Worker lucky
to be alive
One way to identify different connectors
is to look at the ‘o’ ring on the male
connector. Some connectors are
different in colour; others have two
‘o’ rings.
Another way is to check the cable
gland at the end of the connector.
Verify the connector by looking at the
manufacturer’s logo or symbol on the
connector body to ensure they match.
A variance in shape across brands
may also be an indicator.
It is a clear requirement in the standard
that only connectors of the same
type from the same manufacturer
are mated together. It is therefore the
responsibility of the licensed person to
ensure all connectors comply with this
requirement.
Another issue that causes system
failure is the crimping of the connectors.
As these connectors carry significant
d.c. energy it is really important that
the crimping is done correctly. If there
is a poor joint with a d.c. cable, it can
lead to arcing. As solar panels are
energised by the sun it will keep arcing
while the sun shines. This is not only
an issue with solar installation, but also
all electrical work as covered in AS/
NZS 3000 clause 3.7.2.3.2. Make the
connection using a tool designed for
the purpose and techniques specified
by the manufacturer. Do not use pliers.
Use the tool required by the connector
manufacturer.
By Ed Micallef, Team Leader,
Safety Outcomes Assurance
Apprentice safety is a high
priority for ESV. A recent
incident involving a second-year
apprentice plumber is the focus
of an ESV Safety Alert, which
has gone out to both electrical
workers and gasfitters.
The incident involves a second-year
apprentice plumber, who was making
repairs to the roof of an awning and made
contact with an exposed electrical cable.
The apprentice received an electric
shock and was taken to hospital.
He is very lucky to be alive and has
since made a full recovery. The cable
was alive at 230 volts.
It is fairly common for power companies
to mount low voltage aerial bundled cables
to the fascia of buildings above awnings,
where they are exposed to the weather.
This is where the apprentice was working.
These cables are exposed to the
elements and the cable insulation can
easily deteriorate to the point where live
wires are exposed.
A few simple safety steps and the
apprentice could have identified the
risk and not been injured.
The Safety Alert shows the scene
of the incident and outlines practical safety
measures to ensure this does not happen
to you or an apprentice under supervision.
Key messages
» Solar installations are prescribed electrical installation.
» Solar Installation work cannot be energised until the work has been inspected
by a LEI (excluding the testing requirements of Regulation 245 of the Electricity
Safety (General) Regulations 2019).
» Energising a solar installation prior to the work being inspected is a breach of the Act.
» Don’t leave a solar installation energised prior to inspection.
» Always use the same type of connector from the same manufacturer.
» Always use the right crimping tool for the connectors you are using.
Had the apprentice observed the exclusion
zone for working near electricity cabling
and taken the appropriate steps outlined
in the Safety Alert, the risk would have
been isolated.
This is an opportunity to remind
electrical workers to Never work live
or to work near live parts and to all trades
that a risk assessment of the work area
should always be performed before you
start the job. It’s dangerous to look as
you go. Take a step back and make
time to check for safety risks.
Read the full Safety Alert at esv.vic.gov.au
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