DIY DIE - Energy Safe Victoria

07For all the latest energy safety news visit www.esv.vic.gov.auAutumn 2016energysafe issue 43CelebratingWorld PlumbingDay at PICACBy Laurie Devitt, Gas InspectorESV shared the news about its new GasTraconline application at the recent WorldPlumbing Day event at PIumbing IndustryClimate Action Centre (PICAC) in Brunswick.ESV inspectors explained the GasTracframework and its benefits, such as streamliningthe current application process and providingprogress reports to gasfitters.Links will also be provided to ESV technicalinformation sheets specifically related to each gasapplication. Attendees were very positive aboutthis project and are looking forward to its launch.Now in its fifth year, the 2016 World PlumbingDay event was a resounding success withmore than 450 people attending the IndustryForum, the Trade Expo and the Apprentice SkillsCompetition.World Plumbing Day (WPD) is an internationalevent held on 11 March each year. It was initiatedby the World Plumbing Council to unite theplumbing industry and promote the importantESV Gas Inspectors Laurie Devitt, Doug Rennie, Kevin Dwyer and Pat Farrell at World Plumbing Day.role plumbing plays in ensuring everyday health,safety and community sustainability.ESV is a major sponsor of the local WorldPlumbing Day activities and the theme of thisyear’s event was Preparing for the future:Technology, Skills and Environment.A capacity crowd including plumbers,apprentices, industry experts and representativesfrom all over Australia filled the Great Hallto listen to keynote speakers.

08LatestnewsMinister launches campaignto deter DIY electrical workBy Michelle Robertson, Senior Mediaand Communications AdviserESV has launched a new campaign calledDIY DIE to deter people from doing theirown electrical work.Victoria’s Minister for Energy, the Hon.Lily D’Ambrosio, launched the campaign inShepparton following the electrocution deathsof two farmers in recent months.The first phase of the campaign specificallytargets farmers and farm workers. Thirty per centof Victoria’s workplace incidents occur on farms.In November a 75-year-old man waselectrocuted at Moorabool while attempting torepair a pump on a rural property, then in Januarya 21-year-old dairy farmer from Yarroweyah diedwhile attending to a pump in a drainage pit.Minister D’Ambrosio said doing unqualifiedelectrical work was illegal and could be fatal.“There is no situation where it was safe oracceptable to perform electrical work if you aren’ta qualified and licensed electrician,” she said. “Youmay think you can save time and money, but youdon’t want to pay with your life.“I can’t emphasise enough that people in ruralareas should always call in qualified electricians toperform any type of electrical installation work.”ESV’s Executive Manager ElectricalInstallations, Licensing and Equipment Safety, NeilFraser, said farmers and rural workers neededto be very careful about how they maintainedelectrical installations and equipment.“We know that farmers are adept at a rangeof skills but electrical work is not somethingunlicensed people should ever attempt,” he said.The campaign will run in newspapers, radio,online and on billboards.Don’t die trying to be an electrician: ESV’s Neil Fraser, Victorian Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosioand Suzanna Sheed MP, Member for Shepparton District, launching the new campaign in May.Safety tips for farmers»» Electrical work must be performed by licensedelectrical tradespeople»» A slight tingle or fuses blowing regularly aresigns of a serious electrical problem and needto be investigated by a qualified tradesperson»» Never try fixing electrical equipment or getaround the problem by adding extra fuse wireor bypassing circuit breakers»» Water and electricity can be fatal—always turnoff electricity before clearing or checking apump or float switch or entering the water.ESV sponsorsArborcamp 2016By Michelle Robertson, Senior Mediaand Communications AdviserESV was one of the sponsors of Arborcamp2016, taking the opportunity to promote its“Don’t put your life on the line” campaign toVictorian tree industry workers.Arborcamp is an annual industry eventorganised by the Victorian Tree IndustryOrganisation. This year’s event was held inMount Martha from 13 – 15 May and includedpresentations on advanced rigging, conservationarboriculture, social media and wellbeing.ESV staff gave a presentation about safe workpractices near powerlines and distributed freerope bags to more than 100 people.Click here to download ESV’s new brochurefor tree industry workers.Don’t put your life on the line: ESV’s Gary Wright and Barry Heywood speak to tree industry workersabout safe work practices near powerlines.

09For all the latest energy safety news visit www.esv.vic.gov.auAutumn 2016energysafe issue 43City West Waterdelivers ambitiouscorrosion protection planBy Peter Wade, Manager ElectrolysisMitigationCity West Water (CWW) has delivered anambitious program to protect its mild steelpipe network from corrosion.All cathodic protection systems in Victoria arerequired to be registered with ESV to ensure theydon’t create any stray current interference withother underground metallic structures.Each system requires considerableco-ordination with major civil works to installthe anode ground-bed, connections to thepipeline and connection of the power supply.The CWW program involved:»» installing test points at regular intervalson the pipelines»» conducting an initial survey of all pipelines»» assessing deficiencies in corrosion protection»» designing and installing corrosion protectionsystems.Contracts were put in place to carry outthe majority of the program as well as usingCWW’s in-house resources. Select Solutions wascontracted for specialist corrosion protection.When CWW commenced the projectRegistered: Ain Beruldsen (Select Solutions), Joe Vassallo (CWW), Peter Wade (ESV), Dylan O’Keefe(CWW) and Candice Blackney (Select Solutions) celebrate installation of the first ICCP systemseveral years ago it was led by Peter Wade, whosubsequently left to become ESV’s ManagerElectrolysis Mitigation. Dylan O’Keefe took overfrom Peter and completed the project.Peter was there to present framed copies ofthe registration certificate to Joe Vassalloand Dylan O’Keefe of CWW along with AinBeruldsen and Candice Blackney from SelectSolutions when the first system was installed.The program is now well underway, withat least one system being installed and registeredfor operation every month.Box Hill TAFETrade AwardsBy Sue Sizer, Compliance Officer andDoug Rennie, Gas InspectorESV sponsored two awards at the Box HillTAFE Trade and Industry Awards in April.Matthew Allen won the Energy SafeVictoria Gasfitting Award, while AngusMurray won the Award for Best ThirdStage Apprentice in the Certificate IIIElectrotechnology course.Matt commenced his plumbingapprenticeship with Geschke Plumbing in2010. He previously completed a printingapprenticeship in 1994 and had a 20-yearcareer with Amcor before briefly pursuing hisown handyman business.At 45-years-old, the father of fourchildren would highly recommend an adultapprenticeship to anyone desiring a change.Matt is extremely grateful to Geschkefor making his apprenticeship possibleand looks forward to many years with thecompany.Angus Murray started his working lifeon his father’s pig farm. His main role wasHigh achievers: Angus Murray, Sue Sizer (ESV), Derek Bonar (Box HIll TAFE), Matthew Allen andDoug Rennie (ESV) at the Box Hill TAFE Trade and Industry Awards on 27 Aprilmaintenance of trucks, plant equipmentand facilities, with minor roles in livestockmanagement.After three years Angus decided farm lifewas not for him and successfully applied foran apprenticeship at Living Electrics.Most of the work is commercial anddomestic. Angus attends Box Hill Institutefor his schooling and has always achievedexcellent results. He is enjoying a new careerand is looking forward to obtaininghis A Class Licence.Both winners received a scholarshiptoward further study in their chosen fields.

NECA EVENTSNECA EventsNECA’S INDUSTRY ROADSHOW. IT’S BACK, BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER!Commencing in April, the 2016TechAdvantage Roadshow is scheduledfor 15 locations in both metropolitanMelbourne and major regional centres.NECA members. You can sign up on thespot at the Roadshow!NECA VICTORIA MAGAZINE MAR / APR 2016In conjunction with Energy SafeVictoria and a number of the industry’sleading manufacturers and suppliersthe Roadshow offers somethingfor everyone.With over 25,000 in prizes andgiveaways you can browse the exhibitionwhile enjoying a cool beverage and sometantalizing food. Prizes include 2 EightDays Bali Holidays worth over 5,000each and at every Roadshow event thereare over 1,000 in prizes on offer.NECA is releasing their new TechnicalKnowledge Base (TKB) which isrevolutionary in providing a one stopshop for all those important standardsand technical information that anelectrician needs. Fully searchable,always current and absolutely FREE toThe seminar series will providethe latest information from EnergySafe Victoria, an expert insight intothe latest technology that is about tohit the market. Together with currentindustry hot topics as Power over theEthernet and what are the real options,what do you need to know about theburgeoning growth of standalone powerand battery storage systems. You cannotafford to miss these vital informationprovided to you by industry experts.Each of the trade shows is preceded bysome exclusive ”Members Workshops”.These are Free to members only andwill cover a range of topics from theemerging issues of Power FactorCorrection and the new KVa tariffsthrough to the opportunities presentedby system integration and the newtechnologies.Whilst the shows are FREE to members.Bookings are essential.Roadshow Locations and DatesRegional locations are in italicLOCATIONDATEADDRESSLOCATIONApril13 AprilVeneto Club,191 Bulleen Road, BulleenDandenong20 AprilDandenong Club,1579 Heatherton Road,Dandenong27 AprilADDRESSJulyBulleenTullamarineDATEQuality Hotel,7 Melton Hwy, Taylors LakesMayBendigo4 MayAll Seasons, 171–183 McIvor RoadStrathdale, BendigoAltona18 MayGrand Star,499 Grieve Parade, Altona NortEchuca25 MayMoama Bowling Club,6 Shaw St, MoamaJuneShepparton1 JuneParklake,481 Wyndham Street, SheppartonAlbury8 JuneCommercial Club,618 Dean St, AlburyGippslandMorwell13 JulyItalian Australian Club,499–501 Princes Drive MorwellAugustGeelong3 AugustGeelong Racing,99 Breakwater Road, BreakwaterGippslandWonthaggi17 AugustWonthaggi Workmens Club,75 Graham St, WonthaggiSeptemberCroydon7 SeptemberDorset Gardens Hotel,335 Dorset Road, CroydonOctoberBallarat5 OctoberMercure Ballarat,613 Main Road, BallaratDingley12 OctoberDingley International Hotel, 334–348Boundary Rd,Dingley VillageTHE ROADSHOW IS PROUDLY SPONSORED BYpage26

Your industry.your roadshow!Your opportunity to relax, enjoy, learn and networkFREE ENTRY*BOOKINGS ESSENTIALBOOK NOW AT www.neca.asn.au/victo all NECA membersand one guest(Only 30 for non-members)Includes delicious food & drinks plus heaps ofPRIZES and GIVE-AWAYS.Please remember to make your booking online. Energy Safe Victoria - ‘Why safety is critical’Solar and Battery Storage - ‘The Way Forward?’Power over the Ethernet - ‘Threat or Opportunity?’Exhibitors Trade ShowExclusive Optional Workshops‘What’s New’ Industry SegmentThe Latest Regulation & Technical UpdatesQ&A ForumBusiness Trivia SegmentShow Bags & Give Aways plusover 25,000 in PrizesNECA VICTORIA MAGAZINE MAR / APR 2016sussMade po nufacturers andmaleadingNECA EVENTS6102YRTTHESUDNILACIRTCELE’EGATNAVDA‘ T EC HWOHSDdustr y’sniAehtOdR ible by NECA, ESV apnpliers1 OF 2 BALI HOLIDAYSEACH VALUED AT 5,500SPONSORED BYEach Bali holiday is for 2 people.Book your next holiday online atwww.luxuryescapes.com.For full competition terms and conditions,visit www.neca.asn.au/vic/bali.* Each NECA member is allowed to invite one non-member who must attend with the NECA member to be eligible for free entry.pag27

12ElectricalnewsNew safety alert for workingwith submersible pumpsFollowing the electrocution death ofa farm worker in January, WorkSafe hasissued a new safety alert to highlightthe risk of electric shock when using oraccessing submersible pumps. The safetyalert is reproduced here with permissionfrom WorkSafe.What are submersible pumps?Submersible pumps are designed to workwhile fully submerged in liquid and are regularlyused to pump out pits, storage tanks, floodedtrenches or excavations. They are also used inwells and dams.The motor on a submersible pump is attacheddirectly to the pump body and submerged in theliquid (see diagram). Many submersible pumpsneed to be fully submerged to prevent the pumpmotor from overheating and burning out.The power cable to submersible pumps is awaterproof rubberised flexible cord. These pumpsare often fitted with a float switch that automaticallyturns the pump on and off to maintain the liquidbetween two pre-set levels.Submersible pumps at workplaces areusually 240 Volt but can be three-phase 415 Volt.They can be constructed from a varietyof materials including stainless steel, castaluminium and plastic.RisksPersons handling submersible pumps may beexposed to electric shock risks due to:»» deterioration (due to age or reaction to theliquid) or mechanical damage to the flexiblepower cord fitted to the pump»» deterioration or damage to the plug-top fittedto the pump’s power cord»» ingress of water into the electric componentsof the pump»» burning out of the pump’s electric motor»» failure of part of the pump’s earthing system»» unlicensed person undertakingelectrical work.Recommended control measuresAs far as possible, employers must provideand maintain a working environment that is safeand without risks to the health of its employees.Employers must also ensure, as far asreasonably possible, their conduct does notexpose other people to risks to their health orsafety.The risk of electric shock may be reducedby ensuring:»» Electrical safety controls are in place, such as:›› protecting the pump or the socket-outlet(powerpoint) that the pump is plugged intowith a fixed 30mA residual current device(RCD)›› ensuring that when pumps are plugged intoa socket-outlet, the outlet is suitable for thelocation (such as weatherproof type ratedat IP56)Rope attached to pump handlefor ligting and loweringPower cableHandleHead coverMotor frameDischarge outletFloat switchCasingStrainerCommon type of submersible pump with power cord and float›› maintaining electrical equipment in asafe working condition, including regularinspection and maintainance›› ensuring the pump can be lifted andlowered out of the liquid without using thepump’s power cord›› ensuring electrical work at the workplaceis only undertaken by persons who havethe appropriate electrical licence.Have safe work systemsEmployers should ensure safe systemsof work are in place, such as:»» providing information, instruction, and training»» turning off or unplugging and locking-outthe pump before touching the liquid orequipment, as the pump may be live and onlyswitched off by the float switch»» conducting a visual inspection of the lead andpump for damage prior to reinstallingor using the pump»» not using damaged or suspect equipment»» reporting any electric shocks,damage or incidents promptly tothe person in management controlso the installation and equipment canbe checked by an electrician»» supervising the work to the extentnecessary to ensure workers are workingsafely and without risks to health.»» ensuring the pump frequency and voltagespecification are suitable for Victoria’ssupply by checking the labelling on thepump, with the supplier, or withan electrician.For specific electrical safety advice aboutthe electrical installation at your workplace,engage a licenced electrician or electricalinspector.To get RCDs fitted, contact a licensedelectrician who must issue you a Certificateof Electrical Safety specifying the work done.

13For all the latest energy safety news visit www.esv.vic.gov.auE Cables remedialactions approvedReplace or remediate: Steps to keep E Cables cable within a safe operating temperature rangehave been approved by ESV for some situations.By Sharon Rainsbury, Executive ManagerMedia and CommunicationsESV has issued new advice regardingthe mandatory recall on E Cables, outliningsituations where it is safe to performremediation rather than replacingaffected cable.ESV issued a mandatory recall of E Cablesin December 2014 after testing showed that itscopper clad aluminium cable with RE110 insulationwas non-compliant.The recall was based on concerns theinsulation may soften if exposed to excessivetemperature, allowing access to live parts if cablewas subject to pressure or mechanical damage.Subsequent testing showed that the cabledoes not present a safety risk if the operatingtemperature remains below 50 Degrees Celsius,so ESV has approved remediation actions that aredesigned to ensure the cable temperature remainsat safe levels.The cable does not need to be replaced ifthe remediation steps succeed in reducing theoperating temperature to acceptable levels.Since the recall was announced, E Cables hasgone into liquidation and Hamilton Murphy hasbeen appointed liquidator.ESV recently sent a letter to consumersadvising that contractors who installed E Cablesshould have been contacted by representatives ofE Cables or Hamilton Murphy to explain the stepsthat need to be implemented to mitigate risksposed by this product.Contractors should assess the cableoperating conditions such as the maximumcurrent demand and ambient temperature.Changes to the cable’s circuit breaker protectionmay be required and all identified cable mustbe labelled at the relevant switchboard.ESV also recommends that affectedinstallations are inspected

DIY DIE ESV0143DIYMagCoverFA.indd 1 7/06/2016 2:11 pm DIY spells tragedy for farm workers New campaign to deter do-it-yourself electrical work after electrocutions Story page 08 Cannon reissues safety notice for gas heaters 05 ESV to get tougher product recall powers 05 Celebratin