EnergySafe Magazine Spring 2015, issue 41 | Page 4
04
Editorial
From the Director
Managing editor
Sharon Rainsbury
Editor
Michelle Robertson
Contributors
Michelle Robertson
Michael Weber
Enzo Alfonsetti
John Stolk
John Murphy
Tyler Mason
Jason Treseder
Sue Sizer
Editorial assistant
Janice Williams
Design
Aer Design
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Energy Safe Victoria
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Reproduction in whole or in part
The last few weeks have seen a horror spate
of electrical deaths that could have been
avoided if proper precautions were taken.
A 21-year-old third-year apprentice died
in September while carrying out unsupervised
weekend electrical work in the roof of an
acquaintance’s house.
It appears a fault in the back of a three-pin
plug base occurred where a neutral conductor had
broken away from the terminal breaking the circuit.
The victim was in the process of stripping
the live neutral conductor with pliers while
simultaneously being in contact with earthed
parts of the house when he received the fatal
electric shock.
This tragedy could have been prevented
by isolating and testing before doing any work.
It highlights again the importance of never
working live.
In November an elderly man was electrocuted
at Moorabool. The 75-year-old man had been
involved in fixing a dam pump on a rural property
when other workers found him unconscious
and not breathing. He was unable to be revived.
This tragedy prompted ESV to issue a new
warning to farmers and rural workers about the
dangers of working with electrical installations
when not qualified to do so and that poorly
maintained equipment can kill.
ESV can’t emphasise enough that electrical
equipment and installations should be properly
maintained and checked regularly by licensed
professionals.
We are constantly reminding people to
never ignore minor electric shocks or tingles
because, in some circumstances, they can
be fatal. Qualified tradespeople are the only
ones who can ensure things are safe.
Yet another tragic incident occurred
in November when a male worker was found )