Body Protected Area Inspections

A business or business owner has the primary duty of care under the Queensland Electrical Safety Act 2002. In the Act this is referred to as a ‘PCBU’, which stands for ‘Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking’. A PCBU can be a person if they are a sole trader or self-employed, but it usually refers to a business entity such as a company, or an undertaking such as a not-for-profit organisation. The PCBU must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the electrical safety of workers at the workplace. This means the business or business owner must do what they are reasonably able to do to ensure the electrical safety of workers and others like volunteers and visitors. Duties, or responsibilities, are also placed on managers, supervisors and, workers at a workplace.

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Due to the nature of the service they provide, medical, surgical and dental facilities have higher safety standards relating to electrical safety to minimise the possibility of electrocution.

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Under the requirements of AS/NZS 3003:2018 Electrical installations-Patient areas all new electrical installations in, and any alterations and repairs to existing patient areas must comply to this standard. This has guidance on not only the initial certification and connection of the electrical installation but also on the on-going, routine inspection and testing which must be performed at least annually.

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Your Body Protected areas should be visibly marked with a sign much as this-

 

 

 

 

The routine inspections must be performed by a competent licensed person and include-

• Visual inspection of all electrical equipment and fittings

• Correct visible labelling of electrical fittings, circuit protections & signs

• Socket outlets are of correct colour, indicator lights and toggle identification are functional/visible, switching correctly and each outlet is tested to ensure that the associated leakage protective device is functioning correctly

• Protective earthing to socket outlets and permanently wired Class I equipment is verified with a suitable and calibrated meter.

• RCD's must be inspected and tested for sensitivity, maximum tripping time at random times in relation to the mains cycle (most standard RCD testers will only test at 'Zero Degrees' and '180 Degrees' and are not suitable for this test) and the function of indicator lights as necessary.

• The correct function of line isolation monitors if installed

• The correct functioned UPS status indicators if applicable

• The provision to the health facility of a checklist/report in accordance with AS/NZS 3003:2018 which includes traceability of calibration of the test equipment used.

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For further assistance with fulfilling your responsibilities with regard to electrical safety or to make a booking please contact us on 1300 942 239

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