Types of safety observers
Exclusion zone safety observer
An exclusion zone safety observer should meet the following requirements:
- be competent in observing, warning and communicating effectively which may mean using electronic communications like a two-way radio
- be hazard and risk aware
- be able to warn about approach to electrical apparatus
- be able to stop the work if necessary
- not be expected to observe more than one crane or plant at a time
- not be located in an elevated work platform
- not be assigned to other duties.
This type of safety observer is required when work is performed near exposed live parts.
For more information on the role of the safety observer for the safety observer zone, refer to Section 4.3.2 of the Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Working Near Exposed Live Parts.
The other two safety observers mentioned are required for electrical work that involves live work.
Live work safety observer
A live work safety observer must meet the following requirements:
- be competent to help the person performing the electrical work.
- be competent to:
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- rescue the person performing the electrical work, and
- provide resuscitation (assessed in the last six months)
High Voltage live line work safety observer
A high voltage live line work safety observer for work on live high-voltage overhead lines has the same requirements of the live work safety observer with the addition the following:
- be competent in performing the electrical work being observed. This includes having the appropriate electrical work licence.
- be competent in observing, warning and communicating effectively when correct procedures are not being followed and when unsafe actions may or do occur.
- not required to be competent in isolation techniques.
A safety observer must be trained to perform the role but this training does not have to be formalised.