Electrical Safety imposed following Morley Galleria incident

The order, sent to all licensed electrical contractors in Western Australia and property owners with the high voltage, oil insulated combined fuse switch produced by Long & Crawford Manchester, means that electrical supply must be completely disconnected before the opening of the switch’s lid. 

 

 

 

Energy Safety’s Director, Mr Ken Bowron said that he had taken this step following the explosion of the older combined-fuse switch earlier this month. “Many similarly aged Long & Crawford switches, of unknown number and location, are owned and operated by private owners, with unknown histories of preventative maintenance. We are looking into all aspects of these switches as part of the ongoing investigation process following the Morley Galleria accident and the order we are issuing today is made in light of evidence we have to date.”

 

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Electrical and Communications Association, Mr Suresh Manickam said that the accident was another stark reminder of the dangers electrical contractors face on a day to day basis.  “This terrible tragedy underlines the critical importance of electrical safety and the potential dangers of performing work on electrical equipment whilst it remains energised. I urge electrical contractors across Australia to take note of the order issued by Western Australia’s regulator.”

 

The order can be found here.

 

Mr Manickam commends NECA’s Western Australia chapter for establishing an appeal for the deceased and injured workers. “Our thoughts are with the affected workers and their families. I’d urge our industry and the wider community to give generously to the Morley Galleria Incident Appeal.”   

 

A link to the appeal can be found here. All funds raised will be given to the families of the deceased and injured workers.