Title:

Electrical Safety Procedure

Version 1.2
TRIM file number 06/XXXX
Short description A procedure on ensuring the safe and reliable
supply and use of electricity within Charles Sturt
University
Relevant to All employees
Authority This Procedure has been approved by Executive
Director, Division Facilities Management under the
Governance (Policy and Procedures) Rule 2005 of
the Council and section 20 and 32 of the Act.
Responsible officer Facilities OHS Manager
Responsible office Division of Facilities Management
Date introduced 5, June, 2006
Date(s) modified See Table of Amendments
Next scheduled review date June, 2008
Related University documents Occupational Health and Safety Policy
Electrical Safety Policy
Related legislation Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2000 (NSW)
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2001
(NSW)
Occupational Health and Safety Amendment
(Electrical Equipment) Regulation, 2006 (NSW)
Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1989 (ACT)
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1991
(ACT)
Key words Procedure, electrical installation, electrical
equipment, testing and tagging

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1. PURPOSE

This procedure describes how to ensure the safe and reliable supply and use
of electricity within Charles Sturt University.

2. SCOPE

This procedure applies to all employees of Charles Sturt University.

3. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

a) AS 3760: 2003 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical

equipment

b) AS 2243.7: 1991 Safety in laboratories - Electrical aspects

c) AS 3012: 2003 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites

d) AS 4249: 1994 Electrical safety practices – Film, video and television

sites

e) WorkCover NSW Code of Practice Electrical practices for construction

work

4. DEFINITIONS

4.1 Electrical Work

Electrical work includes:

a) all work done on the electrical installation;

b) all work done on electrical equipment; and

c) both electrical and electronic work.

4.2 Electrical Installation

The electrical installation is the electricity supply to a building, and

includes the main switchboard, distribution boards, and all fixed wiring to
isolation switches or general purpose outlets.

4.3 Electrical Equipment

4.3.1 Electrical equipment is an electricity consuming device or apparatus

(including the cable) that is connected to, or capable of being
connected to the electrical installation.

4.3.2 Electrical equipment can be coded into one of the following

categories:

a) residual current device (RCD): a switching device intended

to isolate the circuit when the current imbalance attains the
rated operating leakage current value of the device. These
devices may be either portable with a 'push button test' for
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 use by the user, or fixed.

b) hand-held / portable: equipment which is hand-held while in

operation or can be moved easily while connected to the
supply. Examples include: floor polisher, vacuum cleaner,
power tools (portable drill, grinder, soldering iron), extension
lead, non-fixed electric portable outlet device (EPOD), jug,
toaster, desk lamp, laboratory stirrer/heater, heat gun, heating
mantle.

c) field work / out door / wet use: Examples of wet use

include: water bath, ultrasonic bath.

d) movable: equipment that can be moved readily from one

place to another by unplugging from a general purpose outlet,
but that is not moved during operation. Examples include:
cathode ray oscilloscope, electronic balance, personal
computer, printer.

e) fixed / stationary: equipment which in normal use is

fastened to a support or otherwise secured in a specific
position or is of such size or function as to be difficult or
unlikely to be moved from one place to another. Examples
include: large workshop machinery (lathe, band saw, etc.),
oven, refrigerator.

f) experimental unique: equipment constructed by or for the

Organisation Unit that does not fit into any of the other
categories. Examples: immersion heater elements, furnaces,
soil digestion blocks, distillation control systems, UV light
sources, heater controllers.

4.4 Electrical Low Risk Area

An electrical low risk area is a working environment that is clean, well

organised and free of environmental factors that could effect the
equipment or flexible supply lead. For example, an office, reception area,
foyer, call centre and computer classrooms, etc.

4.5 Approved Person

4.5.1 An approved person is a person approved to undertake explicit

electrical work. The approval is given by Organisation Unit
management in employing a person or in requesting a person to
undertake a specific task. An approved person for the purposes of
these guidelines shall be:

a) an A-grade licensed electrician approved to work on the

electrical installation and electrical equipment, or

b) an electronics technician approved to work on electrical

equipment connected to or capable of being connected to the
electrical installation, or

c) a tradesperson holding a restricted electrical licence (air

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 conditioning mechanic, plumber, mechanical fitter, electrical
fitter) approved to work on restricted electrical equipment and
their connection to the electrical installation according to the
specific conditions of their licence, or

d) such other competent person approved to work on electrical

equipment by way of demonstration that their knowledge and
experience is sufficient for them to do so safely. In assessing
the suitability of a person to be so approved, Organisation
Unit management shall use the guidelines given in Appendix
6.

e) such other competent person approved to undertake in-

service testing of electrical equipment previously judged to
comply with the relevant Australian Standards and supplied
with a 2 or 3 pin plug for connection to a general purpose
outlet.

4.5.2 An approved person must have successfully completed the

appropriate training competencies and ongoing training for their
required task. This must also include:

a) the relevant Australian Standards including AS 3760;

b) requirements of the University’s Policy for Electrical Safety;

and

c) methods of rescue and resuscitation of persons suffering

electric shock.

4.5.3 It is the responsibility of the Organisation Unit management to

ensure that persons they approve have appropriate qualifications
and experience for the tasks they undertake.

4.6 Organisation Unit

Organisation Unit refers to a School, Faculty, Division, Department, Cost

Centre or Unit with a responsibility for an activity of the University.

5. RESPONSIBILITY FOR ELECTRICAL WORK

5.1 The Division of Facilities Management (DFM) is responsible for the

electrical installation in all buildings, including the safety of such
installation.

5.2 The Organisation Unit, as occupier of the building, is responsible for the
safety of all electrical equipment in their building space.

5.3 All electrical work, whether undertaken by DFM or by the Organisational

Unit, shall be in compliance with the rules and codes of the Local Supply
Authority and Standards Australia. Recommended isolation practice and
tagging procedures are covered in the University’s Out of Commission
Policy.

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 5.4 Any electrical work that alters an electrical circuit must be documented on
the relevant switchboard legend by the person performing the works at
the earliest appropriate time.

5.5 Responsibilities of the Division of Facilities Management

5.5.1 Electrical installation

5.5.1.1 DFM has governance of 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 Local Supply Authority and Standards
Australia. No alterations or additions to hardwired systems
shall proceed without seeking DFM approval.

5.5.1.2 It is the responsibility of DFM to ensure that only approved

persons with the relevant qualifications, licences and
experience for the nominated tasks are engaged to work on
the University’s infrastructure.

5.5.1.3 In addition to seeking DFM approval of all changes or

proposed works to the electrical installation it is a legislative
requirement that the Local Supply Authority’s Notification of
Electrical Work form be submitted to DFM.

5.5.2 Switchboards

Where practicable, main switchboards shall be locked, with DFM to

control access. Unauthorised person must not interfere with or
activate circuit breakers.

5.5.3 Personnel engaged in work activities

Further to Clause 5.5.1 DFM shall require any individual, including

University staff, contractors, consultants, contract cleaners etc,
engaged in a work practice requiring the use of an electrical
appliance to have that equipment electrically tested and tagged
according to AS 3760 before commencing work at the University.

5.5.4 New installations

At every opportunity including new buildings, renovations, and

minor upgrades DFM will assess the risk to personnel and include
protective devices (RCD’s) as appropriate to counter the perceived
risk.

5.5.5 Existing installations

That all work areas containing an electrical risk, such as workshops

and laboratories, be assessed to determine the level of risk and a
prioritised program of works be developed to address any areas
adjudged to be of a high risk.

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 5.5.6 Electrical Isolations

After obtaining approval from the nominated DFM authorised

person to work on or near the University’s electrical systems all
isolations shall be carried out in accordance with the University’s
Out of Commission Policy.

5.6 Responsibilities of the Organisation Unit

5.6.1 Electrical equipment

5.6.1.1 The Organisation Unit is responsible for the electrical

aspects of all electrical equipment, including the acceptance
testing, issue, maintenance, repairs and modifications of
such equipment, the safety of such equipment, and its
compliance with the rules and codes of the Local Supply
Authority and Standards Australia.

5.6.1.2 Connection of electrical equipment to the electrical

installation of the building shall be by an approved socket
outlet or isolation switch. A residual current device shall be
used on a circuit supplying a wet use equipment, if
practicable. Electric portable outlet devices (EPODs), if an
integral part of an electrical equipment or rack, shall be fixed
by the use of secure fittings in such a way that the EPOD is
mounted with its face in the vertical plane in a location that
is not susceptible to mechanical or water damage.

5.6.1.3 The Organisation Unit will do all electrical work on its

electrical equipment, by means of:

a) employed approved persons, and/or

b) arrangements with DFM, and/or

c) contracted approved persons.

5.6.1.4 It is the responsibility of Organisation Unit management to

ensure that their approved persons have appropriate
qualifications and experience for the nominated tasks.

5.6.2 Responsibility to inform users

Organisation Unit management should ensure that users of

electrical equipment are made aware of their responsibilities.

5.6.3 Privately-owned electrical equipment

The use of privately-owned electrical equipment in Organisation

Units is to be discouraged. In general, the use of private equipment
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 must be approved by the Organisational Unit and such equipment
tested and tagged by the Organisational Unit in accordance with
this Procedure.

5.6.4 Privately-owned electrical equipment used in signaged

locations in University Library

The University Library has provided signage for 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 Organisation 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."

5.7 Responsibilities of Approved Persons

5.7.1 It is the responsibility of the approved person to refuse to undertake

electrical work outside their area of expertise. If the task is outside
their area of practical experience, it is the responsibility of the
approved person to seek guidance before undertaking the task.

5.7.2 The approved person shall undertake work in such a manner to

ensure that personnel are exposed to the least possible degree of
danger.

5.7.3 It is the responsibility of the approved person to inform

management of electrical hazards found in the Organisation Unit.
.
5.8 Responsibilities of Users of Electrical Equipment in the
Organisation Unit

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

5.8.2 Users of electrical equipment in the Organisation Unit are

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

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 5.8.3 Users are responsible to notify their supervisor or an approved
person when the due for inspection/retest date shown on the
marker label of electrical equipment is approaching and not to use
equipment if the due for inspection/retest date has passed.

5.8.4 Users should be aware that a marker label attached to an item of

electrical equipment indicates that the equipment conformed to the
appropriate standards at the date of testing. If there is any doubt as
to the current validity of a marker label on an item of electrical
equipment the user should notify their supervisor or an approved
person immediately.

5.8.5 If a user becomes aware that the equipment or associated wiring

may be in a dangerous condition, the equipment should be
switched off and unplugged (if possible) and the Organisation Unit
management notified immediately. A standard “do not use” tag
should be placed on the equipment stating, for example:

Do Not Use
EQUIPMENT DANGEROUS
Your name & ph number
The Date

5.8.6 Electrical portable outlet devices (EPODs) are to be used only if

they have overload protection. Home-made electrical portable outlet
devices are illegal with Local Supply Authorities throughout
Australia and shall not to be used in the University.

5.8.7 Double adaptors are not approved for use within the University and
should be removed and replaced with electrical portable outlet
devices (EPODs) with overload protection fitted.

6. NOTIFICATION AND LABELLING OF SPECIAL ELECTRICAL

INSTALLATIONS

6.1 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

DFM; and

b) the installation and the extent of the special provisions clearly

labelled at the site.

6.2 Any addition or alteration to the special electrical installation shall be

carried out in compliance with the original requirements, and suitably
labelled and recorded.

6.3 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.

7. CLASSIFICATION, TESTING AND LABELLING OF ELECTRICAL

EQUIPMENT
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 7.1 The Organisation Unit shall examine, classify, test, and label all new,
repaired, or modified electrical equipment before issue or installation.

7.2 Classification

The classification system for electrical equipment used at the University

is given in Clause 4.3.

7.3 Inspection, Testing and Labelling

7.3.1 In-service inspection, testing and labelling of electrical equipment

previously judged to comply with the relevant Australian Standards
and supplied with a 2 or 3 pin plug for connection to a general
purpose outlet shall be carried out by a person approved under any
of the categories given in Clause 4.5.1 (a – e) of this procedure.
Inspection, testing and labelling of electrical equipment not
previously judged to comply with the relevant Australian Standards
shall be undertaken by a person approved under categories given
in Clause 4.5.1 (a – b) only.

7.3.2 Protocols for testing power mains connections to electrical

equipment are given in AS 3760: In-service safety inspection and
testing of electrical equipment.

7.3.3 Where equipment delivers electrical output other than direct mains
connections, the output generator and connections shall be
inspected or tested to ensure compliance with the relevant
Australian Standard, for example, AS 2243.7 for electrophoresis
apparatus and AS 1188 for RF generators. Such work shall be
undertaken by a person approved under categories given in Clause
4.5.1 (a – b) only.

7.3.4 The marker label shall show the date by which the equipment is
further due for inspection / retest, or the phrase "on repair" or "on
issue". The marker label may be either a self-adhesive label for
fixing directly onto the equipment or, if there is no reliable place for
attachment, the marker label may be of a design for connection to
the flex. Both recommended marker labels for use within the
University are held at Central Store. Ordering details from Central
Store are as follows:

a) Description: Marker label, self-adhesive, control "Due for

Inspection"

b) Ordering details: #WTMP.18B

c) Description: Marker label, flex attachment

d) Ordering details: Tag, equipment cord electrical

7.4 Test frequency

The Organisation Unit shall test electrical equipment (using the methods
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 given in AS 3760) before issue, installation or after repair, and shall retest
according to AS3760, the testing guidelines as per Appendix 2 or as
determined by a risk assessment.

7.5 Equipments exempt from testing

7.5.1 All electronic office equipment judged to comply with relevant

Australian and other standards such as computers, printers, fax
machines, scanners, photocopiers etc, used in electrical low risk
areas or locations as verified by a risk assessment, shall be exempt
from testing or tagging. These exempted devices shall be visually
inspected as part of the regular OHS Workplace Inspection
program.

7.5.2 All equipment exempted from testing and tagging under the above
clause, shall be inspected, tested and tagged from the date of
return to service after repair for an electrical problem or fault.

7.5.3 Electronic office equipment operated in hostile environments or

areas judged to be other then ‘low risk’ shall require to be
inspected, tested and tagged in accordance with the program at
Appendix 2.

7.6 Electrical Inspection and Testing Records

7.6.1 The Organisation unit will ensure that electrical inspection and
testing records are maintained within the unit.

7.6.2 Electrical testing & tagging records are to include a description of

the item, the date of testing, the test result, the date for re-test and
details of the electrical tester.

7.6.3 Sample spreadsheets for maintaining these records, including one

that can be linked to the units minor equipment register, are
available from the Division of Facilities Management website. An
example of these are included in Appendix 9.

7.7 Authorised external contractors

A current listing of authorised external contractors that can be engaged by

organisational units to perform electrical testing and tagging of equipment
is provided on the Division of Facilities Management website.

8. ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSPECTIONS AND AUDITS

8.1 The responsibility for electrical safety in an Organisation Unit rests with
Organisation Unit management.

8.2 Workplace Inspections for electrical safety procedures and practices shall
be undertaken in accordance with the University’s OHS Workplace
Inspection Policy by the Organisation Unit. The campus Occupational
Health & Safety Committee will also conduct regular inspections as part
of their on-going audit activities.

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 8.3 Regular audits of each Organisation Unit’s electrical safety will be
undertaken by Human Resources (Environment, Health & Safety) staff.

8.4 Random spot audits of the electrical installation shall be undertaken by

DFM in all Organisation Units.

8.5 Any sub-standard electrical work shall be upgraded to comply with the
rules and codes of the Local Supply Authority and Standards Australia.

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APPENDICES

1. General Safety Hints for Users of Electricity

2. Testing and Inspection Intervals for Electrical Equipment

3. Office Equipment in Electrical Low Risk Areas Exempt from Inspection, Testing
and Tagging

4. Office Equipment in Electrical Low Risk Areas Requiring Inspection, Testing

and Tagging

5. Risk Assessment for Low Risk Electrical Areas

6. Competent Persons for Risk Assessments and Inspection, Testing and Tagging

7. Recommended Isolation Practice and Danger Tagging Procedure

8. Recommended Use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

9. Electrical Testing and Tagging Record Sheets

10. Bibliography

Table of amendments

Version Date Short description of amendment

number
V 1.0 Original Draft from HR
V1.1 22 Feb 2006 Amend text in line with FM policy
V 1.2 22 May 2006 Amend title page, minor grammatical changes

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 APPENDIX 1
General Safety Hints for Users of Electricity
Electricity can cause damage, injury and death; electricity should be treated with care
and respect. Electrical equipment should be properly installed, operated and
maintained to prevent the possibility of electric shock or damage. Fires or explosions
can also be caused by the heat generated from overloading or by inadequate
ventilation of electrical equipment.

Safety routines that help prevent electrical accidents include the following.

Safety Practices for Users

1. Report any apparent electrical defects to an approved person in the

Organisation Unit.

2. Use the correct equipment for the specific task.

3. Ensure that electrical equipment is dry and clean.

4. Do not use equipment where the due for inspection/retest date has passed.

5. Do not use general purpose electrical equipment when wet or in wet areas
without suitable residual current device protection. Always push-button test a
”safety switch” before use.

6. Double adaptors should not be used.

7. Electrical portable outlet devices (EPODs) are to be used only if they have
overload protection. Home-made electrical portable outlet devices are illegal
with Local Supply Authorities throughout Australia and shall not be used.
Cascading of EPODS is forbidden.

8. Keep loose cables off the floor.

9. Do not withdraw a plug from a socket by pulling the cable.

Electric Shock & Electrocution

10. Before touching a person suspected of suffering from an electric shock or

being electrocuted, switch off the electricity supply (i.e. by switching off and
removing plug from socket).

11. Commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately if heart and breathing

has stopped following an electric shock.

Electrical Fires

12. Only prescribed extinguishers should be used on electrical fires. Where

possible, the electricity should be switched off before fighting the fire. DO Not
use a water or foam extinguisher on an electrical fire.

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 APPENDIX 2
Testing and Inspection Intervals for Electrical Equipment
(for which a risk assessment process has NOT or CANNOT be used)

Interval between inspection and tests

Type of Additional testing for
Class of equipment Cord
environment in portable RCDs
extension
which equipment Class I Class II Push-button
Test for sets and
is used (protectively (double test
operation EPODs
earthed) insulated) (by user)
1 Construction and 3 months 3 months Immediately 3 months 3 months
demolition sites after
connection
to a socket
outlet, and
every day in
use
2 Factories, 6 months 12 months Daily, or 12 months 6 months
workshops and before every
places of work of use,
manufacturing, whichever is
repair, assembly, the longer
maintenance or
fabrication
3 Other commercial 12 months 12 months 3 months, or 2 years 12 months
environments before every
with no special use,
protection, eg whichever is
laboratories, tea the longer
rooms, office
kitchens, and
health care
establishments
4 Office 5 years 5 years 3 months 2 years 5 years
environment
where equipment
is not subject to
constant flexing
of the supply
cord
5 Hire or loan Before each Before Before each Before Before
equipment hire or loan each hire or hire or loan each hire each hire or
loan or loan loan

Note: The inspection periods in the above table may be used as the basis for
establishing an inspection period for a specific electrical equipment risk assessment.
Any estimated inspection period will require methodologies for measuring the
effectiveness of the selected period, which then may be increased or decreased
depending on the measured experience. Table 4 in AS3760 provides a more
comprehensive list and explanation to the above.

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 APPENDIX 3
OFFICE EQUIPMENT IN ELECTRICAL LOW RISK AREAS EXEMPT FROM
INSPECTION, TESTING AND TAGGING
UNDER CLAUSE 7
The electrical office equipment listed below such as computers, printers, fax
machines, scanners, photocopiers etc, used in electrical low risk areas or locations,
shall be exempt from testing or tagging. Exempted equipment shall be visually
inspected as part of the regular OHS Workplace Inspection program:

• Computers and computer peripheral devices;

• Printers;
• Facsimile machines;
• Scanners;
• Photocopiers;
• Calculator machines;

All equipment listed above exempted from testing and tagging under this clause,
shall be inspected, tested and tagged from the date of return to service after repair
for an electrical problem or fault.

Electrical office equipment operated in hostile environments, such as wet, high

humidity or dusty areas, or areas judged to be other then ‘low risk’ such as, office tea
rooms, toilets and shower facilities shall require to be inspected, tested and tagged in
accordance with the program at Appendix 2.

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 APPENDIX 4
OFFICE EQUIPMENT IN ELECTRICAL LOW RISK AREAS REQUIRING
INSPECTION, TESTING AND TAGGING
UNDER CLAUSE 7
The electrical office equipment listed below, used in electrical low risk areas or
locations, that have NOT undergone a risk assessment, shall require inspection,
testing and tagging in accordance with the program at Appendix 2:

• Portable heaters and fans;

• Electric kettles, jugs, coffee makers and other kitchen type equipments used
in offices;
• Personal equipment, such as radios, entertainment devices;
• Refrigerators;
• Microwave and other types of ovens, food warmers.

Electrical office equipment operated in hostile environments, such as wet, high

humidity or dusty areas, or areas judged to be other then ‘low risk’ such as, office tea
rooms, toilets and shower facilities shall require to be inspected, tested and tagged in
accordance with the program at Appendix 2.

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Appendix 5 ‘Risk Assessment for Low Risk Electrical Areas’

Location: Completed by:

(Building Name/ Number or Functional Area)
Date assessment completed:
Date assessment to be reviewed:
(nominally 5 years from assessment date)

Appendix 3 ‘Office Equipment in Electrical Low Risk Areas exempt from Inspection, Testing
and Tagging’ and Appendix 4 ‘Office Equipment in Electrical Low Risk Areas requiring
Inspection, Testing and Tagging’ are part of a university wide risk assessment. The purpose
of this risk assessment is to assess all office equipment in low electrical risk areas that have
NOT been covered by these assessments at Appendix 3 and 4.
This risk assessment for electrical equipment located in the area designated above assesses
for prescribed testing and tagging in accordance with AS 3760:2003, except for those areas
such as tea rooms, or hostile environments, are listed below. Exempt low risk equipment will
be visually inspected for problems during the regular workplace inspection cycle in
accordance with CSU’s Workplace Inspection Policy and workplace inspection checklist. High
risk equipment will be inspected, tested and tagged in accordance with Appendix 2 ‘Testing
and Inspection Intervals for Electrical Equipments’ of CSU’s Electrical Safety Guidelines.

The person undertaking this electrical equipment risk assessment, must be a competent
person in accordance with the provisions of the OHS Regulation (2001) Chapter 1 Clause 3.

Equipment Description Specified Area Visual Test Comments

and Identification Location Risk Check & Tag
Information Level
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Signed:
(Competent Assessor)

A copy of this document is to be retained by the supervisor or manager of this area,

and used to verify electrical safety compliance during OHS auditing, and to program
any inspection, testing and tagging of high risk areas or equipment listed in the above
table.
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 APPENDIX 6
Competent Persons for Risk Assessments and Inspection, Testing & Tagging

Risk Assessments
Electrical risk assessments to determine risk levels for equipments and/ or areas
shall be in accordance with the NSW OHS Regulation 2001 definition of a ‘competent
person’, and shall have the meaning of a qualified electrical engineer or tradesman or
as agreed by the University’s Electrical Equipment Safety Group.

Inspection, Testing & Tagging

Approval is made by Organisation Unit management and shall be limited to specified
types of work and/or equipments. The approval may also require other conditions to
be met, such as particular supervision, times and locations.

The approval shall be based on a demonstration by the person to be approved:

1. of knowledge of the rules and conventions which need to be known to

undertake the specified range of work safely, such as

• procedures for isolation from the power source,

• safety precautions with high voltage capacitors,
• colour codes for power wiring,

2. that he or she has had adequate experience to undertake the work safely,

3. that he or she accepts any special conditions placed on the approval, in

addition to the general responsibilities (clause 5.6) and training requirements
(clause 4.5) of approved persons.

Typically certification for approval to be a competent person for the purposes of

‘electrical inspection, testing and tagging’ may be provided by undertaking a short
course from an accredited training provider, such as TAFE.

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 APPENDIX 7
Recommended Isolation Practice and Danger Tagging Procedure
Danger tags are used to indicate that certain circuits, switches, equipment, etc must
NOT be operated as operation could result in a fatal injury to staff or damage to
equipment. Interference to Danger tags constitutes a very serious offence which will
lead to disciplinary action.

If the electrical installation is to be worked on, it shall first be taken out of service and
Danger tagged.

Danger tagging for electrical equipment should only apply where an electrical hazard
may exist. If electrical equipment must be worked on with power applied, the
precautions listed in AS 2243.7 - 1991, para 7.3.2 "Working on live equipment"
should be used.

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.

Danger Tagging Procedure

The approved person working on the electrical installation or on electrical equipment

should:

a) isolate the electrical installation or electrical equipment,

b) test and confirm the isolation,

c) attach a Danger tag to the control switch (and/or lock it, remove fuse, etc.
as appropriate) that supplies power to the electrical installation or
electrical equipment,

d) mark the Danger tag with name of the approved person, date, and any
necessary details.

The approved person who finishes the work should remove the Danger tag.

The recommended Danger tag for use within the University is held at Central Store.

Requisition details from Central Store are as follows,

Description: Tag, "Danger Electrical"

Ordering details: #TAG-71A

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 APPENDIX 8

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.

Installation of RCDs on the main switchboard of an industrial building is often

impractical because of the intrinsic potential of some electrical equipments 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 power outlets in local areas
within a building that are considered at higher risk, such as wet areas (see Appendix
2), workshops, laboratories and tea rooms, or areas where the control of equipment
brought into an area is problematic, such as student accommodation.

It is recommended that RCDs be installed to protect power outlets in the following

locations of the University, as far as reasonably practicable. If 'leaky' equipment
exists in any of these locations special arrangements should be made (see Appendix
7):

1. Wet locations, including tea rooms;

2. Cold rooms;

3. Workshops;

4. Undergraduate teaching laboratories;

5. Research laboratories (see Appendix 2);

6. Halls of Residence;

7. Power outlets used for privately owned computers and other electrical
equipment.

8. University Library.

Adoption of this approach will control the electrical risks, and enable higher risk areas
to be declared as low risk for the purpose of a ‘risk assessment’ approach as per
Appendix 5.

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APPENDIX 9 - ELECTRICAL TESTING AND TAGGING RECORD SHEET

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 APPENDIX 10
BIBLIOGRAPHY

CSU Policies & Guidelines

Australian Standards
AS 3000 Electrical installations
AS 4836 Safe working on low-voltage electrical installations
AS 3100 Approval and test specification - General requirements for electrical
equipment
AS 3260 Safety of information technology equipment including electrical business
equipment
AS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
AS 2243.1 Safety in laboratories; Part 1: General
AS 2243.7 Safety in laboratories; Part 7: Electrical aspects
AS 3859 Effects of current passing through the human body
AS 1319 Safety signs for the occupational environment

Local Supply Authority Codes

Country Energy Electricitical Safety Publications and rules

Government Codes
NSW WorkCover Authority Code of Practice – Electrical Practices for Construction
Work
NSW WorkCover Authority Electrical Equipment Inspection Checklist

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