1. Scope

This hazard management procedure has been developed by The Australian National University to ensure the safe and reliable supply and use of electricity within the University.

It is a requirement that University management, staff, students, visitors and contractors shall follow this hazard management procedure.  Relevant detail can be found in documents referred in References. 

The technical detail integral to practices as a qualified electrician or electronics technician has not been repeated in this hazard management procedure.

The 'in-service inspection, testing and tagging requirements of AS\NZS 3760:2003 shall apply to "Places of work and public places' and 'Places of accommodation' unless specified otherwise in 2.9 Exclusions.

General safety hints for users of electrical equipment [1] are given in the ANU brochure 'Electrical Safety - Be Safe With Electricity' and on the University's OHS website. Safety tips for designers of electrical equipment [2] are also available on the University's OHS website.

2. Definitions

2.1 Electrical Work.

Electrical work includes all work done,

a) on the electrical installation,

b) on electrical equipment .

The term includes both electrical and electronic work.

2.2 Electrical Installation.

The electrical installation is the electricity supply to a building, and includes the main switchboard, distribution switchboards, sub-switchboards and all associated fixed wiring including final sub-circuits, such as socket-outlets, isolation switches, lights, etc.

2.3 Electrical Equipment.

Electrical equipment is an electricity conducting or consuming device \ apparatus (including the cord) that is connected to or capable of being connected to the electrical installation or generates voltages above extra-low voltage.  The term includes both electrical and electronic equipment.

2.4 Competent Person.

A competent person is a person with the necessary practical and theoretical skills (acquired through training, qualification, experience or a combination of these) to correctly perform tasks within the scope of electrical work approved by management in nominating the person to one of the following categories: 

Categories of Competent Person and their Approved Scope of Electrical Work

Guidelines for the assessment of competent persons are given in Appendix A.

Budget Units, including Facilities & Services, shall nominate competent persons.  Facilities and Services shall maintain a register of endorsed contractors.  A register of Electrical Safety Competent Persons shall be accessible from ESP HR database.  An annually updated list of Competent Persons shall be available on the ANU OHS Website.

2.5 Budget Unit.

Budget Unit refers to a School, Faculty, Division, Department, Cost Centre or Unit designated by the Vice-Chancellor as responsible for an activity of the University.

2.6 OHS.

OHS refers to Occupational Health and Safety Branch, Human Resources Division.

2.7 Places of work and public places.

Places of work and public spaces, Places of work and public places include all laboratory, teaching, office, libraries, recreational spaces, University operated catering facilities, and University buildings (noting exclusions).

2.8 Places of accommodation.

Places of accommodation include the halls of residences.  All ANU supplied electrical appliances in ANU owned residential facilities to be inspected tested and tagged.  It is a requirement that all electrical appliances in long-term accommodation be inspected.  It is strongly recommended that high-risk appliances be tested and tagged.

2.9 Exclusions.

Exclusions, the following areas are excluded from the ANU’s Electrical Safety Policy of inspection, testing and tagging of electrical appliances:

• privately owned electrical appliances in short-term serviced accommodation facilities such as Judith Wright Court or University House,
• privately owned electrical appliances in long-term accommodation self-contained and domestic houses\units,
• concessional areas of the University such as banks, restaurants etc,
• designated construction sites which is managed by authorised construction organisations, (separate rules apply that are not administered by the University ),
• electrical appliances of a temporary nature electrically assessed as part of a hire agreement.

2.10 Inspection.

Inspection, is the first step taken, prior to an electrical appliance having its electrical safety tested on a test machine.  An electrical appliance is visually inspected to confirm it is of sound physical construction e.g. checking for damage to electrical cord, plug\socket, ensuring that the electrical appliance is voltage compatible (Overseas student\visitor), switches are operable, and that all appropriate guarding and housing screws are secure etc.  A guide on what should be covered in a visual inspection can be referred to in Topic 3 of course notes supplied on completion of the University’s “In-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment” or referred to at http://info.anu.edu.au/HR/ohs/_Procedure_Attachments/Appliance_Testing_Procedures.pdf

3. Responsibility for Electrical Work

Facilities & Services is responsible for the electrical installation in all buildings, including the safety of such installation.

The Budget Unit, as occupier of the building, is responsible for the safety of all non-installation electrical equipment (such as: appliances, cord sets, power boards, etc.) in their building space or issued to their employees.

All electrical work shall comply with the rules and codes of the relevant Electrical Regulating Authority and relevant Australian Standards and codes of practice. All electrical work at the University is also to comply with the ANU General Requirements for Electrical Services [4].

3.1 Responsibilities of Facilities & Services.

Facilities & Services shall nominate competent persons in accordance with Section 2.4 ensuring that their competencies meet the requirements of the task undertaken.  

Facilities and Services are to maintain register of competent persons utilising ESP HR database.

• Budget Units using their own database or the Maximo system shall maintain a register of electrical equipment.
• Budget Units shall maintain a register of their ANU manufactured and certified electrical equipment as per Section 6.  Staff shall be allowed access to the information in this register.

a) Electrical installation

Facilities & Services is responsible for the electrical installation in all buildings, including the provision, maintenance, repair, alterations and additions to the electrical installation, the safety of such installation, and its compliance with the rules and codes of the relevant Electrical Regulating Authority and relevant Australian Standards and codes of practice.

It is the responsibility of Facilities & Services to ensure the competent persons they approve have appropriate qualifications, licences and experience for the nominated tasks, undertake a risk assessment prior to undertaking a task, and use appropriate work practices to effectively control the assessed risk.

All changes to the electrical installation shall be notified to Facilities & Services by the competent person undertaking the work using the appropriate Electrical Regulating Authority’s reporting form as described in Appendix G.

b) Switchboards

Main switchboards shall be locked and access restricted to Category 1A\1B persons A-grade licensed electricians authorised by Facilities & Services .

Clear access to and around local distribution boards shall be maintained.  Where practical, socket outlets in laboratories will be controlled by emergency OFF buttons located for easy access and clearly labelled.

c) All contractors (including cleaners)

A contractor shall have any electrical equipment used at ANU inspected, tested and tagged in accordance with AS\NZS 3760 and AS\NZS 3012 before being accepted on site at the ANU.

3.2 Responsibilities of the Budget Unit.

Each Budget Unit shall nominate competent persons in accordance with Section 2.4 ensuring that their competencies meet the requirements of the task undertaken.

Budget Units shall maintain a register of electrical equipment using their own database or the Maximo system.

Budget Units shall maintain a register of their ANU manufactured and certified electrical equipment as per Section 6.  Staff shall be allowed access to the information in this register.

a) Electrical equipment

The Budget Unit is responsible for the electrical aspects of all non-installation electrical equipment, including the issue, maintenance, repairs and modifications, testing, tagging and registering of such equipment, the safety of such equipment, and its compliance with the rules and codes of relevant regulatory bodies and Australian Standards.  Electrical equipment failing design principles, as judged by a competent person, shall then be subjected to the design certification process (see Section 6).

Connection of electrical equipment to the electrical installation shall be by an approved socket outlet or through an isolation switch. A residual current device shall be used on circuits supplying equipment in wet areas where reasonably practicable, and in other applications listed in Appendix B where reasonably practicable.

Where used, ‘power boards’ (electric portable outlet devices, EPODs) shall incorporate a current limiting device (circuit breaker) and, where practical, be mounted with the outlets in the vertical plane and protected from mechanical, electrical or water damage. Extension cords should only be used as a temporary solution and are not to be installed as fixed wiring. Double adaptors and similar are NOT to be used in the ANU as they have no overload protection. 

All in-house designed, manufactured and\or modified electrical equipment that uses or generates voltages above extra low voltage ( >50 Vac or >120 Vdc) shall be subjected to, and approved under, the ANU’s Design Certification Process for electrical equipment (see Section 6) before being placed into service.

Only competent persons (Section 2.4) shall be used by a Budget Unit in undertaking electrical work on its non-installation electrical equipment . 

b) Informing Users

The Budget Unit shall ensure that all users of electrical equipment are adequately informed on electrical safety and are aware of their responsibilities under these procedures.  As well as the safe operation, users should be aware of the basic electrical safety features of the equipment.

The ANU brochure 'Electrical Safety - Be Safe with Electricity', has general safety hints for users of electricity.

c) Privately-owned electrical equipment

The use of privately-owned electrical equipment in Budget Units (except Halls of Residence and University House) is to be discouraged.  Budget Units shall require all non-ANU owned electrical equipment to be inspected, tested and tagged according to AS\NZS 3760 before being used on site at ANU.

d) Privately-owned electrical equipment used in designated locations in University Library

The University Library has provided signaged power outlets, protected by residual current devices, for the use of the general public.  Privately-owned electrical equipment may be used at these outlets without being tested and tagged by the Budget Unit, provided that it complies with the appropriate Australian\international electrical manufacturing standard and that the equipment is maintained and used by the owner in a safe condition.   The signage for such power outlets in the University Library shall read as follows:

"The general purpose power outlets at this location are provided for students and others who may wish to use privately-owned personal computers.  The outlets shall not be used for any other purpose.  Please check that your electrical equipment is safe to use, complies with Australian Standards, and is suitable for the local supply voltage and frequency of 240 V ac and 50 Hz.  Use only a standard Australian-pattern 3-pin or, where acceptable, 2-pin plug.  If you experience any problems with the power outlets please notify library staff."

3.3 Responsibilities of Competent Persons.

It is the responsibility of the competent person to only undertake electrical work within the scope defined by their Category approved by management under Section 2.4 and listed in the  Register of Competent Persons on ESP HR database.

a) General

It is the responsibility of the competent person to refuse to undertake electrical work outside their area of expertise without guidance from a suitable competent person. 

The competent person shall undertake work in such a manner to ensure that both themselves and other persons are exposed to the least possible degree of danger.

It is the responsibility of the competent person to inform management of electrical hazards they identify in the course of their work.

b) Work on the electrical installation

Such work shall only be undertaken by A-grade licensed electricians (Category 1, Section 2.4).

Category 1 competent persons shall be familiar with AS\NZS 4836 Safe working on low voltage electrical installations.

It is to be expected that a Category 1 competent person will occasionally need to consider undertaking work on or near the energised electrical installation.  Such work should only be considered when all means of de-energising the installation are deemed inappropriate, and then only after the risk assessment given in Appendix D (1) has been completed.  The risk assessment also documents the practices to be used to eliminate the risk of inadvertant contact with energised conductors.

If the risk of working on the energised electrical installation cannot be effectively controlled (ie. is assessed to be a significant risk) the work shall not be undertaken. 

When work on the energised installation is assessed as necessary and the risk controllable, the following precautions shall be taken:

• only a competent licensed electrician shall undertake work on the energised electrical installation, ie. a Category 1 person,
• an additional Category 1 person must be present at the work task and utilised solely as a Safety Observer for the task being undertaken by the Category 1 person,
• the procedure for isolating the installation in an emergency must be discussed and understood with the Safety Observer,
• all tools and other implements used shall have insulating handles,
• insulating practice shall be used (footwear, clothing covering legs and arms, tools, test probes, insulating mat for conducting surfaces and floor, insulated gloves, eye protection etc.),
• prominent warning signs and barriers shall be used to segregate the work area,
• the task should be undertaken, where practicable, using techniques that minimise the risk of current path through the chest (eg work single handed),
• contact with any source of earthed metal shall be avoided,
• residual current devices shall be used on any mains power tools used.

The responsibilities of a safety observer include: 

• be knowlegeable of the task at hand,
• be competent in observation, isolation, and resuscitation techniques,
• continuously observe the task (not be distracted by other duties), 
• give appropriate warnings, 
• provide emergency assistance. 

c) Work on electrical equipment

1. All work on electrical equipment shall only be undertaken by competent persons from Category’s 1A\B, 2, 3, 5A\B (see Section 2.4). 

2. Work on electrical equipment shall be done in compliance with relevant Australian Standards. Attention is drawn to the ANU’s  “General safety guidelines in the design and construction of electrical equipment” as given in References.

Where possible work on electrical equipment will be carried out with the power disconnected and\or the system de-energised.  Where work is required on live equipment the following procedure will be followed.

       i) Procedure for working on LIVE Electrical Equipment.

The safety risk to personnel engaged in working on live electrical equipment must be assessed by a competent person of the appropriate category before commencing work. The assessed risk will dictate the work procedures to be followed to minimise the risk from the hazard. Work will not be undertaken where the risk cannot be adequately controlled.

       a)  Risk Assessment

Before work commences (and following any break in work), a safety risk assessment of the work and environment must be undertaken. Risk can be categorised as: Low, Moderate or Significant (see below for typical examples). The procedure for each risk is as follows:

1. LOW …normal safe working procedures are followed,
2. MODERATE…as well as normal safe working procedures a colleague (trained as a safety observer) is required to be within immediate and observable distance (ie. nearby) of the work area.
3. SIGNIFICANT…as well as normal safe working procedures, a “Working on Live Equipment Checklist” label (see appendix E) must be completed, suitably attached and visible on the equipment. In addition, a dedicated safety observer must be stationed such that they are able to continuously, safely and independently monitor the work.

Note, any work on LIVE electrical equipment with a risk assessment of MODERATE or SIGNIFICANT is only to be undertaken under the direct observation of a competent person of the appropriate category

Examples of Risk Categories:

1. LOW risk is where the likelihood of injury is very low. There will be no significant voltage, radiation, heat, movement or other threat to the safety of workers or bystanders. The work area will be clean and clear. Typical assessments of low risk might include working on:

• equipment with all dangerous parts covered or protected (permanently or temporarily).
• extra low voltage (ELV) (ie. <50Vac or <120Vdc) equipment in a safe work environment.<\li>

2. MODERATE risk is where (if precautions are not taken beforehand) a safety hazard may exist but the likelihood is small. Some hazards may be environmental or directly related to the equipment under test. Typical assessments of medium risk might include working on:

• equipment where voltages above ELV are exposed and\or being measured but personal contact is unlikely and the immediate environment is clear of obstacles or hazards such as in a workshop,
• larger fixed equipment in a confined but safe environment and where covers\doors are removed for access but all dangerous parts are covered\protected (either permanently or temporarily).

3. SIGNIFICANT risk is where a safety hazard exists and precautions taken will minimize the risk from the hazard to an acceptable level before work proceeds. Significant risk is any work that doesn’t fall into either Low or Moderate categories but can be accomplished without injury provided rigorous precautions are taken. Typical assessments of significant risk might include working on:

• equipment in cramped situations where voltages above ELV are exposed.
• equipment in potentially hazardous environments eg damp, elevated, dark, confined, machinery close by, etc.

    b) Normal Safe working procedures.

Competent persons are to be conversant with current safe working procedures in relevant Australian Standards such as ‘AS\NZS 4836 Safe working on low voltage electrical installations’. Attention is also drawn to the following tips on working with live electrical equipment:

• Be familiar with the equipment ensuring the circuit diagram if available matches the existing configuration. Identify the location of all components and wiring with exposed voltages exceeding ELV.
• Use RCD protection wherever possible. RCDs save lives!  But cannot prevent electric shock.  Consider installing a portable RCD unit where equipment under test is normally unprotected by RCDs. Caution: portable RCDs are not appropriate for equipment supplied from an isolation transformer where no earth return is possible.
• Ensure appropriately rated personal protection equipment is available and worn. Items such as: insulated gloves and boots, eye protection, protective clothing should be considered. Plan for unusual but possible events such as: exploding components, discharge arcs, fumes from damaged insulation.
• Ensure the immediate environment is clear and safe for both workers and others in the vicinity, and has appropriate barriers and warning signs in place.
• Ensure that the tools and test equipment required are in good working order and appropriately rated \ insulated for the task to be undertaken.
• Where required, test equipment power shall be suitably isolated (galvanic and physical) from the equipment-under-test’s supply power. Consider battery powered or using an isolation transformer and ensure insulation on controls and probes is in serviceable condition.
• Minimize the possibility of accidental electric shocks passing across the chest, eg. working one handed, avoiding contact with the frame\cabinet, using probes that can be attached and left in place.

     c) Responsibilities of a Safety Observer:

The responsibilities of the Safety Observer include:

• Have knowledge of the task at hand,
• Be competent in: observing, isolating the power to the equipment, and resuscitation techniques,
• Continuously observe the task and not be distracted by other duties,
• Give appropriate and timely warnings and\or safety concerns before and during the work,
• Provide emergency assistance in the event of an accident.

3.4 Responsibilities of Users of Electrical Equipment in the Budget Unit.

Users are required to read and comply with electrical safety information provided to all staff. Users should be encouraged to take note of updates that are provided from time to time through OHS reporting by trade associations, Commercial Suppliers, Australian Standards and the University.

Users must not interfere with marker tags or labels on electrical equipment or with the tagging procedure used as a safety control by other persons. Such interference constitutes a very serious offence, which will lead to disciplinary action.

Users of electrical equipment in the Budget Unit are responsible to ensure that the equipment is set up correctly and used safely. Users are not permitted to repair, modify, or interfere with electrical equipment in any way.

Users shall ensure electrical equipment has a current test tag (see section 5.4) attached before using the equipment.  If no tag is attached or if the equipment is overdue for inspectionesting it is the user's responsibility:

• not to use the equipment, and
• bring the equipment to the attention of their supervisor, a competent person , or Budget Unit management.

If a user suspects equipment or associated wiring may be in a dangerous condition, the equipment (where safe to do so) should be switched off, unplugged and their supervisor, competent person or Budget Unit management notified immediately. A notice should be placed on the equipment stating, "Faulty - Do Not Use" (see Appendix C for a typical design).

Electrical portable outlet devices (EPODs) are to be used only if they have overload protection and an Australian approval marking. "Low-cost" and, by implication, low quality EPODs should be avoided especially for high usage items.  Home-made electrical portable outlet devices are not to be used in the University as EPODs are a prescribed article under the ACT Electrical Safety Act 1971 which requires evidence of approval as complying with relevant Australian Standards.

Double adaptors and plugs with integral outlet sockets are not to be used in the ANU as they have no overload protection.  

3.5 Responsibilities of the OHS Branch.

OHS will be routinely involved in facilitating OHS information, relevant Australian Standards, training, registering competent persons and audit activities associated with these procedures.

4. Notification and Labelling of Special Electrical Installations

Electrical installations or parts of installations requiring special provisions due to high voltage or the potential presence of an explosive atmosphere shall have,

a) the details of the special provisions of the installation recorded by Facilities & Services ,

b) the installation and the extent of the special provisions clearly labelled at site.

Any addition or alteration to the special electrical installation shall be carried out in compliance with the original requirements, and suitably labelled and recorded.

If no longer required, the whole of the special electrical installation shall be converted to normal standards, the labelling removed and the change noted in the records.

5. In-service Inspection, Risk Assessment, Testing, Tagging and Registering of Electrical Equipment

5.1 General.

Budget Units are responsible for inspecting, risk assessing, testing, tagging and registering electrical equipment in compliance with the requirements of AS\NZS 3760 In-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment. This Standard applies to low voltage (>50 Vac or >120 Vdc) single or polyphase electrical equipment capable of being connected to the electrical installation by a flexible cord and plug.

The ANU uses the risk management approach given in AS\NZS 3760 to minimise the risk from the electrical hazard. Electrical equipment is classified by its risk; that is, the probability of failure in equipment safety systems and the consequences of that failure.  This risk assessment will dictate the intervals for inspection and testing of the item. For example, electrical equipment operating in a metal cutting shop is at high risk of damage and will require more frequent inspection and testing. Records of the inspection and testing of equipment are used to continually reassess risk of individual and of classes of equipment and environments.

Category 1, 2, 3 and 4 competent persons shall be familiar with and understand the requirements of AS\NZS 3760 In-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment . All testing will be performed only with appropriately calibrated (according to manufacturers specifications) test equipment.

Instrumentation used for in-service testing shall comply with the requirements given in AS\NZS 3760.  The accuracy of such instrumentation shall be routinely checked, initially and on an annual basis.

To maximise electrical safety, as far as is reasonably practicable, inspection is performed more frequently than testing. 

5.2 Risk Classifications.

Four levels of risk are used:

• Negligible risk – equipment that need only be inspected regularly. Examples might be refrigerators, air conditioners,  rack mounted equipment, equipment fixed in place, equipment rarely moved (and the cord is protected from damage)  
• Low risk – equipment inspected yearly and undergoes inspection, testing and tagging at 5 yearly intervals. Examples in non hostile environments might include: office equipment, computers, fans, desk lamps, equipment where the cord is not subjected to movement or hazards,  
• Medium risk – equipment inspected bi-monthly and undergoes inspection, testing and tagging annually. Examples in non hostile environments might include: workshop tools, laboratory equipment, equipment on trolleys,  
• High risk – equipment that is inspected monthly and undergoes inspection, testing and tagging 6 monthly. Examples might include: equipment in hostile or wet environments, high use (frequently moved) equipment, equipment where the cord is subjected to frequent movement or hazards

Note: Equipment is to be inspected and tested following any repairs that may have affected its electrical safety.

5.3 Risk Assessment.

Competent persons will undertake all risk assessments.  The assessment is based on relevant factors including:  

• operating and storage environment,  
• usage (particularly the movement of the equipment and flexing of the supply cord),  
• equipment\characteristics (function, make and model) 
• experience with the equipment, 
• age of the equipment,
• electrical safety knowledge of typical users,   
• previous inspection and testing results.

5.4 Equipment Requiring\Not Requiring In-service Inspection, Testing and Registering.

All electrical equipment (Including detachable cord sets) requires in-service inspection, tagging and registering.  The following also requires in-service testing:

• all electrical equipment with a low, medium or high risk assessment,
• all repaired electrical equipment, where repairs may have affected the electrical safety, to be inspected and tested before returning to service,
• all second-hand (including loaned to ANU) electrical equipment, to be inspected and tested before entering into service.

Equipment not requiring in-service testing:

• all electrical equipment with a negligible risk assessment,
• all "NEW" electrical equipment displaying Australian or equivalent international approval markings showing it complies with relevant safety standards.  The manufacturer is considered to be responsible for the item's safety, although the item should be inspected and tagged before entering service.
• all electrical equipment excluded by the scope of AS\NZS 3760 including:
  • equipment which would need to be dismantled to perform the inspection and tests specified in the Standard,
  • equipment (such as suspended light fittings) which is at a height of 2.5 m or greater above the ground, floor or platform,
  • stationary equipment (>18 kg and no carrying handles) connected by a flexible cord or cable which is not flexed during normal use or exposed to abuse or damage or in a hostile environment,
  • equipment connected by fixed wiring.

5.5 Tagging of Electrical Equipment.

Budget Units will ensure all non-installation electrical equipment is tagged (using durable labels). It is suggested the following information be on the tag:

• ANU logo
• equipment ID number (both visual and machine readable),
• generic equipment description (eg, power board, desk lamp, drill, instrument, etc)
• last risk classification (by colour coding and retest frequency)
• last test date,
• competent person (name and ID number),
• next test date,
• provide for dated inspection marks (eg. similar to fire extinguisher tags)

Inspectionesting tags are to be coloured to identify the assessed risk (Red = high risk, Yellow = medium risk, Green = low risk, Blue = negligible risk.

See Appendix C for typical tag designs.

5.6 Record Keeping.

Budget Units will record inspection and testing results performed on their electrical equipment. The information is to be stored on an (ANU-wide) electrical equipment register. The following information will be recorded:

• Equipment ID number,
• Equipment description (eg, power board, desk lamp, drill, instrument, etc),
• location of equipment,
• last risk classification,
• last test date,
• competent person (name and ID number),
• test results (PASS\FAIL,  cause of failure,  [optional information: values measured, test equipment used, etc]),
• number of inspections performed.

Information recorded will be accessible to all staff especially competent persons for use in risk assessment.

6. ANU Design Certification

Design certification is a process to confirm equipment complies with relevant Australian safety standards. All new equipment designed or modified in the ANU is required to undergo the design certification process.  Existing equipment (prior to the adoption of this revised Electrical Safety hazard management procedure will only be required to undergo the certification process if and when it is repaired or modified.

Equipment designers are encouraged to vet their new designs with a Category 1C competent person who have successfully completed the ANU training course "Australian design standards for safety in electrical work and equipment" before construction begins.

6.1 Equipment Required to be Certified.

The following electrical equipment is required to be certified:

• all in-house newly designed and\or built electrical equipment that meets one or more of the following conditions:  
  • consumes power above extra low voltage (ie. >50 Vac or >120 Vdc)  
  • generates voltages above extra low voltage while delivering currents above 1 mA  
  • generates high voltages (>1000 Vac or >1500 Vdc),
• all repaired or modified electrical equipment, meeting one or more of the above conditions, where the work undertaken may have affected the safety of that equipment.
• all previously in-house designed equipment, meeting one or more of the above conditions, undergoing repairs or modifications.
• all electrical equipment entering the ANU with questionable design issues or forwarded by a competent person. 

6.2 Who Performs the Certification.

Certification is undertaken by a person from Category 1A or 2, who are additionally a Category 1C competent person A competent person in this context will require a comprehensive knowledge of relevant electrical safety standards together with considerable experience in their practical implementation.  Budget Units will nominate persons competent to perform this task and the OHS Branch will maintain a register.  Budget Units lacking suitable competent persons may contract certification to other Budget Units.

6.3 How is Equipment Certified.

Equipment is certified as being in compliance with relevant Australian Standards.  The appropriate ANU form should also be completed and filed. 

Particular attention should be paid to the requirements of AS 3100  Approval and test specification – General requirements for electrical equipment.  Other standards specific to the prescribed item need also be considered.  For example, much of ANU's in-house designed research equipment would require consideration of AS 61010.1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - Part 1:  General requirements.  If the equipment generates or uses substantial RF (Radio Frequencies) power then one needs to consider AS 1188 - Radio Transmitters and similar equipment - Safe practices.

Useful guidance in judging compliance with relevant Australian Standards for equipment designed in a researcheaching environment is available in the ANU training course "Australian design standards for safety in electrical work and equipment".  All Australian Standards are accessible to ANU staff and students through the ANU library database network.

6.4 Tagging Certified equipment

All certified equipment will have a durable label fitted with the following information:

• ANU Certificate number (with the format XXYYY budget code CZZZZZ)
• Description (eg power supply, heater controller, instrument, etc.),
• Model, (identity linked to the item’s documentation),
• Budget Unit,
• Date Certified,
• Competent person (name & ID number of person certifying the equipment)

6.5 Record of Certified equipment

Budget Units are required to maintain an equipment register. The following information is recorded:

• ANU Certificate number,
• Description (eg power supply, heater controller, instrument, etc.),
• Model, (identity linked to the items documentation),
• Budget Unit,
• Department\Unit (owner),
• Location of equipment,
• Designer\Modifier (name and Department\Unit),
• Description of work undertaken (brief description of the design or of the modifications in relation to the electrical safety),
• Date Certified,
• Competent person (name & ID number of person certifying the equipment),

7. Electrical Safety Audits

Self-audits for electrical safety shall be undertaken on a regular basis by the University.  The self-audit shall be designed by the OHS Branch and implemented by Budget Unit line management with the facilitation of the Budget Unit's Electrical Safety competent persons.  The self-audit for the electrical installation shall be undertaken by Facilities & Services .

Any sub-standard electrical installation, electrical equipment, or processes shall be notified to the OHS Branch and upgraded to the appropriate standard by the responsible Budget Unit as soon as reasonably practicable.

8. Isolation Techniques and Resuscitation Training for Competent Persons

All competent persons shall be trained in the methods of isolation techniques and resuscitation of persons suffering electric shock. Re-training of competent persons in these skills shall be done every year.

9. History

The Electrical Safety hazard management procedures were first approved by University management on 26 September 1989. The fourth edition of these procedures were developed by the Electrical Safety Sub-committee, ratified by the Occupational Health and Safety Policy Committee and approved by Mark Clisby, Director, Human Resources in February 2004.

This hazard management procedure should be read in conjunction with the University's Occupational Health and Safety Policy and other relevant policies and procedures of the University.

First issued: September 1989
Second edition: September 1993
Third edition: June 1996
Fourth edition: October 2005

Fifth edition:  July 2006

APPENDIX A

GUIDELINES FOR ASSESSMENT OF COMPETENT PERSONS

Category 1

Assess by all of the below:

• Copy of their ACT electrician's Licence (and confirm with the local regulator, BEPCON as valid),
• Be conversant with the University's course on "in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment" (Note guidance is given in University's Electrical Safety training notes as per AS\NZS 3760:  2003 Clause 1.4.5 on what a competent person is expected to know for testing),
• Current resuscitation certificate by a recognised provider, renewed annually,

Assess by all of the below:

• Copy of their ACT electrician's Licence (and confirm with the local regulator, BEPCON as valid),
• Current resuscitation certificate by a recognised provider, renewed annually.

Assess by all of the below:

• Copy of their ACT electrician's Licence (and confirm with the local regulator, BEPCON as valid), and\or a recognised diploma or degree in electrical\electronic engineering with more than 4 years experience as an electrical\electronics technician\engineer or extensive experience (> 6 years) as an electronics technician,
• Current resuscitation certificate by a recognised provider, renewed annually,
• Completion of an ANU course on "Australian design standards for safety in electrical work and equipment", updated every 4 years.

Category 2

Assess by all of the below:

• A recognised diploma or degree in electrical\electronic engineering with more than 4 years experience as an electrical\electronics technician\engineer or extensive experience (> 6 years) as an electronics technician,
• Completion of the University's course on “In-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment” followed by guided experience in testing a variety of electrical equipment; then updated every 4 years (Note guidance is given in AS\NZS 3760:2003 Clause 1.4.5 on what a competent person is expected to know for testing),
• Current resuscitation certificate by a recognised provider, renewed annually,
• Completion of an ANU course on "Australian design standards for safety in electrical equipment", updated every 4 years.

Category 3

Assess by all of the below:

• Current resuscitation certificate by a recognised provider, renewed annually,
• Completion of an ANU course on "Australian design standards for safety in electrical work and equipment", updated every 4 years.

Category 4

Assess by all of the below:

• Completion of the University's course in “In-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment” and evidence of extensive experience testing typical electrical equipment used in the ANU (Note guidance is given in AS\NZS 3760:2003 Clause 1.4.5 on what a competent person is expected to know for testing),
• Current resuscitation certificate by a recognised provider, reviewed annually.

Category 5

Assess by all of the below:

• Copy of their restricted electrical Licence (and confirmed with the local regulator, BEPCON as valid),
• Current resuscitation certificate by a recognised provider, reviewed annually.

The OHS Branch regularly runs training courses in resuscitation, electrical safety (including in-service test procedures), and equipment design for electrical safety.   Prior completion of the relevant training course is a pre-requisite for all categories of competent person.  Competent persons are required to successfully complete resuscitation training every year and successfully complete the relevant training course(s) every four years.

APPENDIX B

RECOMMENDED USE OF RESIDUAL CURRENT DEVICES, RCDs

Residual current devices, RCDs, monitor current differentials between the active and neutral lines in an electrical circuit, detect significant current loss to earth, and isolate the circuit in that event.  RCDs act quickly enough to provide a major protection against the most common form of electrocution - where a person's body inadvertently forms part of the conducting path for electricity to earth.

RCDs are not a substitute for vigilance in monitoring electrical safety in the workplace.

Installation of RCDs on the main switchboard of an industrial building is often impractical because of the intrinsic potential of some electrical appliances to 'leak' current to earth and hence, cumulatively, to trip off power to the whole building.  The focus of RCD use in the workplace has thus been on switchboards or power outlets in local areas within a building. The University's "General Requirements for Electrical Services" [4] requires that all new installations and switchboard upgrades shall be provided with RCD protection, except for security, refrigeration, communication and similar circuits.

For current installations, it is recommended that the Budget Unit organise for the installation of RCDs to protect power outlets in the following higher risk locations of the University, as far as reasonably practicable:  

1. Wet locations.
2. Cold rooms.
3. Workshops.
4. Undergraduate teaching laboratories.
5. Research laboratories (see Appendix F "ANU standard RCD Installation in Laboratories").
6. Halls of Residence.
7. Power outlets used for privately owned computers and other electrical appliances.
8. University Library.

APPENDIX C

INSPECTION\TESTING TAGS FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

An example of appropriate labels.  Labels are available from RSPhysSE store.
 

APPENDIX D

RISK ASSESSMENT PRIOR TO WORK ON THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

APPENDIX E

RISK ASSESSMENT PRIOR TO WORK ON ENERGISED (LIVE) ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

APPENDIX F

ANU STANDARD RCD INSTALLATION IN LABORATORIES

APPENDIX G

NOTIFICATION OF ELECTRICAL WORK  (NoEW) PROCEDURES

All directly employed ANU electricians (Category 1A) who repair or modify any electrical installation on an ANU asset are required to complete a NoEW form, or its replacement, "Certificate of Electrical Safety".  All relevant data regarding the works are required to be filled in on the form by the licensed electrician. 

Electrical contractors (Category 1B) engaged to work on the campus follow an alternate procedure.  They are required to fill out NoEW forms or its replacement, "Certificate of Electrical Safety" and sign in the appropriate places.  A paper copy shall be forwarded to the Group Administrator, Engineering Services, Facilities and Services, for filing.

The Notification of Electrical Work or Certificate of Electrical Safety forms are available from the Group Administrator, Engineering Services, Facilities and Services, ext 55943.

APPENDIX H

Isolation Practice and Danger Tagging Procedure

Danger tags are used to indicate that certain circuits, switches, equipment, etc must NOT be operated as operation creates a hazardous situation that may result in injury, death or damage to equipment. Interference to Danger tags constitutes a very serious offence that will lead to disciplinary action.

If working on equipment or the electrical installation creates a hazard, it shall first be taken out of service and Danger tag\s attached. All persons working on the equipment\installation will attach and remove their own tag. 

If equipment\installation must be worked on with power applied, the precautions listed in Sections 3.3b - 3.3c shall be observed and the risk assessment given in Appendix E\D completed prior to commencing the work.

If the electrical installation is to be taken out of service for a significant time, then physical disconnection and circuit identification by tagging must be carried out.

Tagging Procedure

The following steps are performed:

• a competent person isolates the electrically powered equipment,
• the equipment is tested to confirm the power is isolated and safe to work on,
• a means of attachment for Danger Tags is provided,
• all persons working on the equipment attaches their own Danger Tag,
• as persons complete their task they remove their own Danger Tag,
• only when all Danger Tags are removed and the competent person confirms that the equipment is safe can power be reapplied to the equipment.

Note: in the event an owner of a Danger Tag is unable to remove their Danger Tag,  the owner’s immediate supervisor may remove the Tag but only after confirming it is safe to do so.

The recommended Danger tag for use within the University is held at RSPhysSE store. Requisition details from RSPhysSE store are as follows,

Description: Tag, "Danger Electrical"

Ordering details: #TAG-71A

REFERENCES

References

[1]  ANU Brochure 'Electrical Safety - Be Safe with Electricity'.

[2]  General Safety Guidelines in the Design and Construction of Electrical Equipment.

[3]  ANU General Requirements for Electrical Services

ANU Specifications

Facilities and Services Division, 'General requirements for electrical services' http://www.anu.edu.au/facilities/policies/electrical_specification.pdf

Standards Australia Publications

Accessible by all ANU staff and students at  http://www.standards.com.au/online/autologin.asp

AS\NZS 3000 Electrical installations

AS\NZS 3008  Electrical Installations – Selection of cables

AS\NZS 3012  Electrical Installations - Construction and demolition sites

AS\NZS 3017 Electrical Installations – Testing and inspection guidelines

AS\NZS 3100 Approval and test specification - General requirements for electrical equipment
AS\NZS 3260 Safety of information technology equipment including electrical business equipment
AS\NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
AS\NZS 4360 Risk Management
AS\NZS 4836 Safe working on low-voltage electrical installations
AS 1188 Radiotransmitters and similar equipment - safe practices
AS 1319 Safety signs for the occupational environment AS 2243.1 Safety in laboratories; Part 1: General
AS 2243.7 Safety in laboratories; Part 7: Electrical aspects

AS 61010.1 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - Part 1:  General requirements

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government

Legislation is administered by BEPCON ( http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/bepcon/index.htm)

Registered Electrical Workers in ACT.  BEPCON maintains a list of licensed electrical contractors and electricians in the ACT http://www.actpla.act.gov.au/bepcon/elect/elect.htm

Notification of Electrical Work.  BEPCON requires all work carried out on an electrical installation to be notified within 14 days.  Consult the following web page for details of notification http://www.palm.act.gov.au/bepcon/elect/electins.htm

ACT Legislation.  The relevant legislation covering electrical installations in the ACT is Electricity Safety Act 1971 . A copy can be obtained from the following web site http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/1971-30/default.asp.