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EcoSmart Electricians training course starter kit
NECA and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts’ Lighting and Equipment Energy Efficiency Team (under the National Framework for Energy Efficiency) have been working together to improve the lighting component of NECA's EcoSmart Electricians program and to assist in converting the course materials for delivery via online training.
Both resources aim to: provide the lighting and allied industry workforce with an overview of the key principles of light and lighting which includes an understanding of basic design concepts and lighting technologies currently available, in the context of sustainability; help users understand the importance of energy efficiency and the implications of choosing a product in the overall scope of energy consumption; assist users with the selection process when specifying, recommending, designing and installing various lighting systems.
Comments are sought from stakeholders on this First Edition of the Reference Manual and the online training material. If you would like to make any comments or suggestions for improvement, please email Ren Webb at the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). The closing date for comments is 31 March 2010.
The online training material is at: http://www.ecosmartelectricians.com.au/starter-kit/d01_01.html, and the First Edition of the Reference Manual is available for download from the Energy Rating website at http://www.energyrating.gov.au/library/details2009-ref-manual-lighting.html.
Federal Government must act following another death of insulation installer in Queensland
The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has today renewed its warning to consumers and again called on the Federal Government to act on the extreme dangers associated with installing ceiling insulation, following yesterday’s death in north Queensland.
NECA National chief executive officer, James Tinslay said, “Yesterday’s tragic incident, a 25-year-old insulation installer electrocuted while working in a ceiling at Millaa Millaa, is the fourth death nationwide associated with the Rudd Government’s Home Insulation Program.
High Court ruling offers ray of hope for OHS laws
NECA National chief executive officer, James Tinslay said, “The High Court has invalidated key parts of the NSW OHS system which have for a number of years made employers guilty of OHS breaches unless they prove their innocence, and then set legal tests that make the proof of innocence almost impossible.
Federal Court overturns decision that posed severe threat to Australian industry
Chief Executive Officer of NECA, Mr James Tinslay, said: “This decision means that Australian businesses, both large and small, can now let out its collective breath. The Full Court has restored certainty for business and employees alike.”
26 November 2009
NECA calls for quick action on new safety inspection standards to combat dangers of installing insulation
Peak electrical contracting body, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA), today called for urgent action by Federal and State Governments to introduce new safety inspection requirements for the insulation installation industry.
26 November 2009
Congratulations to this year's Excellence Awards winners
Check out the winners of this year's Excellence Awards, which showcased the best contractors and projects for the past year, from domestic and environmental projects, through OH&S, voice and data, commercial and industrial work.
25 November 2009
Congratulations to this year's Apprentice Award winners
The NECA Apprentice of the Year Awards 2009 were announced in Melbourne on 25 November, recognising the most outstanding electrotechnology apprentices in Australia.
20 November 2009
Yet another fatality highlights dangers of poor insulation training
The fatal electrocution yesterday of a 16-year-old boy in Rockhampton who was installing insulation again highlights the urgency of new training requirements in the proper installation of insulation, currently being implemented by the Federal Government, and the adequate supervision of inexperienced or untrained workers.
In the past three weeks, and in the wake of another fatality in Queensland, NECA has lobbied the Federal Government for additional training of insulation installers, highlighting the dangers to the government and consumers of improper installation practices, particularly where electrical wiring is present.
"We acknowledge the government's efforts to implement better training of insulation installers, as part of its stimulus measures, and also acknowledge that the government has moved very quickly to implement a new training package," said James Tinslay, NECA National CEO. "However, time is of the essence in determining how far the training will go, and in getting it to market as quickly as possible, as highlighted yet again."
Currently, the onus is on the person who has been trained and accredited in insulation installation to supervise any workers who are not trained. "In theory this should be adequate, however, in practice it is not," Mr Tinslay said.
NECA also recognises that the government's ban on metal fixings will improve safety, however, more awareness of the dangers of electrical wiring was critical.
16 November 2009
NECA supports draft COAG legislation on national licensing system
COAG has released a consultation draft of the proposed national occupational licensing laws. This follows agreement by COAG on 30 April 2009 that specified occupations would move to national licensing arrangements. NECA has long supported a national regime for licensing and has been appointed to the interim advisory committee to advise the National Licensing Board.
The purpose of the national licensing system is to remove overlapping and inconsistent regulation between jurisdictions for licensing of occupational areas including airconditioning and electrical.
COAG is also to run a number of public information sessions in every capital city from 25 November to 8 December.
Comment closes on the consultation draft on 28 December 2009.
The consultation draft and the explanatory supporting document can be accessed below:
Explanatory Paper Exposure Draft November 2009
9 November 2009
NECA Submission on OHS Standardisation
NECA has made a submission to the Federal Government's Safe Work Australia on its Exposure Draft of the Model Occupational Health & Safety Act.
NECA supports the OHS harmonisation process, which will lead to uniform OHS legislation and Codes of Practice. We believe this legislation will provide many economic and practical benefits for our members, as contractors, and for their workers and clients. Business practices and technologies are changing and even small contractors are finding opportunities to work in bordering states and territories.
NECA's submission is available to view here.
NECA Submission Exposure Draft for Model OHS Regulations 9 11 09
27 October 2009
Government warned in March of dangers with installing insulation
The Federal Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett, was warned in March this year of the risk of serious injury or death associated with the installation of insulation, the electrical contracting peak body said today.
The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has again warned the government and consumers of the dangers associated with installing ceiling insulation in roof cavities where electrical cabling is present, ahead of the government’s planned meeting this week to discuss the issue in the wake of the recent death from electrocution of an installer.
NECA national chief executive officer, Mr James Tinslay, said, “When the government ceiling insulation initiative was announced, NECA recognised the potential dangers for insulation installers and householders that could arise with unqualified installers not recognising the fire and electrocution risks. We advised Minister Garrett of our concerns and recommended appropriate training be mandated for insulation installers and that the public be made aware of the danger and the need for using accredited installers.”
Mr Tinslay said some training was in place, however, more training was needed to ensure installers were aware of the correct way to install insulation in proximity to electrical wiring, down lights and other cabling, and also to ensure consumers were aware of the risks.
“Most consumers fail to realise that when insulation comes into contact with or conceals wiring, downlights and fans there is always a risk of fire. Unsuspecting insulation installers, or anybody working in the roof cavity, are in danger of being electrocuted by hidden live electrical wiring,” Mr Tinslay said. “These dangers have been tragically highlighted with the electrocution and death of an insulation installer recently and a reported increase in the number of house fires caused by insulation in recent months.”
“To guarantee the safety of home owners and occupiers, we cannot emphasise enough the importance of using a properly trained insulation installer with a licensed electrical contractor to ensure that existing electrical wiring and other equipment is safe and protected,” Mr Tinslay added.
To avoid risk of electrocution and fire, NECA recommends the wiring in the roof space is checked by a licensed electrical contractor before insulation is installed to ensure there is no potentially dangerous wiring and again after the installation is complete to ensure the insulation hasn’t interfered with the wiring or other electrical equipment.
“NECA electrical contractors are well trained and experienced to carry out these checks and provide advice on the safe installation of insulation,” Mr Tinslay said. “As the industry’s peak body, consumers can find a licensed, trained electrician in their area on our website, http://www.neca.asn.au. It is vital that the safety of homeowners and occupiers is not compromised and our members are well placed to assist.”
