1. APPLY SENIOR ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR JOB
The NSW Department of Customer Service is seeking to employ a Senior Electrical Inspector – Building Specialist Compliance Unit (NSW Fair Trading/Building & Construction Service). The position advert states, “This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of experienced specialist trades inspectors and apply your technical expertise and knowledge in a compliance and regulatory environment.”
The promotion for the position asks:
- Are you an experienced electrical practitioner who wants to improve the quality and standards of electrical work in NSW?
- Do you want to be part of a team that monitors compliance within the specialist trades and provides consumer safety?
About the role:
“This position is primarily responsible for inspections, investigations and education within the electrical industry. You will be required to undertake proactive targeted operations and education campaigns to ensure and enhance compliance with the Electrical and Gas (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 and Regulation 2018.”
For more information about the position refer attached Role Description (RD) and advert. Or click HERE to access the online version of the Role Description.
For enquiries relating to recruitment please contact Lauren Alcorn via Lauren.Alcorn@customerservice.nsw.gov.au or enquiries regarding the position, please contact Bruce Blacker on 0436 665 014
Closing Date: 28th October 2021 (9:59am)
2. CERTIFICATE III IN ELECTROTECHNOLOGY ELECTRICIAN ELECTIVE UNITS UPDATED
The Electrotechnology Training Package has now been transited to Release 3.0, released 14 October 2021. Five new Units of Competency were added, four new Skill Sets, two updated Skill Sets and 1 qualification was transitioned.
Minor changes to a range of UEE Training Package components were made at the same time as products endorsed as part of Release 3.0 was published. This included fixing minor errors in 10 Units of Competency, fixing minor errors in four Qualifications, and adding units to the general electives of 18 qualifications.
With respect to the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician qualification the following were added:
- UEEEL0075 – Inspect, test and maintain emergency alarm systems and equipment
- UEEEL0076 – Inspect, test and maintain emergency lighting systems
- UEERE0049 – Apply safe work practices in the rooftop solar industry
The following Unit of Competency was removed:
- UEEEL0048 – Install and maintain emergency lighting systems
LATEST ON – AUTHENTIC WORKPLACE EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS
Discussion and negotiations continue in relation to the issue with the authentic workplace evidence requirement in 11 Units of Competency following one State Training Authority’s (STA’s) decision to oppose the minor amendment solution that was developed by a specially convened sub-committee of stakeholders by the Electrotechnology IRC. The lone STA’s decision to oppose the change will now result in a delay to any prospect of completing minor changes in a timely manner. It will create much difficulty for RTOs.
In this light, it is necessary to support a delay in the transition arrangement to October 2022 until October 2023. The NSW UE ITAB will support any actions in this regard and is deeply disappointed that one STA has seen fit to oppose all of the industry, RTOs, ITABs, other agencies including other STAs collective wisdom, that the proposed solution was acceptable and should be permitted to proceed as a fast-tracked minor amendment.
The decision by the lone STA is very frustrating given all the effort stakeholders gave to find a solution. Whilst not acceptable and optimal to all, it was nonetheless, agreed to by all sub-committee technical expert stakeholders.
Little wonder why there is a continued chant that the Training Package system is broken. Why? Because it again evinces, that it fails to deliver to industry and RTOs who collectively found a joint solution. It is inappropriate and a flawed system when those with little technical knowledge about the product, are given powers beyond their scope. It infects a common sense and overwhelming acceptable solution to a problem agreed to by all of the stakeholders. Hopefully, other seasoned power brokers will negotiate a speedy solution for the Electrotechnology IRC.
In the meantime, stakeholders should provide advice to the Electrotechnology IRC as to their support for an extension to the transition period to October 2023.
Changes – VETNet:
For more information regarding the Release 3.0 Electrotechnology Training Package visit the following links:
- UEE Release 3.0 Electrotechnology Pre-Requisites Companion Volume
- UEE Release 3.0 Electrotechnology Companion Volume Implementation Guide (CVIG)
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician – qualification comparison
3. AUGMENTED REALITY FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLERS
The 15 October 2021, Electrical Connection news by Editor Sean Carroll, raises the interesting topic of how augmented reality (AR) might be able to help electrical installers in their work.
The article states, R&M (Reichle & De-Massari AG), a leading Global cabling and connectivity solution provider for high end-communication network “sees it as a possibility for facilitating cabling and assembly in data centres and buildings.”
“It sounds like a dream. You can analyse network cabinets or entire data centres from inside and out, without actually being on-site. You can carry out complex assembly or lay building cabling without ever having read the manual or seen the plan. In the future, AR is going to make this possible.” …
“Here is a specific example: On a construction site, an installer touches an R&M patch panel. At the same time, the assembly instructions appear on his tablet or portable display, including a three-dimensional CAD drawing that can be looked at from all sides.”
4. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2022 NSW WOMEN’S WEEK GRANTS
The NSW Government is encouraging organisations to apply for grant funding to hold events and activities that celebrate women during the 2022 NSW Women’s Week, 7 – 13 March 2022.
The NSW Women’s Week grants provide local organisations with an opportunity to deliver a range of activities that will provide direct benefit to women and girls in NSW. The total grant funding is $100,000 which will comprise of individual grants from $3,000 to $5,000.
The grant round will be open from 9am (AEST) Monday 11 October and closes 11.59pm (AEST) Monday 15 November 2021. Applicants will be notified of the outcome in December 2021.
For more information and to view the grant guidelines, please visit the Women NSW website. to apply follow the link – APPLY NOW
5. UNDERSTANDING PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT WEBINAR
Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has advised that its next webinar will cover, “Understanding performance assessment”. It will be held Thursday 21 October 2021. Learn more about what happens before, during and after an ASQA performance assessment.
ASQA state, “This interactive webinar will include dedicated segments explaining each stage of performance assessment, followed by a live Q&A.
To submit questions to our panel ahead of time, or for enquiries about the webinar, please contact events@asqa.gov.au .
Webinar details:
Date: Thursday 21 October 2021
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 pm AEDT
6. TRADE PATHWAYS PROGRAM – CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY PILOT
Training Services NSW is keen to promote the Trade Pathways Program – Construction Industry pilot. The pilot provides an opportunity for individuals with industry experience count towards getting a QUALIFICATION, stating “If you’ve already got experience working in building and construction, great news!
You may be able to have your skills and previous work experience recognised through the Trade Pathways Program. Simply take a skills assessment and you may be eligible for fee-free gap training. Get recognised and start training today for a career in trades tomorrow.”
The attached flyers provide more detailed information about the Pilot:
Eligibility:
- You need to be over 21 years old
- Have at least 2 years’ experience in the trade you want to be trained in
- Currently work or have worked in the construction industry within the last five years
- Not be a registered apprentice or trainee
- Live or work in NSW
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen
Enquire now – email tradepathways@det.nsw.edu.au for further information.
7. ELECTRICAL SAFETY INCIDENTS – SHARING THE KNOWLEDGE
The NSW UE ITAB again IS fortunate this month to be provided with the latest electrical incident reports from BluScope Steel. As stated previously the NSW UE ITAB has received permission from BlueScope Steel to share the information. The aim is to help RTOs and industry practitioners have available, real case electrical incidents that occur in workplaces that they can showcase in their programs or safety moments to highlight findings and how responses are actioned to occurring events.
The NSW UE ITAB again, sincerely thanks BlueScope Steel For their permission, and advises RTOs and industry practitioners to ensure they recognise attribution to BlueScope for sharing this information and treat the information for educational purposes only. As we receive the incident reports, we will continue to share them accordingly.
For this News Service we have two Blue Scope Steel reports covering August 2021 and September 2021. For more information and BlueScope contact details please refer to the undersigned for more information. Again, a sincere thanks to BlueScope.
8. APPRENTICE ELECTROCUTED – SUPERVISORS NOT TRAINED
Chris Halliday, at Power Logic report on a young apprentice that was electrocuted in a trench. The article states, “An inquest into the death in July 2021 heard that his supervisors had no formal supervision training and he had previously failed a test for working with ‘live’ wires and had been using the wrong safety equipment on the day he died.
Mr Darren Berry, a trainer in cables and jointing, told the inquest that “outside of formal training courses, apprentices’ on-the-job training would be organised informally between tradespeople and apprentices, often working in pairs on individual jobs”. He also provided testimony that training was often ‘informal’ and there was no real training in supervision, “the jointers know their job and show apprentices how to do it”.
Berry stated “that at the time of Owen’s death there were no regular courses to keep jointers updated on the latest ways of working outside of occasional tool box talk”.
Assistant Coroner Sarah Richards “It is striking that they don’t see themselves as supervisors. They have no training as supervisors and no refresher courses. A jointer could be extremely proficient, but not proficient at teaching.”
9. ELECTRICAL HAZARD REMINDER AFTER BABY’S CLOSE CALL
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety through the WA’s Director of Energy Safety has released an alert reminder to parents following an incident of a 10-month-old baby who made contact with live parts of a damaged power supply.
“The announcement reminds parents check the condition and location of electrical equipment at their homes after a baby was lucky to escape with only finger burns when he touched live components.
Building and Energy electrical inspectors attended a house in Hocking in August after the 10-month-old boy managed to reach a power board where fish tank lights were plugged in.”
WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan said, “Also remember that residual current devices, or RCDs, do not provide protection against all electrical hazards.”
For more information read the announcement. READ MORE HERE
10. NZ – NEW COMPETENCY PROGRAMME AUDIT SCHEME FOR ELECTRICAL
The New Zealand Electrical Workers Registration Board is introducing a new ongoing quality assurance auditing regime directed towards the electrical worker Competency Programme (CP). The article outlined in the Electrical Regulator’s Electron Issue 110 and communicated by Deputy Presiding Member, Russell Keys states, “Over the course of last year, a number of pilot audits were carried out to establish the principals/requirements for the ongoing auditing regime, and the Board would like to thank those participating providers.” …
“Electrical workers attending a CP that is subject to an audit will not notice anything different apart from the attendance of an auditor who will be evaluating the course and assessments are carried out to the Boards requirements.
However, to assist with the smooth running of the audit, attendees should ensure they come well prepared with the knowledge, skills and instruments to undertake the practical testing assessment.”
READ MORE HERE or download a copy of the FACILITATOR’S GUIDE aimed at preparing and delivering a competency program for electrical workers.
11. COMPANY PROSECUTED – FIRST YEAR APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN FELL 6.5 METRES
SafeWork NSW and NECA report on a incident where a young 19-year-old first year electrical apprentice he fell 6.5 meters in August 2018. NECA news article on its website states, “The apprentices was installing a solar panel mounting rail on the roof of a warehouse in Tomago NSW when he fell through a skylight and landed on the warehouse floor.
He was wearing a safety harness attached by a rope to the roof, but the rope was too long. “
After a SafeWork NSW investigation, the defendant, PV Solar Pro Pty Ltd, was charged with a breach of section 32/19(1) of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
…
“Judge Scotting noted PV Solar did have safety systems requiring workers to obtain working-at-heights qualifications before being employed, but “unknown to [it], the working-at-heights course attended by Mr Hayter had some material deficiencies”.
He found an appropriate fine for the employer was $400,000, before reducing it by 25 per cent for its guilty plea. He ordered it to pay $70,000 in costs and recorded a conviction.
READ MORE HERE NECA WEBSITE or visit the NSW District Court weblink at: SafeWork NSW v PV Solar Pro Pty Ltd [2021] NSWDC 258 (18 June 2021)
12. OCTOBER IS NATIONAL SAFE WORK MONTH
Safe Work Australia is reminding workers that October is National Safe Work Month.
The month-long campaign aims to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities by raising awareness of work health and safety. This year’s campaign puts the spotlight on a range of topical issues for each week of October including mental health, occupational lung diseases and working in weather extremes.
During October each year, Safe Work Australia asks workers and employers across Australia to commit to safe and healthy workplaces for all Australians.
Being healthy and safe means being free from physical and psychological harm. No job should be unsafe, and no death or injury is acceptable. A safe and healthy workplace benefits everyone.
The theme for National Safe Work Month this year is think safe. work safe. be safe. Safe Work Australia has developed resources from its campaign kit which you can customise, share or use in your workplace, amongst work teams, or by supervisors or health and safety representatives.
SafeWork NSW too is celebrating National Safe Work Month. Safe Work Month runs throughout October – it’s a time to increase focus on improving work health and safety in your workplace, including the wellbeing of your employees. Visit the link for more information: EXPLORE SAFEWORK NSW EVENTS AND RESOURCES
13. ARENA OPENS $50 MILLION FUND FOR REGIONAL MICROGRID PROJECTS
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), in its latest ARENAWIRE newsletter, reports on how microgrids are unlocking reliable, affordable renewable energy for remote populations. It states, “A new $50 million fund will support the deployment of microgrids and renewable energy across regional Australia.
The funding will help communities to take control of their energy needs while also improving resilience for bushfire-affected communities, boosting reliability in weak parts of the electricity grid and reducing the need for polluting diesel generation.
First announced in the 2020-21 Federal Budget, the Regional Australia Microgrid Pilots Program (RAMPP) will complement an existing fund which supports regional and remote communities to scope the feasibility of constructing microgrids. …
The new program will provide grants to projects that have already been found to be viable through feasibility studies, with most successful applicants expected to receive between $1 million and $5 million.”
14. JEMENA WELCOMES CLIMATE STRATEGY FROM BCA
Editor Sean Carroll, at Electrical Connection reports in its newsletter update of 12 October 2021, that Jemena has welcomed the new climate strategy from the Business Council of Australia (BCA). The article states, “Jemena managing director Frank Tudor says the strategy, titled Achieving a Net Zero Economy, outlines a sensible pathway towards a net-zero future which will create jobs and strengthen the Australian economy.
“This strategy reiterates many of the calls industry has been making which we believe will give investors the certainty and confidence they need to invest in Australia’s energy markets over the long term,” Frank says. …
He adds that Australia is poised to become a global renewable gas powerhouse, with countries throughout Asia and Europe already indicating interest in sourcing renewable gas such as hydrogen from Australia.”
15. iPART – MONITORING THE RETAIL ENERGY MARKETS IN NSW 2020-21
IPART has notified that it has released its Draft Report on the performance and competitiveness of the retail energy markets in NSW 2020-21. The iPart Energy news service stated, “Customers that remain on standing offers are paying too much when they could move to a better plan and save more than $300 a year for electricity and $350 for gas. To get a better deal, customers should compare offers on the government run EnergyMadeEasy website.
IPART found that COVID-19 lockdown restrictions have meant that residential customers staying at home are using more energy so bills have increased. However, the underlying retail electricity prices have fallen to their lowest levels since 2015-16. The latest price reductions have been brought about by falling wholesale prices with the influx of rooftop solar systems.”
iPart is seeking feedback on its Draft Report by 5 November 2021.
Download a copy of the DRAFT REPORT HERE or make a submission here SUBMIT FEEDBACK
16. EFFECTIVE DER STARTS WITH DERMS AND MICROGRIDS
APT Publications reports on an interesting blog released by Schneider Electric in relation to how increased adoption of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) does present some complicated challenges for electrical distribution systems. It states, “Replacing fossil fuel power generation with distributed energy resources (DER) are key to decarbonisation. However, the increased adoption of DER does present challenges for electrical distribution systems.”
The challenges include:
- Accurately forecasting variable DER is difficult
- Reliability and power quality can decrease if DER are not properly managed
- The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EV) is putting stress on the grid because charging times are variable, which makes controlling and balancing peak demand more challenging
- Utilities must balance the load using additional flexibility and demand response solutions
- Growing electricity consumption is increasing grid management complexity”
For more insights, read the blog to learn and explore more about the impact of DERs on the grid and the value of distributed energy resource management systems (DERMs) and microgrids.
For the latest Transmission and Distribution News visit: www.powertrans.com.au
17. PERFECT STORM ACCELERATES SUPPLY CHAIN SAGA FOR HVAC
Editor Sandra Rossi, in the latest Climate Control News (CCN) news updated of 13 October 2021 reports that, “HVAC contractors are being warned to expect delays and price increases over the coming months as the supply chain is faced with a perfect storm of factors here and overseas.” …
“Some manufacturers are experiencing delays of six months or more. …
AMCA members claim brokers and logistics companies are no longer honouring longstanding commitments.”
18. VIC REBATE NOW INCLUDES SOLAR AND BATTERY BUNDLES
Master Electricians Australia (MEA), reports in its latest Industry News of 14 October 2021, that, “Victorians can access a $3,500 battery Solar Homes rebate when they bundle their new rooftop solar with battery storage – making solar power more affordable for many.
The addition of a solar and battery bundle means consumers no longer have to wait until they have solar panels installed before being able to access the rebate for batteries. Previously home or business owners had to wait until solar PV was installed to be able to access the rebate.”
19. NUCLEAR DEBATE RESURFACES
The joint newsletter of Energy Networks Australia (ENA) and Australian Energy Council (AEC), EnergyInsider, latest of 14 October 2021 includes an article about the old chestnut issue of nuclear energy. It states, “Debate about Australia’s national security needs and commitment to nuclear submarines – along with discussion around the need to reduce our carbon emissions while replacing firm, ageing coal plants – has led to renewed calls for a domestic nuclear power industry.
The question of nuclear power has previously been formally canvassed, and while it’s sensible to keep technology options open through a technology neutral approach, it has major impediments to its introduction in Australia. Here we look at some of the challenges facing nuclear power and the hurdles to it becoming a part of our grid under current scenarios.”
For more, contact Carl Kitchen, Australian Energy Council