Safety alert for electrical installations

Worksafe Victoria issued a safety alert that highlights the need for principal, scaffold and electrical contractors to work together to ensure the electrical installation for swing stages is safe and fit for purpose.

Recent inspections of swing-stage installations have found unsuitable construction switchboards being used on some construction sites in Victoria. Switchboards supplying power to swing stages should be designed so that electrical power cannot be inadvertently disconnected. They should also be designed so that a person must complete a deliberate action before disconnection can occur.

The alert calls for the principal, scaffold and electrical contractors to work together to ensure switchboards are suitable for swing-stages, including:

• Positioning switchboard close to the swing stage;
• Ensuring wiring is designed to limit voltage drop to a maximum of 5%, based on 2% to the switchboard and 3% for the flexible supply cord for the swing stage; and
• Having a dedicated circuit for each swing stage protected by separate RCDs.

Methods to prevent inadvertent disconnection of swing-stage supply cords include:

• Hardwiring the supply cord into the switchboard;
• Securing plug-tops to socket outlets with purpose-designed locking rings; and
• Using a dedicated switchboard that can be locked to prevent access.

Supply cords should also be labelled with ‘Do not remove’ or similar.