Electrical Safety in Quarries

KEVIN HAYES, Technical Inspector- Earth Resources Unit of WorkSafe Victoria reflects on electrical safety in quarries.

AN alarming number of electrical incidents have occurred within the extractive industries in Victoria recently which emphasise the importance of remaining vigilant to the risks associated with live electrical apparatus. This trend is supported by the recent high number of quarry inspector notices issued in relation to electrical safety.

One of these incidents was of high potential when an excavator inadvertently made contact with live 22,000 volt overhead conductors. The circumstances surrounding this incident are all too common, the outcomes usually result in serious injury or fatality; luckily in this instance the operator remained unharmed.

These incidents highlight the need for quarry operators to ensure they have robust systems of work when working on or near live electrical apparatus.

Protective devices must be installed on electrical apparatus to prevent electric shock and electrocution. In addition, quarry operators must develop and maintain procedures that describe the methods of operating, maintaining, earthing, isolating, energising and de-energising their electrical installations. Quarry operators must be satisfied that their employees are appropriately trained, competent and familiar with these procedures.

Quarry operators must also ensure they apply rigorous auditing and inspection processes to verify that employees are following the established practices and procedures.

Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) provides the following advice relevant to the above mentioned incident:

• Identify all areas where powerlines and underground services cross properties;
• Obtain a copy of the “No Go Zone” rules and regulations and study them closely;
• Identify all electrical hazards before starting work;
• If in any doubt contact the local electricity distribution company;
• Monitor weather conditions, powerlines can sag in extreme heat and sway in strong winds;
• Powerlines can be difficult to see at dawn and dusk;
• Remember that electricity can jump gaps;
• Ensure an ESV registered spotter is on hand when working anywhere near overhead powerlines;
• Never raise the tray of haul trucks, crane and excavator booms when underneath powerlines;
• Relocate bulk delivery storage sites to a safe area away from powerlines;
• Display “LOOK UP AND LIVE” stickers on any machinery or equipment which is raised overhead.

FURTHER INFORMATION

• Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) esv.vic.gov.au
• Code of Practice for Safe Electrical Work Low Voltage Electrical Installations (ESV)
• Code of Practice on Electrical Safety for Work on or Near High Voltage Electrical Apparatus – “Blue Book” (ESV)
• AS/NZS 4836:2011– Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment
• Guidelines for Electrical Safety in Quarries (ESV)

One important message – when working on or near live electrical apparatus, do not rush. The few extra minutes to plan, assess and implement controls associated with the task will not make that much difference to the time taken to complete the activity, however it may prevent a serious injury or fatality!

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