The NSW Resources regulator reports in its latest Mine Safety News that in March this year, it “initiated a targeted intervention at tier-1 quarries across the state, focusing on the management of electrical hazards.”

It adds that the intervention followed an incident investigation for a reported electric shock at a quarry.

“Our investigation raised significant concerns regarding the testing, inspection and maintenance of electrical equipment at tier-1 quarries. The Targeted Intervention Program report has been finalised and is available on our website.”

The report, released in May 2021, highlights a range of findings of concern.

“Inspectors issued 84 Work Health and Safety notices in relation to the management of electrical hazards and legislative compliance. This included 23 Section 23 Notices of Concern and 61 Section 191 Improvement Notices,” the executive summary reads.

Issues identified by inspectors included poorly executed risk assessments which failed to include workers, failed to identify all electrical hazards on site and failed to nominate clearly defined risk control measures to eliminate or mitigate the risks.

These failures were reflected within electrical engineering control plans and subordinate documents.  These plans did not properly address or communicate minimum requirements for installation, commissioning, maintenance and de-commissioning of electrical plant.

Specifically, inspectors noted absent or incomplete electrical commissioning records, inspection and maintenance regimes which failed to ensure electrical risk control remained effective and no documented minimum standards for de-commissioning redundant electrical infrastructure.

Inspectors also identified issues associated with the management of arc blast, lightning protection and management of electric welding equipment.”

The full report can be found here.