Local Governments were previously exempted by WorkCover NSW (Exemption No. 5099) in 1995, subject to certain conditions, from the requirements of Regulation 133A of the Construction Safety Act, 1913 (minimum safe working distances for crane and plant operation from overhead powerlines).
To achieve the obligations of the OHS Act 2000, on March 31, 2001 the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 (Regulation 2001) will become law in NSW replacing all previous 36 OHS Regulations.
The Certificate of Exemption 5099 has been replaced by Division 8, Section 433 (b), (c) & (d) respectively of Regulation 2001 requiring that employers ensure that: ‘Plant is not used in conditions likely to give rise to electrical hazards’, ‘appropriate work systems are provided to prevent inadvertent energising of plant connected to the electricity supply’, and ‘if excavation work is to be carried out at a place of work, all available information concerning the position of underground electrical cables is obtained and disseminated to persons at the place’.
Compliance with these requirements may seem daunting, however, IAC Safety Services have been providing training to Local Government plant operators and other relevant persons, as well as advising on appropriate work systems to prevent inadvertent energising of plant while near overhead powerlines since the mid 1990s.
For further information regarding the new legislation, or any of your training requirements please contact David Conyngham on 0418 293 753 or email iacsafety@bigpond.com.au
* Copy supplied by IAC Safety Services
