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Latest news
Are you COES ready ?
By Sarah Sanderson , Engagement Lead , ESVConnect Project Team
Now is the time to update your details , especially your email address so we can let you know when ESVConnect comes online .
Early next year , ESVConnect will be available for the Registration of Electrical Contractors ( REC ), Licensing of Electrical Workers ( LEW ) and Certificates of Electrical Safety ( COES ).
We currently have email addresses for 60 – 65 % of our licence holders and some of them need updating .
What should I do ? Log in to Online Services and check your details are current . If you are talking to other licensed workers – spread the word .
If you have forgotten your online services login or do not know how to update your details , please contact us at coesready @ energysafe . vic . gov . au
Any questions or comments ? Talk to us at : coesready @ energysafe . vic . gov . au
Log
into Online Services and update your details today .
Electrical safety alert — PIR sensors
Advertorial
Middy ’ s launch ‘ Black T-shirt Day ’
By Middy ’ s Electrical & Data
Since 1928 , Middy ’ s has always put a significant emphasis on safety in the electrical industry .
Now in our 90th year , Middy ’ s continues that dedication by holding the inaugural ‘ Black T-shirt Day ’ in conjunction with Energy Safe Victoria .
Friday the 23rd of March saw over 300 staff in both Victorian branches and offices participate in the day by wearing ESV ’ s ‘ Stay alive never work live ’ black t-shirt .
Example of affected PIR sensors : external construction ( left ) and internal view ( centre , right ) highlighting areas of exposed live parts .
By Varun Kumar , Compliance Officer — Equipment Safety
Energy Safe Victoria has identified that there is a significant risk of electric shock from certain PIR sensors during installation , service or maintenance work .
Last September , an electrician received an electric shock while installing a passive infrared sensor ( PIR ) sensor of the type and construction identified above .
This type of unit is most commonly installed in commercial or industrial premises .
To test the sensor and adjust the settings , a common practice for electricians is to remove the cover normally secured by a retaining screw , and use their finger to cover the PIR sensor head to simulate darkness .
ESV has identified that there is a significant risk of electric shock from these PIR sensors during installation , service or maintenance work .
When the cover of these PIR sensors is removed , the user is exposed to live parts including the main ’ s terminals and PIR sensor head ( 240V ~). These parts are highlighted in red on the images above .
Touching the PIR sensor head could result in severe injury or death .
Maintenance and adjustments to settings must be carried out with the power isolated , and by licensed electricians only .
What to do when working on PIR sensors
PIR sensor heads must never be touched . If you come across sensors of this design or construction , a warning label should be placed on the unit .
ESV has produced warning labels which may be attached to existing PIR sensors ( pictured below ). The label must be attached to the side of the PIR sensor closest to the screw entry .
To place an order for PIR sensor warning labels , head to our website .
Stay up to date with our latest safety alerts at www . esv . vic . gov . au / Safety-Alerts
The day aims to raise awareness and start a conversation at branch level between contractors and staff on the dangers of working live .
Lunchtime barbecues were held across the state with ESV representatives answering questions from our Middy ’ s customers concerning workplace safety .
Over the last five years , an average of seven deaths per year have resulted from contact with electricity in the Australian electrical industry . Middy ’ s will continue to do all it can to ensure the death toll is reduced to zero .
Middy ’ s has also partnered with NECA Education & Careers to help educate young apprentices from the very beginning of their apprenticeship to ensure they are aware of the potential dangers surrounding electricians .
Additional Black T-shirt Days will be held later this year as we continue to raise awareness of this serious cause .