Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety In the School
All electrical equipment and work with that electrical equipment must operate to the standards set out in the University's HSW Handbook - Chapter 3.7: Electrical Safety.
This document is required reading for all School staff and students.
As the policy explains, electricity always poses the risk of a lethal accident if not properly controlled.
The following safety rules apply:
- All electrical equipment must be electrically safety tested. If the equipment does not have a current safety test sticker, it cannot be used without the permission of the School Safety Co-ordinator.
- School inspection procedures demand regular inspection of all electrical equipment and the immediate repair of any faults found.
- All workers at the School must ensure that any work that demands exposed electrical terminals is guarded and signed. Such work should be avoided if at all possible.
- No electrical connections are allowed on the floor without approved arrangements for liquid and contact safety.
School Electrical Safety Testing Program
Any equipment that is connected to "mains" electricity, in any area under the supervision of the School, will be tested as per Australian Standard AS3760. This includes any privately owned equipment (e.g. computers, radios, phone chargers etc).
The School's procedures for electrical testing are as follows:
- All new equipment will be tested before it is used.
- The School will decide the frequency of testing for each item by a collective or individual hazard evaluation. In general, test periods will be:
- Heavy lab items will be tested once every 5 years
- Equipment which is regularly moved and/or the power supply cord is flexed will be tested annually
- Equipment in more hazardous environments (e.g. Cold Rooms) will be tested 6 monthly
- Equipment in facilities used by Undergraduates will be tested annually
Feedback on the MBS HSW Web or its contents may be e-emailed to the MBS HSO.
