Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407:body:0:p47
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 126816–131431

RCDs—portable stand-alone unit                                       Portable stand-alone units are RCDs incorporated into a power board. They provide multiple protected socket outlets and can provide RCD protection to multiple items of electrical equipment from one power board.
Advantages                                                                        * provide RCD protection for electrical equipment used in workplaces where users may be unsure as to whether there is RCD protection
                                                                                  * can be allocated to users rather than to all electrical equipment
                                                                                  * provide a number of protected socket outlets from the one RCD unit
                                                                                  * can be plugged into existing installations where the electrical equipment requiring protection is to be used.
Disadvantages                                                                     * provide no protection from faults in fixed-wiring
                                                                                  * may be subject to abuse so frequent testing is required
                                                                                  * rely on administrative controls to ensure that workers use the stand-alone units
                                                                                  * can be less economical if many items of electrical equipment require protection.

APPENDIX C – RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRICAL WORK
Activity                                                            Risks

Isolation and access                                                    * Correctly isolating supply but not discharging residual energy e.g. a capacitive charge may be present in power supplies, single-phase motors or high power factor fluorescent fittings.
                                                                        * Insulation and equipment failing or partially breaking down.
                                                                        * Earth connection failing to stop an electric shock in earthed conductive parts when step and touch potentials exist.
                                                                        * Carrying out the task causes a person, something a person may be handling or something a person is in contact with to intrude into minimum safe approach distances.
                                                                        * A power system conducting fault current or being subject to high inrush currents.
                                                                        * Instructions or markings on the parts being inadequate, incorrect or both.
                                                                        * Using equipment not designed for, or capable of, an operation e.g. opening a 'no load – bus tie' under load conditions or relying on an
                                                                          open circuit breaker as an isolation point.
                                                                        * Another person energising circuits while a worker is working on them,
                                                                          or a vehicle hitting a pole.
                                                                        * Natural elements (i.e. lightning or wind) causing static charges, overhead mains to clash or a high-voltage circuit to fall onto a low-voltage circuit.
                                                                        * The inter-core capacitive effects of long multi-phase cables.
                                                                        * Changes to wiring not being reflected in drawings i.e. the drawings are not 'as built' e.g. a live control or supervision circuit being present though the drawing indicates otherwise.
                                                                        * If there has been an error in wiring, opening the isolator may not de-energise the switchboard e.g. if incorrect connection (incorrect polarity) occurred in the service to an installation, opening the main switch will open circuit the neutral rather than the active.
                                                                        * Intentionally disabling an interlock to perform a task e.g. opening the shutter of a 'rackable' circuit breaker test to prove de-energised in the orifice.