27 minute read
branch update
WA BRANCH
WA BRANCH
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BRANCH UPDATE BRANCH UPDATE
Carl Copeland Carl Copeland
NECA WA Branch Secretary NECA WA Branch Secretary
Members in this sector expect a considerable increase in work in the near future. The strong prices for gold and iron ore in particular have ensured that members working in the resource sector are also enjoying strong demand for electrical work. NECA Technical is taking as many, if not more, calls than it was before COVID, which indicates there are still lots of members performing work. There is obviously still a long way to go in terms of a full recovery but it does seem that Western Australia is better placed than other states at present.
Industrial Manslaughter Legislation
Sometimes there are critical pieces of legislation that industry has to fight tooth and nail to prevent; the Western Australian Government’s proposed industrial manslaughter legislation is such a law. It is vital that all contractors familiarise themselves with this legislation because it will criminalise workplace accidents. The Government’s proposed industrial manslaughter law exposes business owners to up to 10 years in jail and a $2.5million fine if an accident occurs on your worksite – even if you haven’t been reckless or negligent. It is vital that members understand the risks they could face under the worst parts (e.g. Section 30B) of the Western Australian Government’s proposed Workplace Health & Safety Bill. Section 30B is unique to WA. It is not found in any other state or territory.
ALTHOUGH MARKET CONDITIONS REMAIN DIFFICULT, IT IS PLEASING TO HEAR FROM MEMBERS IN THE RESIDENTIAL SECTOR THAT THE Western Power main switch requirement VARIOUS GOVERNMENT STIMULUS PACKAGES AIMED AT INCREASING THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOMES IS HAVING A POSITIVE EFFECT. We have received a large volume of communications from members regarding Western power’s requirement to install a circuit breaker as a main switch for all new connections and for any NECA has met with the Minister for Industrial altered connection arrangements. Relations, Bill Johnston, and personally expressed our concerns to him. We were the main impacts of this requirement are particularly adamant that the legislation being felt outside of the perth metropolitan must contain defences that protect area and major regional centres of Albany, contractors whose safety practices bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie and meet the legislative requirements. mandurah. Western power has deemed the major regional centres to be any property It is ridiculous to have a situation where a business owner has implemented within the official local government safety practices that ensure compliance boundaries of each of these cities. with all of their WHS obligations and yet Outside of these regional centres, a can still be subjected to prosecution. standard single-phase connection is NECA has lobbied the McGowan limited to 32 amps, and for 480 volts government, as well as the Liberal multiphase, 20 amps per phase. this is Opposition and cross-bench members of clearly inadequate for most customers who Parliament, as part of a coalition of more wish to install standard modern items such than twenty other industry associations as air-conditioning and induction cooktops. who also oppose this legislation. As this requirement applies to any altered connection, the installation of solar panels I encourage every Western Australian business owner and director to read the joint submission to government that on an existing property, which has been NECA WA has made along with the other supplied for many years without issue, industry associations. The submission, will likely begin to experience nuisance which is on NECA WA’s website, is more tripping problems. this will be particularly than 20 pages long but it is critical felt on farms with a 480-volt supply. that you understand the potential implications for you, your business, your Given the impact on both consumers co-workers and your family. and contractors, NeCA will continue to liaise with Western power to find Members can be assured that NECA WA will continue to fiercely oppose this legislation in its current form.
Security of Payments Legislation
The State Government has also recently released its long-awaited draft Security of Payments legislation. This is vital legislation for NECA members and for subcontractors in general.
a workable solution. However, if that is not possible, then we will be highlighting this issue directly with the minister of energy, bill Johnston mLA.
Security of payments reform
the new Building and Construction Industry (Security of Payment) Act 2021 (WA) (the Act) introduces better payment protections for all participants in the sector. the Act came into effect on 1 August and applies to construction contracts entered into from this date forwards. the former Construction Contracts Act 2004 will continue to apply to contracts already in place prior to 1 August 2022. the new reform package will take effect in three stages: Stage 1 from 1 August 2022 - the new security of payment laws will create more structure and transparency to payment rights under contracts, together with a more effective means for contractors to recover payments owed through a process of rapid adjudication. the new laws are more consistent with those across the rest of Australia. Stage 2 from 1 February 2023 - construction contracts over $1,000,000 (including GSt) entered into after 1 February 2023 that require the holding of retention money, to place retention money in a retention trust account. Stage 3 from 1 February 2024 - construction contracts over $20,000 (including GSt) that require the holding of retention trust monies will be required to hold the funds in a retention trust account. building and energy are holding free seminars on the changes to this legislation throughout WA during September, October and November 2022. Seminar registrations can be made at www.bit.ly/wasecurepayreg
Malcolm Scott
It is with great sadness that I announce the retirement of malcolm Scott from our technical team. mal has been a stalwart of the team for just over six years, during which time we estimate mal has answered more than 30,000 enquiries. technical is regularly listed as the most important service we offer to members, and mal has been vital in providing that service. We wish mal all the best in his retirement as he returns to his hometown of Albany.
Excellence and Apprentice Awards
Congratulations to all the winners at our recent excellence and Apprentice Awards. I wish them all the best of luck at the National Awards, which will be held in Adelaide in November.
A full list of the winners can be found in our member Area.
It was great to receive feedback, both during and after the event, that this was the best awards ceremony we have held. So, my sincere thanks to Kyra and Claire, our fantastic events team.
College of Electrical Training (CET) update Electrical Group Training (EGT) update
eGt has had a solid financial year. to the end of June 2022, we trained 113 new electricians and at the same time recruited 181 apprentices, finishing the year with 507 apprentices, just short of the budgeted 528. On average 17 apprentices are expected each month for the remainder of the year, with the theme of very strong demand and a shortage of quality applicants continuing. While it can be tempting (at times) to sacrifice quality for quantity, we remain focused on employing the right people with the best chance of becoming electricians.
We are also looking for new quality applicant pools by partnering with the perth motorplex, D1WA Drift racing Club, the WA Sporting Car Club, and the WA Football Commission. So you can expect to see our branding featured across local AFL and motorsport events in 2022 and 2023.
We have also had the Construction training Fund (CtF) extend our funding program for women and Indigenous Western Australians over the age of 21 by 20 places in 2022/2023. this funding provides around $10,000 per year, passed on in full to host employers. eGt also have places left on the state government’s Group training Wage Subsidy (GWS) for apprentices starting in 2022 working on government projects. the funding is worth $134,625 over four years and is designed to cover the whole wage component of an apprentice’s (junior) wage. there has never been a better time to hire an apprentice, or to become one. If you know of anyone who would make a good apprentice, please refer them to us via our website www.egt.net.au
Mates in Construction - Fly the Flag Day
September 8 is mates in Construction’s (mIC) Fly the Flag Day.
Fly the Flag is the day we celebrate the efforts our industry makes toward suicide prevention and improving mental health. We recognise the work that our Connectors, ASISts and mAteS Volunteers do every day on construction sites across Western Australia.
Your organisation can participate in Fly the Flag Day by holding a bbQ, toolbox talk, morning tea or lunch, to reinforce the vital issue of mental health in our industry, and how the fantastic network that has been developed by mates in Construction can help. please refer to mIC’s website at www.mates.org.au/fly-the-flag-day
Cet is seeing apprentice commencement numbers not experienced since the previous mining boom. With an 18% increase in commencements over this time in 2021, and 46% since July 2020, the reversal of a six-year decline in apprenticeship commencements is encouraging. With demand increasing at this rate, an equal demand for new instructors remains. If you have ever thought of giving back to the trade via the classroom and workshop, now is the time.
In other exciting news, our in-house production studio is now up and running. With four distinct stages, including a lounge for informal interviews, a formal announcement lectern, a green screen and a workshop bench, Cet is now set to not only provide additional digital content for our students, but also information and training for the entire industry. With the studio being ready to go at a moment’s notice, we can move ideas from concept to video quicker than ever. Look out Youtube! We can see the next generation smashing that ‘like button’, subscribing and, hopefully, a gold Youtube plaque on the wall soon enough!
We were pleased to speak to michael tomic, an instructor at the College of electrical training (Cet), to gain his insights and experiences of this worthwhile career option.
After completing his apprenticeship, michael started his career in the industrial sector, working in mine site construction and maintenance.
“From there I spent some time in Indonesia, where I met my wife, and we lived in bali for several years,” said michael. “I got a fly in-fly out role with Downer, working on the Wheatstone LNG project. After a while the four and one swings started to take their toll, so I took six months off to spend some time with my family, before transitioning to life in perth.”
perth offered michael a new set of opportunities, taking him into roles working on stand-alone power systems and power systems for communications equipment. For several years, he was involved in commissioning, quality control and assurance, as well as building the systems themselves.
When spinal surgery made it difficult for michael to work on the tools, he started looking at other options. “I realised I needed to come up with a plan and find a job that was less labour intensive. When I saw Cet advertising for an instructor, I decided to give it a go. I haven’t looked back since then.”
moving off the tools and into the classroom was a bit daunting at first. “this is the first job I’ve had, where I had no practical experience before I started,” said michael. “I was worried, wondering if I’d made the right move, but settled in quickly. As part of my induction, Cet placed me with another instructor for a couple of weeks, which got me off the ground. then I went for a two-week training course to complete my Certificate IV in training and Assessment. I wanted to get the qualification finished, so that I could focus on what I needed to do for my students.”
“before my initial classes, I was nervous - was I going to know everything that I needed to know?” said michael. “but it was fine.
If you’re looking for an alternative career, a competitive salary and most importantly job satisfaction, an instructing role might be the right move for you. Industry instructing offers full time and part time options, as well as the opportunity to combine instructing with being on the tools. For more information on the opportunities available at Cet visit www.cet.asn.au
INDUSTRY TRAINING
A SATISFYING CAREER
WItH ACCeSS tO A DIVerSe rANGe OF SeCtOrS AND prOJeCtS, tHe eLeCtrICAL INDUStrY HAS LONG eNJOYeD A brOAD rANGe OF CAreer pAtHS. WHeN tALKING AbOUt ADVANCemeNt, tHe DISCUSSION OFteN CeNtreS ON ‘CONVeNtIONAL’ pAtHWAYS LeADING INtO mANAGemeNt rOLeS Or bUSINeSS OWNerSHIp. A LeSSer-KNOWN OptION IS tHe rOLe OF INDUStrY INStrUCtOr, AN AttrACtIVe ALterNAtIVe tHAt eNAbLeS eLeCtrICIANS tO teACH tHe NeXt GeNerAtION OF AppreNtICeS, WHILe CONtINUING tO ADVANCe tHeIr CAreer.
Working at Cet is like being part of an industry encyclopedia – a human one. everyone is so knowledgeable. If you don’t know something, there is always someone who can help.”
While it wasn’t part of michael’s original career plan, becoming an instructor has proven to be a rewarding career choice.
“I’m learning new things every day,” explained michael. “It’s a great feeling to go home, knowing something new, that I didn’t know when I woke up. that didn’t happen in my old job, where I was focused in one specific area.”
“teaching is a rewarding responsibility. my students all learn differently. Some want to sit on their phone all day as they can pass the tests without any problems. then you get those students who give you all their attention, but for whatever reason, it just doesn’t make sense to them. As an instructor, I’m constantly adapting, identifying who needs help and being creative in finding ways to engage them. I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing my students progress.” Industry instructors’ key function is to help students understand and prepare for realworld experiences, by sharing their knowledge and expertise. “As an instructor, you get thrown into all sorts of topics, and you have to pass that knowledge on to someone else. It’s not a job that you walk into and replicate the same thing each day,” said michael. “Instructing is a constantly changing environment. my students all come from different industries. In some cases, they work in sectors I haven’t worked in, or haven’t been in for some time.”
“We have very open discussions that harness everyone’s knowledge. the reality is that I’m not always the right person in the room, and as an instructor, you have to be able to accept that. You can’t assume you have all the answers. I draw on my students’ knowledge as much as my own.”
“becoming an instructor at Cet was the right move for me. I enjoy passing on my skills and knowledge, and hope it helps my students have a career path that is as varied and satisfying as mine has been.”
KEY CHANGES TO WA’S STATE EMPLOYMENT LAWS
tHe INDUStrIAL reLAtIONS LeGISLAtION AmeNDmeNt ACt 2021, eFFeCtIVe FrOm 20 JUNe 2022, HAS INtrODUCeD SeVerAL CHANGeS tO tHe WA StAte empLOYmeNt LAWS. tHe mOSt NOtAbLe OF CHANGeS HAVe beeN SUmmArISeD beLOW.
Wage theft and strengthening enforcement
provisions were added into the Industrial Relations Act 1979 (Ir Act) and the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 (mCe Act) to combat wage theft and afford further protections to employees from their employers taking or entering any unreasonable actions or contracts with them.
the mechanisms for enforcing contraventions of state employment laws have been strengthened including an increase in penalties and liabilities for accessories to contravention.
New provisions have been implemented in the Ir Act requiring all state system employers to issue pay slips and are now required to retain each entry regarding annual leave and long service leave during the employment and for a further seven years after termination of employment. It is also prohibited for employers to unreasonably require employees to pay back their wages to the employer or another person (sometimes known as ‘cash backs’).
Sham contracting is prohibited, and an employer is prohibited from representing, or telling an employee or prospective employee, that a ‘contract of employment’ (where the worker is an employee and entitled to minimum wages and other protections) is a ‘contract for services’ (where the worker is an independent contractor).
the Ir Act prohibits an employer from advertising employment at a rate of pay that is less than the minimum wage applicable to the job under the mCe Act or a state award, order, or industrial agreement. Any false or misleading conduct will attract civil penalties upwards of $130,000 in cases of serious contravention, and state industrial inspectors now have enhanced powers to offer infringement notices for failures.
Bullying and sexual harassment
public and private sector employees may now make an application to the Western Australian Industrial relations Commission (WAIrC) for a stop bullying or stop sexual harassment order, where they reasonably believe it to have occurred at work, under the new stop bullying and sexual harassment provisions.
Unpaid family and domestic violence leave
there is a new minimum entitlement of five days unpaid family and domestic violence leave for all employees in the state industrial relations system, including employees who are covered by WA State Awards and industrial agreements, and employees who are award free. this entitlement is noncumulative, and is available in full at the beginning of each 12-month period for all employees inclusive of part-time and casual.
Sick leave and carers leave have been combined and are now deemed as personal leave. there has been no change as to how the paid personal leave accrues and accumulates, however, the limit on the amount of paid leave taken for caring purposes each year has been removed. Full-time and part-time employees must use their available paid personal leave before accessing unpaid personal leave. However, casual employees can access up to two days of unpaid personal leave per occasion for caring purposes.
Changes to the Long Service Leave Act 1958 (the ‘LSL Act’)
An employee may take long service leave in separate periods of any length in addition to requests to take such at half pay for twice as long or double pay for half as long. In addition, provisions regarding the ‘transfer of business’ have been added to the LSL Act based on provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 and enforcement provisions have been strengthened.
Deductions from pay
Deductions from an employee’s pay can be made if an employee gives written authority for such deductions to be made and monies paid to another party on their behalf. An employee can withdraw their authorisation at any time by giving written notice. An employer is not obliged to make deductions requested by an employee. An employer cannot directly or indirectly compel an employee to accept goods, accommodation, or other services of any kind instead of money as any part of the employee’s pay.
More generally:
An amendment which commenced earlier this year, 12 February 2022, is the inclusion of easter Sunday as a public holiday within WA. Accordingly, State awards and industrial agreements that provide for public holidays are to automatically recognise the easter Sunday as a public holiday, bringing the total number of public holidays to 11.
employers now have new employment obligations to employees under the mCe Act as the definitions have removed exclusions for people that are paid wholly, by commission or piece rate and percentage rewards.
Union right of entry
Changes were also made to right of entry provisions. A unionauthorised representative may enter premises during work hours to: ½ investigate a suspected breach of a state industrial law, award or agreement; ½ investigate a suspected breach of state work health and safety law; and ½ hold discussions with employees who are members of the union or eligible to become members.
the right of entry provisions have been amended to expressly enable authorised representatives to make electronic recordings of any work, material, or machinery that is relevant to the suspected breach being investigated. An electronic recording could include a photograph, video or audio taken with a mobile phone. there is no automatic right of entry to a workplace that is also used for habitation by the employer or a member of their household, but an order permitting entry may be obtained from the WAIrC.
more information can be obtained from the Department of mines, Industry regulation and Safety at www.bit.ly/lawchangeswa
Johnny Brits
Legal Practice Director, ECA Legal ecalegal@ecawa.org.au Disclaimer: This summary is a guide only and is not legal advice. For further information, call ECA Legal on (08) 6241 6129 or email ecalegal@ecawa.org.au
A WA GUIDE FOR INSTALLING ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGERS
As electric and hybrid vehicles (eV) increase in popularity, the installation of eV chargers/charging stations is becoming a more common request for electricians. It’s important that members are aware of the specific requirements in WA to ensure their work is compliant. NeCA technical recommend that members consult the manufacturer’s instructions, Appendix p of the Wiring rules, and the Western Australian Service and Installation requirements (WASIr).
Manufacturer’s instructions
Generally, eV chargers need to be installed as per the manufacturer’s instructions – that’s your first port of call. Contact the manufacturer directly if you have any questions.
Wiring Rules
the next step is to review the Wiring rules. Appendix p - Guidance for installation and location of electrical vehicle socketoutlets and charging stations of AS/NZS 3000:2018 provides further guidance in regard to the installation and location. Clause p4.1 of Appendix p (below) specifies the residual current device (rCD) requirements for each connecting point. Installers need to determine if the direct current (DC) protection is incorporated in the charging station and, if not, employ the measures outlined in Appendix p4.1.
p4.1 rCDs
each connecting point should be protected by its own rCD of at least type A, having a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA. Where the eV charging station is equipped with a socket-outlet or vehicle connector complying with the IeC 62196 series, protective measures against d.c. fault current should be taken, except where provided by the eV charging station. the following measures apply for each connection point: (a) rCD type b (b) rCD type A and appropriate equipment that ensures disconnection of the supply in case of d.c. fault current above 6 mA
the requirements of AS/NZS 3190, AS/NZS 61008, AS/NZS 61009, AS/NZS 60947 series or IeC 62423 apply to rCDs. rCDs should disconnect all live conductors.
WASIR
electrical workers also need to be aware of the requirements outlined in the WASIr. the section covering electric vehicles changes frequently, so we recommend that contractors check the WASIr prior to an eV install.
As a result of recent updates, there are no longer specific requirements for residential and commercial/industrial electrical vehicle supply equipment (eVSe). the following now applies:
10.11.6 electric cehicle supply equipment
electric vehicle supply equipment (eVSe) and associated eV plugs/ connectors shall comply with relevant industry standards and the network operators technical requirements. the installation of eVSe may alter the consumers site maximum demand and potentially the associated network supply and connection arrangement requiring additionally or upgraded infrastructure and installation protection. (For additional information refer to the relevent network operator and clause 11.6.4) the rated current of eVSe shall not cause the total load limits specified: 1. in clause 7.6.2, table 3 for equipment to be connected to Horizon power’s distribution network; or 2. for a standard connection service connected to
Western power’s distribution network; to be exceeded.
If you have any questions about this rapidly evolving technology, please contact NeCA technical.
Malcolm Scott
Technical Services Advisor NECA WA www.neca.asn.au/wa
NO MORE SWMS CONFUSION WITH NECA SAFE DIGITAL
there is often uncertainty over when a Safe Work method Statement (SWmS) is required and subsequent company processes can be unnecessarily complicated. You can avoid the guess-work and save time by using the NeCA Safe Digital App to complete your risk Assessments.
Simply answer the questions and the risk Assessment tool will determine whether or not a SWmS is required, and then prompt you to provide the relevant details and documents.
When is a SWMS required?
to put it simply - there are 19 High risk Construction Work Activities that require a SWmS. Visit www.bit.ly/NeCA_HrCW to view the complete list. these activities have been loaded into the NeCA Safe Digital App. If you select one of the High risk Construction Work Activities when using the risk Assessment tool, you will be prompted to provide a SWmS. If you have uploaded your company SWmSs in the administrative console, they will appear in a dropdown list and you can easily select the relevant one for the task.
Additionally, the risk Assessment tool can capture hazards on site which (if applicable) assists with making your generic SWmS site-specific.
If your work does not involve any High risk Construction Work Activities, then you will not need to provide a SWmS, and can continue to complete a standard risk Assessment via the tool.
NeCA Safe Digital is suitable for sole contractors and larger teams. If your business involves a larger team with a supervisor, they can review and sign-off on the risk Assessment via the App. If you have additional attendees on site that are not users of the App (such as apprentices, subcontractors and/or labour-hire) their attendance can also be recorded via the tool.
It’s easy to streamline safety in your business and be confident that you are doing the right thing when it comes to SWmS with NeCA Safe Digital. Starting at only $15/month for a single user, members can also record pre-Start/ toolboxes, Vehicle Inspections, electrical Installation tests, Incident reports and Hazard reports via the App – to sign-up online visit www.bit.ly/NeCASafeDigital
If you need help preparing SWmS for your business, NeCA WA have a suite of generic SWmS available for purchase. Contact NeCA Safety on (08) 6241 6100 or email safety@necawa.asn.au
WESTERN POWER RURAL SUPPLY ALLOCATION REVIEW UNDERWAY
WItH ArOUND 2.3 mILLION CUStOmerS, tHAt IS 1.1 mILLION CONNeCtIONS, WeSterN pOWer mANAGeS tHe GrID eFFeCtIVeLY AND eFFICIeNtLY bY eNSUrING eACH CONNeCtION CAN INDIVIDUALLY DrAW Up tO tHeIr AGreeD SUppLY ALLOCAtION.
As part of their commitment to delivering the best possible power supply to the community, Western power is reviewing the regional and rural standard supply allocations of 32 Amp for single phase (240V) connections to ensure they are fit for purpose.
Western power is working closely with electrical contractor industry bodies and solar installers to assess alternative options, with the aim of providing an update by the end of the year.
the review follows the updating of technical manuals, standards and guidelines associated with both traditional and renewable energy connections, which was essential with the community’s drive towards decarbonisation.
In August 2021 the Western Australian Services and Installations requirements (WASIr) was updated to ensure the safe management of the network and to align with the evolving renewable energy market and state/national compliance frameworks, as well as Australian Standards. the changes made support and facilitate the growth of renewable energy and distributed energy resources - such as rooftop solar, battery storage, electric vehicles, and electric vehicle chargers.
the WASIr update introduced new connection requirements for alterations to connection arrangements and increases to usage, including the need for the main switch to be a circuit breaker, a device designed to provide overload protection for a household if connection service capacity is exceeded and to prevent tripping of upstream network protection.
As before, electrical contractors have an obligation, when adding new circuits (i.e. additional load, electric vehicle charging, solar systems, air-conditioning, new electric stoves), to assess demand requirements for households in line with network connection service requirements and apply for upgrades if they are likely to be exceeded. Households are responsible for managing their total electrical load and should seek electrical contractor advice when adding or replacing larger appliances and equipment to ensure they have the required service connection capacity.
Households can apply via Western power’s website to increase their supply allocation at a cost. Alternatively, they can authorise their electrician to apply on their behalf.
Western power manages, maintains and plans the electricity grid to accommodate the energy needs of West Australians, in line with its obligations under legislation and standards such as the WASIr. Western power is supporting the decarbonisation efforts of West Australians by modernising the grid and responding to the needs of customers.
more information can be found on the Western power website.
FOr tHe FIrSt tIme IN At LeASt 40 YeArS, WeSterN AUStrALIA reCOrDeD ZerO FAtAL eLeCtrICAL ACCIDeNtS DUrING tHe 2021-22 FINANCIAL YeAr. OVer tHe pASt 10 YeArS, tHe StAte HAS ALSO SeeN DeCLINING treNDS IN NON-FAtAL eLeCtrICAL ACCIDeNtS per mILLION peOpLe AS WeLL AS DeAtHS Or SerIOUS ACCIDeNtS reSULtING FrOm LIVe WOrK bY eLeCtrICIANS.
Western Australia’s Director of energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan, said while the outcomes are pleasing, efforts must continue across a range of safety, education and compliance measures.
“General improvements in electrical safety outcomes over a long period may be linked to sustained industry-wide efforts including legislative reforms and compliance activities,” mr Abdoolakhan said.
“Significant legislative changes in the past five years have included new regulations to restrict work on energised electrical installations. New guidelines were also published on appropriate supervision levels for electrical apprentices.”
While building and energy – Western Australia’s energy safety regulator – expands and diversifies its industry compliance activities, consumers have also been brought more into the electrical safety conversation.
A high-profile campaign by building and energy, in partnership with network operators, urged people to immediately report any shocks and tingles at their homes, contributing to a 77% increase in these reports.
“earlier this year, building and energy also launched an initiative to remind home owners and occupiers that, by law, all tradespeople who need to enter the roof space at their property must turn off the power at the main switchboard – and residents should also do this if they have to go into the roof space,” mr Abdoolakhan said. Letters explaining the requirement were included with power bills along with warning stickers that can be placed on manholes and meter boxes to remind people to turn off the power before entering the roof space.
“Although there were no fatal electrical accidents in Western Australia in the last financial year, two of the most recent electricity-related deaths involved tragedies in roof spaces where installations were still energised,” mr Abdoolakhan said.
“this is an important reminder for electrical contractors, electricians, other tradespeople and the general public about potential roof space hazards such as damaged, deteriorated or poorly installed electrical infrastructure that can be difficult to see or avoid.”
electricians also have access to a building and energy letter (available at dmirs.wa.gov.au) that can be provided to residents to explain the legal requirement for the mains power to be off while carrying out electrical work.
“the electrical industry can play a key part in this conversation and help owners and occupiers understand the requirements and why they should expect and encourage the power to be off,” mr Abdoolakhan said.
“Discussions about switching the power off should start early so the expectations are clear from the beginning.”
Saj Abdoolakhan
Executive Director, Building and Energy www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy
