Confirmation of Company Safety Systems for Live Low Voltage Work

Background

Following multiple incidents relating to live low voltage (LV) work, including accidents involving actual and potential life-threatening injuries to electrical workers which raise concerns about safe work management of live work, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of New South Wales (IPART) issued four Safety Alerts during 2019. The three NSW distributors subsequently reviewed their related work practices, controls and the competency of their workers. Some live low voltage work activities were suspended while these reviews were undertaken.

Accredited Service Providers (ASPs) also undertake live low voltage work under the relevant Regulatory provisions for Network Operators, including the NSW framework for Contestable Work (the ASP Scheme Rules).

ASPs undertaking live LV work

Where it is appropriate for an ASP to undertake live low voltage work, you must:

• ensure that appropriate planning processes and procedures are in place to work safety in a live work situation
• have control measures incorporated into live work procedures
• identify live work responsibilities, accountabilities and authority levels of personnel or contractors, and
• ensure that anyone involved in planning or undertaking the work is trained and competent.

What your company needs to do?

• ASPs who undertake contestable work on our network are aware of their legislative obligations regarding live work
• ASPs have reviewed and updated their safe work practices and controls in line with IPART Safety Alerts regarding recent live low voltage work industry incidents, and
• ASP workers who plan and undertake live low voltage work are competent to do so.

If you have not previously accessed Essential Energy Learning Management System. You will need to create a unique user ID (i.e. jsmith) and password as part of your registration through the link above.

If you have any issues with your registration, please email ekas@essentialenergy.com.au.

What do you need to do?

1. The authorisation representative need to complete the confirmation section.
2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

Further Information

If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.