EnergySafe Magazine Summer 2015, issue 38 | Page 9

09 For all the latest energy safety news visit www.esv.vic.gov.au Summer 2015 energysafe issue 38 CoDe oF PRACtICe on electrical safety for the work on or near high voltage electrical apparatus the blue book VICtoRIA 2012 Help us review the Blue Book By Loc Vuong, Senior Network Safety Engineer ESV is currently inviting input from industry and interested persons as part of its latest review of the Code of practice on electrical safety for work on or near high voltage electrical apparatus, otherwise known as the Blue Book. The Blue Book is revised and republished every five years to continue improving safety standards for work on or near high voltage electrical installations and the supply network. The latest version was published in 2012 and is the subject of the current review. The Blue Book is maintained by the Electrical Safety Committee, which was established under Section 8 of the Energy Safe Victoria Act 2005. The Committee periodically reviews the Blue Book to facilitate the electrical safety of electrical generation, transmission and distribution systems and high voltage electrical installations. Tell us what you think ESV invites comments and suggestions regarding the 2012 Blue Book. This will assist ESV with: »» the setting of minimum safety standards for work on or near high voltage electrical installations and the supply network »» changes to the Blue Book arising from incidents that have implications for electrical safety »» interpretations or advice received by the ESC from industry stakeholders on the Blue Book. How to provide feedback If you have suggestions as to how to improve the Blue Book we’d love to hear from you! You can access the latest Blue Book and download an improvement form by clicking here or going to the Legislation and Regulations section of the ESV website. All suggestions should be submitted on the form and emailed to [email protected]. Electrician burnt in arc flash while working live ESV is reminding all electricians to never work live following an incident at the end of last year in which an electrician received facial burns. The man was performing a routine replacement of a socket outlet when a conductor came into contact with two phases. The incident happened because the switchboard had not been isolated. The resultant arc flash caused severe injuries, including facial burns, and could have been fatal. This incident is very similar to one in 2009 when a 25-year-old electrician was seriously injured with burns to his hands, arms, legs and abdomen. This incident also occurred close to Christmas when the electrician was in a hurry and took a shortcut. Both incidents could have been fatal. ESV’s Director of Energy Safety, Paul Fearon, said the message for electricians was simple—“stay alive and never work live”. “This man is lucky to be alive and very nearly didn’t get to enjoy Christmas with his family,” Mr Fearon said. “You don’t get second chances with electricity. “His injuries will require months of treatment and rehabilitation—all because he didn’t take the time to isolate the switchboard. “No matter how small the job or how tight the timeframe, don’t work live.” ProTag PrimeTest Elite Australia’s Most Advanced Test & Tag System High Definition Colour Display In-Built Camera with Flash USB for Data Up/Down Load Bluetooth For Printer & Scanner The new ProTag Elite System tests portable appliances & RCDs, takes asset photos, prints Elite UV resistant test tags & downloads results to PC. Mains & battery powered. Faster testing & asset management for mining, construction, factories & workshops. Sydney Melbourne Tel [phone] Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Fax [phone] email [email protected] Brisbane Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Adelaide Perth Tel [phone] Tel [phone] Fax [phone] Fax [phone] web www.protag.com.au EMONA