EnergySafe Magazine Spring 2015, issue 41 | Page 5
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For all the latest energy safety news visit www.esv.vic.gov.au
Spring 2015
energysafe issue 41
Electrocution deaths prompt
new safety warnings
By Michelle Robertson, Senior Media
and Communications Advisor
ESV is reminding workers of the
dangers of unsafe electrical work
after three deaths in recent months.
A 21-year-old, third-year apprentice died
in September while carrying out weekend
electrical work in the roof of an acquaintance’s
house. It appears a fault in the back of a three-pin
plug base occurred where a neutral conductor had
broken away from the terminal breaking the circuit.
The victim was in the process of stripping
the live neutral conductor with pliers while being
in contact with earthed parts of the house when
he received an electric shock. He was not licensed
to do electrical installation work.
The Director of Energy Safety, Paul Fearon,
said: “This tragedy could have been prevented
by isolating and testing before doing any work.
It highlights the importance of never working live.”
Elderly man electrocuted on rural property
ESV issued a new warning to farmers
and rural workers about the dangers of
working with electrical installations following
the electrocution death of an elderly man
in November.
The 75-year-old man had been involved
in fixing a dam pump on a rural property
near Geelong when other workers found
him unconscious and not breathing.
He was unable to be revived.
ESV issued a reminder to farmers
to always use a qualified electrician
to perform any type of electrical work.
“Electrical equipment and installations
should be properly maintained and
checked regularly by licensed professionals.
Poorly maintained equipment can kill.
“Never ignore minor electric shocks
or tingles—in different circumstances
they can be fatal. Always call in qualified
tradespeople to ensure things are safe.
“Never do your own wiring or electrical
work, even if it’s a simple job. Always use
qualified tradespeople to carry out electrical
or plumbing work because otherwise you
are putting your own and other people’s
lives at risk,” said Mr Fearon.
Refrigeration mechanic
electrocuted at work
Another tragic incident occurred in
November when a male worker was found
deceased on a factory roof at Braeside.
The 25-year-old refrigeration mechanic
had been working on an airconditioning unit.
An investigation is underway but it is believed
the man was replacing capacitors on the unit
when he made accidental contact with live
parts and the frame of the airconditioning
unit. ESV attended the scene and the
investigation continues.
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