High voltage installations
Conditions of office
You can only perform inspections of high voltage installations if you have been accredited by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.
If you are accredited you must comply with the Conditions of office (PDF, 83 KB)which include but are not limited to:
- maintaining skills, knowledge and abilities for the duration of the appointment
- testing work for compliance with national standards
- not auditing your own work
- reporting findings of an audit to the installation’s owner/occupier and, when requested, to the department.
Application criteria
If you apply to become an accredited auditor you must be able to demonstrate the capabilities and meet the following performance criteria:
Knowledge
You must give information that shows you have the knowledge to become an accredited auditor.
You should give a statement with any supporting information that shows you meet the following criteria:
- understanding and knowledge of high voltage installations
- an understanding and knowledge of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (PDF, 788 KB) , other relevant codes and Australian Standards
- knowledge of electrical equipment, construction practices and circuits associated with high voltage installations
- an ability to assess the suitability of the high voltage electrical equipment
- an ability to assess the suitability of the protection system associated with high voltage electrical equipment
- understanding and experience in carrying out auditing and an understanding of electrical inspection procedures.
Skills and abilities
You should give information that demonstrates that you have relevant skills and abilities through work experience.
You should show that you meet the following criteria:
- ability to research, collate information, prepare reports and maintain accurate and correct records
- demonstration of interpersonal skills for the audit process including written and verbal communication skills
- ability to interpret and assess information and standards as applied to the relevant high voltage installation. Standards include AS/NZS 3000 Electrical installations (non-Queensland Government link) and other standards applicable to high voltage installations and the installation and testing of high voltage electrical equipment
- ability to audit an electrical installation for compliance to applicable electrical standards
- appreciation and understanding of high voltage isolation and access principles.
Education
You should give supporting documentation showing that you have electrical qualifications providing experience in high voltage installations, installation of electrical equipment and wiring systems associated with high voltage installations. Qualifications can be demonstrated with electrical trade or tertiary education qualifications.
Work experience
In addition to satisfying the educational criteria, an applicant must meet the requirements for relevant work experience. This experience must include:
- technical and installation experience with aspects of electrical installations including the interpretation of applicable standards
- experience in installation design, equipment design and or protection systems associated with high voltage electrical equipment and wiring systems
- experience in the application of high voltage isolation and access principles
- demonstrated experience in utilising and referencing applicable standards associated with high voltage installations and AS/NZS 3000
- demonstrated recent experience in conducting an audit based on audit principles gained from an external auditor training course. This can be achieved by:
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- Successful completion in the previous two years of an appropriate auditor training course through a registered training organisation (for example an ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems Internal Auditor training course)
- Where an applicant may have extensive industry experience auditing high voltage installations in situations other than that required by the Electrical Safety Act 2002, there may be scope for using this to demonstrate understanding and application of auditing principles. The applicant would need to be able to prove extensive experience in auditing, supplying several complete audit reports and an explanation of how the applicant prepares for, conducts, and finalises the high voltage installation audit along with other information the applicant has to demonstrate competency in understanding and applying auditing principles.
Insurance requirements
Accredited auditors must be covered by appropriate types and levels of both public liability and professional indemnity insurance for the work to be performed.
If you are appointed, this insurance must be maintained for the duration of your appointment and you must only conduct work within the scope and level of the insurance held.
When completing the application form (PDF, 132KB) you should attach a copy of the certificate of currency that details the insurance under which you intend to perform the work of an accredited auditor.
In addition to all of the above requirements you also need to:
- provide all necessary proof of identity
- complete a document declaration form (PDF, 115 KB)
- provide two passport size photographs for use on your identity card if successful
- provide specimen signatures for use on your identity card if successful
- sign the declaration on the form
- include the fee as listed on the application form - cheques or money orders are to be made payable to 'The Department of Justice and Attorney-General'; credit card facilities are also available – there is a section on the application form (PDF, 132KB) for this information.