Spring 2010 edition
Welcome to the ninth edition of the Electrical Safety Outlook newsletter
Electrical Safety Outlook is a publication produced for electrical licence holders and others involved in the industry. It provides news and practical information about our industry on a range of topics from policy development to dealing with asbestos on the job.
Electrical Safety Outlook is published several times a year, and can be delivered directly to your email address.
We welcome your comments and input.
Peter Lamont
Executive Director
Electrical Safety Office
In this issue
Photovoltaic systems - electrical licensing requirements
Installation and maintenance of photo voltaic (PV) systems and associated wiring systems which operate at more than 120 volts dc or 50 volts ac (extra low voltage) must only be performed by a person with an appropriate electrical work licence.
DC isolators for PV arrays
AS/NZS5033:2005 Installation of photovoltaic (PV) arrays requires PV arrays to have a means of disconnection such as an isolating switch, for the purpose of isolating the PV array.
Photovoltaic module damage
Special care should be taken when transporting and installing photovoltaic (PV) solar panels because damaged modules may malfunction which can lead to safety risks.
Photovoltaic standards update
Standards Australia is reviewing AS/NZS 5033 Installation of photovoltaic (PV) arrays and the AS 4777 series Grid connect of energy systems via inverters.
Safe physical installation of photovoltaic solar panels
Electricians and builders should be aware that photovoltaic (PV) solar panels must be installed in accordance with the Australian Standards for buildings and the Building Code of Australia.
Record fine for ceiling insulation fatality
Rockhampton company, Arrow Property Maintenance Pty Ltd, was fined $135,000 in the Rockhampton Industrial Magistrates Court in September.
Verification – the inspection and testing of electrical work
Electrical contractors and workers have an obligation to carry out an inspection and test of all electrical installations and to provide the customer with a Certificate of test. Failure to comply with legislative requirements can attract fines or court action.
New electrical standard on electrical installations for construction and demolition sites
The latest edition of AS/NZS 3012:2010 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites (AS/NZS 3012:2010) was published on 22 June 2010.
Queensland Work Safe Awards 2010
The judging of entries for Category 5 - Best solution to an identified electrical safety issue, is now complete with a record number of high quality entries making a difficult decision for the judges.
Clothes dryer safety
Householders should always take precautions when using clothes dryers. Lack of care of clothes drying appliances can create unsafe conditions leading to fires.
Second apprentice program
The Electrical Safety Office has farewelled another three electrical apprentices after their three month placement program.
Correction to Code of Practice
A typing error has been discovered in the Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Working Near Exposed Live Parts.
Recalls
Latest recalls.