Supervising electrical apprentices
Electrical apprentices require supervision for their safetyand the safety of others.
The amount of supervision, direct (constant) or general, requires continual assessment of each person’s experience, competence and the nature of the task being undertaken.
It can also vary from direct to general supervision depending on the type of electrical work. A gradual relaxation of supervision is logical as the apprentice develops the skills, knowledge and experience leading to a trade qualification.
Section 209 of Queensland’s Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (PDF File, 1.02 MB) (the Regulation) requires employers to ensure an apprentice who performs electrical work is supervised at all times by an electrical worker licensed to perform the work.
The Regulation states that the level of supervision required must be appropriate in regard to the:
- type of electrical work performed
- adequacy of the apprentice’s or trainee’s training
- competency of the person in training.
Supervision of electrical work and the way it is performed includes:
- statutory compliance e.g. what work an apprentice is allowed to do
- health and safety matters
- technical compliance with Australian Standards
- implementation of a safe system of work.
The supervisor must be properly qualified and experienced in the electrical work they are overseeing, and their licence must be current.
The supervisor must at all times try to be aware of, and immediately respond to, any personal or health-related problems which may affect the ability of the apprentice to carry out the work correctly and safely.