Safety Alert 122 - Supervision and Restricted Works
Building and Energy have updated the safe working guidelines for electrical workers and apprentices in February. These guidelines cover electrical safety practices including clear guidelines for identifying the required levels of supervision for electrical apprentices, and restrictions to energised works.
Level of supervision
As per the guidelines, there are three levels of supervision:
- Direct Supervision: Continuous monitoring is required; the supervisor must be in close proximity to the apprentice and be able to communicate with them directly.
- General Supervision: Periodic guidance and monitoring, with the supervisor present on-site, and readily available.
- Broad Supervision: Ongoing guidance is not required; the supervisor needs to ensure the site is safe and give initial instruction. The supervisor must visit and check in daily, be readily available and contactable, but is not required to stay on-site.
EGT apprentices should always know who their supervisor is and what level of supervision is being applied. The level of supervision must be recorded on their Risk Assessment Checklist (RAC) each time they complete an RAC. If you are unsure, you can always ask your Host Employer or call your Field Officer.
Supervision limitations
A singular supervisor may oversee no more than two apprentices at once if at least one requires direct supervision. If direct supervision is not required, a supervisor can oversee up to four apprentices at once.
Supervision of Apprentices
Before an apprentice begins any electrical work, the supervising electrical worker must complete the following:
- Confirm the apprentice is fit for work.
- Ensure all electrical equipment is de-energised and safe to work on.
- Provide clear instructions on tasks.
- Advise the apprentice which level of supervision applies to the work and confirm they know the limitations that apply.
- Ensure the apprentice understands the safety procedures, and has the correct PPE and tools for the task.
- Where equipment has been de-energised for works, ensure the apprentice has fitted their personal lock and danger tag, and has verified equipment is de-energised i.e. test before you touch.
Determining supervision levels
This table outlines the updated supervision levels based on teh required task and the training year of the apprentice:
Restrictions on energised work
Under the new safe work guidelines, electrical workers must not work on, or near, energised equipment, unless under certain prescribed circumstances - see section 6.1 of the new guideline.
This is also the case for electrical apprentices carrying out isolation, fault finding, and testing on energised equipment; this only to be done under strictly limited circumstances. The circumstances that apprentices are permitted to work on such energised equipment include:
- Only if the apprentice is in their final year of training.
- Only if the supervising electrical worker has assessed and deemed the apprentice competent to perform the task safely.
- Only under Direct Supervision, with the supervising electrical worker in close proximity for the duration of the task.
For further information or feedback regarding this Safety Alert, please contact EGT on (08) 6241 6100 or talk to your Field Officer.
