esv.vic.gov.au
In this issue
Features
04
Click the print button to print
single pages or spreads
Download to print entire magazine
From the Editor
10
Director of Energy
Safety to step down ESV ramps up
powerline inspections Another year over and another opportunity
to reflect while also looking forward.
Paul Fearon reflects on his decade at the helm. ESV expands audit program in high
bushfire risk areas Latest news Electrical 06 ESV moves closer to becoming
a commission
07 Long, dry 2020 increases
bushfire risk
07 New General Regulations
for electrical work
08 ESV announces 2019 Canteen Hero
09 Know the Drill receives support
from fire agencies and Bunnings
12 Stay bright, and safe, this Christmas
12 How we performed in 2018-19
13 Infinity cable recall still active
14 Tree climbers get the ESV safety
message
14 ESVConnect update
15 New cylinder valve to launch
in 2020
16 ESV develops a strategic
roadmap for the future 18 New team to strengthen
ESV's regulatory oversight
20 Your electrical questions
answered We successfully introduced ESVConnect,
one of the largest technology solutions ESV
has undertaken. ESV continues to respond
to the recommendations of the Coroner
over open-flued gas heaters, delivering
the $1.7 million Be Sure campaign urging
people to get their gas heaters serviced.
Managing Editor Jonathan Granger
Editor Mirna Bukic Design Aer Design
Printed by Southern Colour Contributors Neil Fraser, David Ranger, Leesa Anderson,
Jason Treseder, Simon O’Leary, Paul Harris, Anitra Robertson,
Yuriy Onyschuk, Enzo Alfonsetti, Brett Fox, Michael Miskulin,
Adam Murdoch, Dan Tulen, Neil Jenkins, Doug Rennie, Alan
Hamilton. Copyright All material appearing in EnergySafe is copyright.
Reproduction in whole or in part is not permissible without
the written permission of Energy Safe Victoria, depending
on the source of the article.
Gas
22 AS4575: 2019
22 Clearances to overhead
grease filters
23 Non-compliant pipe support
systems
23 Gas inspection on extreme
fire days
Breaches
24 Identified non-compliance
26 ESV prosecutions and
infringements
Authorised and published by Energy Safe Victoria
Level 5, 4 Riverside Quay, Southbank, VIC 3006
P 03 9203 9700
[email protected] Liability Howsoever arising as a consequence of use
or reliance upon any advice, representations, statement,
opinion or conclusion expressed herein is expressly
denied by Energy Safe Victoria and all persons
involved in the preparation of this publication.
Cover ESV Line Clearance Assurance team checking
powerlines in Victoria. Image by Cat Black. ISSN: 2209-3796 (Online)
We increased our compliance inspections
around solar installations in line with the
Government’s $1.3 billion Solar Homes
program, assisted Government with the
development of new regulations and
prosecuted a MEC for a series of line
clearances breaches. Investigations
and audits of other regions across
Victoria will begin next year.
ESV also played a major role in the
implementation of the national Electrical
Equipment Safety Scheme (EESS). An
update is on page 12.
We are looking at the future with the
pending release of our Future Energy
Strategy, a scenario planning report that
raises a series of possible energy scenarios
with a view to opening a discussion about
how regulation may need to change to
address associated risks to energy
safety. Read more on page 16.
Plenty more to read in this edition as
well, including our powerline safety checks
in bushfire risk areas.
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to
all. May 2020 bring health and happiness.
Jonathan Granger
[email protected]
03