Improving this resiliency and power availability begins with monitoring and measuring the power being used, as well as the health of the electrical infrastructure assets. Many energy system assets now have built-in connectivity, which allows them to be integrated with overarching solutions, such as Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Power Advisor. For example, Schneider Electric’s MasterPact MTZ low voltage circuit breakers protect electrical systems from damage caused by overloads, short circuits and equipment ground faults. They also offer advanced protection, measurement and diagnostic functions so users can gain insight into active power and energy management. Similarly, Schneider Electric PowerLogic devices smooth the power supply, protect the network, the installation, and the operator, by improving the power factor and hence the quality of the power supply. The devices also allow for remote control of equipment and the monitoring of performance and conditions in real time. Using Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Building Operation platform, further integration with lighting control systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and security systems can be achieved, consolidating the user experience into a single interface. This brings about efficiencies for all stakeholders, allowing them to take advantage of clever Artificial Intelligence (AI) to inference actionable insights,

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enabling further energy efficiency and ongoing power availability. These highlevel integrations improve safety and comfort for patients and staff, delivering a positive return on investment and reducing maintenance costs through efficient use of energy and power. From an operational point of view, the system integration streamlines the troubleshooting process in the event of an outage or failure, so systems can be brought back online sooner. Furthermore, mobile apps, integrated with an overarching EcoStruxure platform, allow patients to control simple comforting measures like room temperature, drawing blinds, controlling entertainment or dimming lights – improving their wellbeing levels and leaving nurses and other staff to focus on interpersonal care.

Solutions for greater care opportunities Ensuring constant and continual delivery of critical power, as well as robust, flexible and customised medical service panel solutions, Schneider Electric solutions and assets can be used to create and support a healthcare environment where patient care and medical practices can be delivered safely, and reliably. To learn more about Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ solutions for healthcare facilities visit www.bit.ly/sehealthcare. To learn more about Clipsal by Schneider Electric’s Medilec range visit www.bit.ly/clipsalmedilec. Ring the Customer Care Centre on 13 73 28 or visit www.bit.ly/clipsalcontact to be connected to your local Business Partner Representative.

UNDERSTANDING HEALTH SECTOR STANDARDS

HEALTHCARE FEATURE

WHEN IT COMES TO CARRYING OUT ELECTRICAL WORK IN HOSPITALS AND SMALLER MEDICAL SETTINGS, SUCH AS DENTISTS AND DOCTORS’ SURGERIES, THERE ARE SEVERAL STANDARDS THAT ELECTRICIANS MUST BE FAMILIAR WITH IN ADDITION TO THE WIRING RULES. It is essential to review and understand AS/NZS 3003:2018 – Patient Area Electrical Installations, and how this interacts with other standards such as AS/NZS 2500:2020 Safe Use of Electrical Equipment in Health Care and AS 3811:1998 Hard-wired Patient Alarm Systems. The following article provides a brief overview of the main differences between the Wiring Rules and AS/NZS 3003:2018, and some tips for contractors who are just starting out or interested in working in this specialised area of electrical work. During their training, electrical apprentices are generally made aware that there are many standards outside of the Wiring Rules that apply to specific situations and settings; however, unless they happen to do on-the-job training in one of these niche areas, apprentices are unlikely to learn a lot about the less frequently used standards. In fact, it is often the case that qualified electricians, without medical installation experience, are not even aware that they need to consult a separate standard when doing something as seemingly basic as installing a new power point in a suburban medical centre. That is why it is important for all electrical workers to understand the main differences between AS/NZS 3003:2018 and AS/ NZS 3000:2018, specifically in terms of residual current devices (RCDs), cabling and requirements for body protected and cardio protected areas.

RCDs RCDs are normally located in a switchboard; however, in some medical settings they need to be in the actual room so that the medical practitioner can reset the RCD immediately in the case of a loss of power. 10 milliamp RCDs

are required to be either on the power point themselves, or mounted within the room in an enclosure. When on the power points, the power points must also have indication lights to show that the power is available. The indicators are either directly on the power point or the indicator light is in the room.

Cabling The cabling that goes to the RCD in the room might then require additional mechanical protection. Any cable that is concealed within 50 mm of the surface needs to be protected to WSx3, as defined in Clause H5.4 in the Wiring Rules.

Body protected vs cardio protected rooms The room itself can also fall under one of two categories - body protected and cardio protected. A body protected room is where electrical equipment can come into external contact with a human body (e.g. an x-ray machine in a radiology clinic). A cardio protected room is where electrical equipment can enter a human body (e.g. an internal camera in an operating theater). If the room you are working in is body protected or cardio protected, the area extends beyond the room two or five metres, respectively. Any socket outlets within the two or five metre zone also have to meet the requirements for the relevant area. Since AS/NZS 3003 was updated in 2018, the onus is on the client to tell the electrician what will be happening in each room. We recommend getting this in writing where possible – email is fine.

Does AS/NZS 3003:2018 apply to veterinary clinics? Members often ask whether AS/NZS 3003:2018 applies to veterinary clinics and theatres. It doesn’t – the standard only applies to human medical settings. Some veterinary practices however may make the decision to take the extra precautions and wire to the standard anyway, but they don’t have to do this.

Consider a consultant to check your work Another valuable option is to employ a consultant that specialises in medical work to assist you with your project. These businesses usually review the job before work commences and go through the specific requirements with you. Once you have completed the job, they do a final review to check that everything complies with the relevant standards. Although this is especially relevant for businesses that are new to medical work, it is also a valuable tool for more established businesses to ensure that nothing has been missed. In the medical industry, power (or the loss of power) can be a matter of life and death, and because of this higher level of risk, it is essential that electrical workers are across the relevant rules and regulations and understand how to correctly apply them. If you have work coming up in the medical field, even if it’s a standard light fitting in a suburban doctor’s surgery, the best thing you can do is read AS/NZS 3003:2018 cover to cover – before you even quote on the job. If you have any concerns when you are on site, contact your local NECA branch to be put in touch with local technical support.

December 2021

BRANCH UPDATE Wayne Hobson NECA TAS President

As 2021 draws to a close, Tasmania has enjoyed the benefits of a strongly performing economy this year. High consumer confidence and consistent support from the State Government have underpinned this performance. With signs the COVID-19 emergency may be easing, it is hoped our state will continue to lead the country on economic indicators heading into 2022, which will benefit our industry and all of Tasmania.

Welcome Ben Shaw

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TAS BRANCH

I would like to welcome Ben Shaw to our NECA Tasmania team as Business Development Manager. Ben arrives with solid knowledge of the electrical industry, and will be liaising with members and sponsors to optimise relationships within NECA. Ben is also working to increase the number of NECA members in Tasmania, and in the few months he’s been with us, he has already achieved significant results.

Events update During September, NECA Tasmania hosted its 2021 Industry Night series at venues across the state. Total attendance at these nights exceeded 400, with participants receiving updates on subjects including: ½

½ ½

technical changes to Amendment 2 of the Wiring Rules; proposed changes to the Electricity Consumption Metering Requirements Code of Practice; common installation defects; and other topics concerning technicians and contractors.

I would like to extend a big thanks to Ben Shaw, the NECA events team, Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS), and NECA business partners for their work in producing an excellent series of events. On the subject of events, this year’s National Excellence Awards were postponed due to COVID-19, and will now be held in Adelaide in March 2022.

LEGISLATION FOR TASTAFE TRANSITION MOVES FORWARD NECA has provided comment to the State Government on draft legislation for its TasTAFE Transition, which is set to be passed by Parliament to take effect from 1 July 2022. NECA welcomes the planned changes, which will inject significant new investment into TasTAFE to address training and resourcing shortfalls, modernise plant and equipment, and transfer TasTAFE’s employment powers and staff to the jurisdiction of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), bringing it in line with national employment laws.

access in regional and rural areas enhanced, and better aligned with the needs of employers and industry. NECA is highly supportive of this initiative, which it hopes will deliver better outcomes for businesses and apprentices/ trainees alike, and ultimately benefit the Tasmanian economy and community.

The changes, which will transition TasTAFE to a completely revised business model, will see TAFE remain in public ownership, with existing staff retained,

December 2021

TAS Branch

Electrical Contractor Industry Liaison NECA Tasmania’s Electrical Contractor Industry Liaison (ECIL) meetings have now concluded for another year. These meetings offer a valuable forum for member businesses and other industry stakeholders to come together to discuss issues that impact our industry across the state. The most recent ECIL meeting, held in September, featured discussion of CBOS’s Solar Education Program, which aims to educate consumers on the requirement for periodic maintenance of solar generation systems on their premises. This program should generate

opportunities for NECA members who can complete periodic maintenance of these systems. There is no requirement to be solar accredited to undertake this work. ECIL meetings will resume in 2022, and will continue to be held at Midlands Bowls Club in Campbell Town. I will advise members of dates once these become available.

Professional development In recent months, NECA has been running a variety of webinars for technicians and business owners, and all of these have attracted continuing professional development (CPD) points.

I would like to remind members that the CPD program is a crucial factor for them, and their technicians, being able to renew their licences. NECA has many avenues for members and their employees to gain CPD points including roadshows, webinars and other accredited activities. NECA has committed to continuously improving and innovating the way courses can be delivered to accommodate members’ busy lifestyles.

Best wishes Finally, I would like to wish all members a great holiday season. Stay safe! I look forward to seeing you all and working with you again in 2022.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER OF AN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

STATE OF THE STATES: TASMANIA LEADS AUSTRALIA IN 2021 As Australia begins to shake off the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tasmania has outperformed the rest of the country during 2021, a status reconfirmed in CommSec’s most recent State of the States report in October. The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Labour Force data for September found total employment on the Apple Isle at an all-time record of 263,100. Following this, CommSec ranked Tasmania first of the eight states and territories on four of the eight indices it measures, finding the southern state enjoyed low unemployment at 4.8%, and strong growth in retail spending, housing finance, equipment spending, and construction work. The findings confirm what Tasmanians know: that their state is a great place in which to live, work, and do business, and in difficult times it is becoming even better.

Staff from the Technical Regulation Unit of Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) recently presented at the NECA Industry Nights in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport. During these evenings it was clear that attendees valued the opportunity to meet new people and network with contracting businesses, wholesalers and consultants who could be of benefit to them, their business or future career. Membership with an industry association, such as NECA, provides events, networking, services and benefits that far exceed annual membership costs. Some of the direct benefits include technical advice, access to standards, fuel and vehicle discounts, employment and training opportunities. Additionally, as a member, you can build customer confidence with the knowledge that you are part of a national organisation, which is renowned for the high standards that all members subscribe to. Industry associations are a conduit between the often-complex requirements of the national and state governments, and bring member representation to decisions that could affect you in your business. CBOS would like to take this opportunity to thank NECA for their contribution to the electrical contracting industry in Tasmania, and encourage all electrical contractors to consider the benefits that membership can bring.

In terms of relative performance, CommSec ranked the ACT in second place, with New South Wales and Western Australia equal third, South Australia and Victoria equal fifth, Queensland seventh, and the Northern Territory last.

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NECA INDUSTRY NIGHTS,

TAS Branch

CONNECTING TASSIE ELECTRICIANS

NECA’S RECENT INDUSTRY NIGHT SERIES SHOWED A THRIVING AND ENGAGED TASMANIAN ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY, WITH MORE THAN 400 CONTRACTORS ATTENDING ACROSS THE THREE EVENINGS. ATTENDEES HEARD FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE’S HENRY HODGSON, WHO DISCUSSED CHANGES TO THE WIRING RULES AND POTENTIAL CHANGES TO METERING IN TASMANIA. DISCUSSING THESE CHANGES BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY ENSURES NECA MEMBERS REMAIN AT THE FOREFRONT OF COMPLIANCE AND SAFETY DEVELOPMENTS. This NECA industry event qualified attendees for four continuing professional development (CPD) points and gave electrical contractors the opportunity to connect with other small and large businesses and the Tasmanian Government, finding new business opportunities and developing a more collaborative industry.

We would like to thank our business partners: MMEM, AWM, D&W, EWM Electrical, Clipsal Schneider, NHP, IPD, ABB, TAS Networks and NECA Education and Careers, whose valuable support and participation helped host an exceptional industry event. NECA has significantly increased its focus within Tasmania, led by Ben Shaw our

new Tasmanian Manager, to strengthen our industry connections and provide NECA members with access to highly valuable events and information. We are gearing up for an exciting 2022 with more industry nights and opportunities to network with contractors.

NECA member support Being a NECA member is the best way to have the opportunity to attend these events. Not only does a NECA membership give you access to industry events, but it also provides industry-specific

support in setting up or growing your business. You’ll gain access to the latest in technical information, legal and safety services, as well as access to NECA partnerships like TasNetworks.

December 2021

BRANCH UPDATE Pawel Podolski NECA VIC Executive Director Dean Spicer NECA VIC President

WELCOME TO THE FINAL EDITION OF THE VICTORIAN NECA NEWS UPDATES FOR THIS YEAR. The end of the year is just around the corner – and what a bizarre year it has been on so many fronts, but COVID-19 is certainly taking up a lot of air time in our lives both personal and professional. We all look forward to some more stability and predictability next year. I am very proud of the NECA Victoria team in coming together, and together with many of you, engaging with our teams, working through the challenges as a community. Unfortunately for some member businesses, the road has been bumpier than for others, but overall, as an industry I think it’s fair to say that we all stood together and remain resilient. In fact, the business landscape forecasts for our industry into next year remain quite promising.

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VIC BRANCH

There are several updates since the last edition of NECA News, that are worthy of reminding our industry community of:

New mentoring program to assist Licensed Electrical Inspectors NECA Victoria is delighted to be collaborating with Solar Victoria in delivering a new onsite training and mentoring program for Licensed Electrical Inspectors (LEIs) working in the solar space to assist with the complexities of solar inspections. NECA sees first-hand the challenges that many LEIs experience on electrical solar installation jobs and has been advocating on behalf of the solar industry and LEIs to receive more support in overcoming these challenges. Ensuring inspectors have the knowledge and skills they need to work in the renewable space will increase the

number of inspectors available to sign off on solar installations, shorten inspection wait times and ensure the highest levels of safety are maintained.

HSEQ Plus Safety Management System re-certification NECA Victoria is also proud to announce that NECA’s HSEQ Plus Safety Management System has received its compliance certification for AS4801, ISO9001 and ISO1400 (for Safety, Quality and Environmental Management) after its annual audit. Each year NECA’s HSEQ Plus Safety Management System undertakes a rigorous, fully-independent review against these three key industry standards to ensure the system meets the needs of our ever-evolving industry and provides you, as HSEQ Plus users, with confidence and peace of mind in the HSEQ Plus Management System you are implementing at your workplace.

Postponing of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Skills Maintenance Pilot In amongst all the COVID-19 excitement, NECA’s Technical Team has been working very closely with Electrical Safety Victoria (ESV) around the next level of detail surrounding the implementation and deployment of the CPD Skills Maintenance program. Despite good progress made on the program itself, given the recently announced Victorian Roadmap, ESV’s CPD Steering Committee has decided to postpone the CPD Skills

December 2021

VIC Branch

Maintenance Pilot, originally scheduled for November 2021, to March 2022.

2020/2021 Excellence & Apprentice Awards – New Date

This will now also delay the introduction date for CPD Skills Maintenance requirements for licensed workers. Consequently, the new date when Skills Maintenance training will be required for licence renewals will now be 1 July 2023.

Last year, our annual awards event had to be cancelled - along with so many other things! Restrictions put a stop to our event in August, so we are pulling out all the stops to create an event worthy of our industry champions. This is, after all, our industry’s night of nights - our equivalent of the ‘Brownlow’ - and we think it deserves a function as special as our winners. This is your chance to dust off the fancy suits and evening gowns and celebrate our industry, which not just survived but managed to complete impressive projects through some of the most challenging months in Victoria.

We’ve secured a super popular actor/ singer/TV host to MC the night, and he’ll be bringing his live band so after dinner and the presentations are over, we can all party like it’s not 2020 2021 anymore! For more information and booking please visit www.bit.ly/excellencevic

Wrap up On behalf of the entire NECA Victoria Team, we would like to thank all our members, sponsors and partners for their ongoing support during 2021. I’d also like to thank our Council for their leadership, engagement, and hard work tirelessly supporting NECA and the many industry initiatives we spearhead. Finally, from all of us at NECA Victoria, we would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year!

ESV ADVISING SOLAR INSTALLATION INSPECTORS TO CONFIRM PAPERWORK IS CORRECT Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is encouraging electrical inspectors to ensure correct solar documentation has been handed over to the customer. Licensed Electrical Inspectors (LEIs) play an essential role across the solar and electrical industries, providing the last line of review for all types of electrical work carried out across Victoria. Licensed Electrical Workers (LEWs) are responsible for completing documentation assuring residents that the solar installation is safe and complete. However, some LEWs miss or overlook this requirement. If this does occur, it is crucial that LEIs ensure documentation, such as List of Equipment Supplied, Maintenance Procedures and Testing and Commissioning Results are completed. Properly completed documentation is fundamental to the safe operation and maintenance of a solar installation throughout its lifetime. It also assists LEIs in completing solar installation inspections more efficiently. ESV Chairperson and Commissioner Marnie Williams said correct system documentation ensures the resident is able to get the full benefit of their solar panel system.

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“We need inspectors to know how valuable they are to the industry but they need to understand that ensuring all documents are completed correctly is crucial,” Ms Williams said. “While incomplete documentation doesn’t necessarily mean electrical work isn’t safe, LEIs recording the lack of complete documentation in ESV Connect gives us the full picture of industry compliance. “We’re finding that there’s no one specific error made on these documents, it’s more a range of sections being left out or overlooked more generally.”

Finally, ESV has released guidance on testing of solar panel installations. This guidance includes a process to upload documentation and results to ESV Connect so a Licensed Electrical Inspector (LEI) can undertake an efficient and effective inspection of the installation. This will assist in the photovoltaic (PV) system being signed off as compliant in a timely manner. For more information go to www.esv.vic.gov.au

ESV will increase its level of auditing to improve compliance in order to monitor the delivery of correct documentation. This regulatory focus will be in addition to our ongoing emphasis on the compliance of system installation testing, including earthing of solar panels, as well as mismatched DC connectors.

Marnie Williams Director of Energy Safety & CEO Energy Safe Victoria www.esv.vic.gov.au

any given year

EXPIRED DC ISOLATOR CERTIFICATES The industry was notified that several Direct Current (DC) Isolator certificates expired unexpectedly on 29 September 2021. A search of the Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) data showed a number of brands were affected. All DC isolators that are classified as High Risk (Level three) electrical equipment must have a valid Australian or New Zealand issued certificate of conformity and be registered in the national Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS) database. To confirm your equipment is registered, please check the ERAC database at equipment.erac.gov.au/Public/

VIC Branch

approved on the national database. This has led to massive supply issues for wholesalers and installers alike. The industry is eagerly waiting for the recertification of the affected products. Although it is not an offence to install these products if purchased before 29 September, Energy Safe Victoria has recommended contractors do not install them until the re-certification takes place. The certificates were not cancelled due to safety concerns. It was found the certification body did not have the correct accreditation to provide certification for these particular models of DC isolators. Solar Victoria have indicated not to install any DC isolators which have been affected by this announcement for any systems rebated under Solar Victoria’s programs.

supply level three in-scope electrical equipment unless it is registered. Section 67(F) of the Act states that it is an offence for a person to supply level two or level three equipment that was purchased for the purpose of supplying it to another person if, on the date that it was originally purchased, the item of electrical equipment was not registered. NECA has been working with industry partners to find a resolution to this matter and is hoping for a solution over the coming few weeks. In the meantime, members with further queries are encouraged to reach out to the NECA Victoria Technical team via email at technical@neca.asn.au

We’ve xpandedourwel beingservicestoincludeworkplacementalhealthsup ort andbehaviouralhealthandsafetyawarenes around rugsandalcohol Learnmore: w w.protect.net.au

The certification of certain types of isolators has been cancelled and they can no longer be sold in Victoria until they are re-certified. Private certifiers SAA cancelled around 18 certifications on 29 September 2021. This provided huge setbacks for the solar industry and many installers were rushing to find products

In the state of Victoria, under section 67 of the Victorian Electricity Safety Act 1998 (the Act) states that it is an offence for a responsible supplier to

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ADA Australia ADA Australia to support OUR MEMBERS to support OUR MEMBERS & their families & their families

HAVE YOU BEEN HAVE YOU BEEN TAKING CARE OF YOUR TAKING CARE OF YOUR OWN WELLBEING? OWN WELLBEING?

11 inin11 11

Australians Australians will suffer will suffer in depression depression in any given year any given year

11 inin77

Australians Australians will suffer will suffer anxiety in anxiety any givenin year any given year

11 inin 55

Australian adults Australian adults drink alcohol at drink alcohol at levels that puts levels that puts them at risk of them harm at risk of harm

We’ve expanded our wellbeing services to include workplace mental health support We’veand expanded our wellbeing services include workplace mental support behavioural health and safetytoawareness around drugs andhealth alcohol and behavioural health and safety awareness around drugs and alcohol Learn more: www.protect.net.au Learn more: www.protect.net.au

ARC FLASH CALCULATOR We are pleased to announce a new tool in our Technical Knowledge Base (TKB) to assist with safety calculations for battery installations as per Section 6, referencing Appendix F (informative) of AS/NZS 5139:2019. Using the formula in AS/NZS 5139:2019, the Arc Flash Calculator is an easy-to-use tool in Excel format for calculating the: 1. arc flash incident energy; 2. arc flash incident protection boundary; and 3. level of personal protective equipment (PPE) required. Tips to consider: In reference to: AS/NZS 5139:2019 Clauses 6.3.2.3 and 6.3.2.4, there are many requirements in installing battery systems. If installed in a residential or domestic electrical installation, the arc flash value shall be less than 4.0 cal/cm2 and where

VIC Branch

its value is greater than 4.0 cal/ cm2, the battery system shall be in a dedicated battery system room or enclosure not attached to the building containing habitable rooms, or have at least the requirements of fire hazard level one. Inter-string overcurrent protection devices should be installed to reduce the arc flash energy below 4.0 cal/cm2. Battery systems installed in a non-domestic or non-residential electrical installation with a calculated arc flash energy greater than 4.0 cal/cm2 shall be installed in a dedicated enclosure or room located outside of the building. To download a free copy of the Arc Flash Calculator log in to NECA Victoria’s TKB www.bit.ly/necavictkb

LICENSED ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR ONSITE TRAINING & MENTORING PROGRAM NECA Victoria is delighted to partner with Solar Victoria to deliver a new onsite training and mentoring pilot program for Licensed Electrical Inspectors (LEIs).

reputation, skills and knowledge in the solar and renewable space, and the ability to share this experience with other electrical inspectors.

The purpose of this program is to educate and support LEIs in developing new skill sets. It is suited to both new and existing inspectors who wish to upskill and advance their knowledge base within the renewable sector.

This program mentoring is subsidised by Solar Victoria to ensure inspectors have the knowledge and skills they need to work in the renewable space. It will increase the number of inspectors available to signoff on solar installations, shortening wait times and ensuring the highest levels of safety are maintained.

The pilot will see 35 Licensed Electrical Inspectors working on the Solar Homes Program. They will conduct their inspections with NECA Victoria’s Technical Managers, who are Licensed Electrical Inspectors themselves, have vast experience,

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The program was over-subscribed within weeks of the launch. If you are interested in learning more about the program or other fields of mentoring for electrical inspectors, please contact the Technical team via email at technical@neca.asn.au to discuss. For more information visit www.bit.ly/leimentoring

Louis Knoops Technical Manager, NECA Victoria

NEW INITIATIVE

VIC Branch

EMPOWERING WOMEN TO SUCCEED IN ELECTRICAL 10,000 electrical apprentices walked on to job sites throughout Victoria and Tasmania at the start of 2021. Only 352 or 3.5% of these apprentices were women. A new initiative – Women and Their Trade (WaTT) – encourages women to overcome barriers to entering trades and, specifically, embrace electrical career opportunities. In conjunction with the Victorian Government, NECA Education & Careers recently launched the Women and Their Trade (WaTT) program, which will attract over 30 women into the electrical industry over the next two years. WaTT Victoria is supported by Apprenticeships Victoria, and the initiative is part of the Victorian Government’s Women in Apprenticeships fund, which will remove barriers to women joining traditionally male dominated trades.

The program will encourage women to apply for electrical apprentice positions in our Group Training Organisation where they will earn while they learn, plus receive: ½

mentoring by female A-Grade electricians;

try-a-trade workshops;

a full set of tools and PPE when they start on the job;

education with one of the aligned TAFE partners; and

events and networking opportunities with other women in the electrical industry.

As a leading educator, employer, and advocate in the electrical industry, NECA Education & Careers is committed to diversity and inclusion and increasing the number of women in the trade. For more information visit www.necaeducation.com.au/watt or call 1300 827 832.

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AS/NZS 3000:2018 AMENDMENT 2

VIC Branch

CAME INTO EFFECT 1 NOVEMBER 2021 AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules (combining Amendment 1 and Amendment 2) was published 30 April 2021 and as of 1 November 2021, all electrical installations must comply with the new edition - Amendment 2 which will supersede previous editions of the Wiring Rules. Amendment 2 was created in response to industry feedback concerning readability and compliance, the introduction of new technology, equipment, and ways of doing things, as well as the identification and clarification of mandatory requirements. Electrical installation work that commenced prior to 1 November 2021 that is not completed and is not compliant to this edition will require an exemption from ESV.

The Key Points of Amendment 2 2.6.3.2.5 Alterations to installations and replacement of switchboards— Australia only. Additional protection by residual current devices (RCDs) shall be provided in existing electrical installations where alterations or a switchboard replacement is completed. 2.10.2.2.1 Switchboards Switchboards shall comply with the provisions in the Wiring Rules. 2.10.3.2 Suitability Switchboards shall be suitable to withstand the mechanical, electrical, and thermal stresses that are likely to occur in service, and the environment in which they are to be installed. Switchboards complying with the requirements of the AS/NZS 3439 series or AS/NZS 61439 series are deemed to comply with this Clause (2.10.3). Switchboards shall comply with the AS/NZS 3439 series or AS/NZS 61439

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series if one or both of the following exist: (a) The total of the connected load at the point where the switchboard is installed exceeds 125 A r.m.s. per phase. (b) The prospective short-circuit current at the incoming terminals of the switchboard is greater than 10 kA r.m.s. 4.3 Connections of Electrical Equipment - Electrical accessories complying with AS/NZS 3105, AS/NZS 3122 or AS/NZS 3199 shall not be used to connect equipment wiring to installation wiring where the location is not readily accessible. It prohibits the use of power boards for the connection of permanent equipment including light fittings. 6.2.4 Selection and installation of electrical equipment. 6.2.4.1 Degree of protection required Electrical equipment permitted to be installed in a classified zone shall have at least the following degree of protection: (a) In Zone 0—IPX7. (b) In Zones 1 and 2—IPX4. (c) In Zone 3—no specific degree of protection.

The requirements for selection and installation of electrical equipment are provided in Table 6.1. 8.3.2.2 Recording of results - It is recommended that the results of the tests, especially tests that require a value for verification be recorded and maintained. This will become a requirement in future editions of the Wiring Rules. 8.3.7 Polarity and correct circuit connections. 8.3.10 Operation of RCDs - To verify that RCDs have been correctly installed, tests shall be performed on all RCDs. The function of the RCD shall be verified. In all cases, isolation of all switched poles shall be verified after the RCD has operated to disconnect the designated circuit. Isolation of all poles shall be verified by voltage tests or, after removing supply, by continuity checks through each pole. This list does not include all amendments to the Wiring Rules, please refer to the Technical Knowledge Base (TKB) to review all amendments, or contact the NECA Victoria Technical Team via email at technical@neca.asn.au

Michael Weekes Technical Manager, NECA Victoria

BRANCH UPDATE Carl Copeland NECA WA Branch Secretary

ALTHOUGH MARKET CONDITIONS REMAIN DIFFICULT, IT IS PLEASING

A reminder on the Electrical A win for members in TO HEAR FROM MEMBERS IN THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR THAT THE Supervision Guidelines the solar industry

VARIOUS GOVERNMENT STIMULUS PACKAGES AIMED INCREASING There have been severalAT incidents recently NECA WA continues to be actively involving electrical apprentices. When these THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOMES IS HAVING A POSITIVE EFFECT. involved in engaging with the Clean incidents have been investigated, a common Energy Council (CEC) and the Clean Energy contributing factor has been identified Regulator (CER) on behalf of members. as incorrect apprentice supervision. NECA has met with the Minister for Industrial Members in year, this sector a considerable Earlier this NECAexpect developed a IRelations, would urgeBill every business owner and Johnston, and personally increase in for work theon near submission theinCER thefuture. Small-scale every supervising worker in the industry expressed our concerns to him. We were Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES). I am The strong prices for gold and iron ore in to be aware of their obligations when particularly adamant that the legislation delighted to report that the CEC adopted particular have ensured that members supervising electrical apprentices. must contain defences that protect six of our seven key recommendations. working in the resource sector are also contractors whose safety practices Any serious incident involving an enjoying strong electrical work. The outcomes of demand the CER’sfor review are positive meet the legislative apprentice will attractrequirements. the attention of for electrical contractors inifthe Building and Energy, so I would encourage NECA Technical is takingworking as many, not It is ridiculous to have a situation where solar industry as it will increase oversight, everyone to make sure they are familiar more, calls than it was before COVID, a business owner has implemented improve standards and are should with the Safe working guidelines and which indicates there stillstamp lots ofout safety practices that ensure compliance the minority of operators doing unlicensed assessment for electrical apprentices. The members performing work. with all of their WHS obligations and yet work or using non-compliant products. guidelines are available on our Technical can still beBase subjected to prosecution. There is obviously still a long way to go in Knowledge (TKB), the NECA WA Some of NECA’s accepted terms of a full recovery but it does seem website at bit.ly/SupervisionGuidelines NECA has lobbied the McGowan recommendations were: is better placed that Western Australia and directly from Building andLiberal Energy. government, as well as the than states atthe present. ½ Theother CER becomes sole regulator Opposition and cross-bench members of and is given responsibility for

Scan here to visit the NECA WA homepage

WA WA BRANCH BRANCH

Industrial setting theManslaughter rules and framework Legislation for an installer accreditation scheme, replacing the co-regulation Sometimes there are critical pieces of arrangement with the CEC. legislation that industry has to fight ½ Poor performing system retailers tooth and nail to prevent; the Western should beGovernment’s held to account. Australian proposed ½ Accredited industrial manslaughter legislation installers must prove is such law. been on site to make theya have the written statement of smallIt is vital that all contractors familiarise scale technology certificate (STC) themselves with this legislation because eligibility – and the statement is it will criminalise workplace accidents. to be made simpler and clearer. The Government’s proposed industrial ½ Increased component quality manslaughter law exposes business checks stronger accountability owners toand up to 10 years in jail and a for component $2.5million fine ifmanufacturers. an accident occurs on your worksite – even if you haven’t been For too long, unscrupulous operators reckless or negligent. have been allowed to damage the It is vital that members understand the reputation of the industry with risks they could face under the worst parts dodgy products and installations. (e.g. Section 30B) of the Western Australian The changes toproposed the scheme will Government’s Workplace Health support played & Safetycontractors Bill. Sectionwho 30Bhave is unique to WA. aIt key role in reducing the country’s is not found in any other state or territory. emissions and slashing energy bills for millions of Australians.

Parliament, of a coalition of more The latestas onpart mandatory than twenty other industry associations vaccinations in WA who also oppose this legislation. The Government has recently introduced I encouragevaccinations every Western Australian mandatory across many businessindustries owner andand director to of read different sectors thethe joint submission toworkforce, government that Western Australian including NECA WA maintenance has made along the other building, andwith construction. industry associations. The submission, Members’ response to that decision has which is on NECA WA’s website, is more been overwhelmingly positive. They feel than 20 pages long but it is critical that hasunderstand brought a level of certainty that ityou the potential to both the economy and the industries implications for you, your business, your across which our members work. co-workers and your family. It has also removed the pressure that was Members can be assured that NECA WA being felt by members to negotiate their will continue to fiercely oppose this own workplace vaccination solutions. legislation in its current form. NECA is representing members at various State Government round tables that are Security of Payments Legislation being held through October and November. Thewill State Government hasmembers also recently We continue to update on released its long-awaited draft via Security the outcomes of these meetings email, of Payments legislation. This is vital the Member Area and our Facebook page. legislation for NECA members and for Finally, I appreciate that some members subcontractors in general. have, for various reasons, very strong alternate views on this decision and have demanded that NECA push the government

SEPTEMBER 2020 December 2021

WA Branch

to change its mind. However, it is the overwhelming view of members that mandated vaccinations will bring stability and certainty to the industry and quicken the opening of our border, which will provide access to desperately needed labour.

NECA Industry Nights There continues to be enormously positive responses to our Industry Nights, which we have been holding across the state. Recently, representatives from both Western Power and Building and Energy presented at our events in Cockburn, Bunbury and Busselton. Members have relished the opportunity to engage directly with inspectors from both bodies and seek clarification on a number of technical and compliance issues. The NECA Industry Nights will recommence in February 2022 with Western Power and Building and Energy’s continued involvement.

New Western Australian Service and Installation Requirements A reminder to all that Western Power’s new Service and Installation Requirements (WASIR) have been released. This document supersedes the Western Australian Distribution Connections Manual (WADCM). While the new requirements don’t come into effect until 1 February 2022, it would be prudent to familiarise yourself with the new document as soon as possible. The WASIR is available on the Western Power website and on our TKB.

Security of Payment Laws The State Government recently announced the implementation timeline for its new Security of Payments legislation. The new legislation will be implemented in three stages. ½

August 2022 – Introduction of quicker payment timelines. February 2023 - Introduction of trust accounts for retention monies. February 2024 - Introduction of fairer contracting practices and commercial behaviours.

Although NECA argued for the immediate implementation of the majority of the legislation, we accept the government’s decision and will be offering information and training to members as each implementation milestone approaches.

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Electrical Group Training (EGT)

College of Electrical Training (CET)

During the first half of the financial year, EGT has continued to actively recruit apprentices to meet ongoing demand from host employers, which has been significant. Aiming at 14 new apprentices every three weeks has been challenging, as we don’t want the quality of the apprentices we take on to suffer, we just need to find more of them. As a result, EGT is continuing to recruit from pre-apprentice courses and from school vocational education training (VET) programs and will remain active in the school and career expo space. We’re confident that we will find the numbers we need to fill our demand for new apprentices. While our loyal host employers are busy, we will continue to recruit to meet demand.

It is no surprise that the fiscal stimulus measures, brought in by both state and federal governments, have had the desired impact on apprentice commencements. Since July 2020, CET has seen a 27% increase in apprentice enrolments, commensurate with other VET sectors. With around 1,850 apprentices in training and close to 400 preapprentices and pre-app in school (PAiS) enrolments, CET is currently operating at over 100% of funded training capacity.

Thank you to our host employers and apprentices for supporting us through the implementation of our new EGT Timesheet and Payroll Portal. While the implementation did not go as smoothly as we had hoped, the feedback provided by host employers and apprentices has been invaluable for us to improve the process and the system itself. We are looking forward to more efficient processing and fewer corrections in the near future.

How are we coping? As a service to industry, CET has run rolling intakes for decades, as this allows the quickest transition into training for apprentices. This also has the benefit of allowing for surges in enrolments, as we saw at the end of 2020 and the start of 2021, being cushioned over a couple of months. Additionally, CET is training new instructors, and continuing to recruit around the country. The transition to the new UEE30820 Electrotechnology Training Package continues, with the vast majority of apprentices being moved to the new package from 2022. This will provide apprentices with a more up-to-date learning experience.

HADDOW ELECTRICAL:

MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF SMALL BUSINESS THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY IS FOUNDED UPON ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT – THE ELECTRICIANS WHO TAKE THEIR DREAM OF HAVING THEIR OWN CONTRACTING BUSINESS, AND TURN IT INTO A REALITY. me get going again. I cannot emphasise the importance of relationships strongly enough. Now I understand how powerful they are.

After five years in business, you recently won the Small Industrial Project Category as part of the NECA WA Excellence Awards. Since starting Haddow Electrical five years ago, Shane Haddow has experienced both the excitement and challenges of running his own business. We were pleased to talk to him about his journey from being an apprentice to an award-winning business owner.

What are some of your career highlights? I finished my apprenticeship with Electrical Group Training (EGT) in 2009 and after that, I worked for large construction companies on a variety of sites. After a few years of construction experience, I recognised I needed a new skill set, so focused on specialising in the water infrastructure industry.

Can you tell us a bit about your project? Haddow Electrical provides services in the water infrastructure sector, which is a niche industry.

As a sole operator, I’d helped the Water Corporation with a solution that others didn’t think was possible and, in the process, exceeded everyone’s expectations. To succeed was one of my business’s greatest achievements. To then win the award was incredible. It recognised our relationship with the Water Corporation, who had faith in us, and gave a small contractor a go.

Over the 2020 ANZAC Day long weekend, the Subiaco Wastewater Treatment Plant switchboard exploded. At the time the Water Corporation temporarily installed generator sets, but they were extremely costly to run. They needed another temporary solution until the switchboard could be replaced. At the time, Haddow Electrical had delivered regional projects for the Water Corporation, but we were low on their metropolitan supplier list, so we weren’t initially involved. When other suppliers weren’t able to provide a solution with a fast enough turn around, the Water Corporation looked at other options and called us.

NECA WA did a fantastic job with the awards night. It gave good recognition of contractors and their projects.

We considered the problem and came up with a design that hadn’t been used before. It had 95% compliance with

The awards are a good thing for industry and were a highlight for me and my business.

I’m always looking for a new challenge so in 2016, I set up my own business. This was one of the biggest challenges I’d ever had - going from being a salaried employee, to running a business full time was a massive step. Then, five weeks after starting the business, I suffered a crippling back injury. It was something I could never have foreseen. I had to shut the business for nine months while I was in rehabilitation, learning how to walk again. After all the work to set up and launch the business, I lost customers and momentum. I really wondered if I’d made the right decision. After I’d finished my rehabilitation, I had to start the business from scratch. It was a slow process, but my relationships helped

December 2021

WA Branch

You’ve recently become an EGT host. What’s it like to be an employer after having been an EGT apprentice yourself? I employed two EGT apprentices on the project and since then have been in a position to take apprentices on an ongoing basis. Working on critical water infrastructure, we can provide a unique set of project experience.

the Water Corporation’s standards and could be installed and operational within three weeks. The Water Corporation took a chance and gave us a go. It was a technically challenging project as the timeframes were very tight. The project also occurred during the pandemic, which added another layer of challenges. But we did it.

Our initial design was approved for 95% compliance with the Water Corporation’s standards and in the end, we achieved 98% compliance. We committed to deliver the project within three weeks and completed it within two weeks and one day, including all the documentation.

Employing EGT apprentices is a good thing to do. It’s good for the apprentices, because they can build their confidence and skills. As a supervisor, it makes you think about the work you’re doing and gives you a different perspective on the job. The key with employing apprentices is to remember that they’re there to learn. The better you teach them, the more rewards you get back.

For me as a sole operator, it was a big achievement.

HIRE AN EGT ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE Find out about our low-risk, flexible hiring options for your next project.

egt.net.au

WA WORKSAFE INSPECTORS’ POWERS WORKSAFE INSPECTORS ARE TRAINED TO ENFORCE THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT 1984 (WA) (“THE OSH ACT”), ASSIST WITH THE RESOLUTION OF ISSUES IN WORKPLACES AND PROVIDE ADVICE TO EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ON HOW TO IMPROVE WORKPLACE SAFETY AND HEALTH PERFORMANCE. Below is a summary of the powers of a workplace inspector under the OSH Act.

consider necessary for the purposes of the OSH Act, and this can include: ½

Powers (s43 of the OSH Act): An inspector: ½

has the legal right to enter at any time, any workplace where employees are likely to be in the course of their work (s43(1)(a)); can enter any workplace at any other time that the performance of his/her functions requires such entry under the OSH Act (s43(1)(b)) such as: ½

½ ½

accident and incident investigations; reported breaches of the OSH Act and Regulations based on complaints to WorkSafe; resolution of issues where the health representative has notified an inspector; notice follow-ups and review of previous provisional notices; and regulatory inspection; and

can exercise any other such powers as conferred on him by the OSH Act or Regulations.

On entering a workplace, the inspector will notify the employer or person in charge of their presence and can take any equipment and materials they consider appropriate when entering the workplace (s43(1)(c)). The inspector may require the employer or any person who works at the workplace to render such assistance to the inspector as the inspector considers necessary for the performance of their functions under the OSH Act (s43(1)(n)). The inspector may conduct such examination and inquiry as they

Examine any plant, substance, or any other thing whatsoever at the workplace (s43(1)(e)). Provide information to any person for the purpose of facilitating compliance with the OSH Act (s43(1)(ea)). Take and remove samples of any substance or thing, without paying for it (s43(1)(f). Take possession of any plant or thing for further examination or testing or for use as evidence (s43(1)(g)). Take photographs and measurements and make sketches and recordings (s43(1)(h)). Require the production of, examine and take copies or extracts of any documents (s43(1)(i)). Require that the workplace or any part of it be left undisturbed for as long as is specified in the requirement (s43(1)(j)).

When an inspector enters at any time, any workplace where employees are likely to be in the course of their work or enters any workplace at any other time that the performance of their functions requires such entry under the OSH Act, they may: ½

Interview any person (who may request for the discussion to be held in private) who the inspector has reasonable grounds to believe is, or was at any time during the preceding 3 years: ½ an employee working at the workplace in relation to which the inspector is inquiring; ½ was at the workplace at such a time that is relevant to the matter about which the inspector is inquiring; or ½ may be able to provide information relevant to a matter about which the inspector is inquiring.

The person being interviewed is required to: ½

Answer any questions put to them and, if the inspector considers it appropriate, to verify any such answer by statutory declaration (s43(1)(l)). State their full name and address (s43(1)(m)).

Note that it is an offence to obstruct or interfere with an inspector in the performance of their duties. You should also note that you do not have the right to object to a question on the basis that the answer may incriminate yourself, however, the answers cannot be used as evidence in any prosecution against you, but your answers can be used to prosecute others. The provisions of section 47 of the OSH Act are partly extracted and highlighted on the following page:

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WA Branch

Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 – Sect 47 47. Offences (1) If a person — (a) impersonates an inspector or forges any document purporting to be a certificate of the appointment of any person as an inspector; (b) obstructs or interferes with an inspector in the performance of his or her functions under this Act, or any interpreter or other person assisting an inspector in the performance of his or her functions under this Act; (c) uses any threat or any abusive or insulting language to an inspector lawfully acting in the performance of a function conferred on an inspector under this Act, or any interpreter or other person assisting an inspector in the performance of that function;

(f) directly or indirectly prevents another person from complying with a requirement under this Act, the person commits an offence. (2) A person is not excused from complying with a requirement under this Act to — (a) answer a question; or (b) provide information; or (c) produce a document, on the ground that to do so might tend to incriminate the person or make the person liable to a penalty. (3) However — (a) an answer given or information provided by a person when so required; or

(b) the fact that a document produced by the person to comply with the requirement was produced, is not admissible in evidence against the person in any civil or criminal proceedings other than proceedings for perjury or for an offence under this Act arising out of the false or misleading nature of the answer, information or document. The inspector in carrying out their functions must avoid unduly or unreasonably interfering with any work or work process. For further information on occupational health and safety obligations, call NECA Legal (WA) Pty Ltd on 6241 6129 or email necalegalwa@ecawa.org.au

(d) contravenes any requirement of an inspector made under this Act; (e) provides to an inspector an answer or information that is false or misleading in any material particular;

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Johnny Brits Legal Practice Director, NECA Legal WA necalegalwa@ecawa.org.au

Disclaimer: This summary is a guide only and is not legal advice.

PRIVATE POWER POLES:

WA Branch

INSPECTIONS BY WESTERN POWER

FOLLOWING THE JUDGEMENT GIVEN IN JULY 2021 BY THE SUPREME COURT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA, RELATING TO THE 2014 PARKERVILLE FIRE, WESTERN POWER WILL BE INSPECTING THE FIRST PRIVATE POWER POLES ON PROPERTIES THAT ARE DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO ITS NETWORK. COURT PROCESSES ARE ONGOING, WHICH MAY FURTHER DEFINE RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THESE INSPECTIONS. LANDOWNERS WITH SUBSEQUENT POLES WILL STILL HAVE THEIR OWN OBLIGATIONS TO INSPECT, MAINTAIN AND REPLACE THESE POLES, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER PRIVATE POWER POLES ON THEIR PROPERTY THAT ARE NOT DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO WESTERN POWER’S NETWORK.

Western Power inspections commenced on 18 October 2021 Western Power will only inspect the first pole that is connected to our network, to ensure the supply of electricity from our network remains safe. Electrical contractors may see an increase in demand for work on private power poles. Poles may be deemed unsafe at the time of inspection and require immediate disconnection for safety reasons. This work will be carried out under the current faults process. Alternately, if a pole is deemed to require replacement, customers will be issued with either a 30-day, 90-day or Defect Notice to replace it, dependent on the condition of the pole. Customers have been advised to contact a licensed electrical contractor to replace the pole in compliance with Australian Standards. Changes are currently underway to amend the ‘Disconnection Reconnection Service Request’ form that will assist Western Power in identifying work related to the 30 and 90-day notices. You will notice a new question on the form that asks: ‘Is the request being submitted for a private pole replacement only due to a defect notice being issued?’ The default answer on this form will be NO. You only need to change the answer to YES if the customer has received a notification for their Private Point of Attachment Pole (30-day, 90-day or defect) and the work being done directly relates to that notice. More information about private power poles can be found by searching for ‘private power poles and lines’ on the Department of Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety website: www.dmirs.wa.gov.au If you have any questions, please contact Western Power on 13 10 87 or use the contact us form on our website at www.westernpower.com.au/contact-us

NECA WA Electrical Contractor Register – Private Power Poles To help homeowners source an electrical contractor to replace their poles, NECA WA has set up a list of members who are available to take on this work. This list is available on our website and via PDF so that it can be shared for public referral. NECA are also conducting a Facebook campaign targeting the affected suburbs and directing them to the NECA website. We hope this will generate additional leads for members. Western Power and Building and Energy will also refer the public to this site. If your business provides this service, and you would like your contact details included on the list, please email your company’s details to marketing@necawa.asn.au

December 2021

RCD REQUIREMENTS FOR

WA Branch

PROPERTIES FOR SALE OR RENT While the residual current device (RCD) requirements for new installations seems to be understood, there is still some confusion regarding residential properties for sale or rent. Below is an article published by Building and Energy to clarify the requirements.

Properties for sale or rent Under the Electricity Regulations 1947, all residential premises sold, rented or hired must have all socket outlets and lighting final sub-circuits protected by at least two RCDs. It is also essential to ensure that there are no more than three final sub-circuits per RCD and the lighting circuits (if there are two or more) are separated over the RCDs. Further details appear in the Electricity Regulations 1947, Regulations 12 to 16.

to be RCD protected, but this does not apply to existing residences. It only applies to residences constructed after 1 January 2019. There has been no change to the rules applying to RCDs required in residences being sold, rented or hired. However, owners may, if they wish, fit RCDs to an existing residence constructed prior to 1 January 2019 to protect all the final sub-circuits. This is optional and not mandatory. If an electrical contractor is engaged to verify that RCDs are fitted to a residence,

The AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules requires all circuits in residential premises

Malcolm Scott Technical Services Advisor ECA WA www.neca.asn.au/wa

subject to sale, rent or hire, he/she needs to ensure that at a minimum, RCDs are fitted to all circuits as required by the Electricity Regulation 1947 and not to AS/NZS 3000:2018 Wiring Rules.

Source: Building and Energy

TRAINING 6,000+ PEOPLE EVERY YEAR > Popular courses on offer include electrical pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships and post trade courses > State-of-the-art training facilities with purpose-built classrooms and workshops > Highly skilled instructors with hands-on industry experience > Respected and recommended by WA’s electrical industry > Blended learning – mixture of online and face-to-face delivery > Flexible course options

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BRANCH UPDATE Nataisha Martin Business Development Manager, ACT

WITH COVID-19 NUMBERS ON THE DECLINE, HOLIDAYS APPROACHING AND A NEW YEAR ON THE HORIZON, WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A POSITIVE, PRODUCTIVE START TO 2022.

NECA’s Member Success Program At NECA we are currently reviewing and changing our internal processes. As our members, you’re important to us and we want to make sure you receive the best service in the industry. With this in mind, Member Services has commenced a Member Success Program, and will be contacting you on a three-monthly basis (unless you would prefer an alternative timeframe). These check-ins are a valuable opportunity for you to provide feedback on how NECA can proactively support your business. We welcome your feedback and suggestions.

Member services

Scan here to visit the NECA ACT homepage

ACT BRANCH

This year, we’ve been pleased to continue offering a range of industry-specific services, supporting businesses of all sizes and stages. Some of the areas we can assist with include the following: ½

NECA has increased the number of staff in our technical team to provide technical support, answer questions and understand standards including the Wiring Rules. You can also find a broad range of technical support, information and standards through our Technical Knowledge Base (TKB). We are more than happy to provide TKB training for you and your employees. The ACT now has our own WHS Coordinator, Rhiannon Sutherland, who is available to support members’ businesses. Our WHS team can assist with identifying your WHS requirements including safe work method statements, policies, work practices and resources. To book in your free WHS audit please contact Member Services.

Our WHS team is supported by NECA Trade Services, which provides ready access to personal protective equipment (PPE) including edge protection/safety harnesses, glasses, gloves, boots and arc flash clothing. NECA Trade Services can also assist with embroidery and screen-printing logos for shirts to support your business branding. NECA Legal continues to provide a valuable service for members. They are available to help with recovering outstanding invoices, by sending ‘Letters of Demand’ on your behalf. You can also find NECA’s Basic Trading Terms, which can be sent out with your initial quotes, on TKB. If you need to review your insurance, it is worth contacting NECAGuard Insurance for a quote on packages that are exclusive to NECA members.

Whether you are starting out in business or have been a NECA member for a lifetime, we encourage you to make the most of your membership and access as many of our services as you can.

NECA e-Newsletter NECA communicates a lot of industry information and updates regarding COVID-19, legislative changes, policy revisions, technical updates, industrial relations, award rates, WHS and legal updates via its e-Newsletters. They are a great way to keep yourself and business informed. If you have any questions regarding your membership or how we can support you further please contact our Member Services team on 1300 361 099.

December 2021

ACT Branch

ACT training With our registered training organisation (RTO) renovations completed, we are gearing up for a full year of training opportunities in 2022. With new training facilities and a great group of trainers on board, we will be able to help you widen your scope of works to meet client needs and provide valuable safety training, such as low voltage (LV) rescue and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). NECA Training has also opened its doors for training in the Certificate III in electrotechnology, so if your strategy for next year includes employing new apprentices, NECA Training will be happy to provide their off-the-job training. If you would like to visit our training facility in Fyshwick, please contact NECA ACT and book in a tour.

NECA Group Training Organisation (GTO) We would like to thank Brett McIntyre for his contribution to NECA, running the operations of the NECA ACT GTO. We wish

him the best of luck for his future. Darren Love has recently stepped in as GTO Manager, and he has been working hard to touch base with all our members and apprentices. If you have any enquiries regarding NECA apprentices, you can contact 1300 361 099.

Employee assistance program NECA has engaged the support of AccessEAP to provide employee assistance for members. You can access phone or on-site counselling for yourself and your employees by contacting 1800 818 728 and providing your membership number. It is important

AccessEAP’s experienced, professional counsellors or psychologists will assist with topics including: ½

Relationship problems

Anger management

Grief and loss

Family or parenting issues

Trauma

Drug and Alcohol dependency

Depression

Goal setting

Anxiety

Transition to retirement

Stress management strategies

Working relationships

Substance abuse

Bullying

Gambling

Domestic Violence

Low self-esteem or confidence

WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

to ask ‘R U OK?’ and encourage your staff to access the service.

Thank you to our sponsors I would like to thank our sponsors, MMEM/TLE, Schneider Electric, NHP and Legend, for their ongoing support into the new year. I look forward to working more closely with them on NECA events in the ACT.

Wishing you an enjoyable holiday season A big thank you also to our members, for your ongoing support of NECA and our activities. The NECA ACT team will continue to engage and provide the best possible service to you and our industry in 2022. On behalf of everyone at NECA ACT, I would like to wish you all a very safe and enjoyable holiday season. I look forward to working with you in the new year.

NECA TRAINING CONTINUES TO BROADEN ITS COURSE OFFERINGS FOR

ACT Branch

APPRENTICES IN THE ACT THROUGH THE CHAOS OF 2021, NECA TRAINING AND APPRENTICESHIPS ACT HAS MANAGED TO KEEP GROWING AND SERVICING INDUSTRY IN THE ACT AND SOUTHERN NSW.

NECA Training has continued to broaden its course offerings at pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship and post-trade levels. Post-trade offerings now include the full suite of ASP courses, smart metre, overhead and underground services and cable-jointing. This year we were also one of the first registered training organisations (RTOs) in Australia to introduce the new and improved 30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology

– Electrician qualification and open the doors to apprentices from across the ACT and surrounding region, including the Snowies, Highlands, Tablelands and Riverina. We will again be offering one day/week and block release training in 2022. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to send your apprentice to our centre for training. The small window between COVID-19 one and two also gave us the opportunity to come together to celebrate two years of industry and apprentice achievements. Congratulations to the following winners of our 2020 and 2021 Apprentice Awards, and thank you to Milwaukie for providing the apprentice prizes.

2020 Communications

Jordan Grant hosted by Canberra Connections

Commercial/ Domestic

James Dimmock hosted by JCL Electrics

Industrial

Jack Parkyn from Delta Building Automation

2021 1st place

Eltaf Ramozi from Solar Hub

2nd place

Sam Mihalyka hosted by Dynamic Data & Electrical

3rd place

Michael Deutsch hosted by T-Tech Solutions

SWITCHBOARD & DISTRIBUTION BOARD COMPLIANCE

Access Canberra Electrical Inspections Team  (02) 6207 7775 8:30am to 4:30pm Business Days  electrical.inspections@act.gov.au

 www.ccesscanberra.act.gov.au

AS/NZS 3000:2018 A2 clause 2.10.3.2 requires all Switchboards (SWB) and Distribution Boards (DB) with a connected load exceeding 125 Amps r.m.s. per phase or subject to a fault level greater than 10kA to comply with either the AS/NZS 61439 series or AS/NZS 3439 series of Standards. This change is due in part to a general increase in fault level at switchboards that are connected to the electricity distribution infrastructure. AS/NZS 61439 series has now replaced AS/NZS 3439 series of standards

and either standard may be used to achieve compliance with AS/ NZS 3000:2018 A2 clause 2.10.3.2 When Standards Australia withdraw the AS/NZS 3439 series or a further amendment to AS/NZS 3000 removes reference to it, then only AS/NZS 61439 can be used to achieve compliance. Electricians are advised to have their certificates of compliance from the switchboard manufacture on hand when they book the electrical inspection with Access Canberra.

Please Note: The requirement between ACT and NSW may differ and electricians should check the requirements in NSW before using AS/NZS 3439 series for compliance.

December 2021

ASBESTOS TRAINING

ACT Branch

WorkSafe ACT has specific requirements for anyone working with asbestos containing materials (ACMs). The Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 mandate that all electricians, communications technicians and refrigeration mechanics must have completed the Working Safely with Asbestos course to work in the ACT. Things to note: ½

Where a meter panel has ACMs, and a new or replacement interval meter is required, electricians should arrange for the ACM meter panel to be replaced before a metering change is requested. Very few metering providers will install a meter on an ACM meter panel. Failure to recognise and resolve this at the start may result in your client being unable to be connected to the electricity network at the completion of your work. Where there are ACMs on site, it must be noted in the comments section of the Certificate of Electrical Safety (CES) form.

Electricians are required to ensure ACMs are correctly labelled. Workers that contaminate a site will be referred to WorkSafe ACT.

ACMs in meter panels and switchboards, pose a hazard to electricians, metering workers and the general public when noncompliant work practices are used on them. No matter what type of work you do, all persons conducting a business

BE THE NEXT GENERATION OF TRADIES As an Australian Apprenticeships Support Network (AASN) provider, we connect employers, apprentices and trainees to the right tools, resources and support to build the skilled workforce of tomorrow. Our team provides access to: • Wage subsidies and other financial incentives • Administration, registration and compliance support • Retention through ongoing mentoring, guidance and workplace support • Recruitment, online job boards and digital apprenticeship management tools

or undertaking (PCBUs) involved in building construction and/or maintenance and electricians, are advised to visit the WorkSafe ACT website, www.worksafe.act.gov.au to check out if you or your employees are required to do this training. For more information about working safely with asbestos containing materials, visit WorkSafe ACT at www.bit.ly/asbestosact

To know more about Non-Traditional Trades for Women, visit sarinarusso.com or call 1300 178 776

BRANCH UPDATE Oliver Judd NECA NSW Executive Director

Once again, we’re coming towards the end of the year, and what a year it has been. Faced with many challenges, NECA members have shown dedication and resilience to get through tough times. While it has been difficult for many of us, we have achieved and done a lot, setting ourselves up for a successful and busy 2022.

COVID-19 update Managing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been a constant challenge for NECA and its members. Continued restriction changes, lockdowns and even a construction shutdown in Greater Sydney, has made life difficult. However, members have thrived and acted responsibly by following the Public Health Orders to stop the spread.

Scan here to visit the NECA NSW homepage

NSW BRANCH

Thank you to all members for their efforts to implement safe worksites and adhere to the Public Health Orders. Your efforts have ensured we have all been kept safe. NECA has worked with governments and departments throughout the past few months, providing advice and advocating on behalf of members. As restrictions have changed, affecting construction sites, NECA has made best efforts to keep members informed of critical changes. As we recover from the pandemic, NECA will continue to monitor the situation and keep members informed.

Industry nights Over recent months, due to COVID-19 restrictions, NECA has unfortunately not been able to host industry nights. These industry nights are an essential part of NECA’s offering for members. Coming together to meet, discuss and learn from each other and government agencies, ensures we’re maintaining a wellinformed, safe and compliant industry. As we continue to open up again for larger group gatherings, we’re looking forward to hosting more events again soon.

Government submissions NECA’s Policy Team have been working tirelessly on contributing to several significant policy reforms, government consultation processes and industry research. This proactive work is undertaken on behalf of members to get the best policy and regulatory changes. Once such instance has been NECA’s involvement in the Home Building Act (the HBA) Working Group, in which NECA has had two representatives involved. The HBA is the cornerstone of electrical, building and construction regulation in NSW. It outlines licensing, contract and insurance requirements, making it integral to all building and electrical contracting activity. Over the last few years, changes to the HBA have been a proportionate response to issues as they arise, with the HBA last reviewed in 2014. The government’s construction reform agenda has now created momentum for change, and it is time to consider how the HBA can contribute to the broader reform program. This next stage of the reforms includes a more robust discussion and review of the HBA. NECA’s two representatives are working closely with the government to ensure any changes to the HBA are for the betterment of the electrical contracting industry and NECA members. NECA has also lodged an expression of interest (EOI) submission for $930,000 in Nation Priority Funding from the Federal Government. This funding will be used to run pre-apprenticeship courses for disadvantaged employment groups through NECA/ECA WA’s registered training organisations (RTOs) in New South Wales, the ACT, Western Australia and Victoria.

Advocating on behalf of members Working with all levels of government and their agencies and regulatory bodies, NECA’s Policy Team has been remotely participating in many meetings to achieve more benefits and promote members’ interests.

December 2021

NSW Branch

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) released its draft National Construction Code 2022 (NCC) in two separate rounds of consultation. Both sets of consultation have been wide-ranging and have potential impacts for NECA members. NECA continues to advocate that NCC rules should focus on building and construction rules, and not overlap into the already heavily regulated electrical industry. Round one of the consultation process focused primarily on building construction requirements, but round two was dedicated to energy efficiency, where significant changes have been proposed. If adopted in 2022, these changes will include: ½ ½

provisions for future rooftop solar; provisions for electric vehicle charging stations and dedicated distribution boards on car parking levels;

additional space on switchboards to accommodate energy efficiency metering; and

businesses. Unfortunately, this decision may see many apprentices without jobs.

additional space on the main switchboard for future connections.

NECA in the news

With these proposed changes, NECA strongly recommends that the ABCB consider mandating minimum switchroom sizes to cater to these changes, so electricians are not left with installation headaches during these new projects. NECA has also been active in addressing Electrogroup’s enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) in the Fair Work Commission. NECA has challenged Fair Work’s decision to approve changes to apprentice pay rates, developed without proper industry consultation, making apprentice employment unsustainable for small

NECA continues to be the go-to for many news opportunities as an industry leader. We’ve recently been featured in: ½

A report in the Australian Financial Review on the damaging impact of the Electrical Trades Union’s (ETU) industrial action against Ausgrid. An article in NewsCorp papers on the transition to net zero that reported on long-time NECA member Howard’s Electrical. A Sydney Morning Herald story regarding the exorbitant pay increases forced through for Electrogroup apprentices.

A WORD FROM FAIR TRADING: REGULATION OF ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS IN CLASS 2 BUILDINGS NSW Fair Trading’s Building Specialist Compliance Unit (BSCU) plays a significant role in auditing Class 2 building sites in NSW. The Unit works closely with the NSW Building Commissioner and the Occupation Certificate (OC) Audit team to identify defects and to protect potential buyers. Between December 2020 and July 2021, 44 audit inspections were carried out, resulting in: ½ ½

215 electrical non-compliances, and 34 written directions.

During the audit, critical points of an electrical installation are required to be accessible to the BSCU inspector, including: ½

Make sure your work meets regulations by understanding how the audit process works. As the regulator of electrical installations under the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017, Fair Trading is responsible for regulating the NSW construction industry, while helping protect consumers. In NSW, compliance inspections are undertaken by the BCSU, which is made up of specialists in plumbing, draining, gasfitting and electrical work. To arrange the initial audit inspection, the BSCU will contact the building contractor. The contractor then organises an appointment with the BCSU and the lead electrical contractor. On the day of inspection, the BSCU inspector will meet with the building contractor and the lead electrical contractor and go through the construction site.

WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

½ ½

main switchboard: surge protective devices (SPD), safety services, labelling, cable entry, accessibility; distribution boards: protection, labelling, cable entry, accessibility; consumer mains, sub-mains, final sub-circuits: size, currentcarrying capacity and protection; installation method used for cable systems: de-rating of cables, segregation of cables from other services and mechanical protection of cables; wet area zones in bathrooms/ laundries/kitchens, prohibited zone near cooktops; sockets/outlets for all appliances; isolators for: appliances, accessories, and mechanical maintenance; electrical declared articles; submitted Certificate Compliance Electrical Work (CCEW) for completed electrical work; and licensing.

Any aspect of the electrical installation found to be in breach of Section 34 of the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017, and AS/NZS 3000:2018 as nominated by the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2018, will

result in a written direction being issued to the electrical contractor, outlining the non-compliant electrical work. Where non-compliances are identified, enforcement action may be taken, such as issuing a: ½

½ ½

written direction providing an opportunity to rectify the non-compliance items and have them re-inspected; warning letter; or penalty infringement notice (PIN).

Once any non-compliant installation has been rectified, the licensee must confirm with the BSCU and book a re-inspection. On completion of all rectification work and a successful re-inspection, a copy of the CCEW will need to be provided to NSW Fair Trading. The BSCU also deals with other electrical matters, including: ½ ½

audit inspections on all building types; enquiries about non-compliant and unsafe installations; and complaints of specialist work being done by unlicensed persons.

For all enquiries on compliance, or to make a complaint, visit the NSW Fair Trading website: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/contact-us

ISO FOR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

NSW Branch

ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WERE FOUR PEOPLE NAMED EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY AND NOBODY. WHEN AN IMPORTANT JOB NEEDED TO BE DONE, EVERYONE WAS CERTAIN SOMEBODY WOULD DO IT. ANYBODY COULD HAVE DONE IT, BUT NOBODY DID. SOMEBODY GOT UPSET, AS IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE EVERYBODY’S TASK. EVERYBODY HOWEVER ASSUMED ANYBODY COULD GET IT DONE, HOWEVER NOBODY KNEW THAT EVERYBODY WOULD NOT DO IT. ULTIMATELY, EVERYBODY BLAMED SOMEBODY, EVEN THOUGH NOBODY HAD DONE WHAT ANYBODY COULD HAVE DONE. WITH ISO, EVERYONE NOW HAS A NAME AND A JOB. (THE LIGHTER SIDE OF ISO.) 2. They want to implement a structured approach to managing their organisational risk.

ISO isn’t just for big business

Some NECA members are reporting that they aren’t winning tenders, because projects are going to ISO accredited companies. In some cases, members can’t submit tenders because the requirements include ISO certification. ISO certification is becoming the new norm, with over 20 million businesses certified or recognised worldwide, and over one million in Australia. It is being used as a strategic tool for businesses to: ½

½ ½

compete in tenders and grow their business; improve their standards and satisfy their clients; show strong corporate governance; work effectively with stakeholders; and be more resilient and sustainable by minimising waste, increasing productivity and reducing errors.

One of ISO’s biggest advantages, is it ensures businesses have quality processes that are held to a standard. Importantly, ISO also ensures those standards are communicated to employees. It’s been proven that over 80% of employees are more motivated

when they have clear communication and well-defined delivery targets.

Triple ISO certification ISO certifies that a management system meets the requirements for standardisation and quality assurance. Triple certification involves being certified to: 1. AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems; 2. ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems; and 3. ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Systems. There are two reasons why electrical contractors want to achieve triple certification. 1. They can prove to their clients that they fully understand the job and can do what they say they can do. This helps with tendering, audits and job creation.

We find more smaller companies are getting ISO accredited earlier. Systems like Safety Elite and Safety Gen make it easier to get accreditation before there are lots of employees and items to cover. NECA’s WHS Team have developed a new integrated system and implementation process to create the simplest pathway for electrical contractors to achieve triple certification. Our digital system is paperless and automated, saving hours in nonending meetings and review processes. We also understand the electrical industry and can help you use some of your current legal requirements as evidence for ISO certification. For example, your certificate of completed electrical work can be used as a ISO 9001:2015 Quality Inspection. This reduces the amount of duplication and unnecessary paperwork that other systems might demand. To find out more, visit www.safetyspecialists.com.au/ health-and-safety/

Rhiannon Sutherland HSEQ Coordinator

December 2021

Helping you plan your retirement Helping you plan your retirement Helping you plan your retirement It’s never too late and never too early to plan for your retirement. and never too soon, early to plan your retirement. EvenIt’s if never you’retoo notlate planning to retire you canfor take simple steps now It’s never too late and never too early to plan for your retirement. Even if you’reto not planning to retire youthat canyou takewant. simple steps now start preparing for asoon, lifestyle to start preparing for asoon, lifestyle that you Even if you’re not planning you canSuper takewant. simple steps now Start planning todaytobyretire contacting NESS regarding toTransition start preparing a lifestyle thatSuper youyou. want. Start planning today by for contacting NESS regarding to Retirement solutions for

Helping you plan your retirement Transition to Retirement solutions for you. Start planning today by contacting NESS Super regarding Transition to Retirement solutions for you.

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The information contained in this document is current at the time of its publication. However, some information can change over time. The contents are for general Important Information information only and do not constitute personal advice. We recommend that you consult with a suitably qualified person before making any financial decisions. The information contained in this document is current at the time of its publication. However, some information can change over time. The contents are for general * National Information Electrical and Communications Association NSW (NECA) is a major shareholder of NESS Super Pty Ltd, the Trustee of NESS Super. Important information only and do not constitute personal advice. We recommend that you consult with a suitably qualified person before making any financial decisions. ^ A financial adviser employed bydocument NESS Super Pty Ltd at and only recommend NESS Supersome products. Refer tocan nesssuper.com.au for details. The information contained in this is current thecan time of its However, change over contents are for general * National Electrical and Communications Association NSW (NECA) is apublication. major shareholder of NESSinformation Super Pty Ltd, the Trustee oftime. NESSThe Super. information only and do not constitute personal advice. We recommend that you consult with a suitably qualified person before making any financial decisions. ^ Issued by NESS Superemployed Pty Ltd ABN 28 003 156 812 AFSLand 238945, as Trustee of NESS Super ABN 72 229 227 A financial adviser by NESS Super Pty Ltd can only recommend NESS Super products. Refer691. to nesssuper.com.au for details. * National Electrical and Communications Association NSW (NECA) is a major shareholder of NESS Super Pty Ltd, the Trustee of NESS Super. Issued by NESS Superemployed Pty Ltd ABN 28 003 156 812 AFSLand 238945, as Trustee of NESS Super ABN 72 229 227 ^ A financial adviser by NESS Super Pty Ltd can only recommend NESS Super products. Refer691. to nesssuper.com.au for details. Issued by NESS Super Pty Ltd ABN 28 003 156 812 AFSL 238945, as Trustee of NESS Super ABN 72 229 227 691.

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therefore, remaining relatively strong. Recognising this, NECA Training and Apprenticeships moved quickly to convert its post-trade courses, so qualified electricians could continue to upskill – for example, with solar grid connect and battery storage training – and maintain key qualifications. In NSW, this includes ASP (Accredited Other advice for NECA members Service Provider) training, which allows an the electrical contractor work on the As largest employer of to apprentices in our industry, NECA Trainingoften and Apprenticeships electricity network, undertaking is very experienced aspects of training maintenance that in is all critical to keeping apprentices the lights on.from recruitment through to completion. We are happy to assist NECA members with and advice on apprenticeships, NECA Training Apprenticeships whether not you’re a NECA host.and employs or nearly 800 apprentices then partners with electrical contracting For more advice, or to enquire about becoming wholocal provide abusinesses, host, call your NECAon-the-job Training and experience. Apprenticeships office via the details below or email us at contact@necatraining.com.au The success of NECA Training and Apprenticeships’ model has minimised the impact on the fledgling careers of the apprentices. While some apprentice opportunities have disappeared, such as those servicing businesses in the hospitality sector, new opportunities have emerged, such as hospital projects. With group training systems like NECA’s, apprentices can continue to learn through periods of major change.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD APPRENTICE? NECA Training and Apprenticeships is recruiting for first-year electrical apprentices to begin this summer. Although we recruit small numbers of apprentices throughout the year, most apprentices commence between November and January each year. Demand is higher than ever, and we are currently well into recruitment for the next large intake. Choosing the right candidates is one of the most crucial aspects of an apprenticeship. Completion rates for electrical apprenticeships in Australia are typically at 60% or lower. NECA Training and As the business landscape changes Apprenticeships has achieved a completion rapidly, it was great todirectly see how thethe: team rate of 90%, resulting from came together to adapt and innovate ½ hard we put in to recruitment; so thatwork the learning environment could ½ supportwithout continue disruption. we provide to apprentices; and ½ network of NECA members who The ability to change rapidly was noticed provide our apprentices with by industry and even picked up by the quality on-the-job experience. media, including an article in the SMH where NECAfor was praised for our abilitythe to Our support apprentices throughout adapt, and recognised for our efforts in four years includes our team of Field Officers, re-homing 100 apprentices. It was who are all qualified electricians with great strong that electrical contracting was Our deemed experience in electrical contracting. Sydney an service, which andessential ACT apprentices also now helps attendto NECA’s purpose-built giving them access keep demandcolleges, high. to dedicated trainers, current technology While many training have training systems andproviders smooth integration closed doors due to COVID of their their theory and practical training.

What are the main issues with recruitment? Too often, trades are seen as an alternative for kids that don’t make it to university; however, the electrical trade’s theory component cannot be tackled successfully without a solid level of maths and English comprehension. To address this, NECA uses a pre-selection test as the first stage of recruitment to identify those who have at least the minimal level required to complete the theory component. Beyond confirming an applicant’s 19, leaving apprentices and their ability to completeinthe theory, anTraining electrical employers limbo, NECA and apprentice shouldquickly have similar attributes Apprenticeships modified its to other good employees and, of course, schedule so learning could continue. demonstrate an enthusiasm to work with All theory lessons were moved online, their hands in a practical role. NECA Training and number of apprentices and the Apprenticeships has foundattending tests to practical lessons was reduced to adhere confirm an applicant’s ability with hand to social requirements. tools and distancing questions about their experience with practical tasks are also helpful. A very NECA bright Training applicantand whoApprenticeships’ doesn’t know the pointy approach meantisminimal toa end of a hammer no more disruption valuable than practical applicant who can’t pass the theory.

IT-XD_NECA2021_Optima_Aus.qxd 24/08/2021 12:18 PM Page 1

Tom Tom Emeleus Emeleus General General Manager, Manager, NECA NECA Training Training and and Apprenticeships Apprenticeships www.necatraining.com.au www.necatraining.com.au (02) 9188 4424

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ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIPS national electrical and communications association

BRANCH UPDATE NECA WINS 2021 WORKSAFE AND RETURN TO WORK AWARD In a fantastic achievement for NECA, its workplace health and safety (WHS) team was recently awarded the highest honour by the Queensland Government, winning the 2021 WorkSafe and Return to Work Award for the ‘Best solution to an electrical safety issue’. The Award Ceremony was hosted by Minister Grace, the Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations, with the award being announced by Queensland Safety Ambassador, Shane Webcke.

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QLD BRANCH

NECA was recognised for its NECASafe program and the way it has been proactive in the research, investigation and development of safety programs to address arc flash safety. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and the Electrical Safety Office reported that between 2013 and the end of 2019, there were 42 serious incidents in Queensland involving an arc flash. In the last 12 months there has also been a number of additional arc flash incidents. With such a significant number of incidents occurring, NECA stepped up to the plate and looked at how it could help to reduce this scourge on our industry. NECA’s research findings identified that many electricians were daunted by the prospect of an arc flash calculation, which is used when selecting personal protective equipment (PPE) and controls. As a result, some workers bypass this important risk assessment procedure. By analysing the calculations, based on the formulae in Appendix B of ENA NENS-09, Table 9 of AS/NZS 4836:2011 and the IEEE 1584 Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations, NECA was able to develop a simple risk assessment method for arc flash hazards and an easy way for electricians to identify and choose the correct PPE. By using the kilo amps (KA) rating on a circuit breaker (which can be seen on-site), electricians

can use the NECASafe PPE Table and choose the appropriate PPE. The NECA PPE Table has been included in the NECASafe electrician safe work method statement (SWMS) template, so they can easily refer to it while in the field. After introducing the PPE Table to NECASafe, the WHS team ran 17 electrical safety workshops for 260 electrical businesses and over 600 attendees. The team also provided over 100 personal advisory visits to NECA members to help them understand and use the PPE table. Coming up with easy-to-use solutions was a terrific achievement by NECA’s WHS team and shows how NECA places a major emphasis on ensuring our electrical industry can work safely. To then be recognised for that work was the icing on the cake. Peter Lamont, NECA’s Senior Policy Advisor, said, “This is great recognition for NECA and for the work we’re doing across the industry to lift safety standards, reduce injuries and save lives. Congratulations to Owen, Belinda and the team. Their commitment and tireless effort are deserving of this award.” “NECA is constantly working to improve safety standards,” said Mr Lamont. “Safety is one of our core purposes. We encourage more contractors to engage with us and work to improve safety for workers and businesses.”

December 2021

QLD Branch

QBCC PILOT CPD TRIAL CONCLUDED BACK IN 2019, ALL GOVERNMENTS AGREED TO INTRODUCE SOME CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD) PROGRAMS IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY. AS A RESULT, IN MID-2020, THE QUEENSLAND BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION COMMISSION (QBCC) CONSULTED WITH VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING NECA, ON THE POSSIBLE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A CPD PROGRAM IN QUEENSLAND.

The consultations led to the QBCC implementing a pilot CPD trial for up to 400 participants, with two online courses relating to financial reporting requirements and safety reporting requirements. The trial was voluntary and the QBCC filled all spots within 22 minutes of the pilot being released! Demand was overwhelming. The participants included electrical contractors as part of a broad cross section of the building industry.

Now the trial has now finished, where to, from here? It is clear that the Queensland Government has committed to introduce a compulsory CPD program for the building industry. NECA continues to be one of the groups consulted on the CPD program’s future direction. The QBCC has advised NECA that

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it is analysing the participants’ feedback reports and preparing the advice to government. Once the government has considered all the feedback, it will release a Regulatory Impact Statement proposing the way forward and what the scheme might look like. Legislation would then need to be drafted before any scheme commences and a phased introduction seems likely.

within the electrical industry for both Qualified Technical Persons (QTPs) and Qualified Business Persons (QBPs). This scheme will be administered by the Electrical Safety Office. NECA will continue to monitor this and keep members up to date as new information arises.

Early indications are that there will be four main categories where CPD can be gained: ½ business skills; ½

technical skills;

professional skills; and

safety management.

It should be noted that the independent review of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld) is similarly looking closely at introducing compulsory CPD

WATCH OUT FOR DETERIORATED WIRING

QLD Branch

IN OLDER ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) has sent out a warning to electricians to watch out for electrical installations wired prior to 1960, because they have a greater risk of failure as the equipment is coming to the end of its service life.

boxes and power points. These fixtures can become brittle and be easily damaged resulting in exposed live parts.

ESO has warned that these installations are likely to contain cable insulation known as vulcanised Indian rubber (VIR) or tough rubber sheathed (TRS). VIR and TRS cable insulation may have deteriorated to the point of exposing live conductors.

ESO recommends that electricians take extra care when accessing roof spaces or performing repairs or renovations in older homes. They also recommend that you make sure the electrical supply is isolated before you enter the roof space. Isolation is also a good risk control for renovations involving wall alterations that may have live electrical cables in them.

Another safety risk is aging Bakelite fittings such as light fittings, functions

When VIR/TRS cable or damaged Bakelite fittings are detected, the homeowner,

business owner or the owner of the installation should be told about the risks and how to eliminate them. It’s likely that the wiring systems or Bakelite fittings will need to be replaced. It is important that you make sure you and your employees can identify these types of older wiring systems before any work gets underway in buildings wired prior to 1960.

ELECTRICAL LICENSING COMMITTEE VERY ACTIVE In recent months the Electrical Licensing Committee has been very active in calling both electrical contractors and electrical workers before the committee to respond to electrical safety breaches. Over a two-month period, some eight electrical contractors and seven electrical workers received disciplinary sanctions. In regard to the electrical contractors, there was a common thread amongst most of the eight actions. In particular, the Electrical Licensing Committee found that the contractors had failed to implement a safe system of work and often had not applied an adequate risk assessment and had inappropriate Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS). Cases also included inadequate supervision of apprentices, injuries caused by an arc flash and not following correct test and isolation procedures. In each case, the contractor’s licence was suspended for either six or twelve months, and the contractor was required to complete multiple third-party electrical safety system audits prior to the suspension being lifted. This provides an important lesson that having an up-to-date and comprehensive safety management system, with a full suite of SWMS, is just as important as any tool in your kit bag.

best suit your business, so you have adequate procedures and systems in place and can always work safely. NECA can also assist you with independent electrical safety audits.

Electrical Industry Safety Network It is always best practice to work safely and to keep up to date with the latest developments in WHS. To assist with this, one of the best things you can do is to join our monthly safety networking group called the Electrical Industry Safety Network (EISN). The safety networking forum offers guest speakers, answers to members’ questions and the best possible WHS advice from our team about what your business needs to do to meet your WHS obligations. It also allows for members to share their experiences to help each other. The monthly online safety forum provides an essential learning tool, and the best part is that - it’s free. The safety forums are held via Teams Meetings on the third Friday of every month at 10am for around an hour and a half. Register here: www.bit.ly/safetyforummeeting

NECA can assist members with this. Our WHS team are always happy to discuss the types of systems that might

December 2021

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BRANCH UPDATE Larry Moore NECA SA/NT Executive Director

2021 HAS CERTAINLY BEEN ANOTHER CHAOTIC, UNPRECEDENTED YEAR AS WE WORK OUR WAY THROUGH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND ALL THE CHALLENGES IT BRINGS TO OUR PERSONAL AND WORKING LIVES. WHILST IT SEEMS OUR INDUSTRY IS BUSIER THAN EVER, WE ARE SUFFERING FROM SKILLS SHORTAGES, MAJOR SUPPLY DELAYS AND PRICE INCREASES, IN AMONGST SNAP LOCKDOWNS, BORDER CLOSURES AND EVER-CHANGING RESTRICTIONS.

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SA/NT BRANCH

Thankfully we have been quite fortunate in South Australia and the Northern Territory to avoid extended lockdowns and disruptions and members in both SA and NT seem to be busy across most sectors of the industry. However, after another challenging year we want to emphasise to members and their employees just how important it is to take care of ourselves and ensure everyone has a well-deserved break to relax over the Christmas/New Year period to recharge the batteries for next year. It has certainly been another extremely busy year for NECA SA/NT, assisting members handle the COVID-19 restrictions and the new world of vaccinations, and of course, returning back to our events and regular activities as best we can in the environment we now live in.

Events We were able to return to our regular event schedule this year, which has been fantastic. The highlights include: ½

The delivery of an informative and successful Roadshow Seminar Series across 14 locations around South Australia with updates from NECA, the Department for Education, SA Power Networks and the Office of the Technical Regulator. More than 800 electricians attended across the 14 shows to hear about the latest rules and regulations for the trade. The delivery of business management webinars with our business consultant, Ray Hodge, including the critical issue of time management.

A highly successful Crucial Women in Construction (CWIC) Annual High Tea held at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide in March, which had over 150 attendees, double the size of the previous year. Two successful and well-attended social events for our apprentices, one in March and one in November.

Thankfully we were able to run our normal Industry Gala Dinner this year after having to cancel last year’s event due to the pandemic. This year’s dinner incorporated Excellence Awards projects from 2020 and 2021, and Apprentice Awards for 2021, and was a huge success with 440 attendees at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday 10 September. We wish to thank our sponsors Lai Group, NHP, Bianco Construction & Industrial Supplies, Cbus Super, NECA Careers & Apprenticeships, MEGT, St Patrick’s Technical College, Portable Long Service Leave, PEER, Energetic Lighting and simPRO for supporting this event. We simply would not be able to run this event without them. Nine of our state award winners will go on to the National Excellence Awards, which is taking place in Adelaide on 31 March 2022. This event has been delayed so that VIC and NSW are able to hold their state awards in February 2022 prior to the national event. The South Australian national winners will be published in the eNews when they are announced and of course we wish all our nominees the very best of luck. Congratulations to all the state and national finalists, no matter the outcome.

December 2021

SA/NT Branch

Similarly, the Apprentice Awards saw some of our brightest and most talented apprentices rewarded for their skills, knowledge, attitude and commitment to the trade. Two of our state winners have been invited to take part in the National Apprentice Awards and we are looking forward to hearing the results. We will of course keep everyone updated.

system, we also have the HSE Digital – Small Business product available, which uses the same technology but only provides the documentation needed to cover your small business WHS requirements.

Once again, well done to all our finalists and winners who are now in that very elite group of individuals, who I am sure will have very successful careers ahead of them. Certainly every year the bar seems to be raised ever higher by the apprentices, and we were particularly impressed this year with the nominees’ attitudes, knowledge and desire to succeed. We wish all the apprentices the best of luck with their future careers in the industry.

At the industry level we have continued to work with other industry stakeholders such as government regulators, both national and state, supply authorities, manufacturers and wholesalers where we have continued to maintain a strong and dynamic presence to represent the interests of contractors.

All the winners of the SA/NT Excellence and Apprentice Awards will be featured in the March 2022 edition of the NECA NEWS Magazine. You can also check them out, including their finalist videos, on our website at www.neca.asn.au/sa

Membership We believe we have also continued this year to excel in providing relevant information and services to members in a number of important areas, including Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Technical and Contractual matters, Workplace Health and Safety, Business Management and Marketing, Training and Education and Technical and Licensing issues. Particularly with the ongoing requirements and challenges of COVID-19, we have seen a significant increase in membership engagement as members seek support from their industry body. It is also pleasing to note we have had many new members join the association looking for advice and assistance to successfully run their business.

HSEQ Digital Our new HSEQ Digital product is receiving fantastic feedback from members. HSEQ Digital encompasses the entire HSEQ Management System, but in a cloudbased digital format where members can access the system on their computer and send documents to their staff out in the field, who can then sign or sight these documents from an app on their phone or tablet. This system makes organising and managing your WHS requirements much simpler and more efficient. For members that do not require the full HSEQ Digital

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Industry representation and projects

This year we have again represented the interests of members in many diverse areas which have included representation on the Portable Long Service Leave Board, Electrotechnology Industry Reference Committee (IRC), Department for Education Industry Reference Group (IRG), SA Power Networks Connections Working Group (CWG), E-OZ Energy Skills Board, TAFE SA Industry Reference Group, Electrotechnology Training Advisory Group (ETAG) and of course the management committees of RACCA, NECA, NECA Careers & Apprenticeships and Specialist Contractors SA.

NECA Careers & Apprenticeships (NCA) Our Group Training Organisation, NECA Careers & Apprenticeships (NCA), has grown, despite the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, and as I am writing this report we currently have 104 apprentices employed. In 2022 we will see a large number of our apprentices graduate from their apprenticeships to become fully qualified tradespeople as we come into our fifth year of running the organisation. We will of course continue to provide quality apprentices to our members to ensure a bright future for our industry. We are looking for more apprentices and host employers in 2022 and would love to be able to provide this service to more of our members. We remind members that they receive a discounted charge-out rate on apprentices as well.

Specialist Contractors SA As you would be aware, in July 2020 we co-located with the Master Plumbers SA and AMCA SA at our property at 213 Greenhill Road Eastwood to create the ‘Specialist Contractors Centre’ which enabled collaborative advocacy and

lobbying as well as the provision of common training and education for our members. The three associations along with the other members of the Specialist Contractors SA are also collaborating to address a number of policy and contractual issues that are common problems affecting all trade contractors in the building and construction industry. These issues include unfair contracts, particularly in relation to the provision of the fair and equitable allocation of risk provisions in those contracts. Not to mention the recent review of the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) STAR Rates and Ceiling Rates associated with the facility management contracts under Across Government Facilities Management Arrangements (AGFMA) including the outrageous provision in the previous contract to prohibit “mark-up” on equipment and materials: a fundamental component of sound business practice.

Closing To all our members, we sincerely thank you for your support during the year and I trust NECA SA/NT has been able to help you and your business throughout the challenging year it has been. I would also like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors of the events held during the year and look forward to working with them again in the New Year. In particular, I would like to thank our annual partners: NHP, Cbus Super, Legend, Lai Switchboards, Clipsal by Schneider, MEGT and simPRO for their ongoing support. A very special thankyou to the NECA SA/NT and NCA teams: Leah, Maica, Kathlyn, Ben S, Kevin, Craig, Ally, Ben M, Natasha and Eva whose untiring efforts ensure that NECA SA/NT, NECA Careers & Apprenticeships, RACCA SA and Specialist Contractors SA run smoothly and effectively. I would also like to thank the NECA SA/ NT Committee of Management: Andy Thorpe, Greg Hodby, Andrew Cross, Simon Butler, Jarrod Poulton, Chris Mattner and Allan Aitchison, and of course those other members who represent NECA SA/ NT and RACCA SA on various committees, boards and other bodies. We are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and hard-working group of people who work so well together representing your interests. Finally, best wishes to you and your families for a safe and happy Christmas and we look forward to working with you in the New Year.

THE SA ROADSHOW SEMINAR SERIES WILL BE BACK IN 2022

SA/NT Branch

NECA SA/NT ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE WE HAVE COMMENCED WORK ON THE 2022 ROADSHOW SEMINAR SERIES, WHICH WILL BE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER BEFORE! WE HIGHLY ENCOURAGE ALL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS AND THEIR WORKERS TO ATTEND TO ENSURE THEY ARE UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE INDUSTRY. This annual seminar series is a significant training resource for the electrotechnology industry. The event is designed to provide licensed electricians with a greater understanding of the Australian Standards, rules and regulations, the Service and Installation Rules, and any other programs or projects currently underway in our industry. In 2022 we will have a significant update from SA Power Networks on the new Service and Installation Rules, which is expected to be released shortly before the 2022 Roadshows will commence. As always, the Office of the Technical Regulator will have detailed information regarding the Australian Standards changes and any other rules and regulations that may be coming into effect.

NECA SA/NT staff will also be on hand to answer your questions about what NECA can do for you and your business.

We are looking forward to another successful year of Roadshow Seminars and visiting our members in the regions.

Suppliers, manufacturers and wholesalers will be on location with their new products and service displays, and

Dates will be released early in the new year and bookings will open in late January.

For further information, contact NECA SA/NT on (08) 8272 2966 or visit our website www.neca.asn.au/sa

CHRISTMAS CLOSEDOWN NECA SA/NT would like to say thank you to all our members for their support in 2021 and we look forward to working with you all once again in 2022. We wish you a happy Christmas and New Year and hope you are all taking a well-deserved break over this time. For the Christmas/New Year break, the NECA SA/NT office will be closed from midday on Wednesday 22 December 2021, and re-open with limited staff on Tuesday 4 January 2022. The rest of the staff will return Monday 10 January. We look forward to a successful 2022 with you all.

December 2021

MANDATORY JAB

SA/NT Branch

FOR SA HEALTHCARE WORKERS

THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S RECENT PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER (PHO) REQUIRES MANDATORY JABS FOR SA HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN HEALTHCARE SETTINGS. HOW DOES THIS IMPACT YOUR BUSINESS IF YOU PROVIDE SERVICES TO THEM? In South Australia, the PHO came into effect in November, applying as follows: ½

by 1 November 2021, all workers in a Phase 1 healthcare setting, which means a public or private hospital; and by 8 November 2021, all workers in a Phase 2 healthcare setting, which includes pharmacies, specialist outpatient facilities and primary community healthcare facilities (see the PHO for the full list of healthcare settings)

must have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and show evidence of a booking to get their second shot.

COVID-19 vaccination requirements for certain workers, including: ½

workers within the SA quarantine system, including in airports, medi-hotels, healthcare settings and transportation; workers in residential aged care facilities; some ‘essential travellers’ arriving into SA; and workers on certain commercial vessels arriving into SA.

Employers and their employees must comply with any public health order or direction that applies to them.

Employers can require employees to disclose information about their vaccination status without consent, if the collection of this information is required or authorised by an Australian law which includes public health orders or directions. If you have any queries or require further assistance with COVID-19 vaccinations, please contact NECA SA/ NT Workplace Relations Advisor, Kathlyn Quilandrino on (08) 8272 2966 or email kathlyn.quilandrino@necasa.asn.au

Exemptions from the new rules apply to those who have a legitimate medical exemption from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. This follows a change in South Australia’s state emergency management direction and applies to all persons engaged in work in a healthcare setting, regardless of whether they work in a patient or non-patient area. Importantly this PHO applies to all persons who attend at these healthcare settings in the course of their work or duties, including if their attendance is incidental such as a delivery driver or a supplier. This means that businesses who provide services to a healthcare setting that is captured by this PHO, cannot send an unvaccinated employee to that site. In addition to these rules, the South Australian Government already had

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Sonia Bolzon Partner, Lynch Meyer Lawyers www.lynchmeyer.com.au

COLLAPSE FROM INCREASED LOAD

SA/NT Branch

IN JANUARY 2006, “THE ROOF OF ONE OF THE BUILDINGS AT KATOWICE INTERNATIONAL FAIR COLLAPSED IN CHORZÓW/KATOWICE, POLAND.” SUBSEQUENTLY, “A FORENSIC INVESTIGATION FOUND NUMEROUS DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION FLAWS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE SPEED OF THE COLLAPSE. THE SNOW FROM THE ROOF WAS NOT BEING REMOVED WHICH RESULTED IN CONSTRUCTION OVERLOAD BY MORE THAN 100%.”# This story illustrates what increased load does to a building if it is not designed to handle it. In organisations, business structures are also created to support load. Those structures may either be designed for scalability or, may simply emerge in an ad-hoc and reactive way that can never adequately accommodate increases in workload. When neglected amid times of heavy load, collapses are common. Right now, many trade and constructionrelated businesses are experiencing increases in workload and are running hard to keep pace. Now is a strategic time to review and address key structural pillars that may have served well, but that could be vulnerable to collapse under load. Here are seven areas worth reviewing to ensure scalable business structures capable of flexing in response to changes in load.

1. Leadership Whether you work in a large organisation, a small team or are a solo operator, it’s important to dedicate time towards the creation and maintenance of scalable business structures. An ad-hoc spreadsheet here and a sneaky work-around there, are never going to sustain things when the pressure’s on. Leadership for scalability involves gathering data, as well as listening to and hearing from the team about where the “pain-points” and bottlenecks are.

2. Strategy Strategy is about endpoints. It connects where we are today to an ideal future state, whilst providing a framework for decisionmaking aligned with the direction of the organisation. Checking in to ensure your business strategy has been adequately

adjusted to enable responsiveness to the uncertainties inherent in 2022, is an activity well worth the investment of time and effort to safeguard against collapse under load.

3. Time Management When workloads increase the tendency is to run harder, faster and longer. While busy periods demand heightened responsiveness and adaptability, the undergirding structure of planning our time and managing ourselves often takes a hit. It may seem like you are losing valuable time when you could be just ‘getting on with it’, but it will pay you back many times in the long run with improved foresight and stamina.

4. People In times of increased load, the impact is most often felt in our people. Gauging their personal wellbeing temperature while working with them to ensure they are running near maximum productivity is essential.

5. Workflows Existing systems may have worked well in the past, but as incoming work increases, they may be vulnerable to collapse. Pay attention to the repetitive things that give rise to staff unhappiness and customer complaints and avoid having more than one system with overlapping functions. The power of effective workflows reduces waste, improves morale and increases profitability, making them worth the time invested to create them.

Ray Hodge Business Coaching & Consultant www.rayhodge.com.au

6. Marketing and Sales These areas often take a secondary position when sales are strong. Companies who stop marketing when things are good are left floundering when the tide turns (and it always does). Keeping your sales edge in training those responsible for winning quotations and business development, along with establishing performance metrics provides an underlying strength and competitive advantage, as most companies don’t invest in strengthening this area.

7. Money It’s far too easy to get caught up in doing the work and neglect the fundamentals of financial management. Too many companies have collapsed because they focused on top-line growth and forgot about profitability. Incorporating a rigorous financial management process that includes diligently monitoring cash flow, attention to key financial ratios, job monitoring and completion reviews with a stringent collections process, is essential to provide a bedrock of strength in this area. Business structures require ongoing time, attention and investment to ensure they will support you strongly. Creating one or two key indicators for each area assists in quickly identifying which are scalable and those likely to yield under load. If you do this regularly it will help ensure that your organisational roof doesn’t collapse.

# Al-Marwaee, Mohammed. (2017). Structural Failure of Buildings: Issues and Challenges. The Scientific World Journal. 66. 97-108.

December 2021

NEW GELBOX FOR 221 SERIES CONNECTORS Protected from Water and Moisture

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DIRECTOR’S REPORT Peter Lamont Director ACRS and Senior Policy Advisor Peter.Lamont@neca.asn.au

One of the things that has become very evident during this COVID-19 time, is the change in work patterns. With lockdowns, social distancing and changes to work arrangements, we are seeing many more people working from home and an increase in the use of technology for work purposes. Our data and telecommunications workers are in high demand as businesses and householders improve their technological capacity. Online conference calls have become common place, people need greater certainty in their internet speed and capacity, and trials are even being held on virtual reality meeting forums. While bandwidth and technology still need to be improved, it is an exciting time for our industry.

Registrations

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ACRS NEWS

At the end of the September 2021, there were 26,475 providers registered through the Australian Cabling Registration Service (ACRS). The vast majority of these registered cablers (25,824) have open registration, with smaller numbers having restricted registration (612) or lift registration (39). While we have seen good growth in the number of new registrations, at 321 for the quarter, ACRS is concerned by the high number of registered cablers (318) who did not renew their registration during the last quarter. ACRS has an active process of contacting cablers who don’t re-register to make sure their cabling registration stays up to date. However, ACRS can only contact registered cablers when it has current contact details. If you have forgotten to let ACRS know your current contact details or have overlooked your registration renewal, give the office a call and we can assist you. It is important that cablers keep their registration if they intend to undertake any work in the industry. Not only is it illegal to

work without a cabling registration, but any unregistered work could result in insurance claims being denied should anything go wrong. The penalties could be fines or loss of business income. Registration is easy and cheap, and it provides a wonderful safety net for both the workers and for the owners of the premises where cabling work is undertaken.

Advocacy ACRS continues to be active in policy debates, participates on the Cabling Advisory Group and meets quarterly with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Of particular interest to ACRS is making sure that all relevant standards are kept up to date and that cablers are informed about any changes and how they might affect cabling work. ACRS also lobbies workplace health and safety (WHS) authorities to make sure that our data and telecommunications workforce are working in the safest possible environment. There are a lot of unsafe work situations in both domestic and business premises, particularly when workers need to crawl around ceiling spaces. Currently, the Queensland Electrical Safety Office is warning all workers about defective vulcanised rubber electrical cables in ceiling spaces of houses built prior to 1960. They may have reached their effective life and could be degraded and have exposed live wires. We encourage all workers to be careful when working in ceiling spaces or wall cavities.

Merry Christmas As we approach Christmas, ACRS would like to wish all our data and telecommunications workers a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. We look forward to working with you again in 2022.

The ACRS is one of five registered cabling registration providers approved by the ACMA. ACRS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NECA and as well as providing cabling provider registration services, ACRS provides access to regular and timely, up-to-date information on the state of the data and telecommunications industry, and makes representations to the Federal Government on behalf of the industry on policy and compliance matters.

December 2021

IS YOUR BUSINESS

BUSINESS BUSINESS ACRS News

COMPLIANT FOR CABLING? HELP PEOPLE FIND YOUR BUSINESS — CABLER LISTINGS

AN INTRODUCTION TO 5G FOR CABLERS

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So So you are installing any equipment equipment Itconnects is illegal illegalto for anyone other than aa registered registered cabler toare install or maintain maintain the telecommunications network. ifif you installing any Itconnects is anyone other than cabler to install or that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra extra phone lines It is illegal for anyone other than a registered registered cabler to install install or maintain maintain that willthat connect to the –afrom smartother home systems to phone lines –– cabling that connects tonetwork the telecommunications network. So ifcabler you are It isthan illegal for anyone than ato to or to the telecommunications network. So ifor you are It cabling is illegal for connects anyone other registered cabler install maintain cabling thatconnect connectsto to the the telecommunications network. So ifif you you are are you need need current cabling registration. cabling that connects to network. So you current cabling registration. installing any equipment that will connect to thetelecommunications network ––Sofrom from smart home installing equipment that will the network smart home cabling thataaany connects to the telecommunications network. if you are installing any any equipment equipment that that will will connect connect to to the the network network –– from from smart smart home home installing systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. systems extra phone lines – you need ato current Carryingany a current current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the installing equipment that will the –registration. smart home Carrying ato cabling registration card confirms you have completed systems toconnect extra phone linesnetwork you need current cablingthe registration. systems to extra phone lines –– cabling you need aafrom current cabling registration. relevant training and gained gained the professional experience to complete complete the the work work to to the the relevant and professional experience to systems totraining extra phone lines the – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying current cablingCarrying registration card confirms you card haveconfirms completed thecompleted Carrying current cabling registration card confirms you have have completed the the Carrying aa current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the aa current cabling registration you customer’s expectations. customer’s expectations. relevant training and gained gained the professional professional experience complete the the relevant and the experience complete relevanta training training and gained gained thetraining professional experience to complete complete thetotothe relevant and the professional experience to the Carrying current cabling registration card confirms you have completed For more more information information visit visit www.acrs.com.au www.acrs.com.au or call call 1300 667 667 771. 771. work to to the customer’s customer’s expectations. For or 1300 work expectations. work totraining the customer’s expectations. work to the customer’s expectations. relevant and gained the the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL UPDATE

Tech Talk

EARLIER THIS YEAR, NECA ESTABLISHED A NATIONAL TECHNICAL ADVISOR ROLE, WHICH QUICKLY ALLOWED US TO BE A STRONGER FORCE FOR INDUSTRY WITH A RANGE OF KEY NATIONAL REGULATORY BODIES AND STAKEHOLDERS. THERE HAS BEEN SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITY ON A NUMBER OF FRONTS, WITH NECA CONTINUING TO ADVOCATE FOR OUR MEMBERS TO ENSURE WE ARE THE CLEAREST AND STRONGEST VOICE FOR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS AT ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT. In our earlier policy and advocacy articles, we shared information about NECA’s representation on standards committees, the National Construction Code 2022 and the Clean Energy Regulator’s review of accreditation schemes. In addition to these projects, other important examples of our work this year include:

Wiring Rules transformation Based on user feedback, South Australia recently commenced a full review of AS/ NZS 3000. With four representatives on the committee, NECA will be working to ensure members’ concerns are heard. This will be a lengthy project, which will have a strong focus on: ½

simplifying language;

redesigning content;

the ease of use and application; and

introducing more userfriendly digital modes.

NECA will keep members informed as the project evolves.

Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) Regulatory Review into Contestable Metering

Australian Energy Regulator (AER) Ring-Fencing Guideline changes NECA was also strong in its submission calling on the AER to tighten the rules and requirements on the contestable businesses of distribution network service providers (DNSPs) to ensure the gap in the playing field is narrowed. The AER has implemented some administrative changes, but there’s clearly more work to be done to protect the interests of members in this space. It is an issue NECA will continue to pursue on behalf of members.

2022, what will it be… The National Technical Team will continue to support each state as well as working on national issues. 2022 is shaping up as a big year for our industry, with an expected surge in electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, the construction of Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) and record infrastructure delivery.

industry participation, and advocate on behalf of members on all the issues that will make it easier to operate a contracting business. 2022 will hopefully see a full return to our technical roadshows, where we can reconnect with our members face-toface for the first time in a long while. This is exciting for the NECA team, as we value these conversations and appreciate members’ feedback on everything electrical contracting. There has been plenty of discussion at both state and federal government levels regarding the environment, electric vehicles, REZ and “net zero” emissions. Initiatives in these areas will mean more work for our members; however, to make the most of the available opportunities, it will be essential to have structured program rollouts, with clear scopes and expected deliverables to ensure it’s a level playing field for all. We will keep everyone up to date with the progress of all these projects in 2022.

The demand for suitably skilled electricians will be high. NECA will continue to provide training and apprenticeship opportunities to grow

NECA recently responded to a call for submissions into the rollout of smart metering across Australia. NECA was strong in our submission, advocating for: ½ ½

delays to be reduced; less players involved in the deployment of smart meters; and a national authorised contractor scheme that will give more skilled electricians the ability to install these meters at market rates in their local area.

December 2021

NEW INVERTER STANDARD

Tech Talk

AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 GRID CONNECTION OF ENERGY SYSTEMS VIA INVERTERS PART 2: INVERTER REQUIREMENTS On 18 December 2020, AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 Grid connection of energy systems via inverters, was released with a 12-month transitional period. From 18 December 2021, the new standard will take effect and the old standard will become redundant. Renewables (including rooftop solar) now account for around 30% of all energy generation in Australia. While traditional sources of generation have some ability to ramp up and down as required to meet demand, rooftop solar has a more unpredictable output that is dependent on weather conditions. When there is low demand or high renewable production (or the reverse), grid instability can occur, which presents as power factor issues, frequency fluctuations and inflated voltage values that can in turn damage equipment. From 1 January this year, Australian distribution network service providers (DNSPs) provided settings regarding VoltWatt and Volt-Var setpoints as described in the previous AS/NZS 4777.2:2015. However, it has been left up to installers to enable and set the required values, which has led to confusion around what the required values are for the given area, and how to enable and set the response values within the inverter. As a result, many inverters have not been programmed correctly or even done at all.

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The new inverter standard AS/NZS 4777.2:2020, has new inclusions to address these grid stability issues.

The new inclusions Inverters are now required to have VoltWatt and Volt-Var functions available and enabled by default. The default setpoint reference values for the power quality response curves are configured into four regional settings: Australia A, Australia B, Australia C and New Zealand. During commissioning of an AS/NZS 4777.2:2020 compliant inverter, installers will be required to select a region before the inverter begins to operate. At this stage, all DNSPs in the National Electricity Market require the use of the ‘Australia A’ setting, except for TasNetworks, which will use ‘Australia C’. Additionally, the standard introduces new requirements for the undervoltage ridethrough performance of inverters. These requirements ensure that newly installed inverters are more resilient to low voltage disturbances, and as such are less likely to contribute to grid undervoltage events.

The role of installers Installers have an important part to play in implementing these new changes. From 18 December 2021, installers will be required to ensure that any inverter they install meets the requirements of AS/NZS 4777.2:2020, including inverters that are used for warranty replacement or any other reason. With this in mind, inverters will need to be approved or re-approved on the Clean Energy Council (CEC) inverter approval list. Inverters not approved by 18 December 2021, cannot be installed. This will also apply to pre-assembled integrated battery energy storage systems that include an integrated inverter. Note: The CEC listing may have a suffix (AS 4777.2:2020) on some model numbers that were certified to the 2015 and 2020 versions of the standard. Those inverters will not be labelled this way on the inverter label.

Installers need to check with the approved listing before connecting any inverters after the 18 December 2021 deadline. Another option is to make sure regional settings are available on inverters during setup. Please contact your local branch office for more information.

Louis Knoops Technical Manager, NECA Victoria

RESTRAINT OF

Legal

TRADE CLAUSES IT IS COMMON FOR EMPLOYERS TO INCLUDE A RESTRAINT OF TRADE CLAUSE IN AN EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT. THESE RESTRAINTS CAN PREVENT AN EMPLOYEE FROM SOLICITING THE EMPLOYER’S CUSTOMERS OR WORKING FOR A COMPETITOR FOLLOWING THE END OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT. If an employee breaches a restraint of trade clause, this enlivens the issue of enforceability. To enforce a restraint of trade clause, the following elements must be met: 1. the employer must have a legitimate protected interest; and 2. the restraint must be reasonable for protection of that interest, as to area and time. In a recent decision involving Employsure Pty Ltd (“Employsure”), the New South Wales Supreme Court partly upheld a restraint of trade clause applying to David McMurchy. The latter was a senior manager of Employsure, an industrial relations advisory business. In December 2020, Mr McMurchy purported to resign

Johnny Brits Legal Practice Director, NECA Legal WA

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from Employsure before commencing work with Elmo Software Ltd (“Elmo”) the next month, despite the employment contract preventing him from working for a “competing business” for up to 12-months from the end of the employment. On judgement, His Honour held in favour of Employsure, finding Elmo to be a competitor and a nine-month restraint as reasonable. A restraint of trade clause can be drafted to operate on a cascading scale to ensure if a lengthy restraint is found to be unenforceable, the Court may still enforce a shorter period of restraint.

NECA members are encouraged to examine their restraint of trade clauses in all current employment contracts – especially for senior employees – and seek advice on their adequacy and enforceability. Employsure Ltd v McMurchy; Employsure Ltd v Kumaran [2021] NSWSC 1179 (17 September 2021).

Disclaimer: This summary is a guide only and is not legal advice. For further information on restraint of trade, contact the legal service in your local NECA branch.

THE GREAT RESIGNATION FAST FORWARD TO MARCH 2022. THE CHRISTMAS AND HOLIDAY PERIOD IS OVER. OUR KIDS ARE SETTLED INTO SCHOOL AND WE MAY HAVE MOVED HOUSE. AS OUR FOCUS SHIFTS TO OUR CAREERS, THE RECRUITMENT YEAR WILL GEAR UP AGAIN. WITH RECORD LEVELS OF GLOBAL RESIGNATIONS IN 2021, IT IS PREDICTED THAT MARCH WILL BE A TIME OF ‘MASS RESIGNATIONS’ FOR AUSTRALIA, AS PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR CURRENT JOBS IN SEARCH OF WORK THAT OFFERS GREATER FLEXIBILITY, MORE MEANING AND LESS STRESS. Smart contractors will see this as an opportunity. The Great Resignation is potentially one of the biggest social changes our society has experienced in many generations. While some commentators warn of mass disruption, many are viewing it as an opportunity for businesses to take action and realign themselves. The way contractors approach it will impact the success of their businesses. To get you started, we’ve provided some things to consider, that will help you engage your valued employees, and the people you would like to recruit.

1. Share your story Meaning and engagement are key drivers behind the Great Resignation. Alignment between personal and company priorities has always been important for success, but now it is more crucial than ever. Actions you can take: ½

There has been much discussion about skills and labour shortages driving up salaries, with people changing employers in search of higher pay; however, the interesting thing about the ‘Great Resignation’, is money is less of a motivator than meaning.

that matter, rather than continuing with things they don’t love. Nowhere is this more evident than in the workplace.

COVID-19 gave people the time and opportunity to reflect. With lockdowns sweeping across the world for extended periods, people were forced to focus on the things closest to them: their immediate family, home and local community.

Microsoft’s Work Trend Index, released in March 2021, found 41% of the global workforce was likely to consider leaving their current employer within the following 12 months, with 46% planning to make a major pivot or career transition.# Other polls report anywhere between 38% and 74% of people are considering their job or career choices.

Released from the constraints of ‘normal life’, many people have re-evaluated, and are choosing to invest their time in things

While the numbers may vary, one thing is clear from this year’s resignation trends - people are considering their next move.

Share your story and demonstrate your passion for what you do. Use social media, signage, newsletters, job advertisements and marketing materials to show your team, and prospective employees, what you’re about and how you value and look after people. Make sure there is alignment between what everyone says and what everyone does. Words that aren’t backed up by action will be seen as insincere. Show your employees how their role directly links back to, and achieves, your businesses’ mission and vision.

#Source: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/hybrid-work

December 2021

Human Resources

2. Talk to your employees

Actions you can take:

Have a proactive conversation with employees to understand:

½ ½

whether they really are happy in their work;

why they’ve stayed with you so far; and what they are thinking about as their next move.

Often, we avoid these conversations out of fear that we’ll plant a seed, or that we’ll be made subject to unreasonable demands. However, having a candid conversation and, importantly, acting on the outcomes of your meeting, sends a key message. It shows that you recognise and value their contribution, and this may be enough to prompt a person, and/or others, to stay. Additionally, these conversations are a useful source of data that can help you prepare for the future and identify common themes/issues that need addressing.

3. Create opportunities for connection Advances in technology have made it easier than ever to communicate; however, all that communication doesn’t necessarily build connection and relationships. With virtual onboarding, training via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, and remote work, many employees miss the opportunities to meet new people and the comradery that comes with face-to-face interaction.

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Think about new ways that you can keep your team connected and help them broaden their social networks. Make sure your office space is welcoming and encourages workers to come into the office rather than work from home. If you have people working remotely one or two days a week, think about scheduling days when everyone is in the office to catch up in person. Consider ways you can reduce the pressure to respond instantly to communications around the clock. For example, have a policy that emails sent overnight do not need to be dealt with until the next working day.

4. Prioritise employee mental and physical wellbeing Mental and physical wellbeing are important for everyone and contribute positively to individuals, businesses and communities. Fostering wellbeing involves more than introducing a wellness program; it involves reviewing business structures and processes so that everyone has the opportunity to give you their best every day. Actions you can take: ½

Make sure your employees know what is expected of them. Ensure they have the right resources to do their job. For example, if they are working from home, ensure they have all the equipment, software, stationery and information access they need.

Have a clear agreement about who is supplying the resources – is it the employee or you as the employer? If people are working from home, think about how you can segment work from their home life, enabling them to ‘switch off’ at the end of the day. Consider your staffing structure and make sure you have the right people in the right positions. Review your business systems so they work well and enable and empower employees to contribute. Monitor employees’ workloads, particularly if people are leaving and others are expected to take on the additional work. Create a culture where breaks are encouraged and respected.

Final thoughts The pandemic broke down the separation between work and home, and for many, has made work more human. Online or phone meetings that involved children playing in the background, dogs barking, cats walking across our laptops and other real-life distractions gave colleagues a sneak peek into each other’s lives. It gave everyone more permission to bring their whole self to work. Contractors who find new ways to engage with the whole person, and foster wellbeing and engagement, will be well placed to take advantage of the Great Resignation – not just now, but well into the future.

WHY GOOD PEOPLE LEAVE

Business

IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT EMPLOYEES DON’T LEAVE AN ORGANISATION; THEY LEAVE MANAGEMENT. All of us were created to progress and do something meaningful with our lives, and the workplace is one environment where most desire to make a positive contribution. However, when people stagnate or become disillusioned, they start looking for other employment options. Here are some common reasons why good people leave.

Not feeling valued “Does the boss think I’m doing a good job?” one office manager asked me. “If you weren’t here, the boss would be in trouble. He thinks you’re awesome,” I responded. This is an excellent example of an employee having doubts about her effectiveness no feedback and no praise. Ensure your people know that their contributions and efforts are highly valued.

Management self-interest Good leaders lead in such a way where they demonstrate a keen interest in their people. They take time to engage with them, express interest in their personal lives, work through situations, and promote their efforts. They are outward-facing. But some leaders are inward-facing: interested in themselves first, the team second and in some cases, not at all. They ensure they have all the answers, work long hard days to impress others and are focused on progressing their own careers rather than their people.

for many. The key for management is to identify those that want to progress and then invest in them accordingly.

Conflict avoidance Many managers are excellent peacekeepers and avoid conflict at all costs. But this avoidance has extreme costs in the workplace, one being attrition rates. When employees raise concerns that go unheard; when situations demand intervention but instead, management puts their head in the sand hoping it will go away, it says that leadership doesn’t care. Employees want to know that management is brave enough to address situations, no matter how uncomfortable or difficult. Great managers: ½

Lack of advancement Many employees want to progress in their skills and careers, yet many workplaces get on with business as usual and neglect growth paths for their people. Working in a static environment with no stretch, training or advancement, is debilitating

Treat people as people, not as mere workers. Deal quickly with conflict and employee concerns, no matter how trivial they seem.

½ ½

Create a sense of team, bringing individual workers into a collaborative environment. Celebrate the wins with their people and understand that failure is part of the winning process. Create an enjoyable workplace culture. Provide regular feedback and praise their people, addressing critical performance issues as required. Promote their team above themselves. Understand their people in terms of strengths, weaknesses, aspirations etc., providing ongoing opportunities for growth and advancement. Are always willing to learn and develop themselves. They lead by example with a good dose of humility.

If you manage in a way that has your team at the centre of your work, you will make it difficult for good people to leave.

Ray Hodge Business Coaching & Consultant www.rayhodge.com.au

December 2021

INSURANCE:

Business

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Public Liability cover Does it matter what I call myself? You might not think there’s much difference between describing yourself as an electrical contractor or an electrician, but your insurer does. Insurers use a very narrow definition of ‘electrician’ and usually only provide cover for listed activities. Talk to your broker about adding activities relevant to what you do. Does it matter where I work? Some Public Liability insurance policies may have exclusions for work done in certain locations or industries. If you have a claim from work in an excluded location, you likely won’t be covered. An insurer may also limit cover for other claims if they determine you haven’t disclosed work in an excluded location, meaning they charged the wrong premium. How does COVID-19 affect my policy? Your business turnover and employee numbers are usually the primary rating factors for calculating your Public Liability premium. A higher turnover can indicate to an insurer you may have an increased chance of a claim occurring or an increased cost. When it comes time to renew your policy, make sure you review your estimated turnover or employee numbers for the upcoming year. This is particularly important if you are anticipating a decline over the next 12 months due to COVID-19. Why do Public Liability policies have a faulty workmanship exclusion? These policies cover you for an injury to another person or for damage you cause to someone else’s property – they’re not designed to be a warranty on the quality of your workmanship, so they don’t cover damage to the part you were working on or the cost of correcting/improving your work. Having said that, the policy will usually still cover any resultant damage following faulty workmanship. Let’s say you installed a large light fitting that later fell to the ground - you may not be covered for the cost of installing a new light, but you would be covered for any damage caused to the flooring or if the light hit someone in the head.

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Professional Indemnity cover Do I need this for my business? Professional Indemnity provides cover for mistakes you make delivering your professional services that cause a financial loss for your customers. NECA members may be providing a large range of professional services either as a stand-alone service, or as part of installation and maintenance work. The preparation of plans, specifications, calculations and designs is also considered a professional service.

Workers Compensation cover

another email giving new bank details, so you make the payment. A couple of weeks later the subcontractor chases you for payment – those bank details were faked by someone who hacked your system. A cyber policy with social engineering extension could cover this loss.

Claims management

This is a big drain on my cash flow. Is there anything I can do?

Why can’t I just negotiate a claim myself rather than get my insurer involved? What could go wrong?

You can pay your premium in 10 monthly instalments. NECAGuard can even arrange this for members in Queensland, NSW and Victoria who are required to purchase workers compensation through the state managed program. If you have other policies with NECAGuard we can combine all policies into one instalment on a monthly basis.

It is the insurer’s right to defend a claim on your behalf. If they feel your direct negotiations, admission of fault, incurring of legal fees or agreement to make payment to a third party has increased their costs, they may only pay a limited amount or decline a claim altogether.

What if I get injured outside of work? Workers compensation covers you (if you pay yourself a wage) and your employees for injuries connected with the workplace. If you’re looking for cover after work, or on the weekend, you may want to look at other options like a personal accident policy.

Cyber cover Do I really need cyber insurance? With more people working from home, small businesses are an attractive target for cyber criminals. A cyber policy can cover you against ransomware attacks, business interruptions following hacks and social engineering.

We’ve seen claims where the third party has agreed to not get the insurers involved only for a lawyer’s letter to arrive later demanding much higher costs and pushing up legal fees. Once the claim was eventually lodged, the insurer agreed to only pay the original estimated claim costs and not the legal fees.

Protect your business Over 500 members choose to insure their businesses through NECAGuard, an insurance offering that has been designed specifically for electrical contractors. To find out how you can obtain tailored insurance coverage along with sound and personalised advice, email necaguard@neca.asn.au or contact 1800 335 014 for more information.

Here’s an example of social engineering. You receive an invoice from a subcontractor for $15,000. The following week you receive

AN EMPLOYER’S GUIDE TO

LEGAL

THE UPCOMING SILLY SEASON IT’S COMING UP TO THAT TIME AGAIN, WHERE WE WRAP UP THE YEAR, CELEBRATE THE SUCCESSES OF THE PAST 12 MONTHS AND ENJOY THE CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES. WITH THE HOLIDAY SEASON FAST APPROACHING, IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT FOR BUSINESSES TO REMEMBER THAT THIS TIME OF YEAR CAN COME WITH ITS OWN SPECIFIC ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE MANAGED, INCLUDING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR SHUT-DOWNS AND CHRISTMAS FUNCTIONS.

Public holidays Full-time employees are entitled to payment for the public holidays referred to in the Fair Work Act, including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. An employee is entitled to be paid for their ordinary hours at their ordinary rate of pay for their absence on a public holiday. It is important to note that an employee cannot be taken as being on annual leave and on a public holiday at the same time.

Christmas/New Year shut-downs At this time of year, a common question is whether or not we can direct an employee to take annual leave during a shut-down period. In short, the answer is that we can, if the instrument that covers our business (i.e. an enterprise agreement or an award) allows for it. Most instruments, including the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award, will contain provisions allowing for the direction for annual leave, but contain conditions such as providing a certain amount of notice, which must be complied with. Be sure to check your agreement or the award to ensure you are complying with your obligations. If your employees are covered by the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award you are required to provide your employees with two months’ written notice that the business will observe a Christmas/New Year shut-down.

Christmas functions Another feature of this time of year is annual Christmas parties. Despite many events occurring out of office hours, it is important to remember that these events, when sanctioned by management, may still pose risks to employers in the instance of an untoward incident or accident occurring. To minimise the risk employers should: ½

clarify with employees that any policies and procedures/codes of conduct continue to apply and that breaches may constitute misconduct;

Lauren Howe Senior Associate, NECA Legal

assess the venue for any safety risks, and ensure a first aid kit is on hand; clarify that any additional celebrations or ‘after parties’ are not sanctioned by management and advise all employees of the ‘official’ function hours; and serve food when providing alcohol and ensure that there are controls on the service of alcohol, either by having a bar tab/limit on the type of alcohol consumed and preventing self-service of alcohol.

Disclaimer: This summary is a guide only and is not legal advice. For more information, call the legal services offered by your NECA branch.

December 2021

MANAGING CHRISTMAS STRESS AND ANXIETY THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IS MEANT TO BE A TIME OF JOY, BUT FOR MANY PEOPLE IT CAN BE A TIME OF STRESS, ANXIETY, DISAPPOINTMENT OR LONELINESS. CHRISTMAS COMES WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF PERFECT, HAPPY FAMILIES ENJOYING LUXURIOUS CELEBRATIONS AND GIFTS, BUT NOT ALL OF US ARE ABLE TO LIVE UP TO THESE IDEALS. Some people experience feelings of isolation, financial pressures or increased family conflict that can make this a very stressful time of year. For those who have recently lost a loved one, Christmas can intensify feelings of grief and sadness. However, there are some steps you can take to help manage stress and anxiety during the festive period.

Taking care of money worries Is the festive season a burden on your wallet? Here are some tips for managing your Christmas finances and reducing your financial stress during the silly season: ½

Identify what’s causing you financial stress. Buying gifts and attending social get togethers can be expensive. Plan ways to reduce spending. For example, you could suggest to your family and friends that you only buy gifts for the kids, or organise a ‘Secret Santa’ among the adults. Set a budget and stick to it. Find low-cost ways to have fun. Don’t let money cut you off from your family and friends. If you can’t afford expensive restaurant meals or cocktail catch-ups, organise a BBQ in the park or a party at home where everyone brings a plate of food.

Here are some ideas for getting through: ½

Dealing with family tension Just because you’re related doesn’t mean your family members will all get along. Split families and unresolved conflicts may contribute to Christmas anxiety. Family and relationship problems can be a trigger for anxiety.

Set realistic expectations. Christmas might not be the fabulous family reunion you hoped for. Plan how you will manage any feelings of anxiety or depression that may arise. Put the kids first. If you have children, consider putting aside ongoing adult conflicts in their interest. Think about Christmas as a day for the kids and focus on enabling their happiness.

Drink in moderation. It may be tempting to drink too much during the festive period, but alcohol can contribute to stress, anxiety and depression. Alcohol may be a problem if you’re drinking to cope. Avoid known triggers. If your family has a history of arguing over a certain topic, don’t bring it up.

December 2021

Health and Safety

Managing loneliness

There are ways to overcome loneliness if you find yourself isolated or grieving a loved one over the Christmas period. ½

Connect with friends and family. Even if you’re separated by distance, you can stay in touch with loved ones online or by phone.

Volunteer. Why not lend a hand to a local shelter over Christmas? There are lots of charities who need help. You’ll connect with people and feel good about making a positive contribution.

Attend community events. Find out what’s on locally and get involved. Whether it’s Christmas carols or local markets, getting out and about can help relieve loneliness. Make plans for Christmas Day. Develop a plan in advance to avoid feeling depressed or stressed on the day. Perhaps make yourself a special breakfast, buy yourself a gift in advance to enjoy on the day, attend a local church service, or take a stroll through the local park to give yourself a treat.

Mates in Construction

1300 642 111

A family owned Australian business emblem

Stay healthy to avoid Christmas anxiety Recognising and changing behaviours that contribute to your stress will help you get through the Christmas period. Remember to stay healthy - eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep can help you cope with Christmas stress. If you need further help or support, there are many organisations that can assist you. MATES in Construction, Beyond Blue and Lifeline all have 24/7 help lines available.

Beyond Blue

Lifeline

1300 22 4636

13 11 14

A family owned Australian business

Guidelines for use Do not crop the area around the logo, the area surrounding the logo should remain a minimum X distance (as shown below), and is considered clear space. To ensure the clarity

of the logo, keep the clear space free of all graphics, typography, photography or any other elements. The primary logo, with the copy to the right of the

.F �

I Primary

image, should be used as a preference, however in cases where the shape is not consistent or complimentary to the position, the secondary logo can be used.

�-• • • • • •·

The image must always be black, or the reverse "white" logo can be used on the dark or full colour backgrounds only where the primary is not suitable.

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Licensing agreement for use of the 'A family owned Australian business' emblem and trademark Please read the following agreement and terms carefully before using the emblem. Use of this logo is expressly subject to and conditioned on your agreement to these terms. If you do not agree to abide by these terms, do not acquire or use the 'A family owned Australian business' emblem or trademark.

Definition of a family owned, Australian business A family business is defined as a business where: • majority of votes are held by the person who established or acquired the firm (or their spouses, parents, child or child's direct heirs); and • at least one representative of the family is involved in the management or administration of the firm; or • in the case of a listed company, the person who established or acquired the firm (or their families) possess 25% of the right to vote through their share capital and there is at least one family member on the board of the company • The above businesses may be sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, or limited liability companies • Must be registered on the Australian Business Register (ABR) and hold a Australian Business Number (ABN)

License grant Family Business Australia Ltd (FBA) ABN 61 083 076 000, hereby grants a nonexclusive, nontransferable license to use the 'A family owned Australian business' emblem and trademark in accordance with the following guidelines: FBA is and remains the sole owner of the 'A family owned Australian business' emblem and trademark (s). By entering into this nonexclusive license, the user does not attain any interest in the logo. FBA reserves the right to alter or amend these guidelines at any time and without notice to the user. Users agree not to use the 'A family owned Australian business' emblem and trademark in any manner likely to confuse, mislead, or deceive

the public, or to be adverse to the best interests of FBA. Users agree not to use the logo in any offensive manner, including but not limited to, its use on pornographic and/or slanderous websites or social media (electronic or printed form). Users agree that the 'A family owned Australian business' emblem and trademark is proprietary to FBA and that FBA maintains all rights, title, and interest thereto including, without limitation, all intellectual property and other proprietary rights. Users agree to cease use of the emblem immediately if they no longer meet the requirements of 'A family owned Australian business'

Termination of license FBA may terminate this License agreement at any time for any reason, at its sole discretion, including but not limited to if users are in breach of any of the terms and

To connect with the Family Business community follow us on twitter @fambizaus or facebook.com/familybusinessaustralia, visit www.familybusiness.org.au or 1800 249 357

conditions of this agreement or for if users are in violation of FBA's guidelines. Upon receipt of written notice of termination from FBA, users will immediately cease any and all further use of the 'A family owned Australian business' emblem and trademark.

Disclaimer FBA licenses its emblem for use "as is" and makes no warranties, representations or statements, express or implied, with respect to the 'A family owned Australian business' emblem. FBA will not be responsible for any loss or damages of any kind whatsoever sustained by any party, howsoever caused, as regards to use of 'A family owned Australian business' emblem. This disclaimer shall survive the termination or expiration of this License Agreement.

Family Business Australia Where families in business connect, share and grow

SAFETY EXCELLENCE STARTS WITH VISIBLE COMMITMENT

AUSTRALIA IS EXPERIENCING A REGULATORY SHIFT WITH MORE STATES MOVING TO HARMONISED WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY (WHS) LEGISLATION OR VARIATIONS OF THEM. ALTHOUGH THESE REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS MAY BE CONSIDERED NEW, SOME OF THE LONGSTANDING CONCEPTS OF SUCCESSFUL WHS MANAGEMENT ARE JUST AS TRUE TODAY AS THEY WERE WHEN PUBLISHED SOME 20 ODD YEARS AGO. In 1993 and again in 1999, the Construction Industry Institute (CII) commissioned a task force to look at companies with construction projects valued from $50 million to $600 million, to determine what they found to be the most effective techniques to reduce workplace injuries. For those who are not familiar with the CII, they are based at the University of Texas and are a group of owners (e.g. Exxon, DuPont, Shell and General Motors), contractors (e.g. Fluor,

Bechtel and Chicago Bridge & Iron) and universities (e.g. Stanford and MIT) that study and support industry to improve safety, quality and cost for its members. The task force’s report identified best practices used by companies that had achieved safety excellence, and then compared the safety performance of companies who used those practices with those who did not, with some astounding results. Incident rates

plummeted on projects using the identified practices. The final nine best practices identified were: ½

demonstrated management commitment;

staffing for safety;

pre-project and pre-task planning;

safety training and education;

worker participation and involvement;

subcontractor management;

recognition and rewards;

accident/incident reporting and investigations; and drug and alcohol testing.

We may well say that we are not major construction companies, and we don’t execute scopes of work in the value ranges of the projects analysed, but there is no reason many of these best practices cannot be adopted by smaller organisations.

Demonstrated management commitment The one best practice that can create the most value is demonstrated, visible management commitment, as this is the cornerstone to building a successful safety culture and is a mark that distinguishes a culture. Management’s commitment, support and attitude about safety will determine what type of safety culture exists in the workplace and ultimately lead to the workforce adopting safe behaviours. A robust, visible management commitment programme is of paramount importance to show others in the organisation that costs, schedule,

December 2021

Health and Safety

and quality do not take precedence over the safety and wellbeing of the people. This is achievable regardless of the size or scope of the organisation. All organisations tend to be unique to themselves and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach that can be used across all organisations. There is, however, a wide range of simple non-costprohibitive initiatives an organisation may consider, dependent on their specific organisational structure.

Some of the initiatives management may use to demonstrate their commitment to safety include: ½

½ ½

Individual managers can prepare and display personal WHS statements detailing their personal commitments to WHS, including what they believe and what they will do as individuals. These statements can be displayed in their offices. Participating in recordable and lost time incident investigations.

Participating in safety inductions. This simply means dropping in on the induction, welcoming the inductees to the organisation and conveying the importance of WHS to not only the organisation, but to you personally. Where this is not always possible, some organisations do this using a pre-recorded video to convey the message. Participating in pre-task risk assessment processes. Managers can periodically attend job safety analysis (JSA) / safe work method statement (SWMS) preparation or review meetings to ensure their effectiveness. Leading the safety section in company town halls and toolbox meetings. Management can start formal employee gatherings by communicating the organisation’s performance, ongoing initiatives and reinforcing the organisation’s WHS vision.

Simply stopping and engaging with employees. This simple but effective process involves randomly stopping and chatting with individual employees about both the organisation’s and the manager’s WHS beliefs.

The importance of management visibly demonstrating and repeating their commitment to safety throughout all areas of the organisation has been established, but it is equally important that management never fail to challenge unsafe behaviours. By not challenging unsafe behaviours they unwittingly reinforce the notion that this behaviour is acceptable to the organisation. Management’s decisions and actions must match their words – this creates a shared vision of the importance of safety to the organisation. A simple motto for committed managers should be, “If you want to know how I feel about safety, watch my feet”, or simply put, “Walk the talk”.

Reviewing WHS performance reports. Participating in periodic field and facility inspections, where the focus is solely on WHS and not schedule progress or budget.

Brendan Craker Safety Manager, ECA WA

GET WHS EXPERT ADVICE Safety in our industry is of the utmost importance. That’s why we offer a wide range of safety services for our members. Let us help you stay on top of your workplace health and safety requirements. If you have a WH&S question, get in touch with NECA in your state.

NECA ACT/QLD/NSW/TAS ............................................ 1300 361 099 NECA SA/NT ............................................................................. (08) 8272 2966 NECA VIC ............................................................................................ 1300 632 247 NECA WA ....................................................................................... (08) 6241 6100

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THE NET ZERO CHALLENGE

Opinion

TURNING HOW DARE YOU INTO HOW WILL WE?

ON 23 SEPTEMBER 2019, GRETA THUNBERG ADDRESSED THE ASSEMBLED WORLD LEADERS AT THE 2019 UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT HELD IN NEW YORK CITY. AS PART OF HER ANIMATED DELIVERY, THOSE THREE WORDS, HOW DARE YOU, FOUND THEMSELVES ECHOED AROUND THE WORLD. VIDEOS OF HER IMPASSIONED SPEECH HAVE BEEN VIEWED MILLIONS OF TIMES. AND PEOPLE HAVE STARTED TO LISTEN. Internationally, events such as the COP26 Glasgow Climate Change Conference have taken on a new importance, with world leaders making decisions about their country’s commitments to reducing carbon emissions, as part of the broader attempt to limit climate change. Closer to home, political parties are watching these events and formulating policy positions that will have a real impact on the electrotechnology sector. In what seems like a sudden surge, interest in all forms of renewable energy, storage options and the use of hydrogen are now gathering steam in the media. This can lead one to ask, what does the future electrician look like? How do we turn ‘how dare you’ into ‘how will we’? Training packages are woefully slow to adapt to emerging trends. A good example in the previous training package for electricians, UEE30811, is the focus on fluorescent and incandescent lighting. Both lighting types are not only out of favour, but they are also almost irrelevant in the modern world. The latest training package, UEE30820, aims to address these issues by being technologically agnostic, and rather focuses on underpinning the knowledge and skills that can be adapted to these changes. For years, the focus was on energy saving techniques, and rightly so. LED technology and higher efficiency motors led the way. With a focus on Zero or ‘Net Zero’, we are seeing a push to decarbonise electricity, particularly in the generation sector. This can be achieved by introducing lower or zero carbon generation sources into the grid. Most commonly, wind, solar and hydro power. For electricity systems with higher emission intensities,

like those with more coal fired power, reducing the amount of electricity used also decarbonises the system. Apprentices now learn more about alternate energy supplies, primarily from a safety perspective, but also how energy efficiency is applied in the sector. This will need to expand into understanding consumer energy use and generation capabilities. We may see a future where the electrician works with the home or business owner to maximise their generation and minimise the consumption of energy. The use of extra low voltage (ELV), such as in Power Over Ethernet (POE) technologies, which no longer rely directly on transformed low voltage (LV)

mains, will drive further technological advances, and soon enough, we may even see wireless electrical transmission. Think we don’t have it? Most new phones use induction charging, so at some point, we may see further moves away from reticulated cabling. Generation Z are far more connected than ever before. They heard ‘how dare you’ and acted. They expect the same of Gen Y, X and the Boomers. Regardless of the politics of climate change, it makes sense to reduce our reliance on energy sources that are depleting. Electricians will continue to be at the forefront of this change. We need to ensure that training in our sector focusses on the ‘how will we’, not ‘we should have’.

Steve Hall General Manager, College of Electrical Training

December 2021

ARE YOUR GLOVES CERTIFIED?

NEW TECHNOLOGY

FORCE360 HAVE CERTIFIED THEIR COMPLETE RANGE OF MECHANICS AND SYNTHETIC GLOVES TO AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS AS/NZS 2161.2 AND AS/NZS 2161.3, AND EUROPEAN STANDARDS EN420:2003+A1:2009 AND EN388:2016. Unknown to most people, gloves in Australia are almost always sold as compliant to Australian or European Standards. They may show the ‘CE’ mark and mechanical score and symbol like ‘EN388 4542F’. They may state in their literature ‘Compliant to European Standards’ or ‘Meets European Standards’. They may also print AS/NZS 2161.3 on the glove as a way of claiming the glove is standards approved. This is NOT the same as being certified to any standard. Unfortunately, compliant gloves with these markings require no proof or validation from the glove manufacturer that they are accurate.

For Force360 this is not acceptable. Hand injuries are commonplace, and simply making compliance claims is just not enough to guarantee a glove’s mechanical score, or it’s protection levels. Asking a trusted and independently notifying body to certify the glove’s mechanical performance, guarantees that the scores are accurate, and the gloves actually meet the minimum requirements of the relevant standards. Force360 has entrusted the Notifying Body BSI Group, and world’s leading Standards Certifier to ensure that all mechanical scores are validated. This certification process ensures

manufacturing processes and facilities, test certificates, and the product itself are audited and scrutinised so that all claims are accurate. The Notifying Body in effect becomes a gatekeeper of hand protection for the wearer. Force360’s entire hand protection range is certified by BSI Group to the latest Australian and European standards. Certified products must show the Notifying Body’s logo, and the license number they have issued the manufacturer, as the standards and performance mechanical scores the glove meets.

Abrasion

Cut-Coup

Tear

Puncture

Cut-TDM

Impact

Number of cycles a glove can withstand to abrade through the material.

EN388:2016

The force a glove’s material can withstand before it is torn apart.*

The force a glove’s material can withstand before it is perforated using a standard size needle.*

EN ISO 13997

Resistance to a 2.5kg weight impacting with an energy of 5j (joules) onto the glove. The material may not fracture or split and is measured in accordance with EN13594:2015 as either Pass (P) or Fail (F).*

A pre-defined sandpaper grit will be used as abradant to conduct the test providing more consistent results.*

Cycles Level >8000 4 >2000 3 >500 2 >100 1 <100 0

Number of cycles to cut through a glove material at a constant speed and pressure when compared to a cotton reference. The blade is tested for any blunting after 60 cycles.*

Cut Index Level >20 5 >10 4 >5 3 >2.5 2 >1.2 1 <1.2 0

Amount of pressure required to make an incision over a 20mm travel distance using a razor sharp blade.*

*Tests not carried out are recorded with an ‘X’

Newton Level >75 4 >50 3 >25 2 >10 1 <10 0

Newton Level >150 4 >100 3 >60 2 >20 1 <20 0

Newton Level >30 F >22 E >15 D >10 C >5 B >2 A

KN Level <9 P >9 F

Currently on many cut resistant gloves sold in Australia, you will find the EN388 marking. The EN388 is the European standard used to evaluate mechanical risks for hand protection. Gloves with an EN388 rating are third-party tested, and rated for abrasion, cut, tear, and puncture resistance. Cut resistance is rated 1–5, while all other physical performance factors are rated 1–4. Up until now, the EN388 standard used only the ‘Coup Test’ to test for cut resistance. The new EN388:2016 standard uses both the ‘Coup Test’ and the ‘TDM-100 Test’ to measure cut resistance for a more accurate score. Also included in the updated standard is a new Impact Protection test. Make a more informed and safer glove choice. To view the whole range of gloves, visit safetyspecialists.com.au or contact 1300 361 099.

WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

DEVICE SUBSTITUTION – AS/NZS 61439.1

IN MAY 2021, THE LOW VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR AND CONTROLGEAR ASSEMBLIES STANDARDS (AS/NZS 61439 SERIES) SUPERSEDED THE PREVIOUS AS/NZS 3439 SERIES. Device substitution Switchboard builders often want the flexibility to construct assemblies using short-circuit protective devices from a variety of manufacturers to cater for varying client specifications. However, they do not want the expense of repeating tests with devices from each manufacturer. So, is it acceptable under the AS/NZS 61439 series, to test with devices from one manufacturer and then substitute these devices from a different manufacturer without re-testing?

Most of the testing and compliance requirements are not substantially different; however, it was recognised that interpretations of requirements and the methods to prove compliance to the old series varied widely. The new series of standards goes to great lengths to address these issues and in the process, some new terminologies have been introduced in AS/NZS 61439.1, which help clarify key principles. One such term is ‘device substitution’, which can become a topic of confusion for independent switchboard builders when considering a design verification plan.

AS/NZS 61439.1 addresses this question in two sections by looking at the comparison of temperature rise and short-circuit withstand strength to reference designs.

Temperature rise Under section 10.10, Temperature Rise clause 10.10.3.5 (Functional Units – Device Substitution) suggests that a device may be substituted with a similar device from a different manufacturer if: 1) The device rating does not exceed 3150 amps. 2) The power loss is the same or lower.

3) The terminal temperature rise (tested in accordance with the relevant product standard) is the same or lower. 4) The physical arrangement within the functional unit and the rating of the functional unit are maintained or improved with respect to thermal considerations. If items 1) and 4) are maintained, then items 2) and 3) can be determined by a comparison of technical data. Information on power loss (watts loss) is commonly provided by manufacturers, however terminal temperature rise will be more difficult to obtain. This may necessitate a temperature rise test to be conducted on representative product samples to gain suitable data. Power loss testing can also be conducted if required. All testing of this nature should be done in accordance with the respective product standards for device comparisons.

Short-circuit withstand strength Clause 10.11.3 deals with short-circuit withstand strength comparison to a reference design by providing a checklist in Table 132. This table can be largely broken up into sections covering consideration for conductors, devices and the enclosure. ½

Table 13 items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 focus on busbars, busbar supports and mounting structures. If a device substitution is not going to cause changes to the busbar arrangement (or any main conductors), the requirements of these items will be satisfied.

Footnotes 1. It is assumed the reader has access to a copy of AS/NZS 61439.1 which should be referenced in conjunction with this paper for definitions of terms used, and completeness of understanding.

3. Excerpt from AS/NZS 61439.1-2016, Appendix ZA, Table 13, item 1, Notea. Excerpts from the Standard are not to be used in substitution for referring to the full text in the Standard.

2. In AS/NZS 61439.1, Appendix ZA amends Table 13 by adding a new item 6 and renumbering the original items 6–10 to 7–11

4. Excerpt from AS/NZS 61439.1 Appendix ZD clause ZD2. Excerpts from the Standard are not to be used in substitution for referring to the full text in the Standard.

December 2021

New Technology

Item 8 is concerned with ensuring the length of any unprotected live conductors are less than or equal compared to those in reference testing. If the device substitution does not affect unprotected cable lengths, the requirements of this item will be satisfied. Items 9, 10, and 11 of Table 13 focus on the enclosure dimensions and mechanical construction within which the device is to be mounted. Again, the requirements of these items will be satisfied if the device substitution does not change the enclosure arrangement.

For device substitution of shortcircuit protective devices, Items 6 and 7 are of particular interest. Item 6 of Table 13 requires the assembly manufacturer (AM) to assess the suitability of the substituting device (SD) for the assembly at its rated operational voltage, as well as conducting some direct technical data comparisons between the SD and the tested device (TD). The checklist for Item 6 includes: i) Confirm the breaking capacity of the SD is not less than the shortcircuit rating of the assembly. (Action: Assess assembly short-circuit rating). ii) For a current limiting device, confirm the peak let-through current (Ipk) of the SD is equal to or smaller than the TD. (Action: Comparison of manufacturers’ technical data). iii) For a current limiting device, confirm the let-through energy (I2t) of the SD is equal to or smaller than the TD. (Action: Comparison of manufacturers’ technical data). iv) For a non-current limiting device, confirm the short-time withstand current (Icw) of the SD is equal to or higher than the TD.

(Action: Select upstream and downstream devices and assess suitability). vi) Confirm the SD has equal or smaller critical distances to the reference design. While the term ‘critical distances’ is not defined in the standard, it is taken to mean clearances from ionised gas venting ports on the device. (Action: Compare manufacturers’ installation clearances for SD to verified design). vii) Confirm mechanical orientation, including the direction and position of venting of arc chutes of the SD is the same as TD. (Action: Comparison of manufacturers’ technical data and assessment of assembly layout). Item 7 of Table 13 of AS/NZS 61439.1, is the same as Item 6 of Table 13 from IEC 61439.1. It largely reinforces the key requirements of Item 6 (above) ensuring the SD has the same or better limitation characteristics (I2t, Ipk) with the same orientation. It is qualified by Notea (see below), which tends to re-emphasise the requirements and reinforces the role that the AM has in declaring the SD suitable for use in the verified assembly.

Internal arc fault tests AS/NZS 61439.1 includes guidance on conducting internal arc fault testing of assemblies, as detailed in Appendix ZD. The results of these tests are very much dependent on the capability of circuit protective devices to interrupt and limit the energy let-through into the fault. Therefore, it can be expected that if a device that plays a key protective role in an internal arc fault test within an assembly design is then replaced with a substitute device, the new device will need to perform equivalently for the test integrity to be maintained. AS/NZS 61439.1 acknowledges this in clause ZD2. “Any significant changes made to the design which might reduce the strength or arc resistance of components, or modify the venting provisions or the characteristics of protective devices, will require further tests to verify the security provided by the modified ASSEMBLY against the effects of internal arcing.”4 For devices successfully verified through substitution per AS/NZS 61439.1, any deviations in performance characteristics and venting provisions between the devices have already been considered. It is then expected that any existing arc fault testing to Appendix ZD that utilises the original device would also be applicable when the substitute device is used in the same manner.

3) AS NZS 61439.1-2016 Table 13 Notea.

Conclusion

“Short-circuit protective devices from the same manufacturer but of a different series, or devices from a different manufacturer, may be considered equivalent and be substituted for the original device if the requirements of the device manufacturer are complied with and the assembly manufacturer declares the performance characteristics to be the same or better in all relevant respects to the series used for verification, e.g. breaking capacity, limitation characteristics (I2t, Ipk) and the critical distances (safety perimeters).”

AS/NZS 61439.1 allows for short-circuit protective devices tested as part of a verified reference design, to be substituted with similar devices from the same or another manufacturer. While the process of verifying a substitution by comparison is likely to be less costly and time consuming than testing, there is still an essential process required of comparing technical data and assessing the suitability of substitute devices for the assembly. At the conclusion, the assembly manufacturer has an integral part to play in declaring the device performance characteristics are suitable for their assembly verification.

(Action: Comparison of manufacturers’ technical data). v) Confirm the SD fulfils the requirements of coordination with upstream and downstream devices.

WWW.NECA.ASN.AU

Mike Thornley Engineering Manager – Technology – NHP Electrical Engineering Products

LATEST TOOLS

Tools of the Trade

Clipsal – The Ultimate in Circuit Protection MAX9 raises the bar in terms of installation speed, performance and innovation. You can make every residential switchboard installation your best and enjoy the peace of mind and simplicity with the MAX9 system. ½

Max speed: Up to 15 times faster installation speed.

Max professional: No cables needed for feeding RCBOs.

Max performance: 100A rated system.

Max flexibility: One busbar connects to main switch, all types of Clipsal RCBOs and AFDD.

Discover how the MAX9 range will transform the way you work. Find out more: www.clipsal.com/MAX9

The Electrical Black Book Endorsed by NECA, the Electrical Black Book is a technical electrical resource book that integrates the abundance of electrical information into an easy-toread and user-friendly format with 212 pages of: ½

Electrical safety laws of electricity electrical conductors

Electrical codes and standards

Electrical conduit and conduit bending

Electrical formulae and conversion factors transformers and motors

Electrical socket-outlets, switches and enclosures

Led lighting, fibre optics and data cabling

For more information, visit www.bit.ly/electricalblackbook

CABAC – Compaction Connectors The CABAC brand of compaction (crimping) copper, aluminium and bi-metal lugs and links is well-known and has been distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand for decades. Legend Power distributes CABAC connectors to the power and rail industry and it can design, modify, test and manufacture lugs and links to suit specific customer requirements for metric or imperial size conductors. Among Legend’s capabilities is their Sydney based, NATA accredited test facility ‘Legend Laboratories’ which tests connectors and line fittings. For more information call 1800 769 370 or email sales@legendpower.com.au

NHP – The New Generation Sprecher Schuh CEP7-1 Electronic Motor Overload Relay can help industrial companies better protect their motors and avoid unplanned downtime. As the next generation of Sprecher + Schuh electronic overload relays, it more accurately measures a motor’s current load, models its temperature and shuts the motor off when it’s in danger of damage due to overheating. Options are available to immediately detect jams and ground faults, enabling faster responses to these specific conditions. A remote reset option is also available for customers to remotely reset the overload. To find out more, please contact your local NHP Account Representative or call us on 1300 647 647 or email nhpsales@nhp.com.au

December 2021

400

450

500

550

600

650

700 [nm]

Zumtobel Spectrum 940 Regular LED 940 Daylight (5800K)

2022 COMING SOON! NOMINATIONS FOR THE NECA AWARDS PROGRAM OPEN ON:

MONDAY, 17 JANUARY 2022

2022

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL NECA BRANCH OR VISIT WWW.NECA.ASN.AU FOR MORE DETAILS

NECA News December 2021

Articles inside

WA WorkSafe Inspectors’ powers

Standards Australia committees

Wrapping up 2021

expired Dc isolator certificates

branch update

clean energy regulator review