Working with older switchboards
Be asbestos-aware
Old black Zelemite electrical switchboards can contain up to 20% asbestos.
If you are working on an old pre 1987 electrical switchboard, assume asbestos is there even if it is not labelled.
Use work practices that cause as little dust as possible and contain any dust that is made.
Refer to:
- Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008 - Division 1 (on-site management of asbestos materials) Part 11
- Workplace health and safety subject – asbestos
Potential fault
The Electrical Safety Office wants all electrical installations containing switchgear inspected for damage.
A type of switchboard manufactured in the 1960s has been found to have a potential fault.
This follows an incident where it appears cables within the combined fused switch carriage, shorted to earth, causing a severe electrical fault and fire at a major public institution.
Inspecting for damage, particular attention should be drawn to:
- broken and deteriorated tension springs
- damaged cables within the combined fused switch carriage
- heat damage to connection point
- foreign and loose items within the fused switch carriage.