WorkCover NSW Safety Alert for working on electrical circuits in conduits

WorkCover NSW has issued a Safety Alert for working on electrical circuits in conduits, reminding electrical workers of the dangers of cutting electrical conduits that are in service as the conduits may contain multiple circuits.

The Safety Alert was released following the death of an electrical contractor who cut through an underground heavy-duty PVC conduit. The contractor struck an energised 415 V three-phase submain circuit that was located in the same underground conduit as the 240 V lighting circuit he was working on and received a fatal electric shock.

While investigations are continuing, WorkCover said a number of factors contributed to the incident: insufficient planning and assessment for the job; failure to identify all contents of the underground PVC conduit being worked on; and failure to isolate power to the premises at the main switch.

The Safety Alert offers recommendations for working on electrical circuits in conduits:

• Persons in control of a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must develop and implement safe systems of electrical work and ensure that electrical workers are provided with information, instruction, training and supervision required to reasonably ensure their health and safety.
• A safe work method statement should be developed for each job.
• The safe work method statement should consider the use of a safety observer, insulated tools and/or suitable voltage-rated insulating gloves.
• The contents of a conductor enclosure should be identified and isolated before commencing any disassembly, penetration or installation of additional conductors by reviewing available drawings, visual inspection and verification.
• The visual inspection should involve a thorough examination from the start and end points of the conduit to work out what services run through it.
• Conductors must be treated as energised and the procedures for working on energised electrical equipment followed until all conductors have been proven de-energised.
• If possible, find the main switch for the premises and turn off the power. Attach a danger tag or lock the switchboard to ensure the power remains off until the work is completed.
• As a final check, use a voltage proximity tester to identify an energised conductor within the enclosure.
• Test Before You Touch safe work procedures should be followed in all steps of the job.

For further information, visit the WorkCover NSW website or phone 13 10 50.