AUTUmN/WiNTER 2010 ISSUE 20 (PDF) - Energy Safe Victoria

6www.energysafe.vic.gov.auESV alerts certifyingbody following“explosions” inschools’ ovensThe approval certificate for athermostat featured in at least twodomestic ovens has been suspendedfollowing incidents of burns beingreceived in the cookery classroomsat some schools.The most recent incident occurred at StaughtonCollege, Melton South, in early May. The classteacher received slight burns to her face andarm in the incident when a cooker exploded.ESV is aware of two other incidents – one ina Tasmanian school earlier this year, the otherat Kyneton Secondary College in March 2008.Following the explosion at Melton South, ESVinformed the Australian Gas Association (AGA),the certifying body of the particular thermostat,of the incidents.ESV also requested that the approval certificatefor the thermostat in question be suspendedbecause of the apparent unsafe operatingconditions being experienced.The AGA has now advised that the certificatehas been suspended.ESV also informed the Victorian EducationDepartment of the situation. Schools were thencontacted and advised that the two models ofovens featuring the thermostat are not to beused until further notice.ESV has asked the manufacturer of the twoovens for a list of the models incorporatingthe thermostat and details of any designchanges, if any, incorporated into thecookers over the years.The manufacturer has advised that it has notinstalled the thermostat in its ovens since 2006.Kyneton Secondary CollegeIn early March 2008 ESV received a report ofan “immediately dangerous situation” with anupright domestic cooker at the college followingan incident where a student was injured dueto an oven explosion.ESV inspectors found that the front plate ofthe thermostat that engages the outer pin ofthe safety magnet device compartment wasin a depressed location.Under normal operating conditions the frontplate would return to its normal non-operatingposition and will allow the pin of the safetydevice to return to its correct location whenthe oven is turned off.Subsequently all the cookers at the school werechecked and two others were found to have thesame problem with sticking thermostats.The thermostats in the three cookers werereplaced with new ones. There have been nofurther reports of problems with these cookers.Launceston Church Grammar School,TasmaniaA few days before the incident in the classroomat Melton South, the Office of the Director ofGas Safety Tasmania alerted ESV of a cookerexplosion and injury to a student at the school..The thermostat in question was incorporatedin the cooker involved. It was the second timesuch an incident had occurred with the particularcooker. Again there had been an injury.Investigations found the cookers involved in theKyneton and Launceston school incidents weredifferently badged models but were virtuallyidentical and made by the same manufacturer.Staughton College, Melton SouthIn the Staughton College incident, the classteacher received slight burns to her face andarm in the incident.ESV inspectors were told that the victim wascrouching in front of the oven and was openingthe door when the oven exploded. She couldnot recall having pressed any ignition buttons.Although investigators could not find a faultwith the oven identified as being involved in theincident, they looked at four other appliancesand discovered a problem due to a stickingthermostat – as per the other two schools –in one of the other ovens.Gas-fired generatorsto power publichousing in VictoriaA revolutionary new combined heatingand power system for Victoria’spublic housing residents will reducecarbon emissions and energy bills forvulnerable Victorians, Housing MinisterRichard Wynne announced recently.Mr Wynne said that under the scheme, theState Government would work with CeramicFuel Cells Limited (CFCL) to install 30 BlueGenceramic fuel cells in homes later this year.ESV has worked with CFCL by streamliningthe regulatory process so as not to hinder thedevelopment of the system.As there is currently no Australian Standardfor solid oxide (ceramic) fuel cells, ESV hasclassified the BlueGen unit as a Type Bappliance and dealt with it accordingly.With the proposed development of a specificAustralian Standard for ceramic fuel cells, theBlueGen unit will be re-classified as a Type Aappliance and ultimately be mass certified byone of Australia’s Certifying Bodies.The Minister said the $1.35 million projectrepresented the world’s first installation ofBlueGen units in public housing.He said the units are designed to last 15 yearsand their effectiveness and energy efficiencywill be evaluated after two years.The BlueGen unit is a mini-generator thatconverts natural gas into electricity and heat.The electricity supplies power to the house andgenerates heat to create hot water, removing theneed for a separate household hot water unit.“The exciting part of BlueGen is that it is highlyefficient, generating electricity with only abouta third as much greenhouse gas emissioncompared to the current Victorian system,”Mr Wynne said.The generator.Thermostat sticking Note safety device pin is compressed open.Thermostat in a non-operational position.An off spot from theUK’s Daily TelegraphnewspaperCommenting on a complaint from a Mr. ArthurPurdey about a large gas bill, a spokesman forNorth West Gas said, “We agree it was ratherhigh for the time of year. It’s possible Mr. Purdeyhas been charged for the gas used up duringthe explosion that destroyed his house.”

Stolen forkliftand containerhits powerlinesIt’s a mystery which has not been solvedand possibly never will be.How did a person who attempted to steal whatturned out to be an empty shipping containerat a transport depot in Laverton North not sufferelectrocution or serious injury when it hit the66kV overhead powerlines?Another mystery was how the culprit managedto access and start up a large forklift which isbanned from that section of the yard becauseof the height of the line?And what was the purpose of trying to stealan empty shipping container?Authorities were so concerned at what might havehappened, searches were conducted in the yardand nearby in case the culprit was dead or injured.The 66kV line involved supplies the Toyotaplant at Altona.A “classic”lightingarrangementESV Installation Safety EnforcementOfficer, Greg Johnson, holds whatmust be termed a “classic” homemadelighting arrangement.A vigilant electrician discovered the apparatusin a shed on a property in Melbourne whencalled there to carry out some work andhanded it to ESV.It featured a 40 watt tube of a type whichhas not been available for at least 20 years.Some of its features:> > Connected by tunnel terminals at oneend and a lamp holder at the other;> > Starter and connector also connectedby tunnel terminals;> > Put together on a fence paling whichwould also be a few years old.Greg said: “It was remarkable the lightingarrangement was still operating. It hasprobably worked all day and every dayfor as long as anyone can remember.“Equally amazing and much more of a worrywas that it did not catch fire due to the heatfrom the ballast connected to the wood.”7The scene at the transport depot when a shipping container brought downpowerlines. Also the forklift involved and a view of burn marks on one tyre.Autumn/Winter 2010 ISSUE 20Power pole with rotten base topples overHow’s this for being in the right placeat the right time!In late April ESV enforcement officers Keith VanDer Zyden and Greg Johnson were attendingan investigation in Albert Park.When they left site and drove around the cornerthey came across a distribution network polewhich had literally just fallen over. Fortunatelythere were no injuries – the only damage to thehome was the dislodging of a capping brick onthe front fence. It was extraordinary there wasnot more damage.As can be seen in the photos, the wires werekeeping the pole standing – rather than the poleholding the wires in the air, as there was not anysound wood left in the base of the pole.The distribution company’s control room wasinformed immediately. The scene was kept safeuntil repair crews arrived.With the cables live, it was fortunate Keith andGreg were on hand so quickly.The fallen power poll – and its condition.Compliance Officer Greg Johnson with the “interesting”home-made light fitting showing both ends.

Victorian Bushfires RoyalCommission – observations andrecommendations relating to ESV8www.energysafe.vic.gov.auIn late March a number of oral andwritten submissions were made to theBushfires Royal Commission by CounselAssisting and counsel for the State,distribution businesses and others.There was widespread reporting of theobservations and recommendations inrelation to ESV.The following statement by Director ofEnergy Safety, Paul Fearon, was releasedshortly afterwards and placed on theESV website.I can assure all ESV stakeholders, including theelectricity industry and the general community,that ESV has worked closely with the State toensure that a balanced and informed set ofviews and recommendations have been put tothe Commissioners for their consideration.The State’s submission is publicly available onthe Bushfires Royal Commission website atwww.royalcommission.vic.gov.au. It providesa detailed response and alternative set ofrecommendations to that of CounselAssisting’s oral and written submissiondelivered on 26 March.Ultimately it will be for the Royal Commissionto determine its own view and recommendationsto the Government on what sort of regulatoryregime should exist in Victoria. This will bedone in its final report due around the middleof this year.I have told ESV staff that the observationsexpressed in the Royal Commission are notpersonal to ESV individuals or this organisationbut reflect the various perspectives and tensionsin this very important “public policy” debatearound the regulatory regime that was orshould be in place in Victoria.I can say that ESV retains the confidence ofthe Minister for Energy and Resources andthe State Government. This confidence is welldocumented in the Government’s submissionand I will quote relevant parts from it.Briefly the Government has already committedto a number of initiatives, including legislativechange (some of which was identified priorto the devastating “Black Saturday” bushfiresof 7 February 2009) and enhanced fundingthat will put ESV in a stronger position to playits part.As stated in its submission, the State intendsto introduce a Bill to Parliament which seeksto amend legislation, including the ElectricitySafety Act 1998, the Energy Safe Victoria Act2005 and the National Electricity (Victoria) Act2005 to:> > Increase penalties for failing to submit bushfiremitigation plans (BMPs);> > Require compliance with approved BMPs,with penalties for non-compliance;> > Explicitly require bushfire risks associatedwith the management of electricity distributionand transmission assets to be minimised;> > Clarify ESV’s powers in respect of audits;> > Require electricity distribution andtransmission companies to prepare theirBMPs as part of their Electricity SafetyManagement Schemes (ESMSs) and thereforeprovide a more comprehensive frameworkto the risk management approach tobushfire mitigation;> > Extend the power of ESV to enable it to directthat vegetation be removed or to stop theplanting of unsuitable vegetation under ornear powerlines;> > Make ESV a statutory member of the ElectricLine Clearance Consultative Committee;> > Introduce measures to provide for additionaltransparency of BMPs by requiring distributionbusinesses to publish these plans on theirwebsites and by requiring ESV to undertakecomparative reporting of the electricitycompanies’ safety regimes and performance;> > Introduce a financial incentive scheme toencourage improvements in the managementof electricity assets which will reduce thenumber of fires started by electricity assets;> > enhance ESV’s governance arrangements,including by:a) requiring ESV to prepare a charter ofconsultation and regulatory practice andrequiring ESV to enter into memorandaof understanding with specified bodies;b) ensuring the independence of the Directorof ESV by amending the provisionsregarding the removal of the Director ofESV from office.The submission continues: “The State plansto increase the powers available to ESV andenhance its capability and capacity to regulatethe electricity industry by additional recruitment,additional funding and the establishment ofa high-level advisory panel from which ESVcan draw expert knowledge.“As a result, ESV will have an enhanced abilityto assess, monitor and enforce compliance withelectricity companies’ ESMSs and BMPs.“Through ESV and in collaboration withelectricity distributors, the State intends todevelop options to reduce the risk of bushfiresbeing started from electricity assets. Theeffectiveness and cost of those options willbe subject to analysis, trial and communityconsultation to inform final decisions on howto reduce bushfire risk.”The Government submission also recommendsthat the State through ESV and in collaborationwith the electricity distributors:Paul Fearon.> > Devise means to reduce the risk of bushfiresbeing started by electricity assets, includingthrough the use of undergrounding, coveredconductor, ABC, multi-phase lines, remotearea power supply and current and emergingmethods of fault detection and fault levelreduction; and> > Consult the Victorian community on the costsand benefits of those options prior to theadoption of new risk reduction strategies inBushfire Mitigation Plans.The submission continues: “It is accepted thatthe current legislative regime does not providefor a penalty where a distribution businessdoes not have an approved BMP in place forthe bushfire season or where a BMP is notcomplied with. The only current penalty is forfailing to submit a BMP for approval by ESV.It is further accepted that this situationwarrants consideration.“Consistent with the proposed legislativereforms and the increased powers andresources of ESV, the State accepts that ESVshould and will play a greater role in ensuringthat the distribution businesses have a BMPin place which is adequate to minimise bushfirerisk as far as is practicable.”The submission also said that the State hadalready taken steps to further develop andimprove ESV’s technical expertise.Finally let me say that every agency, individualand business needs to reflect on the lessonsof Black Saturday and on what more canbe done to avoid or mitigate the devastationof the bushfires of February 2009.As far as the electricity industry in general isconcerned, it is gratifying to note the statementby Counsel Assisting, Mr Jack Rush QC, thatwhilst more must be done “great endeavour”has gone into the management of the electricityindustry in Victoria.I have told ESV staff that they should continueto feel proud working for an organisation thathas a record of achievement – one that willcontinue to grow in stature as a respectedregulator of safety in Victoria.Paul Fearon

Project to refresh theESV websiteESV is about to refresh its website.The website improvement project started inlate 2009 with the aim of reviewing the websitedesign, functionality and content. The projectaims to enhance the site’s performance,usability and communications.Focus groups were held in February 2010 whereinput and feedback was sought from usersof the website. The two stakeholder surveysconducted in March included specific questionsabout the site.The new website will not only look better, it willmake finding what users are looking for mucheasier. The feedback from the focus groups andstakeholder surveys have been taken onboardand the changes reflect it.While the content will largely stay thesame (as well as the logins for any onlineservices) how users access the informationwill become a lot easier and morestraightforward.ESV aims to provide a dynamic website thatprovides information that is relevant andup-to-date and the ability to service users’needs in the most efficient manner possible.Here is a sneak peek at the possible look ofthe new homepage.The project is scheduled for completion inJuly once testing has been completed.ESVprosecutespilot of acrop dusteraircraftwhich hitpowerlinesESV has successfully prosecuted thepilot of a crop duster aircraft whichhit and brought down powerlines.The pilot was charged with flying within45 metres of a network asset.The defendant gave an undertaking to the courtto be of good behaviour for six months and wasordered to pay costs of $1800.The court was told that ESV received areport from an electricity supplier that an aircrafthad hit a single wire earth return powerline(SWER) near Stacey Road, Tungamah, on14 October 2008.The defendant was the pilot of a Turbine ThrushS2R – G6 aircraft and was carrying out aerialspraying on a paddock when it struck andbrought down eight bays of electric line.9The automatic protection devices operated andshut off the electricity in the line. Repair crewsattended the following day and carried outrepairs to the line.The Electricity Safety (Network Assets)Regulations 1999, regulation 32 provides thatthe pilot of an aircraft must not fly with 45metres of an above ground network asset.Network asset is defined in the regulations.The pilot told ESV in an interview that hesimply forgot that the conductor was thereeven though he had previously checked thearea before flying.Autumn/Winter 2010 ISSUE 20How ESV’s new website might look when work is completeElectricity SafetyManagementSchemes –guidelinesfor employeroperatorsThe Electricity Safety ManagementScheme (ESMS) is based on the ElectricitySafety Act 1998, the Electricity SafetyAmendment Act 2007 and the ElectricitySafety (Management) Regulations 2009.In the interests of certainty for both ESVand the operators of ESMSs, documentshave been prepared to provide guidanceon the type of information ESV needs whenconsidering an ESMS.The basic philosophy of the scheme is that theElectricity Safety Management Scheme willdemonstrate three things:> > The scheme operators have built safetyprocedures into all aspects of the processes;> > The ESMS is used and enforced within thebusiness; and,> > The ESMS produces measurable results.Note: Although the guidelines are intendedfor employer operators it should be notedthat in the Electricity Safety AmendmentAct 2007, a major electricity company(MEC) must now submit an Electricity SafetyManagement Scheme to ESV in accordancewith Division 2 of the Amendment Act.A MEC is generally deemed to be an ElectricityDistributor or Transmission Company.The following documents are provided onthe ESV website www.esv.vic.gov.au:> > Application form for employer operatedESMSs> > Guidelines> > Questions and answersTo contact ESV on ESMS issues pleaseemail esms@esv.vic.gov.au

Beware carbon monoxide –the silent killer10www.energysafe.vic.gov.auBy Ignazio Cannizzo, ESV ManagerComplex Gas Appliance SafetyCarbon monoxide (CO) is a by-productof hydrocarbon combustion and canbe produced in large quantities whencombustion is incomplete due toquenching of the flame, poor air/gasratio control or simply a bad burner.When hydrocarbons such as LP Gas, (in mostcases predominantly propane, C 3H 8, but insome rare cases predominantly butane, C 4H 10)and natural gas (predominantly methane, CH 4)are burnt, the carbon and hydrogen react withthe oxygen in the air to form carbon dioxide(CO 2) and water (H 2O).When combustion is incomplete however, theproduction of carbon dioxide is reduced andlarge quantities of carbon monoxide can beproduced.Unlike carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide is notonly a flammable gas but also a poisonous onethat has claimed the lives of many people overthe years. If the products of combustion froma gas appliance installed inside a building aredispersed to the outside atmosphere as theyshould be via a suitable, sound flue, there isnot a problem.The danger arises when large quantities ofcarbon monoxide are being produced duringcombustion and the flue products are not beingdispersed to the outside atmosphere.Flue products may not be dispersed to theoutside atmosphere if:1. The flue does not terminate outside thebuilding;2. Part of the flue that is inside the buildinghas a split in it; or,3. The flue terminal of an open-flued applianceis blocked.The danger is highly accelerated when thecarbon monoxide is spilling into:> > A bedroom or caravan where all the door andwindow openings are tightly sealed;> > A confined space such as a toilet or bathroomwhere people spend some amount of time.Carbon monoxide is an odourless gas, sopeople will not know that it is present. If aperson is exposed for long enough to a largeamount of carbon monoxide, that person willdie from asphyxiation. This is also referred toas carbon monoxide poisoning.Unfortunately there have been numerous caseswhere doctors have not alerted people sufferingfrom the symptoms described below of thepossibility of them having carbon monoxidepoisoning.Symptoms and warnings for carbonmonoxide (CO) poisoning are:Early CO poisoning symptoms include tiredness,shortness of breath, mild headaches andnausea.When CO poisoning gets worse, people mayexperience:> > severe headaches;> > dizziness;> > weakness and sleepiness;> > nausea and vomiting.If the poisoning is extreme, it may lead toconfusion, loss of consciousness and death.Loss of consciousness can happen quickly.Some people are especially sensitive to CO.This includes people with:> > heart disease;> > anaemia;> > young children;> > unborn babies;> > the elderly.Symptoms may occur when using orimmediately after using a gas appliance.Doctors should be alerted when CO poisoningis suspected. Tests can be conducted but theyneed be done quickly after exposure to COso that it registers on the results. A pattern ofsymptoms in more than one person is a verystrong warning of CO poisoning.Visible warning of a problem includes:> > Soot or discolouration around the gasappliance;> > Yellow flame;> > Heater goes out after a short time for noapparent reason;> > “Junk” falling down the flue pipe;> > Missing or damaged cowl on the top of theflue pipe.Following the death of a young woman whileshe was showering in March 2003, due tocarbon monoxide poisoning caused by a bird’snest blocking the flue terminal of the open-fluedinstantaneous gas water heater (IGWH) in herbathroom, Office of Gas Safety – a predecessorof ESV – commenced a campaign to removeIGWHs from houses.The Office of Housing has removed severalhundred IGWHs from houses under theirmanagement and numerous IGWHs have alsobeen removed from private houses.It was believed that the majority of IGWHs inhouses have been removed. But, with ESVlocating three of the units in properties inrecent months, the awareness campaign onthe dangers of carbon monoxide has beenrecommenced.Important alert for gas fitters – see page 31.Appointmentof new ESVComplianceOfficerMeet ESV’s newly appointed ComplianceOfficer, Goran Sokoleski, working in theorganisation’s equipment safety andenergy efficiency areas.Goran has extensive experience within theelectricity industry, particularly in the areaof testing, project management and qualityengineering. He graduated from RMITUniversity with an honours degree – Batchelorof Communication/Electronic Engineering –in 2002.Following graduation, Goran was employedas a Quality Engineer with Australian Arrow.In August 2005 he was appointed Test Engineerwith SGS Australia. In April 2008 he becameProject Manager with the same organisation.Planning and scheduling of projects was amajor responsibility in the role.Goran told energysafe: “I have a thoroughunderstanding of the electrical safety standardsfor home appliances, accessories, power toolsand lighting products.“As a test engineer I have tested numeroussamples of home appliances and have a verygood understanding of these products, howthey work, where products would fail andwhat to look for in test reports.”He said his appointment to ESV would assisthim towards achieving a challenging careerin equipment safety/efficiency approvals.Goran Sokoleski.

The SunAlways Shines…or Does It?Enhancingyour business.Advancingour industry.The electrical industry is seeing a rapid growthin new technologies that whilst they can be seenas exciting opportunities for contractors, alsopresent a minefield of challenges.The growth in grid connected PV systems andthe rapid growth of lighting options presentedby the new LED technologies are just two areasthat are seen as an emerging market for electricalcontractors.But both present some hidden dangers for theunwary.NECA reported in its May edition of its magazinethat the rollout of the new smart meters andpotential changes to customer tariffs has led tomany of the grid connected systems that havebeen installed, either not being connected, or notproviding the customer the financial returns thatthey expected.From a lighting perspective, the market is nowseeing a proliferation of LED lamps that arepromoted with a range of features and benefitsthat may or may not be completely factuallyaccurate or suitable in all installations.The issue is what does the contractor do?In very simple terms, get the right information.Lighting is a complex issue, but the first step isto understand the technical and regulatory issuessurrounding lighting before making the decisionof what type of product to use.Ian Johnson, who trains the electricians whoundertake the two lighting courses that havebeen developed by NECA as part of their highlysuccessful EcoSmart Electricians Program, saysthat the new standards that have been set bythe Building Code of Australia now require therelationship between energy efficiency and lightoutput to be very closely related. “Whilst thereis a lot of new product on the market,understanding its application is critical”.In solar installations the issue of tariff changeis critical, especially from the customer’sperspective. One of the prime marketing thrustsof the PV industry and the government has beenthat generating your own electricity will save youmoney. And it does, but not as much as manythink it will. The reason is that there are a numberof mitigating factors that come into play. Whilstwe have the net tariff model, understanding thatis an issue in itself. There is also now theadditional factor of tariff changes once thenew meter is installed.For solar consumers who have two meters –one of which is dedicated to electric hot water,space heating or in-slab heating that is chargedat an off-peak rate, these meters will need tobe replaced by a single new interval meter tomeasure feed-in power every 30 minutes, whichis a prerequisite for customers wishing to connecttheir solar PV system to the grid and benefit fromeither a standard or premium feed-in tariff offer.In layman’s terms, this means … wait for it …NO MORE OFF-PEAK BENEFITSJeff Salton, from Salton Media Services whoconducted some research for NECA on thisissue said, “ … a lot of confusion surrounds thebenefits/penalties associated with PV systemsinstalled into homes and some small businesses.Many consumers who have chosen the PremiumFeed-in Tariff (PFiT) are finding out, after theevent, that they have sacrificed their off-peak tariffand are solely on a time of use (ToU) tariff. PFiTcustomers can sell back their excess energy atroughly three times what they would buy it forfrom the energy retailer (60c per kWh).“However, owners of larger homes, or householdswith many occupants will find that the standard1.5kW system they have had installed will rarelygenerate any excess energy to feed back into thenetwork because their household uses at leastthat much. In order to gain any payment, theywould practically have to leave home for a monthand turn off every fridge, freezer, swimming poolpump, security system, etc, for the duration.If they’ve installed a larger system – up to 5kWto still be eligible for the PFiT scheme, that’s adifferent story, but the cost of these systems isoften prohibitive for many consumers and thereturn on investment can be even longer.”In a lot of cases we see a scenario that can haveup to five players. The end customer, the solarsales company, the contractor, the electricityretailer and the electricity distributor all who havesome role to play in this contract. Rarely is it aco-ordinated and open relationship as it shouldbe, with everyone coming out a winner.Because of the processes involved, the twoparties that stand to lose the most are typicallythe customer and the contractor.So what can be done? NECA Victoria CEO, PhilipGreen, says that there seems to be an overalllack of information flow. “When we talk to theindividual players such as the electricity retailersand electricity distributors they say that they havethat information available but the contractors inmost instances do not access it.” This, he says,creates many of the issues that have begun toemerge, many finishing up as complaints lodgedwith the Energy Ombudsman.Philip says that NECA have taken a proactive rolein this with its involvement in a working group thathas been established by the Energy Ombudsmanthat comprises industry representatives fromthe retailers, distributors and industry to activelyaddress the issues of information and educationfor the Contractors. However, “we encourageboth the consumer and contractor to checkthat ALL the necessary paperwork has beencompleted to make the most of any advantageif their solar power generation units.”He says that whilst there is considerable workcurrently being done to make the processes farmore transparent and understandable to boththe consumers and contractors, the electricalcontractors should make themselves aware ofwhat the processes are so that they can avoidany undue issues with their customers overtariff changes.What is a feed-in tariff?A feed-in tariff is a payment to households,community organisations and small businessesfrom power companies for electricity that is‘fed back into’ the power grid. Some customerswho install small-scale renewable energysystems can sometimes produce more energythan they can use and, if connected to thepower grid, can feed this electricity back intothe grid at a price no less than $0.60 per kWh.Victoria has two levels of feed-in tariffs forhouseholds and small businesses – standardand premium. Payments are dependent onthe type of renewable energy that they aregenerating, the size of the system and howmuch excess energy they feed in.The premium feed-in tariff is availablefor households, as well as communityorganisations and small businesses with energyconsumption of less than 100MWh a year, andwith small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systemswith a capacity of up to 5kW. In Victoria, thepremium rate is fixed at a minimum of $0.60per kWh for power fed back into the grid. Thisis more than three times the standard retail rateconsumers pay for electricity.The standard feed-in tariff is available forpeople producing power for their homes orsmall businesses using renewable energysystems with a capacity of up to 100kW. Thisincludes people generating their own wind,solar, hydro or biomass power. The excesspower fed back into the grid is reimbursed(credited) at the same retail rate charged forelectricity consumed.Both tariffs are currently in operation in Victoria.Net tariff – ‘net’ feed-in tariff is applicable inVictoria. It encourages people to better managetheir electricity usage – especially at times ofpeak load such as hot summer days. It doesnot require national agreement.Gross tariff – Currently, some states, likeNSW, favour this system. Gross feed-in tariffsreimburse PV owners for EVERY kWh theygenerate, not just the excess power they returnto the grid.Opt in – Some energy retailers don’tautomatically begin crediting customers withPfiT installations until the home-owner signsan “opt in” form, for which they must firstapply. Nor will they necessarily backdatepayments from the when the systemwas operational.11Autumn/Winter 2010 ISSUE 20

12www.energysafe.vic.gov.auAnother warning on thedangers of deterioratingmetallic split conduitsESV is again warning property ownersand non-electrical tradespeople of thedangers of deteriorating electricalmetallic split conduits which can befound in many older properties acrossthe State.The dangers have been exposed again withthe electrocution earlier this year of a 92-yearoldman whose body was found in the roofof a property at Hamlyn Heights near Geelong.As reported in the last issue of energysafe,ESV investigators found a number of damagedVulcanised India Rubber (VIR) cables in splitconduits and exposed defective connectionsin the roof.It is the fourth recorded instance of electrocutionin Victoria in recent years involving contact with“live” split conduits. Other incidents:> > In 1995, a floor stumper or reblocker died aftercontacting a section of conduit which wasnot earthed while the insulation of the cablesenclosed in the conduit had deteriorated tosuch an extent that it was “live”;> > In 2000, a person installing a security alarmcontacted a “live” conduit when working inthe ceiling space of a commercial premises;> > In early 2007, another reblocker waselectrocuted working at a house in Hawthorn.He was working in the subfloor area whena metal tool he was using contacted a metalconduit that was live. Tests showed that theconduit was “live” at voltages that variedfrom 90 to 100 volts AC to earth.Due to age and possible modifications over theyears, some split conduits have simply lost theirearthing continuity and become “live”.The deaths raise serious questions about thecondition of aged conduits still existing inmany properties and what can be done toget them replaced.ESV warns a whole range of tradespeople –such as plumbers, gasfitters, building workers,air conditioning and security alarm installers,reblockers and home renovators – to beextremely cautious if and when they encounterthese conduits. The advice:> > Stay well clear of split conduits at leastuntil they have been checked by a licensedelectrician and declared safe;> > Arrange for a suitably qualified person –a licensed electrician or a licensed electricalinspector – to carry out tests on suchconduits to ensure they are not “live”before work starts; and,A shot of the metallic split conduit inthe roof of the house at Hamlyn Heights.> > Only registered electrical contractors can beengaged to check that split conduits are safe.As reported in the last issue ESV is alsoconcerned that young electricians andapprentices may not have been exposed sofar in their careers to split conduits and thatthe fact they could be “live” following yearsof deterioration.The electrical trade is urged to encourageowners to re-wire their properties if the splitconduits are showing any signs of deterioration.At the very least they should be urged to installsafety switches as a stop gap measure until there-wiring can take place.energysafeSUMMER/AUTUMN 2007 ISSUE 7A publication brought to you by Energy Safe VictoriaELECTRICALSPLIT CONDUITS –a danger for manytradespeopleSee page 3PP352583/00578ESV.Issue#7.FA.indd 1BEWARE!Page 4ESV’s warningon hot air balloonsPages 5, 22, 23ESV’s “Look Up And Live”campaignPage 16Electricity aids growthof new coralTHE MAGAZINE COVERINGELECTRICITY AND GAS SAFETYPage 17Campaign to recruit morewomen to the electricalindustryPage 6, 29, 30, 31Gas technical articlesCourtesy of Energy Safe Victoria. Copyright © 2006.23/2/07 2:37:57 PMThe front cover of Issue 7 showing a deterioratedconduit involved in the death of a reblocker in 2007.HIGHACCESSHIGH ACCESS HIRE• Cherry Pickers• Electric Scissor Lifts• Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts• Boom Lifts• Arrow & VMS Boards• Short & Long Term Rental• 24/7 Service for allEmergenciesDIY OR CALL OUR ELECTRICIANSTO GET THE JOB DONE FOR YOUALL SUBURBS7 DAYS A WEEKHIGH ACCESS CABLING• Car Park & Street Lighting• Factory Lighting• Sports Ground Lighting• CCTV• “No Go Zone” Permits• Traffic Management• Free QuotesCall (03) 9850 5111REC 16801Call (03) 9850 1174HAH magnets.indd 123/4/09 5:55:20 PM

New process for the assessmentand acceptance of complex gasinstallations and Type B appliancesLetters will be sent to all Victoria’sgasfitters shortly informing them of themajor change coming up for their trade– the introduction of a new process forassessing and accepting complex gasinstallations and Type B appliances,and the introduction of a new GasApplication Form.The letter from Director of Energy Safety, PaulFearon, will advise how changes will affect theway in which applications will be processed,and how the assessments and acceptanceswill take place.The current assessment andacceptance processFor complex gas installations and Type Bappliances, a Start Work Notice ofCompliance needs to be submitted to ESVby a licensed person.The Start Work Notice of Compliance isregistered and an ESV number is created inthe ESV system. A gas inspector is issued withthe job and this inspector will make contactwith the licensed person.Depending on the complexity or problemsfound with the complex gas installation orType B appliance, one or more inspectionsmay take place.When the gas inspector is satisfied that thecomplex gas installation meets the relevantstandards, and commissioning gas has beenapproved for any Type B appliances installed,ESV issues the appropriate gas supply companywith a Gas Supply Approval number, andprovides the licensed person with the ESV GasSupply Approval number. Gas supply can thenbe requested from the gas retail company.The new assessment andacceptance processThe new system will streamline the assessmentand acceptance process. In some instances,inspections of complex gas installations andType B appliances will not be required.Part 4 of the Gas Safety (Gas Installation)Regulations 2008 requires certain informationto be provided to ESV when applying foracceptance of complex gas installations andType B appliances. The information gasfittersare required to submit is listed in the schedulesgiven in the Gas Safety (Gas Installation)Regulations 2008.ESV has developed a Gas Application Formto assist licensed persons with the informationrequired by the Gas Safety (Gas Installation)Regulations 2008. This form can bedownloaded from the ESV websitewww.esv.vic.gov.auOnce the Gas Application Form is receivedby ESV, the detail given in the form is reviewedand it is determined whether the complexgas installation or Type B appliance requiresan inspection or a possible audit.For low to medium risk ranked complex gasinstallations, ESV will conditionally accept theapplication and provide an ESV Gas SupplyApproval number without inspecting theinstallation; however, the installation maybe audited in the future, and the gasfitterinvolved will be required to attend the inspectionif this happens.High risk ranked complex gas installationswill continue to be inspected as per thecurrent practice.A condition of final acceptance is ESV receivinga Notice of Compliance from the licensedperson, as is the case currently.How will changes affect the gasfitter?When the new process commences, thelicensed person will need to use the newGas Application Form, and this must beaccompanied by the new Start Work Notice.From November 2010 all previous Noticesof Compliance will no longer be valid.For low to medium risk ranked complex gasinstallations you will receive an ESV numberwhen ESV conditionally accepts your application.This will enable you to apply for gas from thegas retail company when it suits you and thecustomer, without the need for a prior inspection.Why change?ESV currently inspects around 95% of allapplications.ESV has identified the need to assist the gasindustry in other important areas, however, dueto the level of inspections we carry out, ESVis currently unable to do so. Once ESV hasestablished this new process, ESV will be ableto direct resources to areas such as increasingthe training of gasfitters, inspecting gas servicework and improving the efficiency of gasappliances.ESV is endeavouring to ensure complexgas installation and Type B appliance safetycompliance levels are maintained to the highestlevels. The new application process will helpthe licensed person better plan the complexgas installation and help ESV identify possibleproblems earlier than previously.From feedback so far, licensed persons havesuggested that the new process will allow themto plan their appointments better and enablegas to be supplied to consumers more quickly.To find out moreA number of ways are being planned forlicensed workers to find out more:A step by step guide on how to comply withthe new process will be available on the ESVwebsite www.esv.vic.gov.auInformation sessions will be run by ESV. Detailson dates and venues, and how to register toattend will be available soon.ESV Gas Inspectors will be available on a newenquiry line to answer questions in relation tothe new assessment and acceptance process.Note: gasfitters can visit the ESV website todownload the PDF file of the new Gas ApplicationForm. In addition, a free copy of the Gas Safety(Gas Installation) Regulations 2008 can beaccessed at website www.legislation.vic.gov.au13Autumn/Winter 2010 ISSUE 20Dont wait until 2011Apply now to upgrade your skillsOur new state-of-the-art skills centre in Brunswick is now fully operational.We are delivering courses such as:• Grid connect • Project Management • Electrical inspectionTo apply or see a full range of courses on offer, please visit www.370degrees.com.auwww.370degrees.com.au03 9388 0566107 Brunswick Road, Brunswick

14www.energysafe.vic.gov.auA dispute over the qualityof electrical work resultsin court casesA dispute over the quality of electricalwork carried out resulted in threedefendants – a company and twoindividuals – being prosecuted byESV on a number of chargesHomework Development Pty Ltd, a builder, wascharged with carrying out electrical contractingwork when not registered. The defendantcompany was convicted and fined $5000.An unregistered and unlicensed person – andthe sole director – was charged with two countsof carrying out electrical contracting work whennot registered and three counts of carryingout electrical installation work unlicensed. Thedefendant was fined $1000 without convictionand ordered to pay costs of $1500.An REC was charged with aiding and abetingthe company and the unregistered andunlicensed person to carry out contractingwork when neither were registered, aiding andabeting the other individual defendant to carryout electrical installation work unlicensed andfailing to complete a compliance certificate. Thedefendant was fined $600 without convictionand ordered to pay costs of $1500.The court was told the sole director ofHomework Development Pty Ltd did nothold electrical licenses or registration underthe Electricity Safety Act 1998. He did holda restricted electrical licence between25 June 1979 and 25 June 1984.Similarly, Homework Development Pty Ltddid not hold electrical registration underthe Electricity Safety Act 1998.The other individual defendant is a registeredelectrical contractor and a licensed electricalworker under the Electricity Safety Act 1998.In November 2008 Homework DevelopmentPty Ltd delivered a quotation for works at aNorthcote property which included electricalworks The value of the quotes was $4974.52.The quotes were accepted and the individualdefendants carried out the electrical worksduring November and December 2008. Bothwere observed carrying out electrical works,including running cable and fittings.In January 2009 a contractor working at thepremises cut through the electrical mainscable. The unregistered and unlicensedperson was observed attending the premisesremoving the service fuses from the meter boxand repairing the damage to the cable himself.Further between 3 February and 4 March2009 this same defendant was observedcarrying out work running cables in the loungeand kitchen areas of the property.A dispute developed between the owner ofthe premises and Home development Pty Ltdand its director over the quality of the work.Consequently another electrician was called in.Meanwhile a complaint was made to ESV asthe unregistered and unlicensed person wouldnot give a certificate of electrical safety for thework carried out.Inspection of the premises on 27 March 2009found defects in the electrical work, some ofwhich was unsafe.On the same date the unregistered andunlicensed person produced a documentasserting that he was a “licensed electricalcontractor”.The court was told that there is no suchthing as a “licensed electrical contractor”and it was clear that the intent of thedocument was to mislead the reader intobelieving that he was either a registeredelectrical contractor or a licensed electricalinstallation worker.Further, this same defendant asserted to theowner of the property that his REC numberwas 42104. There is no such registration orlicense number issued by ESV.Power companyplea on wire theftIn April, Tasmania’s Aurora Energyurged members of the public to reportsuspicious activity around power poles,after more than 100 cases of wire theftwere reported over the previous week.System Operations Group Manager MalcolmConway said, “Those involved are placingthemselves in mortal danger and their actionsalso pose an electrical safety risk for peoplein their own homes.’’“We are now aware of more than 100 cases oftheft in the past week around the south-east of theState and in some cases the thief has returned tosteal assets that have been recently replaced.“Our crews have worked through Eastermaking repairs so that power interruptions areminimised. These repairs are vital to ensurehouseholders are safe in their own homes.’’Mr Conway said that Aurora was unableto provide greater detail on the thefts in theinterests of community safety and to discouragecopycat activity.You can’t help bad luck!A Queensland prisoner has apparently used ascience trick in an attempt to escape from hiscell at the Lotus Glen prison, west of Cairns.The 29-year-old inmate, serving a life sentencefor murder, successfully breached the bars ofhis cell window.But the man, who has been in jail for sevenyears, was caught attempting to escape asecond meshed cage.It is understood he corroded his cell bars overseveral months by putting salt water on them andconducting an electric current to them by insertinga one-metre length of wire into a power point andattaching it to the bars with electrical tape.He was caught after a guard saw a light comingfrom the cell and went to check on him.A Corrective Services spokesman said aninvestigation has been launched into how theman breached the bars.The prisoner has been charged with attemptingto escape custody.SolarPanelS250W» CEC Approved» From $2.99/watt» System Design & Installation» Free Energy AssessmentsunlImItED GrEEn EnErGy 0425 576 527

ESV’s “Don’tWork Live” DVDis complete– order yourcopies nowProduction of ESV’s new electricitysafety DVD, covering in particularthe issue of “live” work performed byelectricians young and old, is completeand copies can be ordered now.As reported previously, the DVD follows theexperiences of a young electrician, “Damien”,as he recovers from an horrendous and lifechanging incident – simply, the droppingof screw driver when working on a “live”switchboard.Damien’s own thoughts on what he wentthrough are compulsive listening – andreading. They are featured both in the DVDand over the next few pages of this issue.The DVD helps address the concern ofESV and the electrical trades in general,that electricians – both experienced andyounger workers – continue to work “live”on switchboards despite the risks.As Damien experienced, it does not takemuch for things to go horribly wrong andfor horrific injuries to be received.The DVD points out graphically that electriciansdo not have to work “live” whatever thecircumstances and should refuse to do so withno ramifications for their careers. In fact theyshould be respected for their important standon safety.ESV has gained endorsement for theproduction from its safety partners, It isavailable at no cost for distribution to allinterested parties including TAFE colleges,trainers, the electrical trades, industryassociations, trade unions and others.To get your copy or copies call ESV on (03)9203 9700, or 1800 800 158. Alternativelysend your order to info@esv.vic.gov.auDamien: “I’ve been to helland back all because of asilly and costly mistake.”The description of the horrificexperiences undergone by “Damien” afterhe suffered dreadful injuries whenworking “live” on a switchboard in late2008 is one of the central features ofESV’s new electricity safety DVD titledsimply “Don’t Work Live”.In an interview for the DVD, “Damien” graphicallydescribes his experiences – from the momentthe switchboard exploded, thanks to the slip of ascrewdriver, through all the stages of treatmentand the slow and continuing recovery process.This is an edited version of his story. It iscompulsive reading.Question: What were you doing whenit happened?Damien: Just normal day at work … busy day,last week of work before Christmas trying to getthe job finished and tried to put a circuit breakerin live.Q: Why were you working live?Damien: No reason really, just pressure fromthe builders, everyone wanted the job finishedthat week … you know … bit under pressureand just tried to get it done for them.Q: Should you have been working live?Damien: Oh we all know we shouldn’t work live.Q: Can you remember the first fewmoments after the switch board explosion?Damien: Yeah I pretty well much remember thewhole explosion and everything afterwards …basically the explosion was so loud I couldn’t …I thought I was deaf … I thought I was blind …was probably five or ten minutes before I couldactually hear … and in those moments I waspretty much on my own waiting for someoneto come in … to be honest that whole time Iactually thought I was dead.Q: Did your life flash before your eyes?Damien: It was weird … … I was just sortof lying there … everything was just quiet …couldn’t really hear anything and the next thingI heard was one of my colleagues come in andI heard him say … he paused and said oh shit… and then ran out and just heard him call forsomeone to call an ambulance.Q: How long did the explosion last?Damien: Oh … the actual explosion happensso quick … no time to react … no time foranything … all you hear is bang! Bright flash oflight and it’s all over.Q: So your colleagues went off to get help?Damien: Once the help came in … I couldsort of hear all the shock and the panic in theirvoices and the fact they were telling me not tomove … to stay still as I can … ambulance willbe here soon … I started to realise somethingpretty bad had happened and probably afterabout 10 minutes of being on the ground I couldfeel all my skin tightening up and every slightmovement I would feel like basically my skinwas being peeled off.Q: So the ambulance arrived?Damien: … Basically in that time I was startingto panic … I wanted to know what I looked like… wanted to know if I should open my eyesbecause they got basically glued together frommy skin and eyelashes melting together andby now I was starting to … a bit of pain wasstarting to kick in … I was starting to freak out… no one would tell me what I looked like …they just kept saying, you know, you look fine… and then I basically was shouting at themasking them what I looked like … no one would.Basically by this time I was starting to thinkhow am I going to cope looking burnt … I knewat that stage what had happened.15Autumn/Winter 2010 ISSUE 20The cover of ESV’s new electricity safety DVD.Shots of scene from the DVD

16www.energysafe.vic.gov.auQ: The ambulance arrived?Damien: The ambulance people gave me thewhistle to suck on for a bit of pain relief but itbasically did nothing … the shock was startingto kick in … my breathing was going prettyheavy … and they sort of told me they weregoing to have trouble getting the trolley to meand I said I would walk to the ambulance.Q: You walked to the ambulance?Damien: The pain was starting to kick in butI still felt all right … it wasn’t till about probably10 minutes after I was in the ambulance theyoffered me some pain relief and I was still ina little bit of shock and my mind knew whathappened but my body hadn’t fully let meunderstand what had happened so the painhad not kicked in by this stage … and Iwas still … I was a bit embarrassed aboutbeing taken away from the job site in anambulance … and I didn’t want to look likean idiot they offered me the pain killer …I said no I don’t want it I’d be right and hepretty much said no you’re going to have itand I’m glad he did cause if I didn’t take it Ireally would have struggled by then … I hadn’tbeen in the ambulance long but I just keptasking for more and more pain killer and theysort of said you know we’re getting to the limitwhere we can’t give you anymore and I justsaid you give it to me …Q: They have water to apply to your burns?Damien: I was wrapped in glad wrap andthey were basically pouring water over me thewhole time from the job to the hospital.Q: How did you get to the ambulance?Damien: I could open my eyes so I hadsomeone under each arm but they weren’treally helping me they were just sort of guidingme and I sort of realised later on that theycouldn’t touch me because if they did all myskin … they basically saved what skin I hadleft on my arms and legs and whatever …and by this stage, before I got into theambulance they cut my shirt off as welljust to stop anymore irritation to the skinI had left on me.Q: You arrived at The Alfred hospital?Damien: By the time I got to The Alfred I wasstruggling … I was shaking, I felt really cold. Mymind was going a million miles an hour … I reallycouldn’t think straight I was sort of passing inand out from the pain and the amount of drugs.Then somebody just came in and grabbed myeyelids peeled them open … that was the firstmoment when I knew my eyes were all right …… I really struggled to keep them open and I justremember the mask coming in and that was itfor basically a week.Q: So you were put into an induced coma?Damien: Yeah they put you into an induced coma… basically they said while you are awake yourbody will feel the pain more and you won’t heal aswell so they knock you out so your body can dowhat it has to do to make yourself recover.Q: And it was during that week that you gotthe hallucinations?Damien: Yeah basically with the dressingchanges … you can’t even explain how painfulthey were so they would drug you up pretty muchas you needed to be to feel comfortable but withthe amount of drugs, it affects your mind prettybad and some days I would be affected reallybad … have pretty severe hallucinations.Q: Give us some examples ofhallucinations.Damien: They were all different … a lot of themoriginally were about the original accident of theswitchboard blowing up … I thought that myfamily didn’t understand what had happened… they couldn’t understand how such asmall accident or small screw driver couldcause such an explosion and so very early onI was imagining my dad trying to blow up aswitchboard just to see just what would actuallyhappen so that was basically going through thewhole experience again … and a few monthsafter that they were just all pretty random … I’dsee something on TV and that would get intomy mind and I would start to think that was realto the point where I’d basically I thought peoplewere coming to kill me in the hospital which setmy heart off. I don’t know how to explain it like Ihad a raised heart beat to a point where I nearlyhad a heart attack.Q: How long were you in The Alfredhospital’s burns unit?Damien: I was in the burns unit for four weeks.Q: You spent a week in a coma … and afterthat?Damien: A week in the coma and it probablytakes about a week and a half to come out of it… they slowly bring you out of it … so your stillquite dazed … you spend a lot of time sleepingbut you still start to notice what’s going onaround you.Q: Your girlfriend, your parents and yourfriends would come and see you?Damien: Basically whenever my family came inthat’s when I really started to notice what hadhappened like … in ICU I didn’t feel a lotof pain yet … but that was because of being soheavily drugged up … then I could see my familyand my girlfriend coming into the hospital andjust the look on their faces … I knew there wassomething seriously wrong … I could just tell …I knew I was going to need a fair job to get outof it …Q: Tell us about the instructions staff giveto family members about not to show toomuch emotion?Damien: They were told not to show anyemotion that would affect badly on me thatcould send me into a panic about how I wasgoing to look when after I got out of there.Q: And so four weeks and you weretransferred to the Epworth as aninpatient… How long were you there?Damien: I was in there for six weeks but that’sonly enough to get you home … that doesn’tmean you’re ok … it’s not even close to being ok.Q: So that was six weeks of fairly intenserehabilitation … what was that like?Damien: It’s the worst … you can’t explainthe pain you go through … when your fingersare basically melted into positions they are notsupposed to be … the physios come along andthey bend them to how they should bend andit doesn’t feel good, you can’t explain the painyou go through with that.Q: And that was every day?Damien: Twice a day it was … once in themorning and once in the afternoon … basicallyyou needed the break in the middle to recover.Q: And how was your mind at this stage,were you sort of conscious of the need togo through this … this sort of agony thatwas part of the healing process?Damien: Yeah I was pretty good about it all …I sort of by now realised that the only way youare going to get out of this is let these nursesand doctors do what they have to do … youknow it’s going to hurt but if you want to moveagain you have to do it.Q: So after six weeks you were able togo home but continued to go to hospitalevery day?Shots of scene from the DVDDamien: Yeah, I’d go back to the Epworth threetimes a week for physio for general strength andmovement and I would go twice a week to getmy hands, fingers and wrists moving back theway they should.

Q: And you’re still doing that 12 monthsafter the incident?sed electricians have been seriouslye of accidents involving “live”the electrician received significant burnsds and face and required immediatent. He may be unlikely to resume aDamien: I’m still going twice a week to getmy hands and stuff moving properly.dent involving a “live” switchboard,cerned received severe burns andpent over a month in hospital – threevily sedated to allow injuries to heal.he still had not fully recovered.st be thankful – they could quiteally injured.tricians, they should have knownought it would happen to them.later: “We think we areare not. Don’t risk it.”Q: Sum up the whole experience.Damien: I’ve been to hell and back all becauseof a silly and costly mistake.Q: What’s your general advice to allelectricians … young people like yourselfeven older people?Damien: I think the best way to say this,don’t worry about anybody else, you are moreimportant, your body, your health … it’s not justyou who has to go through it … your family alsohas to put up with it: Disconnect supply beforeork.ver be contemplated unlesssons why it should be done.ld not be done until a full riskrried out. The work shouldpriate precautions have beensafety clothing and usingquicker and even cheaper toget on with the job in safety.Q: So why were you working live?Damien: I was working live because I feltpressure from builders and other tradespeople on the job to keep power on so theycould all work.Q: Again, should you have beenworking live?Damien: No I shouldn’t have.Energy Safe VictoriaPhone (03) 9203 9700Fax (03) 9686 2197Web www.esv.vic.gov.auELECTRICAL SAFETYDO NOT WORK“LIVE”2/8/05 6:26:28 PMContact ESV for a copy of this brochure – 1800 800 158or (03) 9203 9700 or info@esv.vic.gov.auProvide a copy to your customers so they canunderstand the risks involved in working “live”.Yvonne Singer of the Victorian Adult Burns Service andTess Vawser of the Centre of Health Innovation at The Alfred hospital.Electricianexplainswhy hewon’t work“live” againThe letter to ESV by a licensedelectrician after being involvedin a live work incident.On the day of the incident my job was toput a circuit breaker into the switchboardand fit one circuit to it. I didn’t turn thepower off.To this day I still don’t know the reasonwhy I didn’t. I tried to work too fast andobviously didn’t take the necessary stepsto work in a safe manner. Our works JSAsstate that under no circumstances shouldwe work on live boards.We have had safety meetings at worksince I have been working there. Theytake safety very seriously.I know it was my fault. I will take safetyvery seriously as I have a partner andtwo beautiful girls to come home to.I know that it’s not worth not being safeat work. It was a massive reality checkfor me. My boss was fantastic in theway he and his wife looked after me.He has sat me down and talked at lengthabout safety.The steps I will take from now on is I willmake sure I work in a safe manner. Notonly about turning power off but also withladders and looking after myself.I have been in the industry for nearly 20years and got complacent. But I will not bedoing that again. Also the company doesa tool box meeting about safety once amonth. So that will be a good reminderof what happened and keep me tunedinto what not to do.It really does hit home what could havehappened to me. It frightens me to thinkof what my girls could go through if I wasgone. I never want that to happen.17Autumn/Winter 2010 ISSUE 20ESV’s “Look Up and Live” billboard poster displayed prominently through regional Victoria in late summer and early autumn,

18www.energysafe.vic.gov.auPower companies joinESV to promote the“Always Look Up andLive” messagePower companies covering most ofVictoria’s regional areas, SP AusNet andPowercor, joined ESV recently promotingthe important safety message, “AlwaysLook Up and Live”.The campaigns involved television and radiocommercials, press advertisements in majorregional newspapers and the distribution ofmedia releases.The campaigns followed three recentelectrocutions involving contact betweenmachinery and overhead powerlines, includingthe very tragic deaths of a father and son whilemoving a windmill which contacted a powerlineat Rainbow in the state’s north-west.It is also the time of the year traditionally whenbulk loads of lime, fertilizer and other materialsare delivered across the state.Points made in the media releases:> > Truck drivers, farmers and others mustalways take care around overhead powerlinesbecause the consequences can be fatal;> > The message to be vigilant around overheadpowerlines is not being heard;> > With common sense and greater care,incidents of contact with powerlines canbe prevented;> > While trucks are getting bigger, powerlinesare staying at the same height;> > Powerlines move during high winds orperiods of high electricity demand; and,> > Victoria’s comprehensive ‘No Go Zone’ rulesand regulations must always be observed.In the media releases, Director of Energy Safety,Paul Fearon, said there was hardly a day thatpassed without an incident involving contactwith electrical equipment being reported toESV, particularly with overhead powerlines.“Fortunately, the vast majority of reportedincidents do not result in death or injury.However, in most cases this is due to goodluck rather than any conscious observationby people involved of the required safetyprecautions.”He said that everyone involved in the delivery ofmaterials to farms must exercise the appropriateduty of care.“Farmers and truck drivers must always ‘LookUp And Live’. But farmers have the addedresponsibility of ensuring that the drop off pointfor deliveries is located well clear of powerlines.Similarly if truck drivers have concerns theyshould refuse to make the deliveries.“If there is no alternative but to deliver materialsnear powerlines, then everybody involved hasto be fully aware of the precautions required.“Responsibility for safety must be extendedbeyond the farmyard. When taking orders,suppliers of farm materials should ascertainthe delivery point on the farm for the load,the proximity of powerlines and what safetyprecautions must be in place.”“Unfortunately, experience shows that everyone– particularly truck drivers, property ownersand farm workers – involved in the delivery oflime, fertiliser and other bulk material to farmsis at risk from electrocution when trucks touchpowerlines” Mr Fearon said.In a new initiative for 2010, a number of “LookUp And Live” billboard posters have beendisplayed at key sites in regional centresthroughout Victoria. This campaign concludedat the end of May but could run again in 2011.Please note:“Look Up And Live” brochures, stickers andposters are available from ESV. The clearmessage from the brochure is: “Be Alert,Be Aware – Overhead Powerlines AreAlways There.”One of the stickers, which can be placed onthe inside of windscreens, also details the safeworking distances which must be observedbetween trucks, machinery and power poles.A safety DVD entitled “Look Up, LookDown – And Live” is available free ofcharge from ESV on 1800 800 158, 92039700 or info@esv.vic.gov.auWorking near powerlines?A safety message fromNCASP-334YRTA safety message fromComing in contact with powerlines can end in tragedyAlways be aware of overhead powerlines nearbywhen operating machinery and heavy vehiclesFor more information contact Energy Safe Victoriaon 1800 800 158 or visit www.esv.vic.gov.auWorking near powerlines?Look Upand LiveComing in contact with powerlines can end in tragedy.Always be aware of nearby power assets when operatingmachinery and heavy vehicles.For more information contact Energy Safe Victoriaon 1800 800 158 or visit www.esv.vic.gov.auRecent “Look Up, Look Down up – And Live” advertisementsLook Up And Live –important safety tipsPowercor, SP AusNet and ESV recommendthe following safety advice to truckdrivers, machinery operators, propertyowners and other workers when in thevicinity of overhead powerlines.> > Identify all areas where powerlines crossproperties;> > Obtain a copy of the ‘No Go Zone’ rules andregulations and study them closely – availableat www.esv.vic.gov.au;> > Identify all electrical hazards before startingwork. If in any doubt contact the localelectricity distributor;> > Monitor weather conditions. Powerlinescan move in high winds or on days of highelectricity demand;> > Be aware that powerlines can be difficult tosee at all times, particularly dawn and dusk;> > Remember that electricity can jump gaps;> > Remember that no work should be carriedout within the confines of powerlines, whetherit’s a last resort or not;> > Relocate bulk delivery storage sites to a safearea away from powerlines;> > Display ‘Look Up and Live’ stickers on anymachinery or equipment that is raised overhead;> > Obtain a free copy of the ‘Look Up, LookDown – And Live’ DVD from ESV on1800 800 152 or from info@esv.vic.gov.auPowerline warningFollowing the tragic death of a father andson when a windmill they were transportingon a tractor at Rainbow touched anoverhead powerline in March, ESVpublished a full page safety alert inThe Weekly Times.

20www.energysafe.vic.gov.auProsecutionsESV has recently taken legal proceedingsagainst the following. Under the PrivacyAct, energysafe is precluded frompublishing the names of individualscharged with offences.> Abeta Switchboards & Electrical ContractorsPty Ltd, an REC, was charged with four countsof permitting a person to carry out electricalwork which did not comply with the ElectricitySafety Act and Regulations. The defendant gavean undertaking to be of good behaviour for 12months and was ordered to pay costs of $1250.> An LEIW was charged with two counts ofcarrying out electrical work which did notcomply with the Electricity Safety Act andRegulations. The defendant gave an undertakingto be of good behaviour for 12 months and wasordered to pay costs of $1250.> An LEIW was charged with installing unsafeelectrical equipment. The defendant wasconvicted under section 78 of the SentencingAct and no further order was made.> DEC Contractors Pty Ltd, an REC, wascharged with failing to record the route of anunderground cable and permitting a person tocarry out work which was not in accordancewith the Electricity Safety Act and Regulations.May09Jun09Jul09Aug09The defendant was convicted, fined $500and ordered to pay costs of $1500.> An LEIW was charged with breaching anundertaking to be of good behaviour. Thedefendant was convicted and fined $500.> Homework Development Pty Ltd, a builder,was charged with carrying out electricalcontracting work when not registered. Thedefendant was convicted and fined $5000.> An unregistered and unlicensed personwas charged with two counts of carryingout electrical contracting work when notregistered and three counts of carrying outelectrical installation work unlicensed. Thedefendant was fined $1000 without convictionand ordered to pay costs of $1500.> An LEIW was charged with two counts ofgiving false information to an EnforcementOfficer and one count of giving misleadinginformation to ESV. The defendant was fined$2000 without conviction and ordered to paycosts of $3815.50.> An LEIW was charged with one count ofcontracting without a registration and onecount of carrying out electrical installationwork unlicensed. The defendant gave anundertaking to be of good behaviour andordered to make a payment of $4000 to thecourt fund within six months. The defendantwas also ordered to pay costs of $3815,50 –payment to be made within three months.Infringement notice summarySep09Oct09Total 6 4 5 4 0 0 1 5 2 3 3 1 34Nov09Dec09Jan10Feb10Mar10Apr10TotalInfringement notices 2009/10types of infringement notices issued2008/2009 REC LEW Other Offence Code Offence PenaltyMay 09 OTHER 6220 Unlicensed electrical installation work $567LEW 6228 Fails to complete certificate within time $113LEW 6228 Fails to complete certificate within time $110LEW 6228 Fails to complete certificate within time $110REC 6241 Fails to complete certificate $113REC 6241 Fails to complete certificate $113June 09 REC 6217 Employ unlicensed person $567LEW 6228 Fails to complete certificate within time $113LEW 6228 Fails to complete certificate within time $113LEW 6228 Fails to complete certificate within time $113July 09 OTHER 6384 Supply equipment not approved $2,268OTHER 6384 Supply equipment not approved $2,268OTHER 6384 Supply equipment not approved $2,268LEW 6299 Fails to give electronic notice in time $57LEW 6243 Fails to lodge copy with ESV $113August 09 LEW 6228 Fails to complete certificate within time $113OTHER 3595 Unauthorised excavation near pipeline $1,134OTHER 6384 Supply equipment not approved $2,336LEW 6231 Fails to state that work complies $113November 09 OTHER 6220 Unlicensed electrical installation work $584December 09 OTHER 6201 Supply unregistered electrical equipment $567OTHER 6205 Offer unregistered electrical equipment $567OTHER 6220 Unlicensed electrical installation work $567REC 6242 Fails to give certificate within time $113LEW 6242 Fails to give certificate within time $113January 10 LEW 6350 Interfere with a network asset $234REC 6350 Interfere with a network asset $234February 10 REC 6243 Fails to lodge copy with the Office $117LEW 6220 Unlicensed electrical installation work $567March 10 REC 6373 Fails to display number $1,168REC 6373 Fails to display number $1,168REC 6373 Fails to display number $1,168April 10 LEW 6228 Fails to complete certificate within time $117> An unregistered and unlicensed person wascharged with one count of contracting withoutregistration and one count of carrying outelectrical installation work unlicensed. Thedefendant was fined $1000 without convictionand ordered to pay costs of $1500.> An LEIW was charged with one count of failingto take precautions against electric shock. Thedefendant was fined $1000 without convictionand ordered to pay costs of $1500.> An LEIW was charged with two counts ofcontracting without registration and one countof carrying out electrical installation workunsupervised whilst an L Licence holder. Thedefendant was convicted, fined $5000 andordered to pay costs of $1400.> An REC was charged with aiding and abettinganother person, dealt with earlier in a court, tocarry out contracting work without registration,aiding and abetting the same person to carryout electrical installation work unlicensed andfailing to complete a compliance certificate.The defendant was fined $600 withoutconviction and ordered to pay costs of $1500.> YM Nominees Pty Ltd, an REC, was chargedwith failing to have prescribed work inspected,installing unsafe electrical equipment, failingto record the route of an underground electricline, failing to give information and failing toprovide a certificate of electrical safety. Thedefendant company was convicted, fined$15000 and ordered to pay costs of $4148.18.> A plumber and B Grade electrician wascharged with carrying out gasfitting work forwhich he did not hold an appropriate licence.The defendant gave an undertaking to thecourt to be of good behaviour for six monthsand was ordered to pay costs of $600.> An REC was charged with one count of failingto take precautions against electric shock,carrying out electrical work which did notcomply with the Electricity Safety Act andRegulations, two counts of failing to test, failureto complete a compliance certificate, failure tohave prescribed work inspected and failure tocomplete a certificate of electrical safety.The defendant was fined $1500 withoutconviction and ordered to pay costs of $1000.> An LEIW was charged with carrying outcontracting work unregistered, and at the timeof the offence carrying out electrical installationwork unlicensed. The defendant gave anundertaking to be of good behaviour for oneyear and was ordered to pay costs of $1500.> The pilot of a crop duster aeroplane wascharged with flying within 45 metres of anetwork asset. The defendant has givenan undertaking to be of good behaviour forsix months and was ordered to pay costsof $1800.> An L class licence holder was chargedwith carrying out contracting work whenunregistered. The defendant gave anundertaking to be of good behaviour for 12months and was ordered to pay costs of $500.> An unlicensed person was charged withcarrying out contracting work unregistered.The defendant was convicted, fined $600and ordered to pay costs of $1500.> An L class licence holder was chargedwith carrying out contracting work whenunregistered. The defendant gave anundertaking to be of good behaviour for12 months and was ordered to paycosts of $1200.

Positive responses for ESV fromstakeholder satisfaction surveysESV received some positive responsesfrom two stakeholder satisfactionsurveys which were conducted on itsbehalf by expert external providersearlier this year.One survey undertaken by Quantum involved15 minute telephone interviews with each of400 respondents from the electrical tradesand 300 from the gas trades.The other survey undertaken by Buchan’scovered CEOs or managing directors, regulatoryand operational managers and peopleholding similar positions from a wide rangeof organisations involved in the electrical, gasand pipeline industries. State Governmentdepartments and other regulators also took partin the survey. It was conducted by email.Director of Energy Safety, Paul Fearon, toldenergysafe: “Firstly ESV would like to thankeveryone who agreed to take part in the surveysand gave up valuable time to be involved. Suchexaminations of our working relationships withthe industries we deal with and the services weprovide to some of our major stakeholders arevitally important for our forward planning.“Obviously we are all encouraged by theresponses received. As a regulator we cannotplease all of the people all of the time but itis gratifying to be recognised among otherattributes for our professionalism, technicalcompetence, independence and impartiality.“Basically both the surveys are good newsstories for ESV but we wish to assure allstakeholders that these results will not makeus complacent. We know we have a great dealof challenging and hard work ahead of us overthe next few years and we will not be sittingon our laurels.“We have also received some very importantfeedback on where we can improve and thechallenges we have to face. ESV is analysing theresults very closely to incorporate the findingsinto our business and corporate planningprocesses,” said Paul.Quantum survey – major findingsThe survey found that electrical and gasstakeholders are generally satisfied with ESV.The survey recorded improvements across theboard compared to the previous surveys.There were high performance levels recordedfor ESV’s knowledgeable, friendly andapproachable staff together with high qualityservice and the availability of easy to understandinformation.In 2010 the overall level of satisfaction with ESVof gas stakeholders has reached 99% while forelectrical stakeholders the level is 77% – anotheroutstanding result.Quantum survey – areas to improveThe survey recorded that both gas and electricalstakeholders would like to see more TVadvertising of energy safety messages.Electrical stakeholders also identified threeareas where ESV is underperforming intheir view:> > Quick response to queries;> > Accessing the correct people; and,> > Informing customers of changes that impactcustomer operations.These issues and others will be addressed.Buchan surveyOne important question asked of respondeeswas: “Is ESV fulfilling its statutory role?” and90% of them said yes.Questions asked on performance ratingsresulted in high scores between “excellent”and “good” being recorded for ESV’sprofessionalism, analytical/intellectual capacity,technical competence, – and governance.Scores between “good” and “satisfactory”were recorded across other areas.The reportsAs far as ESV’s reputation is concerned withthese stakeholders, scores in excess of 80%were recorded for being helpful, effective,reliable, credible, a leader, impartial, cooperativeand independent.Buchan survey – where we can improveRespondees listed the following:> > More consultation with stakeholders,particularly key players;> > Wider consultation before decisions are made;> > More public awareness advertising;> > An improvement to the website; and,> > ESV needs to be forward thinking andstrategic in its approach.Buchan survey – future challenges for ESVRespondees listed the following:> > The impact of findings from the BushfiresRoyal Commission;> > The national regulation of occupational healthand safety procedures and licensing;> > The impact of technology and how itinfluences approaches to safety;> > The impact of climate changes policies suchas the Emissions Trading Scheme. The surveywas held before the Federal Governmentdecided to defer the scheme for a numberof years; and,> > Integration of information systems and techdevices (Smart Grids).In conclusionPaul Fearon said: “It is encouraging that theindustries and others which we work with alsorecognise some of the challenges that we face.We take the points they make onboard and lookforward to working with them as we all strive forimproved energy safety.”21Autumn/Winter 2010 ISSUE 20Buchan surveyA total of 79 respondees completed the emailsurvey. This represented a response rate of 61%of the names provided by ESV to Buchan’s. Thisis considered to be an excellent result.Energy Safe VictoriaCustomer Satisfaction SurveyApril 2010It was the first time that such an intense surveyof senior respondents within industry andGovernment had been conducted for ESV. Whilethe results are good for ESV, no comparisonscan be made with previous performance.Quantum surveyQuantum conducted a similar telephonesurvey involving the same number of electricityand gas trades respondees for ESV in 2007.The company also conducted a survey ofelectrical trades respondees for the Office ofthe Chief Electrical Inspector (OCEI) in 2004.Because mostly the same questions wereasked in the surveys, comparisons on howESV is faring can be made.Prepared for:Energy Safe Victoria

Frequently Asked Questionson the amended Wiring Rules22www.energysafe.vic.gov.auThe new edition of the Australian/NewZealand Standard for Wiring Rules(AS/NZS 3000:2007) was released inNovember 2007 and revised byAmendment 1 in July 2009.Produced by the joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee EL-001,the revised edition expands on issues relatingto electrical installations, improves safeguardsand addresses the needs and expectationsof stakeholders.The amended edition of the Wiring RulesStandard is available in Australia from StandardsAustralia’s distributor of Australian Standards,SAI Global at www.saiglobal.com/shop or131 242 and in New Zealand from StandardsNew Zealand at www.standards.co.nzenergysafe published some of the FrequentlyAsked Questions (FAQs) and answers whichhave been developed by the committeeresponsible for the Wiring Rules (2007)and Amendment 1 in Issues 17, 18 and 19.Further FAQs are published here. Theyexplain some of the issues which have beenraised by users of the Standard. This isthe last instalment of FAQs.FAQ 022/2009: AS/NZS 3000:2007—CLAUSE 3.12.3.23.12.3.2 Clearances – Safety warningsQuestion 022/2009: What are suitable devicesor notices for safety warnings near aerialconductors?Answer: The warning notice should be locatedon each electricity pole. The signs should havethe same dimensions and colours as thoselisted in AS 1319. Some examples of signs aregiven below for use on waterways. For generaluse the yellow diamond could be replacedby the danger sign (below) and the wordingsuitably modified.FAQ 023/2009: AS/NZS 3000:2007 –CLAUSE 3.11.5 CLAUSE 3.9.8.4 TABLE 3.73.11.5 SPACING FROM OTHERUNDERGROUND SERVICES3.9.8.4 Proximity to non-electrical servicesTABLE 3.7 MINIMUM SEPARATION OFUNDERGROUND SERVICESQuestion 023/2009: Are the separationdistances in Table 3.7 only required forservices using metallic pipelines?Answer: No. The separation between services(Column 2) applies to all situations (metallic andinsulating pipes). The distance from the earthelectrode (Column 3) applies only to metallicpipelines.FAQ 024/2009: AS/NZS 3000:2007—CLAUSE 5.6.2.55.6.2.5 EQUIPOTENTIAL BONDING –Arrangement – Showers and bathroomsQuestion 024/2009:(a) Is it a requirement for the connection ofthe equipotential bonding conductor to beaccessible?(b) Is it acceptable to run the conductivereinforcing system bonding conductor toa part of the equipotential bonding systemoutside of the room involved?(c) Is it acceptable, where the conductivereinforcing system is electrically continuous,for the conductive reinforcing system to beexposed above the slab, in one locationonly, and earthed to the earth bar within aswitchboard, if the connection within theswitchboard is suitably labelled?(d) In instances where there are multipledwellings on one slab on the same level, is itacceptable, where the conductive reinforcingsystem is electrically continuous, for theconductive reinforcing system to be exposedabove the slab, in one location only, and tobe connected to the earth bar within theswitchboard that provides electricity supplyto the dwellings?Answer:(a) No. The requirements of the clause aresimilar to the requirements for equipotentialbonding in the case of swimming and spa poolswhere the equipotential bonding connection isnot specifically required to be accessible. (SeeClause 5.6.2.6.)(b) Yes. The bonding conductor may beconnected to any part of the earthing system.(c) Yes(d) YesFAQ 025/2009: AS/NZS 3000:2007—CLAUSE 5.6.2.55.6.2.5 Arrangement – Showers andbathroomsQuestion 025/2009: What methods may beused to connect the reinforcing within theconcrete floor to the earthing system?Answer: Several commercial products areavailable to enable effective equipotentialbonding to the reinforcing mesh. One option(see picture below) is to have a galvanised orstainless steel rod that is tied to the electricallycontinuous steel reinforcing mesh that includesthe shower or bathroom, bent up in the wallcavity below the meter position. A minimum4mm equipotential bonding conductor isthen connected between the main earthingconductor, bar or link located at the mainswitchboard and the rod. Alternatively thebonding conductor can be connected to anyother part of the earthing system.Whilst the bonding does not rectify anyhigh resistance in the PEN conductor, itdoes bond the conductive floor to anyother conductive material or equipmentwithin the bathroom and prohibit any voltagedifferences that might otherwise arise.FAQ 026/2009: AS/NZS 3000:2007—CLAUSE 2.9.2.22.9.2.2 Location of switchboards –Accessibility and emergency exit facilitiesQuestion 026/2009: Can the clearance of600mm be achieved by removing the hingeddoor of a switchboard?Answer: No. However, unhinged removablepanels would satisfy the requirementsFAQ 027/2009: AS/NZS 3000:2007—CLAUSE 6.2.26.2.2 BATHS, SHOWERS AND OTHERFIXED WATER CONTAINERS –Classification of zonesQuestion 027/2009: When the fixed showerplumbing connection is located above 2.5 mheight does it remain in Zone 1?Answer: Yes. See classification of zones inClause 6.2.2.1(b)(vi) and 6.2.2.1(c)(v)FAQ 028/2009: AS/NZS 3000:2007—CLAUSE 2.9.5.22.9.5.2 Equipment identification –Relationship of electrical equipmentQuestion 028/2009: What are the minimummarking requirements to satisfy this clause?Answer: The protective devices for the circuitsshould be marked according to what theycontrol and protect (eg CB1 – lights), and thegeographical location of the equipment shouldbe stated (eg lighting – north western area ofmain office).This information, in the English language,should be on the switchboard or in the formof a permanently attached legend immediatelyadjacent to the switchboard.FAQ 029/2009: AS/NZS 3000:2007—CLAUSE 3.10.3.13.10.3 Installation of wiring enclosures –GeneralQuestion 029/2009: May a wiring system beplaced within a concrete path?Answer: No. A wiring enclosure placedwithin a concrete path does not satisfy therequirements for underground wiring and isnot considered to be ‘safe and sound practice’and does not provide adequate protection.FAQ 030/2009: AS/NZS 3000:2007—CLAUSE 2.9.2.2(c)(ii)2.9.2.2(c) Location of switchboards –Accessibility and emergency exitfacilitiesQuestion 030/2009: What are therequirements for ‘sufficient exit facilities’for large switchboards?Answer: Normally the requirementswould include two exits from the switchboardspaced well apart to allow a person toleave the vicinity of a switchboard underemergency conditions. However, where aclear space of three (3) metres is providedaround the switchboard and its equipment,including switchboard doors, in all normalpositions of operating, opening andwithdrawal, only one exit need be provided.Note that three adjoining one metreswitchboards are viewed as a three metreswitchboard for the purposes of this clause.

ESV issues importantsafety advice on theuse and care of gasheaters.Following the deaths of two young boys from suspectedcarbon monoxide poisoning at Mooroopna near Sheppartonin early June, ESV issued the following safety advice as amedia release.A prominent link to the advice was also placed on the front pageof the ESV website.> > Appliances must be serviced, checked and regularly maintainedby a licensed or registered gasfitter every two years at least.> > Gas heaters must be checked to make sure they are safe beforewinter.> > Owners of properties with gas heaters must be aware of thepossibility of the presence of carbon monoxide (CO), and the risksit poses.> > Faulty, unserviced gas heaters can cause carbon monoxide to beproduced. If carbon monoxide spills into the room because of arange of issues including an obstruction in the flue terminal or theventilation is inadequate, carbon monoxide poisoning may occur.> > Carbon monoxide is invisible and has no smell or taste.> > A blue flame burning within the heater is normally an indication ofa good flame, but the gasfitter must have a combustion analyser /detector to detect and measure CO and either carbon dioxide oroxygen to confirm that the combustion is good. A yellow or sootyflame indicates a faulty heater.> > Small children are more susceptible to CO poisoning than adults.> > The gasfitter must have a carbon monoxide (CO) analyser /detector that has been calibrated correctly in the required timeframe to detect CO. The CO reading must be less than 10 partsper million (ppm).> > CO can build up in a small room such as a bathroom or toilet veryquickly if the spillage is excessive and there’s no ventilation. Fora larger room such as a living room, it would take longer for theCO to build up if CO spillage is excessive and there’s no ventilation.> > It is essential to ensure adequate flowing ventilation through aproperty even if the heater is working properly. Doorways andwindows should never be sealed up.> > There have been six known deaths in Victoria (excluding theMooroopna tragedy which is under Coronial investigation) fromCO poisoning in the last few years.> > ESV is also aware of countless near misses where people havenearly died from carbonmonoxide poisoning.> > There have been instanceswhere people suffering fromCO poisoning have not beenappropriately diagnosedby their doctor. Not alldoctors are fully aware of thesymptoms of CO poisoning.VictorianGovernment’splan to boostgreen industriesThe Victorian Government announced in late April that peoplein regional Victoria will benefit from more jobs and greaterinvestment in green industries as a result of a $175 millionsubsidy scheme to help industry.The 18 point plan titled Jobs for the Future Economy ActionPlan which outlines Victoria’s next steps to develop industries for thefuture, secure jobs and foster new skills was launched by PremierJohn Brumby in Bendigo.He said the plan Jobs for the Future Economy focuses on five key areas:> > Securing more jobs in construction by promoting high standards indesign and construction in commercial buildings and new homes;> > Securing more green jobs in energy by supporting the developmentand uptake of renewable energy that will reduce carbon emissions andsecure green jobs;> > Driving low emissions industry growth by removing barriers toinvestment, fostering new markets and cutting “green” tape throughsmarter regulation;> > Developing sustainability skills by supporting training in sustainableskills for tradespeople; and,> > Promoting innovation through new research and industry scienceprojects and investment in electric vehicle trials.Protect has moved andhas a new phone number1 3 0 0 3 4 4 2 4 9Protect is now operatingfrom new premises atGround Level200 Arden StreetNorth MelbourneVIC 3051Our new fax number is03 9326 8736Severance claim enquiriescan be made through theProtect contact centre on1300 344 24923Autumn/Winter 2010 ISSUE 20PO Box 482North MelbourneVIC 3051admin@protect.net.auwww.protect.net.auCO measuring equipment beingprepared at the Mooroopna property.

Your questions on electricityinstallation issues – and the answersCompiled by ESV Electricity Technical Advisor, John Stolkenergysafe continues its regular series featuring some of the questions which ESV receives on a rangeof electricity installation issues, some of them relating to gas installations. Also provided are the answerstogether with references to the Acts, Standards, Regulations and Clauses which apply to them.Question Answer Standard ClauseWhen installing a solar installation is it a requirementto install a DC isolator at the start of the DC circuiton or near the array?Yes, an appropriate rated DC isolator is required to beinstalled at the commencement of the DC circuit and signageshowing its location is required to be installed on the mainswitchboard and fire indicator panel if there is one installed.AS/NZS 4777.1 &AS/NZS 3000:2007& Electricity Safety(Installations)Regulations 2009.Clause 5Clause 1.5.2and 7.3.4.1Regulation 210Can I install a builder’s temporary supply pole in ahigh fire risk area?Yes, but in a high fire risk area you cannot install aerial orconductors supported by catenary, therefore supply to thebuilders temporary supply pole and other wiring external toan building must be installed underground.Electricity Safety(Installations)Regulations 2009.Regulation 22024In a solar installation if the inverter is installed nextto the switchboard do I need to install a circuitbreaker at the commencement of the AC supply?Can I use chain wire fence, the type commonly usedas temporary fencing supported on concrete blocksand bracketed together, to support a wiring system?No, the circuit breaker at the commencement of the ACsupply is not required if the inverter is installed within 3metres from the switchboard and is in direct view from theswitchboard.No, in fact most chain wire fences are not suitable to safelysupport an electrical wiring system.AS/NZS 3000:2007 Clause 7.3.4.1AS/NZS 3000:2007Clause 1.7.2 (a)& (d)When installing additional socket outlets to afinal sub circuit in a residential installation andthe existing protection device is a semi enclosedre-wireable fuse on the switchboard do I need toupgrade the circuit protection?Yes, the existing protection device must be upgraded to anHRC fuse or a circuit breaker and RCD protection must alsobe provided for the additional socket outlets and wiring.AS/NZS 3000:2007Clause 2.5.2 &2.6.3.4When installing underground consumers mains canI reduce the depth of cover where the conduit runsunder the concrete slab?No, the underground wiring system must be buried to adepth of at least 500mm2 below the surface of the ground.Electricity Safety(Installations)Regulations 2009.Regulation 214www.energysafe.vic.gov.auWhen installing underground cables in public areas towhat height do I need to provide mechanical protectionfor the portion of cable above the ground where theunderground cable is accessible to the public?Is the replacement of a switchboard within my livingunit prescribed electrical work?What is a Complex Electrical Installation?Any portion of an underground line on public land that is at orabove the surface must be mechanically protected from thepoint 300mm2 below the surface to a height of 2400 mm2above the surface.Yes, the replacement of a distribution board related to thecontrol of an individual occupier’s portion of a multipleinstallation is prescribed electrical work.A Complex Electrical Installation means an electricalinstallation that:a) has an installed generation capacity of equal to or greaterthat 1000 kVA; orb) is an electrical line that is on land that is not owned orleased by the owner or operator of the electric line.Electricity Safety(Installations)Regulations 2009.Electricity Safety(Installations)Regulations 2009.Electrical Safety Act1998Regulation 219Regulation238(d)Section 3DefinitionsHow long do I need to retain a paper copy of thecertificate of compliance?The responsible person who issues a certificate ofcompliance must retain a copy of that certificate for 3 yearsafter the date the responsible person signs the certificate.Electricity Safety(Installations)Regulations 2009.Regulation 254Green light forAustralia’s firstcommunity-ownedwind farmThe major contract for the constructionof Australia’s first community-ownedwind farm at Leonards Hill nearDaylesford has been signed and detailsof the final share offer released.More than 1100 members of the tradingcooperative set up to own and operate the windfarm have invested $7.5m so far in the project.These community funds, along with finance fromBendigo Bank and a $975,000 grant from theState Government, has enabled the cooperative,Hepburn Wind, to give the ‘green light’ for theconstruction of the $12.9m project.A final offer of 1.8 million shares in Hepburn Windhas been opened for all Victorians to participate.Hepburn Wind says members will receivedividends from the sale of the electricityproduced. In addition, the project aims tocontribute more than $1,000,000 to communitysustainability initiatives over the next 25 years.The two turbine Leonards Hill wind farm isprojected to generate 12,200 megawatt hoursannually, which is more than the estimated10,100 megawatt hours used by the 1887households of Daylesford.Construction is scheduled to begin in Octoberthis year, and the wind farm is expected tostart producing power in the second quarterof next year.New wind farm to power Victoria’sdesalination plantIn March, Victoria’s Energy and ResourcesMinister Peter Batchelor turned the first sodon the site of AGL Energy’s Oaklands Hillwind farm, a 32 turbine project located threekilometres south of Glenthompson.It is claimed that the wind farm will deliverenough renewable energy to supply morethan 30,000 households and save more than185,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas each year.The Minister said that once completed, thewind farm will provide 63 megawatts ofenergy, including providing power for thestate’s $3.5 billion desalination plant atWonthaggi.The wind farm is expected to be completedin the fourth quarter of 2011.

26www.energysafe.vic.gov.auNew Electricity Safety (Registrationand Licensing) Regulations 2010 –a summary of changesThe Electricity Safety (Registration andLicensing) Regulations 2010 came inToforce in late April. They replace the 1999regulations which had been part of theinstallation regulations .Here is a summary of changes and majorprovisions within the regulations:REC—electrical switchgear workers> > New: licensed electrical switchgear workersmay register as an REC but may only beresponsible for the effective supervisionof electrical switchgear work. However,a switchgear REC may also nominate an“A grade” technical supervisor to superviseall other electrical installation work. A licensedelectrical switchgear worker may register as acontractor and supervise electrical switchgearwork if they comply with the following:> > the person is a licensed electricalswitchgear worker (see below);> > has completed the new LicensedSwitchgear Worker’s Assessment LSWA(or has experience deemed equivalent);> > complies with the usual business supervisorrequirements;> > complies with the insurance requirements;and,> > pays the application fee.Prescribed insurance> > No change – $5,000,000 minimum insuranceis required.Technical Supervisors> > all electrical installation work (other thanelectrical switchgear work) must be effectivelysupervised by an A grade electrician who hascompleted the LEA or equivalent; and> > all electrical switchgear work must beeffectively supervised by a licensed electricalswitchgear worker who has completed theLSWA or equivalent or an A grade electricianwho has completed the LEA or equivalent.Licenses abolished which cannot beissued or renewed> > LEI class F (Electric Security Fences)> > LEI class R (Remote area power supplies)> > LEI class S (Standby generation orcogeneration electricity supply systems)No new licenses for the following classescan be issued (but they may be renewedbefore expiry)> > LEI class L> > ES licence> > Occupier’s LicenceNew electrical switchgear worker’s licence> > A person may apply for a licence to carry outelectrical switchgear work (i.e. the assembly,alteration, repair and maintenance ofswitchgear and controlgear assemblies) if theycomply with the following:> > Has completed a 4 year contract of trainingas an Electrical Fitter including at least 12months experience in carrying out electricalswitchgear fitting work;> > holds a certificate III in Switchgear andControlgear;> > has completed the new LicensedSwitchgear Worker’s Assessment; and,> > pays the required fee.> > Note: this licence is not required for workerswho manufacture switchboards off-site.> > A licence may be granted if the person’squalification, proficiency and experiencein electrical switchgear fitting work isof an equivalent standard to the aboverequirements.Restricted worker’s licence (REL) (formallyDisconnect/Reconnect licence)> > There will be two classes of REL, Class 1and Class 2. The difference is that Class1 will allow the licensee to conduct faultfinding which is the testing of the operationof electrical equipment to determine if thatelectrical equipment is safe and workingsafely. This is not a blanket licence to faultfind, they may only conduct fault findingon equipment related to the primary workfunction that they are licensed for.> > There is a revised list of primary workfunctions, or occupational areas which are:> > Airconditioning and Refrigeration> > Instrumentation> > Electronics> > Water Heaters> > Electrical Appliances> > Pre-assembled Neon Signs> > Composite equipment> > Control Devices> > Gas Appliances> > Motors> > Hazardous Area Equipment> > On commencement all current D class licenceholders are to be automatically transferred toa REL Class 2 licence.> > The fees for this licence are now the same asthe fees for LEI licences and RECs.Medical Areas (Patient Areas)> > Extra low voltage work in these areas mustnow be carried out by licensed workers.Interstate “A Grade” electricians takento be licensed in Victoria> > A person who is not ordinarily residentin Victoria and who holds the equivalent toCurrent Fee Unit Value 11.95Victoria’s “A grade” licence is not required toobtain a Victorian licence provided that theynotify Energy Safe Victoria in accordancewith the regulations. There is no fee for thenotification, and the notification must be in amanner approved by ESV and must include:> > The person’s name, residential address,postal address and telephone number;> > The details of the interstate licence thatthey hold; and> > A statement that the person consentsto ESV making enquiries and exchanginginformation with any Australian RegulatoryAuthority in relation to any authority that theperson holds.> > A person who has notified ESV must, within10 business days, notify ESV of any changeof their name, address or the status of thelicence that they hold. If the person becomesordinarily resident in Victoria they mustthen apply for a Victorian licence via mutualrecognition.> > Upon notification the person will be issuedwith a user ID and password and advised thatthey must comply with all Victorian laws andregulations including certificate of electricalsafety requirements. They must carry theirinterstate licence with them while workingin Victoria.Apprentices> > Apprentices must carry out all work under theeffective supervision of a licensed electrician,and, in the case of electrical switchgear fittingwork, a licensed electrician or a licensedelectrical switchgear worker.Five year registrations for registeredelectrical contractors (RECs) and five yearlicences for licensed electrical inspectors(LEIs)In another move unrelated to the introductionof the new licensing regulations, there will bea staged transition to five year registrations forRECs and five year licences for LEIs. These areadministrative changes; implemented as partof the Victorian Government’s “Reducing theRegulatory Burden” initiative.FeesThe applicable fees on commencement of theseregulations are set out in the following table; allfees are for a five year registration or licence.Item Fee Units Fees from 1 July 2010REC application 43.3 $517.40REC renewal 20.8 $248.50Licence Application 27.8 $332.20Licence Application – REL 43.3 $517.40Licence Application – LEI 43.3 $517.40Licence Renewal – other 13.9 $166.00Licence Renewal – REL 20.8 $248.50Licence Renewal – LEI 20.8 $248.50Replacement card 2.8 $33.40

Gas escapeblamed for amedical internreceiving criticalburnsAfter an investigation, ESV has concludedthat a leaking natural gas service linewas a likely cause of an explosion in aunit at Wangaratta in early Februaryresulting in critical burns being receivedby a 23-year-old medical intern.The leak from an 18 mm polyethylene servicepipe below the road close to the unit probablymade its way inside the unit, the investigationhas revealed. The unit was extensively damagedin the explosion.Three or four minutes later, he stoodapproximately one metre from the front doorand ignited a stove lighter “to test if therereally was gas”. He told ESV that a large blueflame then extended throughout the unit butdissipated.A gasfitter called to the scene told ESV he couldnot find any gas leaks inside the unit. He alsotested the fitting line to the unit and found it tobe gas tightResidents in other units at the address saidthey did not experience gas smells before theexplosion on 8 February.No other gas leaks had been reported in thearea for some two months before the blast.The leak was on the opposite side of the road,approximately 30 metres from the point of theexplosion. No detail has been obtained on whythe service line failed.While recovering from his injuries, the victimtold ESV that he entered the unit just before theincident to have a break from his medical rounds.He intended to go to the kitchen to boil a kettle.Firstly he went to the bedroom to get a cigarettelighter. On his way back to the kitchen he ignitedthe lighter and the explosion occurred.As reported in the last issue of energysafe,the intern received critical burns to his body inthe blast. The victim was placed in an inducedcoma at The Alfred hospital and made a goodrecovery.The intern was employed at the WangarattaHospital. The unit and others in the blockare managed by the Wangaratta Hospitalfor its staff.During the investigations, the victim said in astatement to ESV that he had noticed a subtlemusty smell since he moved into the unit inmid-January. About a week later one of thegas burners on top of the cooker “flared up”damaging the ceiling and a light fitting.Good advice from anexpert: always listento your customerBy ESV Gas Safety Officer,Roger LambieBesides knowledge, experience andthe correct tools, the best asseta gas appliance serviceman hasin resolving a problem with a gasinstallation or appliance is thecustomer who reported the fault.In my experience of 33 years on the gas sideof plumbing I have always found the customeris correct in 99.9% of the situations.Listening, then asking the correct questions ofwhat the customer is experiencing will lead toan earlier diagnosis of what the fault may be.Two experiences come to mind. The firstinvolved an elderly couple who had purchaseda central heating installation from the then gasauthority and found they detected a slight smellof gas during the operation of the appliance.The gas smell was so minute that it was nearimpossible for everyone who attended theirhome to notice.Only after a very sensitive methane detector wasemployed was it proven that the appliance hadan inherent design fault.If there had been a large volume of gasescaping in the road outside the unit before 8February, it would normally be expected that theresidents in the adjoining properties or passingpedestrian traffic would have been alerted to thegas smell and reported it.The gas distribution network owner conductedexcavation works but did not find any visiblemeans by which the natural gas escaping fromthe service line could have made its way throughthe ground and into the unit.Shortly after the explosion, a natural gas readingof 100% was recorded by testing apparatusplaced in a test drill ground hole approximatelyfour metres from the unit. The reading was takenabout seven hours after the explosion.The network owner reported that a leak wasidentified on the 18 mm high pressure gasservice line supplying other units in the street.The elderly couple’s complaint proved to becorrect and they were not imagining the fault.Accordingly the manufacturer had to retool thedesign of the heater.The second experience also included a faultwith another central heating installation from adifferent manufacturer.Following a request to attend this installationwith an appliance serviceman, the customerwho had a fistful of service sheets frommany previous calls explained that the heaterintermittently failed to operate and that the pilotlight would go out.Initially the most common causes were checked– gas operating pressure/volume, water in theservice or fitting line as detected by using aManometer. Or was the air filter, if installed,blocked?Or were any other issues at fault – duct sizing,a cracked heat exchanger, faulty overheat, airgaps in framework of appliance which possiblyblew out the pilot when the fan cut in.Basically, not one fault could be found.No other appliances were involved in thisgas installation – therefore we had no otherappliance to reference to and see if it had thesame problemSo back to basics. Did we have all the energiesrequired to operate the heater i.e. gas,electricity? The only answer was yes.Interior and exterior shots of the damaged unitThe age of this installation included the use ofGalvanized Wrought Iron Pipe (GWIP) for thefitting line. Unlike today where other materialsare now more in vogue.All told the fitting line was around 20 metres longso with the service fitter we started to dismantlethe line and there we found the problem.Holding the dismantled pipe at an angle outrolled a snail shell, a long ago vacated snail shellthat was moving and rolling around inside thepipe with the slight fluctuations in gas pressureblocking or partially blocking the gas supplyfor over three years since the installation wasinstalled.So it does not matter who the customer is,always listen to what they have to say it is rarethe customer is not “always right”.(No Snail was injured making this picture!)27Autumn/Winter 2010 ISSUE 20

Guidance notes for the electricaltrades and electrical inspectors onthe Electricity Safety (Installations)Regulations and other issues28www.energysafe.vic.gov.auThe following information was preparedby ESV for guidance and information onthe new Electricity Safety (installations)Regulations and other issues foreveryone involved in the electricaltrades and in particular licensedelectrical inspectors.Guidance notes such as these are preparedperiodically and published on the ESV website.A reminder: up until 1 July this year, ESVproposes to use its discretion in enforcing thenew installations regulations unless safety iscompromised. ESV is suggesting that all LEIsshould use similar discretions.When is it necessary or required to install acurrent limiting device (circuit breaker) to protectthe consumers mains?Clause 2.5.1.1 of AS/NZS 3000:2007 requiresthe consumers mains to be protected againstover current in the following method:1. Short-circuit protection and overloadprotection at the origin; or2. Short-circuit protection at the origin andoverload protection at the switchboard; or3. Short circuit protection need not be providedwhere the consumers mains are installed withadditional mechanical protection and overloadprotection is provided at the switchboard.1 Short circuit and overload protection atthe origin.The service fuse provided by the distributor insupplies up to 100 amps will only provide shortcircuitprotection not overload protection.For consumers mains greater than 100 ampsoverload protection would only be providedwhen the protection at the origin is fixed(not adjustable) and is rated at the capacityof the consumers mains conductors andarranged that the overload protection cannotbe increased.For existing installations where additionalload is connected such as a split system airconditioningunit the circuit breaker to protectthe consumers mains conductors will onlybe required if the maximum demand of theinstallation and added load exceeds the currentcarrying capacity of the consumers mains.SOLAR INSTALLATIONS.Isolation of dc supply at the photovoltaicarrays.The DC solar supply requires an appropriatelyrated DC isolator at the commencement of theDC circuit this requirement complies with clause1.5.2 and 7.3.4.1 of AS/NZS 3000:2007 andClause 5.5 of AS 4777.1. It is important to havethis isolating device installed so emergencyservices can isolate supply under emergencyconditions.Solar main switch –plug in circuit breakers.Clause 5.3.3 of AS/NZS 4777.1 requires themain switch for the solar supply to be a lockableswitch.Where solar energy systems are being installedand the installation has semi enclosed rewirablefuses the installation of a plug in circuitbreaker will not meet the requirements.Solar main switch – domestic installationswith multiple main switches.In domestic installations where the protectiondevice for each final subcircuit is a mainswitch and as additional main switch for thesolar energy systems is being installed theswitchboard is required to be altered to complywith Clause 2.3.3.2 of AS/NZS 3000:2007where only one main switch is allowed persupply and to conform with the connectionmethod shown in the AS/NZS 4777 series.PREMISES WITH CONSUMERELECTRICITY GENERATION SYSTEMS.In premises where electrical generation systemsare installed or connected additional signageis installed stating:This sign must be placed at the fire indicatorpanel, main switchboard and all switchboardsthat will be energised by that consumersgenerating system.The sign must be clear, durable and permanentand white lettering no smaller that 5mm on adark green background to comply with AS 1319emergency information signs. This sign does notreplace the requirements AS/NZS 4777 or theelectricity distributor’s signage requirements.LIFTS IN PRIVATE RESIDENCES.A lift installed within a SINGLE private residenceinstalled in accordance with AS/NZS 1735.18need not comply with the requirements ofClause 7. 2. of AS/NZS 3000:2007.PRESCRIBED ELECTRICALINSTALLATION WORK.Regulation 238 of the Electricity Safety(Installations) Regulations 2009 has addedsafety services and equipment operating atextra low voltage installed in a patient areaas prescribed electrical installation work.SAFETY SERVICES.Circuit protective devices, switchgear, controlgear,wiring systems and accessories (otherthan fire detection and alarm systems) installedto provide control and protection for passengerlifts, fire pumps and air handling systemsintended to exhaust and control the spreadof fire and smoke.Inspection requirements for.Lifts – from the point of supply to the liftswitchboard.Air handling systems that control thespread of fire and smoke – from the pointof supply to the connection of the air handlingsystems control switchboard and all theassociated wiring to equipment for control offire and smoke.2 & 3 Short-circuit protection at theorigin and overload protection at theswitchboard or where no short circuit andoverload protection at the switchboardwhere additional mechanical protection isprovided as per Clause 3.9.7.1.2 of AS/NZS3000:2007 for the consumers mains.Installations connected from 1 July 2008 (whenAS/NZS 3000:2007 became mandatory) statesthat if the sum of the current capacity of thecircuit breakers is greater than the currentcarrying capacity of the consumers mainsconductors the consumers mains must beoverload protected with an appropriate sizecircuit breaker.This also applies to existing installations wherethe consumers mains and/or switchboards arereplaced.ORWarningThis premise contains an electricity generation system.The isolation switch is located WarningThis premise contains an electricity generation systems.The wind generation isolation switch is located The solar isolation switch is located

Fire Pumps – the entire electrical installationfrom the point of supply to the motorconnections including control circuits.PATIENT AREAS.PATIENT AREAS of hospitals, medical anddental practices, and dialyzing locations.Inspection requirements for ELVinstallations.Extra low voltage (ELV) control systemsassociated with other fixed medical equipmentand illumination systems in patient areas, butdoes not include telecommunications, datatransfer and alarm or intercom systemsoperating at ELV.SUPPLY CAPACITY CONTROL DEVICE.Regulation 232 of the Electricity Safety(Installations) Regulations 2009 prohibits anelectricity supplier from requiring a person toinstall protective equipment between the point ofsupply and any main switches for safety services.REPLACEMENT OF EXISTINGSWITCHBOARDS.A switchboard containing semi-enclosedrewirable fuses may be replaced with a newcircuit breaker switchboard in the existingposition under the following conditions;1. The switchboard location complies withthe regulations that were in force when theswitchboard was first installed this includesswitchboards that were installed when theregulations had no height restrictions; and2. No other electrical work is being carried oute.g. installation/rewiring of final sub-circuits orreplacement of the consumers mains; and3. The new switchboard complies with the RCDrequirements stated in Clause of 2.6 andAmendment 1 of AS/NZS 3000:2007.Note – switchboards installed in cupboards orsimilar storage areas shall comply with Clause2.9.2.5 of AS/NZS 3000:2007.REQUIREMENTS FOR FIXED WIREDAIR-CONDITIONING UNITSAll fixed wired air-conditioning units shall be installedto comply with the following requirements;1. Have an isolating switch capable of beinglocked in the off position installed adjacentto or on the external compressor unit.Exception – An isolating switch capable of beinglocked in the off position may be installed in theswitchboard when the switchboard is dedicatedto the air-conditioning equipment only; and1. Be installed as per the manufacturesinstallation instructions as required by AS/NZS3000:2007 Clause 1.7.1(c); and2. Only cables enclosed in flexible conduits are tobe attached to the air-conditioning pipe work.Note: The means of attachment must bepermanent and secure, the use of pvc tape is notacceptable. Where the wiring enclosure and wiringsupport including pvc cable ties are subject todirect sunlight they must be UV protected.Victoria’s energy market mostcompetitive in Australia29Victoria has the most competitive retailenergy market in Australia – and is likelyto retain its title of the most competitivein the world, says a survey releasedin early May by Energy and ResourcesMinister Peter Batchelor.He said that the independent survey foundthat in 2009 customers switched their energyretailer in Victoria at the highest ever rate for anycompetitive retail energy market in the world.Yourquestionson gas – andthe answersCompiled by ESV’s Gas Installation andAppliance Safety divisionenergysafe is pleased to introduce a regularseries featuring some of the questions whichESV receives on a range of gas installationissues on the 1800 technical helpline. Themagazine looks forward to extending thisfeature over coming issues.Question: The gas retailer advised me I needan ESV number to get a gas meter installed. Isthat correct?Answer: Yes, before any gas retailer can installa gas meter assembly onto any Complex gasinstallation, the gas retailer requires an ESVgas supply approval number to confirm that allgas fitting work is carried out to a compliantstandard.“Since electricity retail price competition wasintroduced in Victoria in 2002, over 60 per centof the state’s residential and small businessenergy customers have chosen to changeretailers,” Mr Batchelor said.“The switch has saved them between 5 to10 per cent on their energy bills,” he said.Mr Batchelor said Victoria was on track to benamed the number one market in the WorldRetail Energy Market Rankings for the thirdconsecutive year.A gas supply approval number is issued afteran ESV Start Work Notice and ComplianceCertificate have been lodged with ESV, and aninspection of the complex gas installation hastaken place.If the complex gas installation is found to becompliant, the inspector will then issue theplumbing contractor with a gas supply approvalnumber, which the person ordering the gasmeter installation then passes onto the gas retailcompany of the owner’s choice.Q. Where can I get an ESV Start Work Noticeand Compliance Certificate?A. Copies of ESV Start Work Notice andCompliance Certificates are available on theESV web site along with instructions on how tolodge all certificates. www.esv.vic.gov.auQ. Is the job I am working on a Standard gasinstallation or Complex gas installation?A. ESV information sheet number 33 describesthe building classifications for all gas installationsand states which compliance certification isrequired,> > ESV Start Work Notice is required, or,> > Plumbing Industry Commission ComplianceCertificate for a Standard gas installation isrequired.“More than 26 per cent of Victorian electricityand gas customers chose to switch to anotherretailer in 2009, compared to just 11.5 per centin Queensland, 12.2 per cent in South Australiaand 9.2 per cent in New South Wales.“Gas figures showed 27.4 per cent of Victoriancustomers chose to switch their retailer in2009, compared to just 11.9 per cent in SouthAustralia and 7.6 per cent in Queensland.”Q. When is a building isolation valve required?A. It is not uncommon to find building isolationvalves not considered by architects, consultantsand plumbers in new/additional buildingapplications – AS 5601 2004 4.2.8 Buildingisolation.Q. AS5601 table 3.1 states; Plastic pipe (notcomposite) is not permitted in the ground undera building.A. The Building Control Act refers to a coveredwalkway or veranda as “part” of a building if itis attached to a building which prohibits thesematerials being installed in the ground underthese areas.Q. What is the required clearance between adomestic cooking appliances and a combustiblerear or side wall.A. ESV information sheets are available on theESV website):> > number 25 – Domestic cooker clearances,> > number 3 – Fire resistant boards.> > number 6 – Glass feature walls.All cover the installation requirements fordomestic gas cooker.Autumn/Winter 2010 ISSUE 20

New gas installation or changeover– there is no difference30www.energysafe.vic.gov.auBy ESV Gas safety Officer,Roger LambieThe recent incident in Lansell Road,Toorak, in which a man suffered severecarbon monoxide poisoning (see page 4)possibly resulting from the incorrectchangeover of a central heating unitis a wakeup call for all gasfitters.The simple message is that the same planning,work standards and practices have to beapplied whether one is installing a new gasinstallation or when a single gas appliance isbeing changed over. There is no differencebetween the two procedures.For starters, a good knowledge andunderstanding of current regulations andstandards, such as AS5601, have to be appliedin both instances.Changing one appliance over for another isoften seen as a simpler job as quite often anappliance of similar dimensions is obtainedto suit the location of the replaced appliancei.e. an outside storage hot water service.But it is not simple and whether it’s a newinstallation or a changeover, these points mustbe followed:> > As above, knowledge of current regulationsand standards is paramount as the appliancethat is to be removed would in all probabilityhave been installed to the regulations andstandards accepted in previous years; it isnot as simple as swapping one for one.> > Read the installation instructions for thenew appliance as anomalies may be foundbetween the regulations, standards and themanufacturer’s instructions. It will also assistin installing the appliance correctly.> > The new appliance in many instances mayhave electronic equipment as part of itsoperational features or include the latesttechnological efficiencies in gas consumptionand flue technology that requires carefulplanning before it replaces the original unitwhich did not have these features. Clearancesfrom combustible surfaces may varyconsiderably, flue spigots can be at differentheights in space heaters that require structuralchanges in chimney design.> > It is the responsibility of the installer of areplacement gas appliance to ensure therequired energy requirements are available,are safe and will meet the operationalrequirements of the new appliance.> > Gas supply must be the right type, thepressure must be correct and very importantlythe existing supply needs to be at a highenough volume for the new appliance. Thismay require the meter to be upgraded to alarger one. Incorrect operating pressures andvolume of gas to the appliance may causecombustion problems that will result in sootbuild up and high carbon monoxide (CO)discharge. High gas pressure may causeearly failure of certain components withinthe appliance.> > The electrical supply must be checked toensure the operating load and the supplypolarity are correct. The design of olderappliances may have hidden faults such asreversed polarity where the active and neutralsupply are crossed. With many modernappliances that incorporate an electronicsPC board, the incorrect polarity maydestroy the board. This could be verycostly for the installer.> > Where necessary the water supply must beof the correct pressure, clean and suit thedemands of the appliance. Many modernappliances include inlet filters to ensure thewater supply is clean. A continually blockingfilter will cause inconvenience. Similar to gas,a poor supply pressure and volume of waterflow may result in the sub-standard operationof the new appliance.> > The provision of flowing ventilation is to beclosely checked, two openings of the correctdimensions as required by AS5601 into thesame area is very important as they providecombustion air and help prevent the appliancefrom overheating during operation.> > In days gone by wall vents in homes werelooked upon as a means of ventilation whenin fact the flywire screen on these vents wasoften blocked.> > Prior to using the existing flue of the replacedappliance it must be in good condition, soundand have no blockages and be of the rightsize and have a currently approved cowl fitted.ATTENTION...THE KEY INGREDIENTFOR A SAFE KITCHEN> > Many older flues will be constructed inasbestos cement. Dependent on the fluescondition it may require replacement. Anotherconsideration is the clearances from any fluematerial to combustibles or electrical wiring.> > When replacing a central heating unit makesure the existing ductwork is of the right sizeand in good condition. All central heatingsystems must now incorporate a returnair duct unlike previously and the locationof it must have unrestricted access to thereturn flow of as many duct outlet points aspossible. This is particularly evident in manyolder properties. Old ductwork sizing and itscondition should be checked as many moderncentral heaters have variable flow operationalfeatures that will soon overheat should theducting be not of the right size.> > The reality at this time is that the installerof the original appliance may not havebeen trained or have had any professionalknowledge on how to install it.Installers of any gas appliance have anobligation and duty of care to not just replacean appliance but ensure that all its associatedservices and existing equipment is not onlysound but operate safely.One last point. It is a requirement of AS5601-2004 Clause 9.1 ~ 9.3 that when the applianceis commissioned the consumer should whereavailable be instructed in the safe and correctoperation of the appliance and any auxiliaryequipment.The single biggest cause of house fires is distractionin the kitchen.Visit homefiresafety.com.auto be home fire safe this winter.ESV joined Victoria’s fireauthorities in launching FireSafety Awareness Week inMelbourne’s City Square on31 May. The campaign posterfeaturing ESV’s logo amongothers is reproduced here.ESV’s “take care when cooking”TV commercial played constantlyduring the launch. Thecommercial was also shown inESV’s latest public awarenesstelevision campaign whichconcluded in mid June.

Important Alertfor GasfittersEnergy Safe Victoria (ESV)alerts gasfitters that all openfluedinstantaneous gas waterheaters (IGWHs) in toilets andbathrooms should be replacedas a matter of urgency.31Open-flued IGWHs, in a confinedliving space, can expose gas usersto the risk of Carbon Monoxidepoisoning. Gasfitters are uniquelyplaced to help in removing this risk.This important safety alert is a followup to the safety alert issued by EnergySafe Victoria’s predecessor, Office ofGas Safety (OGS), after the death ofa young woman in March 2003, in ahome of Housing Commission design.This alert is not limited to any particularhousing type or ownership, and coversall installations in Victoria.What should I do if I find an openfluedinstantaneous gas waterheater in a toilet or bathroom?> > Inform the resident that the IGWHshould be urgently replaced as advisedby ESV and of the $500 financialassistance offered by ESV to help withreplacement costs.> > Inspect and carry out tests to verify,and do required work if necessary,to ensure that “Conditions to be metfor IGWH to remain in operation”, asdescribed below, are being met. If youcan verify that the required conditionsare being met, it is allowable to leavethe IGWH in operation.> > If the resident does not allow you tocheck, or do the necessary work, toensure that “Conditions to be metfor IGWH to remain in operation”, asdescribed below, are being met, takeall steps that are necessary to makethe installation safe and notify ESV.> > Determine when the IGWH wasinstalled. If it was installed after 1November 2003, the installation isillegal and ESV must be notified.> > Ensure that the resident knows of thedangers and symptons of CarbonMonoxide poisoning and has the ESVdisplay, “Symptoms and warnings forCarbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning are.”Conditions to be met for IGWH toremain in operation> > Flue is complete, in good conditionand unobstructed;> > Flue integrity and effectivenessis confirmed (Refer to ESV’s GasInformation Sheet No. 28, “Confirmingflue integrity and effectiveness”, foundon the ESV’s website);> > If flue cowl has bird-proof mesh,it is to be in good condition andunobstructed, otherwise it is to betaken out and replaced;> > Fixed ventilation complies withAS 5601-2004;> > IGWH is in good working order underall types of running conditions, i.e. withdoors and windows open or closed;and any exhaust fans operating ornot operating.If the resident refuses to have the IGWHreplaced, notify ESV of the refusal andcontact details. ESV will then approachthe resident directly.You are not empowered to make theIGWH inoperative.What action has ESV taken so far?> > We have previously warned plumbersand gasfitters not to install a new orreplacement open-flued instantaneousgas water heater in a bedroom,bathroom, toilet or sleeping area.(The Gas & Fuel prohibited theseinstallations in 1985.)> > We prohibited ‘like-for-like’ replacementpractice in January 2002.> > OGS notified all known addresseswhere these installations may havebeen in use with an Important SafetyWarning that urged residents tohave their IGWHs replaced, and to beaware of Carbon Monoxide poisoningsymptoms.Since 2006, ESV has paid rebatestotalling over $10,000 to health cardand pension card holders replacingtheir IGWHs.If you need more information on thisimportant matter, contact ESV on1800 652 563.Paul FearonDirector of Energy SafetyAutumn/Winter 2010 ISSUE 20

ESV_Advert(LIVE).indd 126/5/08 4:23:03 PM