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Electrical Workers’
Safety Equipment
In New South Wales, statutory safety requirements for electricity transmission, distribution and
utilisation are contained in the Electricity Act (1945) and Regulations under the Act. These
Regulations have recently been extensively revised. Where possible, the Regulations now
specify the safety outcomes to be achieved whilst the means of achieving such outcomes are
matters to be determined by the Industry.
The NSW Electricity Supply Industry has responded to these regulatory reforms by publishing
an extensive series of guideline documents. These set out the Industry's view of minimum
practices which would enable an organisation, or individual, to fulfil the regulatory
requirements.
Whilst compliance with the Regulation is mandatory, organisations or individuals may choose
to depart from the recommendations of the guides provided that the necessary duty of care is
exercised and the regulatory requirements are fulfilled.
DISCLAIMER
While due care has been exercised in the compilation of this Guide, much of the content has
been sourced externally to the Association. Thus the Association cannot accept responsibility
for the content.
This Guide is designed on the basis that it will be used in its entirety, and persons who use or
observe parts of the publication without paying heed to the entirety of the publication do so at
their own risk.
This Guide has been prepared on the basis that the user will have a certain minimum level of
technical qualifications and/or experience. The Guide is not intended for use by untrained or
unqualified persons, and any one in that category using the guide does so at his/her own irks.
The Guide does not purport to ensure compliance with all relevant statutes and regulations,
such as Occupational Health and Safety Laws. Users must satisfy themselves as to the
requirements of all relevant laws.
ISSC 14
PREFACE
This Guide was prepared by a committee drawn from the NSW Electricity Supply Industry. It
was originally intended as a replacement for the Code for Safety Equipment for Work on
Overhead Lines (June 1982, amended 1984) issued by the former Energy Authority of NSW.
However it has subsequently been expanded to cover other items of safety-related equipment
needed in other areas of electrical work in the electricity supply industry. These include
jointing and associated work on underground cables, work in electrical stations, and other
work on electrical apparatus forming part of a transmission or distribution system.
The Electricity (Workers' Safety) Regulation 1992 sets out broad principles for safe practices
for electrical work, with provision for more specific requirements to be documented as matters
approved by the relevant employer. The Regulation also requires that all necessary safety
equipment be provided, as appropriate to the type of work, that each item of safety equipment
be kept in good repair, and that checks be made of its condition on a regular basis.
This edition differs considerably from the previous Code for Safety Equipment for Work on
Overhead Lines in that it considers each item of equipment under the headings of specification,
acceptance inspection, maintenance and storage. Instead of providing a detailed prescription
for each item, this Guide specifies a required level of performance.
Where practicable, the Guide cites Australian Standards as the basis of a specification and,
where no Australian Standards exist, then either foreign or International Standards. All
Standards cited in this Guide are listed in Appendix H.
Because of the performance-based approach taken, this Guide no longer includes tests from
the previous Code for Safety Equipment for Work on Overhead Lines which, upon
examination, proved to be either valueless or obsolete.
The Guide's prime purpose is to ensure the safety of electrical workers. It is not intended that
it be used to inhibit innovation where innovation enhances work practices and worker safety.
It is a guide, and equipment, tests or inspection practices other than those in this document
may well be perfectly satisfactory. Employers are at liberty to provide different equipment, to
specify different tests, or to inspect equipment in a manner or at intervals which differ from
those in this Guide, as appropriate to particular circumstances, provided always that these
alternatives are based on sound design or reasoning and that the outcome of worker safety is
not prejudiced.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. SCOPE ..........................................................................................................1
1.1 STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS ..............................................................1
1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THIS GUIDE ................................................................1
1.3 GUIDES FOR SPECIFIC KINDS OF WORK..............................................2
1.4 CONTENTS OF THIS GUIDE....................................................................2
4. HELMETS..........................................................................................................7
4.1 SPECIFICATION .......................................................................................7
4.2 ACCEPTANCE INSPECTION ..................................................................7
4.3 BEFORE-USE INSPECTION.....................................................................7
4.4 SIX-MONTHLY INSPECTION .................................................................7
4.5 MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING ..........................................................7
4.6 STORAGE..................................................................................................7
5. SAFETY BELTS AND HARNESSES ...............................................................8
5.1 SPECIFICATION .......................................................................................8
5.2 SAFETY BELTS ........................................................................................8
5.3 BODY BELTS ...........................................................................................8
5.4 POLE STRAPS ...........................................................................................8
5.5 SAFETY LINES .........................................................................................9
5.6 SAFETY HARNESS................................................................................. 10
5.7 GENERAL MAINTENANCE................................................................... 10
5.8 ACCEPTANCE INSPECTION ................................................................. 10
5.9 BEFORE-USE INSPECTION................................................................... 11
5.10 SIX-MONTHLY INSPECTION ............................................................... 11
5.11 CLEANING.............................................................................................. 11
5.12 STORAGE................................................................................................ 11
1. SCOPE
1.1 STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
This Guide applies to all work on or near electrical apparatus covered by the
Electricity (Workers' Safety) Regulation 1992.
This Guide lists the equipment required for most electrical work on or related
to electricity supply systems, providing in each case a specification, inspection
requirements including frequency, and maintenance guidelines.
Each of the groups listed has a different need and will see this Guide in a
different light or will be interested in a different aspect of it. For example, a
purchasing officer may have little interest in how to use or inspect an item,
while a technician or a lineworker probably has little interest in a performance
or test specification.
This Guide does not, in general, cover items of safety equipment which are not
directly related either to electrical work or work aloft.
However there are a number of work situations found in the electricity supply
industry which involve chemical products or hostile environments. Some
substances are to an extent hazardous and need careful handling, while
everyday things like sunlight or wind-borne foreign bodies can be hazardous
or injurious.
The provision of other safety equipment required for particular tasks is the
responsibility of employers, who may publish relevant documentation on the
requirements, use, testing and inspection of other items.
2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
2.1 INSPECTION AND TESTING OF EQUIPMENT
All items of equipment covered by this Guide must be regularly inspected
and/or tested to ensure they remain in good working order. Each section of the
Guide specifies the frequency of inspection or test required for the particular
item. Most items are required to be fully inspected at 6-monthly intervals.
Some items which do not lend themselves to unique identification (by serial
number or similar means) may if necessary be identified as a number of such
items at a particular depot or on a truck.
A system for establishing the due date for the next inspection or test is also
required. This may be part of the recording system itself, where a recall or
follow-up system shows which items are due for inspection at any time, or it
may take the form of an adhesive label on the item itself, indelibly marked
with the due date for the next inspection.
A system based on inspecting all items at specific times of the year is also
acceptable (for example all ladders to be inspected at the end of January and
July).
The defect tag or marking may only be removed after the equipment has been
repaired and successfully re-tested or re-inspected.
(b) Shirts
Shirts must be of the 'closed front' style and have long sleeves and a
collar.
In addition, the sleeve cuff-openings must be designed to make it difficult
for the sleeves to be rolled up, and the sleeve placket openings sewn up
or gusseted or otherwise fastened to prevent the exposure of bare wrist.
In any combination, clothing must be worn so that the body is covered from
neck to wrist to ankle. Shirt, coat or jacket, and/or overall fasteners must be
done up at least to the second-top button or equivalent.
Special sole materials may need to be considered for some environments, e.g
when working with insulating oil.
3.6 STORAGE
Clothing and footwear to be stored must be undamaged (good repairs are
acceptable), clean and dry.
4. HELMETS
4.1 SPECIFICATION
Helmets including harnesses must comply with AS 1801, Industrial Safety
Helmets.
Helmets must only be cleaned with soap and water or mild household
detergent. Solvents, very hot water or abrasives must not be used.
4.6 STORAGE
Helmets must not be stored in excessively hot places, for example on the shelf
of the rear window of a car.
SAFETY BELT
comprises comprises
(a) Materials
Made of synthetic-fibre webbing, synthetic-fibre rope or natural-fibre rope.
If synthetic-fibre rope then the minimum rope diameter is 12 millimetres.
If natural-fibre rope then the minimum rope diameter is 16 millimetres.
(b) Length
Adjustable so that the free fall of the wearer can be limited to 0.6 metres.
(c) Types
* Separate type. The strap is secured to the body belt by a snap hook at each
end.
* Rope type. The strap passes through the D rings and loops back to the
body belt. With this type the belt must be fitted with loops
around the back to hold the rope pole strap. One end of
the rope is passed around the pole and the two ends are
secured to each other using a sheet bend.
* Attached type. One end of the strap is permanently attached to the body
belt and the other end is attached to the body belt by a snap
hook.
(a) Material
Synthetic-fibre webbing or synthetic-fibre rope.
(b) Length
Capable of being arranged to limit the free fall of the wearer to 0.6 metres.
(d) Types
* Separate type. One end of the line secured to the body belt by a snap hook
and the other end attached by a snap hook or karabiner to a
suitable anchor point.
* Attached type. One end permanently attached to the body belt and the
other end attached by a snap hook or karabiner to a suitable
anchor point.
Safety harnesses are typically worn when working on long pole platforms, or
where freedom of movement requires a longer pole strap or safety line.
SAFETY HARNESS
comprises
with
Shoulder and leg straps must be of the same material as the body belt -
synthetic-fibre webbing.
In addition:
(a) Adjusters, buckles, D-rings and snap hooks must operate correctly and
not be distorted, cracked or worn.
(b) In particular, D-rings and snap hooks must clip together correctly with
the keeper fully closing, to prevent them coming apart accidentally.
(c) Rope must not be damaged or show any signs of wear or internal
deterioration.
(d) Stitching must not be broken, cut or worn.
(e) Webbing must not be cut, cracked or abraded or show any sign of undue
stretching or damage due to deterioration or contact with heat, solvents
or corrosives.
5.11 CLEANING
Safety belts and harnesses must only be cleaned with either soap and water or
a solvent approved by the manufacturer of the webbing.
5.12 STORAGE
Safety belts and harnesses should be stored in a dry place away from direct
sunlight.
AS 2225 requires a 5kV withstand test for one minute, followed by a 2.5kV
leakage current test for gloves for up to and including 650V. All gloves must
be tested, i.e this is a routine test.
Low voltage insulating gloves are for electrical work only, and must not be
used for protection against oil, corrosives, or any other chemical.
For low voltage work, the rated voltage must be at least 650 V.
Note: There may be other markings on the glove as agreed between the
purchaser and the manufacturer.
6.5 CLEANING
Gloves must only be cleaned with soap and water or mild dishwashing
detergent.
After cleaning, gloves must be thoroughly dried inside and out and dusted with
talcum powder or equivalent.
6.7 EXPOSURE
Gloves must not be left in the sun or exposed to bright light unnecessarily.
6.9 STORAGE
At a depot gloves must be stored in a dry, reasonably dark place and in
containers free from oil or grease.
7.6 STORAGE
Detectors and their checking devices must be stored so that they are not
subject to rough use, shock or damage from other equipment.
Detectors must be suitable for use on overhead lines, open busbars, and
enclosed switchgear (but not necessarily the same unit for all functions).
8.1.2 INDICATION
Detectors should preferably provide indication to two senses, sight and
hearing, but the essential requirement is that the indication be unambiguous.
The proximity type must be able to be placed in contact with live conductors,
and when used for proving a conductor de-energised, must be brought
progressively closer to the conductor until either it gives an indication or it
touches the conductor.
8.1.8 MARKING
Each detector must be marked as follows:
(a) the nominal system voltage or range of voltages for which it is suitable;
and
(b) the threshold voltage, if applicable.
The threshold voltage is the voltage below which the detector gives no
indication.
8.5 STORAGE
Detectors must be stored and transported in suitable protective cases designed
to protect them from damage and deterioration.
The end of the insulating section makes direct contact with the live HV
conductor or equipment and carries an operating head or hook or a piece of
test equipment.
Height-measuring sticks also include items intended for direct contact with,
but not operating on, HV conductors.
9.1.2 MATERIALS
Materials for operating rods are as follows:
Note: IEC 855 includes a dielectric type test of 100 kV/300 mm.
The handle section may be of the same material as the insulating section and
integral with it, or may be separate. Hollow or foam-filled handles should be
sealed at the end (with a rubber crutch tip or similar) to keep water out.
9.1.3 COUPLINGS
Sticks made up of rods that are coupled together must be rigid and must
remain locked when used in torsion.
9.1.4 HANDGUARD
A handguard or warning marker must distinguish the insulating section from
the handle section.
The minimum length of insulating material from the operating head to the
handguard is based on the minimum safe working distance specified in the
Electricity (Workers' Safety) Regulation 1992, for the relevant system voltage,
and must be as set out in Column 3 of Table 9.1 below.
9.1.5 LENGTH
An operating stick or rod is made up of two lengths as follows -
(a) the minimum length of the insulating section from the operating head to
the handguard (as set out in Column 3 of Table 9.1); and
(b) the length of the handle section.
The length of the handle section must allow a comfortable two handed grip
suitable for controlling the movement of the stick or rod.
The voltage rating determines the minimum length of the insulating section
(the distance from the operating head to the handguard), as shown in Table
9.1.
The required voltage rating for a stick may be achieved by coupling a number
of sections together.
The leakage current must be constant and must not exceed 100 microamps.
Each stick must be provided with a test certificate or a label on the stick itself,
which states that it has passed this power-frequency voltage-withstand test.
9.1.8 MARKING
Each stick must be marked or labelled with the following information:
(a) Manufacturer's name or trademark.
(b) Voltage rating, in kilovolts (kV).
9.1.9 FINISH
The finish of the sticks must be free of cracks, surface damage or mechanical
defects. Minor surface damage such as light scratches may be acceptable.
Also: Sticks used during rain or fog may require extended and protected
creepage paths. This can be provided by the fitting of weathersheds.
The test requirements and conditions are identical to the voltage withstand test
specified in Clause 9.1.7 for acceptance.
Repairs to the surface coating may be made by light sanding and re-coating
with an epoxy varnish or coating recommended by the manufacturer, but the
stick must then be re-tested in accordance with Clause 9.1.7.
Sticks must be stored in a dry place away from items which could damage
their surface coating.
9.6 TRANSPORT
Sticks must be carried in suitable carrying rolls or containers, or on racks or
supports designed for the purpose. They must not be carried loose.
Earthing and short-circuiting equipment must be adequate for the fault level
and protection clearing time of the line or apparatus concerned. It must not be
used where it is subject to -
more than the rated current; or
more than the rated thermal capacity (i.e. the Joule integral, I2t, of the rated
current and rated time).
This section also applies to 'personal protective bonding' leads and clamps
used for equipotential bonding. After all, these are simply single-phase
earthing leads.
10.1.2 CHARACTERISTICS
Earthing and short-circuiting equipment must have the following
characteristics:
(a) Cables sufficiently flexible to allow easy installation and storage.
(b) Cable terminations protected from conductor fatigue due to cable
flexing.
(c) Mechanical strength sufficient to withstand the forces developed during a
fault current.
(d) Insulation on cables and handles (or sticks) sufficient to provide
continuing mechanical, chemical and electrical protection.
There is no requirement for insulation to the level of the high voltage line or
apparatus. Insulation with a voltage rating of 0.6/1 kV is satisfactory.
10.1.3 RATINGS
Earthing and short-circuiting equipment is identified by its rated current, Ir
r.m.s., and the duration of that current, the rated time tr. These ratings must be
established by type testing as set out in Appendix E.
Standard current ratings are -
10 16 20 25 31.5 40 50 63 kiloamps (kA)
These may be selected in any combination appropriate to the intended use, e.g.
25kA/0.5s, or 16kA/1.0s.
10.1.4 MARKING
Earthing and short-circuiting equipment must be marked or tagged so as to
identify its rated current and rated time e.g colour-coding or a printed label.
If the equipment has any defect it must be withdrawn from service and not
used until repaired.
10.7 STORAGE
As far as practicable, earthing and short-circuiting equipment should be stored
so that it is protected against damage or deterioration.
When type tested as set out in Appendix D of this Guide, the leakage current
of the drape-type covers must not exceed 10 milliamps and that of the pipe
type-covers 20 milliamps.
11.4 MAINTENANCE
Damaged mats, covers and pipes must be discarded - not repaired.
Only tools which comply with this Section may be regarded as insulated.
Other tools which are 'covered' or which appear to be insulated should not
be used for live work without additional precautions such as wearing
insulating gloves.
Only tools marked in accordance with this section and re-tested at regular
intervals (see Clause 12.5) may be regarded as insulated tools.
12.2 SPECIFICATION
12.2.1 INSULATION REQUIREMENTS
Low voltage insulated tools must comply with the electrical insulation
requirements of AS 3527 Part 2, Insulated screwdrivers.
AS 3527.2 requires a routine test of the insulation, which must withstand for 5
minutes an applied 50 Hz voltage corresponding to the voltage rating, as
shown in Table 12.1.
12.2.2 MARKING
Insulated tools must be marked on the handle (in accordance with AS 3527.2)
with their voltage rating. This is the maximum voltage at which they may be
used. Tools marked with a 'voltage rating' other than those shown in Table
12.1 do not comply with AS 3527.2.
12.6 USE
Only tools and equipment specifically made for live LV work, and which
comply with this Section, may be regarded as being suitable for use without
additional insulation.
12.7 STORAGE
Insulated tools must be stored and handled carefully so that they are protected
from damage to the insulation.
13.2 CONTAINER
The container must be as follows:
(a) Marking
The container or its lid must be marked in a conspicuous fashion to identify it
for emergency rescue purposes. This may be by use of a distinctive colour or
by an easily visible label.
(b) Lid
A lid which provides reasonable protection from sun, rain and dust must be
provided.
(c) Handle
One handle at least must be provided.
(d) Capacity
The container must be capable of easily accommodating the items which make
up the kit.
Winches or lifting equipment must have a safe working load of at least 150 kg,
established by type test with a safety factor of at least 3. Testing and
certification arrangements should be established between individual employers
and equipment suppliers, and comply with the requirements of the WorkCover
Authority where necessary.
In addition, the full length of the rope life-line must be taken out and examined
for damage (e.g from attack by battery acid). If the rope is found to be
damaged it must be discarded and replaced by a new rope that complies with
Clause 13.3.
The requirement for a new rope does not, of course, apply to simulated or
practice rescues, but a practice rope must not be used for an in-service kit.
13.13 STORAGE
Rescue kits should be stored in a dry place preferably out of direct sunlight.
14. LADDERS
14.1 SPECIFICATION
14.1.1 GENERAL
In general, only ladders made of non-conductive materials such as timber or
fibreglass should be used for work on or near live electrical equipment.
Specifically, conductive ladders must not be used for work on overhead lines,
except for lines supported by steel towers.
For both timber and fibreglass ladders the following ropes are required:
(a) A head rope to secure the top of the ladder to the pole.
(b) A rope attached approximately 1 metre from the foot of the ladder and to
which is attached a flag of a prominent colour.
14.2.2 MARKING
At acceptance inspection ladders must be seen to be marked as follows:
(a) Name of manufacturer.
(b) Length (or maximum extended length) in metres.
(c) Weight in kilograms.
In addition, timber ladders must have their stiles marked with the letters 'MSG'
or the words 'MECHANICALLY STRESS GRADED', followed by the letters
B, G or P, or marked with the corresponding colours Black, Green or Purple.
The letters or words must be clear of the rung holes of an assembled ladder.
Linseed oil (or similar timber finish) must occasionally be applied to all bare
or worn areas, as required.
14.6 TRANSPORT
Ladders must be transported on racks which -
(a) do not allow them to sag unduly;
(b) have secure fastenings; and
(c) minimise chafing and the effects of road bumps.
14.7 STORAGE
Ladders must be stored in well-ventilated places and which preferably are
protected from the weather.
(a) Characteristics
Typical characteristics for platforms are shown in Table 15.1. For practical
purposes the lower end of the range of safe-working loads can be taken to be a
minimum figure.
(b) Marking
Platforms must be clearly marked or labelled as follows:
* Manufacturer's name, trade name or trade mark or other identification.
* Nominal safe-working load, in kilograms.
* Any special instructions, e.g. where a platform has a replacement part
made from, say, heat-treated alloy, that part must be branded or tagged to
indicate the type of material the part is made of, and any warnings
regarding treatment of replacement parts.
15.5 STORAGE
Their robust nature means there are no particular requirements for platform
storage.
The top end of the rope is permanently attached to the platform and fed
through the controlled-descent device. Typically the device is based on the
friction of several turns of the rope around a polished capstan. The device is
fitted with a snaphook for attachment to the user's safety belt or harness.
The device should of course already be fitted to the rope so that it is ready for
immediate use in an emergency.
When the system is used, the cover is released and falls to the ground. This
pulls the rope after it. The user then attaches the device to the safety belt or
harness, begins the descent and controls the rate of descent by adjusting the
angle of the rope entering the device. At right-angles to the device the rope
cannot slip and the user remains stationary. But at other angles the rope slips
through at a rate proportional to the rope angle and the weight of the user.
With this type of system, the descent can also be controlled by an assistant on
the ground, by pulling on the rope.
16.2 SPECIFICATION
16.2.1 GENERAL
Controlled-descent systems must be designed so that they require no
maintenance other than occasional cleaning.
The rope must be securely attached to an anchor point on the platform and
integrated with the device so that the system is ready for use.
Important: If the rope passes over the top of the basket, it must have an
insulated wire rope leader at this point, to withstand a fire in the
basket.
16.2.3 MARKING
Controlled descent devices must be marked as follows:
- Manufacturer's name or trademark
- Safe-working load (SWL), in kilograms
16.2.4 ROPE
Rope must be as follows:
(a) Synthetic-fibre:
Diameter: At least 12 millimetres.
Length: Fully extended height of the platform plus 4 metres.
(b) Natural-fibre:
Diameter: At least 16 millimetres.
Length: Fully extended height of the platform plus 4 metres.
(c) If the device relies upon rope friction then the rope must be of a braided
or plaited lay type.
(d) If part of an elevated work platform, the rope must be securely attached
to an anchor point. The anchor point itself must be structurally sound,
the EWP basket being reinforced if necessary.
(b) from an uncontrolled fall the descent device must bring to a halt within 2
metres a mass corresponding to the safe-working load.
The full length of the rope must be run out and checked.
16.5 STORAGE
Controlled-descent devices, ropes and snaphooks for controlled-descent
systems must be kept in clean and dry conditions and ready for immediate use.
17.2 DESIGN
Tool containers must be designed so that their contents will not spill out when
the container is carried, lifted or suspended in the normal way. One handle at
least must be provided.
When the tool container is suspended, say, from a crossarm, then the way it is
suspended must prevent -
(a) the container from slipping or falling; and
(b) the top of the container from closing.
17.6 STORAGE
Tool containers must be stored in a dry place, preferably away from direct
sunlight.
The spike or point of the stabber may be connected to the cable sheath or
cleaned armour of the cable to be stabbed by a flexible lead and suitable
clamp. If the sheath or armour cannot carry the prospective fault current then
an insulated flexible lead must be connected to a remote permanent earth or
earth stake.
18.1.2 CHARACTERISTICS
Stabbing devices must have the following characteristics:
(a) Mechanical strength sufficient to withstand the forces developed when
an energised cable is stabbed.
However, the equipment does not necessarily have to survive the fault current
without damage. The object of the exercise was after all to prove the cable de-
energised.
(b) Cable (where required) sufficiently flexible to allow easy installation and
storage.
18.1.3 RATINGS
Because stabbers need not survive intact if used to stab an energised cable, nor
ensure the operation of protection equipment, there can be no definitive
requirements for ratings based on current and time as with earthing and short-
circuiting equipment.
Hand-held stabbers must not be used on cables with a prospective fault level
of more than 25 kA. (Employers will have to identify those cables
concerned).
Any flexible cables and clamps used for connection to a remote earth (because
of limited fault current rating of cable sheath or armour) should have a current
rating and rated time adequate for the fault level and protection clearing time
of the cable to be stabbed. These ratings should be established by type-test as
for earthing and short-circuiting equipment as set out in Appendix E.
18.1.5 MARKING
Hand-held stabbing equipment must be marked or tagged with the maximum
current for which it may be used, corresponding to the fault level used for the
type-test described in Clause 18.1.4.
Flexible cables and clamps used for connection to a remote earth should be
marked or tagged with their current rating and their rated time as established
by type-testing as set out in Appendix E.
18.5 STORAGE
Stabbing equipment must be stored so that it is protected against damage or
deterioration.
19.2 SPECIFICATION
Equipment used for cable identification must use one of the above methods,
which have been accredited because they are inherently reliable. The only
requirement for equipment is that it provide unambiguous indication of the
correct cable as appropriate to the method concerned under intended operating
conditions.
19.4 STORAGE
Cable identification equipment may be prone to damage from shock or rough
handling. It should be stored and transported so as to protect it from damage.
Hazardous gases are classified as either being toxic or explosive and a gas
detector must be used to establish and monitor the quality of the atmosphere in
confined spaces to ensure that contaminants are well below dangerous toxicity
or explosive levels.
20.3 SPECIFICATION
Gas detection and monitoring devices must comply in broad terms with AS
2275 Combustible Gas Detection Instruments for use in Explosive
Atmospheres, Part 2 - Performance Requirements.
There are three major atmospheric hazards which can occur in confined
spaces, as follows:
(a) Flammable gases and vapours
(b) Available oxygen
(c) Toxic gases and vapours
20.7 STORAGE
Gas detectors must be stored and transported so that they are protected from
damage or deterioration. The sensors are vulnerable to damage, especially to
high gas or air pressure or high concentrations of contaminants.
(c) Marking
Kits must be clearly identified on the outside of the container.
21.3 REPLENISHMENT
Any items used must be replaced as soon as possible. Note that the kit is
required to contain a contents list, allowing the contents to be checked against
the list.
21.5 STORAGE
Kits held at a depot must be stored in a dry place away from direct sunlight.
Kits carried in vehicles must be stowed in places where they can be easily
reached. As well, they must be restrained in order to prevent them getting
loose within the vehicle.
B2 PRINCIPLE
A portable pole platform is attached to a pole in the normal way and a force
that is 3 times the nominated safe working load is applied to a specified point
on the platform. If the platform deforms, cracks or shows a permanent bend it
fails the test.
B3 APPARATUS
The following apparatus is required:
(c) Pole:
Of a type for which the platform is designed, e.g concrete, wood. The pole
must be set in the ground to a depth sufficient to stop the pole moving when
the load is applied.
B4 PROCEDURE
The procedure is as follows:
(a) Select a portable pole platform and note the marked safe working load.
(b) Mark the mid-point of the working area of the platform.
(c) Attach the platform to the pole.
(d) For between 60 and 65 seconds apply the appropriate mass or force (see
Clause B3) on the mid-point of the platform, via a test 'foot' with an area
of between 100 cm2 and 200 cm2.
(e) After removing the mass or force, note and record any cracking or
permanent bending of the platform.
(f) Destroy the platform.
B5 REPORT TO MANUFACTURER
In the report to the manufacturer state the following:
(a) Date of type test.
(b) Model number (or equivalent) of the platform type tested.
(c) Nominated safe working load, in kilograms.
(d) Mass, in kilograms, and the period, in seconds, that the force
corresponding to the mass was applied to the platform.
(e) Details, if any, of any deformations, cracks or permanent bending.
D2 PRINCIPLE
The insulation is placed between two electrodes across which a specified high
voltage is applied for a specified period and the leakage current is measured.
D3.2 MATERIALS
The following materials are required:
(a) Sealant Silicone rubber
(b) Water Distilled water with 1% salt (sodium chloride) sufficient for
the bath.
D4 PROCEDURE
D4.1 INSULATING COVERS
The procedure for type testing the insulating covers is as follows:
(a) Condition the cover by placing it in the bath and covering it entirely with
water maintained at 23 +/- 2oC for 24 hours.
(b) Remove the cover, dry with a clean dry cloth and lay it over the
electrodes as shown in Figure D3.
(c) Across the electrodes apply a test voltage of 5 kV for 1 minute and
measure and record the leakage current.
D4.2 PIPES
The procedure for type testing the pipes is as follows:
(a) Prepare the pipe by sealing each end with silicone rubber and filling with
water. Then put it in the bath with its split uppermost and above the
surface of the water as shown in Figure D2.
(b) Keep the pipe in the bath for 24 hours and maintain the water at 23 +/-
2oC.
(c) Across the pipe and using the water as the electrodes, apply a test voltage
of 5 kV for 1 minute and measure and record the leakage current.
D5 REPORT TO MANUFACTURER
Report the leakage currents measured.
Covers: Maximum 4mA.
Pipes: Maximum 20mA.
E2 PRINCIPLE
Pass a specified value of current through the earthing and short-circuiting
equipment for a specified period. Observe the thermal and mechanical effects.
The values of test current and test time that do not impair the mechanical or
electrical integrity of the system establish the basis for the values of rated
current and rated time.
E3 PROCEDURE
Normally the rated current and rated time are first established by the designer.
The procedure is then as follows:
(a) From the equipment's rating, calculate the test current -
It > 1.15Ir
The initial peak value of the test current depends upon the test set up.
Preferably the test current initial peak value is at least twice its r.m.s. value.
The test set-up must subject the equipment to the worst combinations of
thermal and mechanical stresses.
(b) Pass the test current (It) through the system for the rated time (tr).
(c) Establish that the mechanical or electrical integrity of the system has not
been impaired.
E4 REPORT TO MANUFACTURER
Report the rated current and rated time and whether the equipment withstood
the test.
F2 PRINCIPLE
The electrical conductivity between clamps of the system under test is
compared with that of a new system of the same type and rating.
F3 APPARATUS
The following apparatus is required:
(a) Test set up: Capable of providing a d.c. current between 100 A and 500
A with ripple content of less than 5%. Voltage and current measuring
equipment accurate to 1%.
(b) New system: New and unused earthing and short-circuiting equipment
identical to that under test.
F4 PROCEDURE
The procedure is as follows:
(a) Apply the test current appropriate to the rated current of the system
under test (see Table F1) between clamps so that all terminations are
tested. Measure and record the voltage drop.
(b) Repeat Step (a) with the new equipment.
G2 PRINCIPLE
Cable terminations are cut off and the cable insulation and strands examined.
If satisfactory they are suitable for retermination.
G3 PROCEDURE
The procedure is as follows:
(a) Cut the cables at or beyond the end of any termination support, e.g.
heatshrink tubing or stress control clamp.
(b) Inspect the cable insulation.
(c) Strip off enough cable insulation to allow careful inspection of the
conductors by unwinding the individual strands.
If more than 1% of the conductor strands are broken, or the strands are
significantly oxidised or the insulation is cracked or wrinkled, the cable
is failed. If this damage is localised, the cable may be cut further back
and the assessment repeated.
(d) If the cable is satisfactory then the cable may be reterminated so that the
new terminations are exactly the same as the originals.
Standard Title
AS 1249 1990 Children's nightclothes having reduced fire hazard
AS 1748 1978 Mechanically stress-graded timber
AS 1800 1981 The selection, care and use of industrial safety helmets
AS 1801 1981 Industrial safety helmets
AS/NZS 1891.1 1995 Safety Belts and harnesses
AS 1892.1 1986 Portable ladders - Metal
AS 1892.2 1992 Portable ladders - timber
AS/NZS 1892.3 1996 Portable ladders - Reinforced plastics
AS 2210.2 1994 Occupational protective footwear - specification
AS 2225 1994 Insulating gloves for electrical purposes
AS 2275.2 1979 Combustible gas detecting instruments for use in explosive
atmospheres - performance requirements
AS 2626 1983 Industrial safety belts and harnesses - Selection, use and
maintenance
AS 2919 1987 Industrial clothing
AS/NZS 2978 1995 Insulating mats for electrical purposes
AS 3100 1994 Approval & test specification - General requirements for electrical
equipment
AS 3527.2 1990 Insulated screwdrivers
AS 4202 1994 Insulating covers for electrical purposes
IEC 855 Insulating Foam-filled Tubes and Solid Rods for Live-Line Working
This appendix shows the inspection requirements for each item, and gives a
reference to the appropriate clause in the Guide.