Working with older switchboards
Be asbestos-aware
Old Zelemite (black) electrical switchboards can contain up to 20% asbestos.
If you are working on an electrical switchboard that’s aged (pre 1987), assume the presence of asbestos, even if it is not labelled as such.
Adopt work practices that will generate as little dust as possible and contain any dust that is made.
Refer to:
- Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008 - Division 1 (on-site management of asbestos materials) Part 11
- Workplace health and safety subject – asbestos
Potential fault
The Electrical Safety Office wants all electrical installations containing switchgear inspected for damage.
A type of switchboard manufactured in the 1960s has been found to have a potential fault.
This follows an incident where it appears cables within the combined fused switch carriage, shorted to earth, causing a severe electrical fault and fire at a major public institution.
In inspecting for damage, particular attention should be drawn to:
- broken and deteriorated tension springs;
- damaged cables within the combined fused switch carriage;
- heat damage to connection points; and
- foreign and loose items within the fused switch carriage.
Last updated July 18, 2005
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