Keeping plumbers safe around electricity
Plumbers run the risk of receiving an electric shock when cutting metallic water pipes or replacing water meters. Understand why you may be at risk and what you can do to work safely
Things to do before starting work
- Complete a risk assessment. This will identify hazards (including work practices and procedures) and help you implement appropriate control measures.
- If appropriate, inform the customer and isolate the electrical supply. Locate the main switch/es and turn them off attaching a āDo not operateā tag. Remember, this may not isolate all stray voltage.
- You must Dial before you dig before breaking any ground to know the location of underground power lines and their proximity to your work activities and transit routes.
- Find out the location of overhead power lines and their proximity to your work activities and transit routes before commencing any overhead work actions by visiting Look up and live or phoning 131 003.
- Test water pipes with a self-testing voltage indicator for stray voltage.
- If the earth wire needs to be moved or disconnected, or shows signs of being damaged, or where any existing metallic pipe is to be replaced in part or in its entirety by plastic pipe or other non-metallic fittings or couplings, the work must not commence until the earthing requirements have been checked by an electrical contractor and modified, if necessary
Bridge the gap ā avoid the zap
Test water pipes with an approved testing device to determine if there is any voltage in the pipes. If a voltage reading of 5 volts or above is detected, warn the customer and contact Endeavour Energy immediately as there is a problem with the electrical system
Clean water pipe back to the bare metal on either side of the work area that you intend to cut/work on. This assists the bridging conductor to achieve a good connection
Attach the bridging conductor to the cleaned pipe and secure it firmly ensuring both ends will not come loose during work. Do not work outside of the bridging conductor
Complete the job whilst working inside the bridged area
Remove the bridging conductor once all work inside the bridge has been completed including all joining work
Test water pipes with an approved testing device to determine if there is any voltage in the pipes. If a voltage reading of 5 volts or above is detected, warn the customer and contact Endeavour Energy immediately as there is a problem with the electrical system
Clean water pipe back to the bare metal on either side of the work area that you intend to cut/work on. This assists the bridging conductor to achieve a good connection
Attach the bridging conductor to the cleaned pipe and secure it firmly ensuring both ends will not come loose during work. Do not work outside of the bridging conductor
Complete the job whilst working inside the bridged area
Remove the bridging conductor once all work inside the bridge has been completed including all joining work
When bridging, always remember
Every time, before using one, visually inspect the bridging conductor for any damage
Ensure bridging conductors have a current rating of no less than 70 amps
Ensure suitable bridging conductors, with insulated screw type clamps, are fitted for each end of the electrical bridging conductor
Ensure PPE is used, especially insulated electrical gloves (minimum 500 volts). Every time, prior to use, ensure gloves are checked for damage such as holes
Do not break or remove the bridge until all work on the bridged area is completed and continuity of the metallic service pipe has been restored
Every time, before using one, visually inspect the bridging conductor for any damage
Ensure bridging conductors have a current rating of no less than 70 amps
Ensure suitable bridging conductors, with insulated screw type clamps, are fitted for each end of the electrical bridging conductor
Ensure PPE is used, especially insulated electrical gloves (minimum 500 volts). Every time, prior to use, ensure gloves are checked for damage such as holes
Do not break or remove the bridge until all work on the bridged area is completed and continuity of the metallic service pipe has been restored
Simple ways to keep your worksite safe
ā¢ Check for any work areas which may be hazardous for other reasons such as gas, water etc
ā¢ Look for obvious signs of underground services such as conduits, pipes, warning tape, bricks or equipment
ā¢ If required, arrange for the isolation of electricity supply or the application of insulating matting onto service and point of attachment by Endeavour Energy
ā¢ If there are power lines near the worksite, install appropriate signage
