EnergySafe Magazine Autumn/Winter 2018, issue 50 | Page 5

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For all the latest energy safety news visit www . esv . vic . gov . au Autumn / Winter 2018 energysafe issue 50

Energy Safe Victoria — the story so far

By Jonathan Granger , Head of Communications and Marketing
In over a decade of operation ESV ’ s achievements have been significant . In celebration of the 50th edition of energysafe magazine , we ’ re looking back at some of the events that shaped our work .
2005 Formation of Energy Safe Victoria
In August 2005 the Office of the Chief Electrical Inspector merged with the Office of Gas Safety to create ESV .
2009-2010 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission
The devastating Black Saturday fires of February 2009 had serious implications for ESV .
In addition to supporting the recovery efforts , we spent considerable time and effort assisting the Royal Commission with evidence and submissions . ESV also had input into changes to the legislative and regulatory framework .
ESV would go on to establish the Powerlines Bushfire Safety Taskforce , which led to the 10-year Powerlines Bushfire Safety Program – an extensive program , still running today , involving the introduction of new technology , research and replacement of bare conductors in areas of highest bushfire risk .
Directions were issued to electricity distributors to change their asset inspection standards and the installation of new equipment . Electricity Safety Management Schemes became a requirement for major electricity companies ( MECs ).
ESV was also given new information-gathering powers to publicly report every year on the safety performance of Victoria ’ s distribution businesses and we also took an active role in advising government on new technology designed to reduce bushfire risk .
2009-2010 fatalities Tragically there were 11 gas or electricity related fatalities in 2009-2010 . This included the deaths of Chase and Tyler Robinson who were
Commitment to awareness : Vanessa Robinson with Deputy Minister Lily D ’ Ambrosio . killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in their home .
Their deaths led to the ‘ Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer ’ campaign that continues to run with the support of the boys ’ mother Vanessa Robinson who has set up the Chase and Tyler Robinson Foundation .
In 2010 , a father and son were killed while moving a windmill which came into contact with powerlines at Rainbow . This followed horrific incidents in 2006 when two drivers and a farmer were killed in separate incidents where the tipper trucks they were operating also came into contact with powerlines .
These electrical fatalities prompted ESV to develop the ‘ Look Up And Live ’ campaign which still runs today .
After several years of zero fatalities , sadly , another tipper truck driver was killed earlier this year in a similar incident , reminding us all that vigilance around powerlines is always necessary .
2010 Electric Line Clearance Regulations
When released in 2010 , the new regulations resulted in public and media interest over the implications for amenity and the environment in mostly inner-urban areas .
In 2014 , they were updated to better balance vegetation amenity and powerline safety .
ESV maintained throughout that there were clear obligations on distribution businesses and municipal councils to ensure public safety and supply as well as minimising bushfire risk . However , we consulted widely and found issues with the 2010 regulations that were addressed with the 2014 update .
Since its introduction , ESV has worked with municipal councils to support their capacity to comply with the regulations .
2010-2011 Advanced Metering Infrastructure review
The Advanced Metering Infrastructure ( AMI ) program , introduced smart meters to Victorians .
On 21 January 2011 , a Highett resident received an electric shock as a result of an incorrectly installed smart meter . This fed growing disquiet in the community over smart meters and their installation in Victorian homes .
ESV carried out an investigation and audit of the installation practices . It found no systematic safety issues with smart meters but resulted in improved installation and testing requirements .
A further investigation was carried out in 2012 following claims that smart meters had exploded or caused fires . It found that in the rare occasion that smart meters fail , it occurs safely .
Both reports led to greater public confidence in the AMI program .
2014 Gas & Pipeline Infrastructure Report In 2014 , ESV released the first Safety
Management Report for gas and pipeline
infrastructure . The now annual report monitors safety performance trends and identifies systematic issues in the industry .
2016 Introduction of Electricity Safety ( Bushfire Mitigation ) Regulations
The regulations came into effect in May 2016 and mandate the deployment of technologies to reduce the risk of electricity assets starting bushfires .
ESV plays an active role in this process , providing advice to government on a range of technologies , such as Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiters ( REFCLs ) which can markedly reduce the potential for certain bushfire ignitions .
2016 Banning of hoverboards
ESV is repeatedly challenged by regulating new technologies and addressing safety concerns .
In 2016 , ESV took action against noncompliant self-balancing hoverboards that used lithium ion batteries . Working with the ACCC the hoverboards were banned and a new safety standard developed which went on to inform the international standards .
2017 ESVConnect
In 2017 , the registration of Cathodic Protection Systems ( CPS ) was the first application to go live via ESVConnect .
Work continues on new applications to be rolled out on this platform . ESVConnect will ultimately deliver a new online services system for all ESV workflows and applications including Certificates of Electrical Safety ( COES ) and licensing .
It will significantly improve interaction between ESV and our stakeholders and customers .