1. What must be done to ensure electrical safety in schools? 2 ...
1. What must be done to ensure electrical safety in schools? 2 ...
1. What must be done to ensure electrical safety in schools? 2 ...
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
5. Who pays for test<strong>in</strong>g and tagg<strong>in</strong>g and the <strong>in</strong>stallation of <strong>safety</strong> switches?<br />
Test<strong>in</strong>g and tagg<strong>in</strong>g of specified <strong>electrical</strong> equipment (School Funds)<br />
Schools are responsible for engag<strong>in</strong>g and fund<strong>in</strong>g contrac<strong>to</strong>rs (or competent person) <strong>to</strong> complete test<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
tagg<strong>in</strong>g of specified <strong>electrical</strong> equipment. There is no obligation for <strong>schools</strong> <strong>to</strong> engage Q Build <strong>to</strong> perform<br />
these functions.<br />
Test<strong>in</strong>g of Fixed Safety Switches by a Competent person (Centrally funded)<br />
Test<strong>in</strong>g of fixed <strong>safety</strong> switches is covered under the ‘Service Ma<strong>in</strong>tenance Allocation’ and is centrally funded<br />
by the department. This work is performed by Q Build.<br />
Test<strong>in</strong>g of Portable Safety Switches by a Competent person (School Funds)<br />
Test<strong>in</strong>g of portable <strong>safety</strong> switches is covered by school funds. There is no obligation for <strong>schools</strong> <strong>to</strong> engage<br />
Q Build <strong>to</strong> perform these functions.<br />
6. Plann<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>stall a <strong>safety</strong> switch at your school<br />
<strong>1.</strong> Check your switch boards for exist<strong>in</strong>g <strong>safety</strong> switches. It may <strong>be</strong> useful <strong>to</strong> have a map of your school<br />
<strong>in</strong>dicat<strong>in</strong>g locations of switchboards and <strong>safety</strong> switches. This could <strong>be</strong> used <strong>to</strong> keep records of tests.<br />
Many manual arts, home economics, science and art blocks already have <strong>safety</strong> switches <strong>in</strong>stalled.<br />
2. Seek advice from your Facilities Account Manager about the <strong>in</strong>stallation of <strong>electrical</strong> <strong>safety</strong> switches and<br />
future planned work at your school.<br />
3. Your school will probably need multiple <strong>safety</strong> switches with costs vary<strong>in</strong>g dependant on your school<br />
location, num<strong>be</strong>r of <strong>safety</strong> switches <strong>to</strong> <strong>be</strong> <strong>in</strong>stalled, size and age of your exist<strong>in</strong>g distribution board.<br />
4. Get at least 3 quotes <strong>to</strong> <strong>ensure</strong> a competitive price.<br />
Install<strong>in</strong>g <strong>safety</strong> switches will offer the <strong>be</strong>st protection from electrocution and will also reduce your<br />
test<strong>in</strong>g and tagg<strong>in</strong>g costs.<br />
5. When the work is completed <strong>ensure</strong> that your electrician provides –<br />
a. <strong>in</strong>formation on the circuits that are protected by the <strong>safety</strong> switch and<br />
b. a demonstration of how <strong>to</strong> test the <strong>safety</strong> switch<br />
6. Advise your regional QBuild contact about the <strong>in</strong>stallation of your new <strong>safety</strong> switches. QBuild can add<br />
this <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>to</strong> their records about your school which will assist <strong>in</strong> ongo<strong>in</strong>g test<strong>in</strong>g and ma<strong>in</strong>tenance<br />
programs.<br />
7. Competent Person<br />
Some <strong>schools</strong> have decided <strong>to</strong> tra<strong>in</strong> a mem<strong>be</strong>r of staff as a competent person <strong>to</strong> perform test<strong>in</strong>g and tagg<strong>in</strong>g<br />
activities rather than engage a licensed electrician. Pr<strong>in</strong>cipals should <strong>be</strong> aware of their responsibilities when<br />
their own staff mem<strong>be</strong>r does work as the “competent person”.<br />
The Pr<strong>in</strong>cipal is responsible for determ<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g that the person who carries out <strong>in</strong>spection, test<strong>in</strong>g and tagg<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
<strong>electrical</strong> equipment has the required competencies. Pr<strong>in</strong>cipals should <strong>be</strong> aware of this responsibility and<br />
that they are accountable for the ongo<strong>in</strong>g actions of the 'competent person'.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation please refer <strong>to</strong> the Competent Person Fact Sheet.<br />
Organisational Health Unit Novem<strong>be</strong>r 2008 14