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1 Title: Electrical Safety Procedure Version 1.2 TRIM file number Short description Relevant to Authority Responsible officer Responsible office 06/XXXX A procedure on ensuring the safe and reliable supply and use of electricity within Charles Sturt University All employees 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. Facilities OHS Manager Date introduced 5, June, 2006 Date(s) modified Next scheduled review date June, 2008 Related University documents Related legislation Key words Division of Facilities Management See Table of Amendments Occupational Health and Safety Policy Electrical Safety Policy 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) Procedure, electrical installation, electrical equipment, testing and tagging Electrical Safety Procedure Page 1

2 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 : 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 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 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 Electrical Safety Procedure Page 2

3 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 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 Electrical Safety Procedure Page 3

4 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 inservice 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 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 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. Electrical Safety Procedure Page 4

5 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 Electrical installation 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 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 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 Switchboards Where practicable, main switchboards shall be locked, with DFM to control access. Unauthorised person must not interfere with or activate circuit breakers Personnel engaged in work activities Further to Clause 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 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 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. Electrical Safety Procedure Page 5

6 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 Electrical equipment 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 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 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 It is the responsibility of Organisation Unit management to ensure that their approved persons have appropriate qualifications and experience for the nominated tasks Responsibility to inform users Organisation Unit management should ensure that users of electrical equipment are made aware of their responsibilities 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 Electrical Safety Procedure Page 6

7 must be approved by the Organisational Unit and such equipment tested and tagged by the Organisational Unit in accordance with this Procedure 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 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 The approved person shall undertake work in such a manner to ensure that personnel are exposed to the least possible degree of danger It is the responsibility of the approved person to inform management of electrical hazards found in the Organisation Unit Responsibilities of Users of Electrical Equipment in the Organisation Unit 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 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. Electrical Safety Procedure Page 7

8 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 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 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 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 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 Electrical Safety Procedure Page 8

9 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 Inspection, Testing and Labelling 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 (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 (a b) only Protocols for testing power mains connections to electrical equipment are given in AS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment 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 for electrophoresis apparatus and AS 1188 for RF generators. Such work shall be undertaken by a person approved under categories given in Clause (a b) only 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: 7.4 Test frequency 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 The Organisation Unit shall test electrical equipment (using the methods Electrical Safety Procedure Page 9

10 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 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 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 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 Electrical Inspection and Testing Records The Organisation unit will ensure that electrical inspection and testing records are maintained within the unit 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 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 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. Electrical Safety Procedure Page 10

11 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. Electrical Safety Procedure Page 11

12 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 V Feb 2006 Amend text in line with FM policy V May 2006 Amend title page, minor grammatical changes Electrical Safety Procedure Page 12

13 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. Electrical Safety Procedure Page 13

14 APPENDIX 2 Testing and Inspection Intervals for Electrical Equipment (for which a risk assessment process has NOT or CANNOT be used) Type of environment in which equipment is used 1 Construction and demolition sites 2 Factories, workshops and places of work of manufacturing, repair, assembly, maintenance or fabrication 3 Other commercial environments with no special protection, eg laboratories, tea rooms, office kitchens, and health care establishments 4 Office environment where equipment is not subject to constant flexing of the supply cord 5 Hire or loan equipment Interval between inspection and tests Additional testing for Class of equipment portable RCDs Class II Push-button Test for (double test operation insulated) (by user) Class I (protectively earthed) 3 months 3 months Immediately after connection to a socket outlet, and every day in use 6 months 12 months Daily, or before every use, whichever is the longer 12 months 12 months 3 months, or before every use, whichever is the longer Cord extension sets and EPODs 3 months 3 months 12 months 6 months 2 years 12 months 5 years 5 years 3 months 2 years 5 years Before each hire or loan Before each hire or loan Before each hire or loan Before each hire or loan Before each hire or 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. Electrical Safety Procedure Page 14

15 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. Electrical Safety Procedure Page 15

16 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. Electrical Safety Procedure Page 16

17 Appendix 5 Risk Assessment for Low Risk Electrical Areas Location: (Building Name/ Number or Functional Area) Date assessment completed: Date assessment to be reviewed: (nominally 5 years from assessment date) Completed by: 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 and Identification Information Specified Location Area Risk Level Visual Check Test & Tag Comments 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. Electrical Safety Procedure Page 17

18 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. Electrical Safety Procedure Page 18

19 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 , para "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 Electrical Safety Procedure Page 19

20 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. Electrical Safety Procedure Page 20

21 APPENDIX 9 - ELECTRICAL TESTING AND TAGGING RECORD SHEET Electrical Safety Procedure Page 21

22 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 Safety in laboratories; Part 1: General AS 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 Electrical Safety Procedure Page 22