Incident notification for electricity entities
What is a ‘serious electrical incident' and ‘dangerous electrical event’?
What is a serious electrical incident?
Section 11 of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (PDF, 788 KB) defines a serious electrical incident, and includes incidents that results in death, or a shock or injury requiring medical treatment by a doctor, caused by electricity.
What is a dangerous electrical event?
Section 12 of the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (PDF, 788 KB) defines a dangerous electrical event, and it includes events involving electrical equipment causing significant property damage; or unlicensed or unauthorised work; or when unsafe activity or equipment is found.
A dangerous electrical event may arise, for example, when:
- a person is not electrically safe in a situation involving high-voltage electrical equipment, regardless of whether a shock or injury is sustained;
- someone does electrical work without a licence; unsafely or incorrectly; or
- equipment used for electrical work is faulty.
What to report and when
If a distribution entity is aware or is advised of a serious or dangerous electrical incident, it must be reported:
- in writing
- within 24 hours
- to the Chief Executive Officer, Department of Justice and Attorney-General.
If the incident involves a death, immediate notification is required:
- by phone; or
- by fax.
Action on advice of electric shock
If a consumer advises a distribution entity of a person sustaining an electrical shock, the distribution entity must:
- ensure the scene is electrically safe to prevent further incidents;
- complete the incident report within three days
- keep the incident report for five years.
The distribution entity must also investigate any consumer concerns about electrical safety of supply equipment.
‘Making safe’ versus disturbing the scene
An inspector or police officer will need to investigate the scene of a serious or dangerous electrical incident. Nothing should be touched or moved – unless there is further risk to life or property damage.
Last updated July 16, 2009
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