Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidelines and information to effectively manage electrical incidents within Company.
Scope
This procedure applies to all workers of Company and visitors including contractors, volunteers, work experience students, trainees and clients.
CAUTION: Ensure overhead and underground powerlines are marked. Treat any downed or broken powerlines as “live” whether or not they are sparking or arcing.
In the event of an electrical incident involving machinery:
If unplanned contact with electric lines occurs, the following action is to be taken:
- Stay away.
- Do not try to break contact between the machinery and the power line because lines can be damaged;
- Stay in the cabin.
- Machinery operators must not leave their machinery until the power is switched off and the area declared safe by the Owner of the power lines;
- Call the Owner of the line immediately;
- Keep all persons at least 8 m away;
- If immediate evacuation of the machine is necessary, JUMP WELL CLEAR, WITH FEET TOGETHER, AND HOP AWAY.
- Do not touch the ground and the machinery at the same time;
- Be aware that contact with live high voltage may cause vehicle tyres to explode, not necessarily immediately; and
- If power lines are brought down, do not go near them, keep well clear.
If an unauthorised machine or person enters the Exclusion Zone, immediately withdraw from the Zone if possible and report to the supervisor on site. If it is not possible to withdraw from the exclusion zone, shut down the machine in a safe manner and contact the supervisor on site.
If machinery contacts power lines, do not step off the machine. Try not to move. Call for someone to contact emergency services and the local electricity supplier for help.
In the event of an electric shock
- Contact a first aid officer.
- Do not touch anyone who is receiving an electrical shock until the electricity is disconnected.
- Send for urgent medical help and inform authorities and the local electricity supplier of the incident. Before you give first aid, ensure the victim is clear of any contact with the electrical source.
- If the victim is not breathing and it is clear of the electrical source, start resuscitation at once.
- Report the incident to the Workplace Health and Safety Officer.
Working in the Rail Corridor
If work is being conducted within the rail corridor, refer to chapter 2.4.8 as the environment and legislation requires that operators and workers coordinate operations with the relevant Authorised Track Manager and adhere to policies and procedures detailed in the Rail Safety Act and Regulations 2017.
Definitions
- Electric shock – a sudden discharge of electricity through a part of the body.
- Energised/live – supply energy, typically kinetic or electrical energy to (something).
- Underground – powered cables that run below the surface of the ground. Must be at a depth of at least 600mm below surface level.