SafeWork NSW has issued a safety alert for plumbers and other workers about the dangers of removing water or gas meters or cutting through metal pipes that may be used as part of an electrical earthing system in a property.
If a fault has occurred in an electrical fixture, or if there is damaged wiring associated with the property, there is a risk that either side of any metallic piping connected to the property may become live. Live piping and wiring create a risk of workers or other people receiving an electric shock that may cause serious injury or death.
Readers may remember the heartbreaking case of Denishar Woods whose electrocution in 2018 at her family’s Perth public housing home brought the danger of pipes carrying electrical charge to wider public awareness.
To reduce the risk of electrocution from live pipes SafeWork NSW advises that when removing water or gas meters, when repairing or replacing metallic piping, or when conducting any work that may require touching nearby metallic service pipes, the following control measures should be implemented before any work commences:
- Complete a risk assessment to identify hazards and ensure appropriate control measures are in place.
- Ask clients about the condition of the electrical installation and whether there have been reports of a ‘tingling’ sensation after touching the metals pipes, taps or appliances. If an electrical fault is suspected, advise the client and the electricity network provider.
- If practicable, find the main switch for the premises and turn the power off. Attach a danger tag, or lock the switchboard, to ensure the power remains off until the work is completed.
- Where an earth wire needs to be disconnected, ensure the work is carried out by a licensed electrical contractor.
- Where practicable use a voltage indicator/proximity tester to check metal services pipes - however these can be unreliable and should not be used as a standalone control.
- Electrical Insulating Gloves should be worn and checked for damage prior to use.
- Use a bridging conductor when cutting a pipe or disconnecting a meter.
The safety alert includes specific instructions for the use of a bridging conductor when pipe must be cut or meters disconnected, as well as links to related guidance materials from Sydney Water, Building Codes Queensland and the NSW Office of Fair Trading.
Read more: Electrical hazards from metallic water and gas service | SafeWork NSW