Safety Switches to be Mandatory in all Workplaces
Minister Michael Daley announced on Sunday, 12th December that new laws will be introduced in NSW to mandate the use of residual current devices (safety switches) in all workplaces. The amending regulation is expected to commence in January 2011.
Under the changes, workplaces using electrical hand-held equipment, moveable equipment or equipment used in higher risk working environments must ensure either fixed or portable safety switches are used. In these situations employers will have 12 months to comply. Examples of such equipment are hand-held electrical equipment such as circular saws, angle grinders or hair dryers, portable equipment that is moved whilst in operation such as floor polishers, vacuum cleaners, portable lighting; electrical equipment that is moved between operations such as welding machines; and electrical equipment used in hostile conditions such as construction sites, wet or dusty environments, outdoors or in factories.
In addition, employers must as far as reasonably practical ensure that safety switches are incorporated before or as part of the electrical outlet socket. In this situation employers have 4 years to comply.
Services providers undertaking in-home support or community activities must ensure there is a safety switch in operation or provide a Residual Current Device (RCD) for staff to use. They will also need to have practices for the inspection and maintenance of such devices to ensure they are operational.
If you are a small business with less than 20 FTE employees and you attend a WorkCover Safety Workshop or request an advisory visit from a small business advisory officer or inspector you can seek up to $500 rebate for a safety solution which can include the installation of safety switches or purchase of RCDs.
