News & Views

On Tuesday 3 February 2015 a serious incident occurred at Galleria Shopping Centre, Morley, Western Australia. The incident involved an explosion associated with the private electricity distribution network within the shopping centre.

Several persons (contractors working on the private network) were injured during the incident and tragically two persons have since died from the injuries they sustained during the incident. Our thoughts remain with those involved and their friends and family members.

WorkSafe WA and EnergySafety are investigating the incident and will share learning when they can.

Morley Galleria Incident Appeal

NECA WA has established an appeal for members of the electrical industry and the general public to donate money which will be used to provide support to the families of the deceased and injured workers.

To contribute to the appeal, visit the NECA WA website.

Please see below photographs of the switchgear involved in the 3 February Morley Galleria Shopping Centre explosion.

Aftermath of the 3 February Morley Galleria Shopping Centre explosion

Long & Crawford switchgear (illustrative purposes only)

Members are advised that Long & Crawford switchgear equipment is dated and replacement parts are very difficult to source.

Please note that whilst this event occurred in WA the following information may be of interest to your business. Please contact Rory Sweeney, NECA SA's Workplace Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Manager on (08) 8272 2966 if you have any queries.

Please see the Media Statement released by EnergySafety below:

EnergySafety has imposed new safety precautions for the type of high-voltage (HV) switches involved in the 3 February Morley Galleria Shopping Centre explosion.

The HV oil-insulated combined-fuse switches produced by Long & Crawford Manchester must be completely disconnected from the electricity supply before any person may open the switch’s lid.

Announcing this today the Director of EnergySafety, Ken Bowron said that the Morley Galleria accident was stark evidence of the inherent danger associated with these switches.

“The type of switch involved allows the three fuses to be changed while the in-coming electricity supply at the base of the tank remains energised”, Mr Bowron said.

“I have taken this step because a Long & Crawford HV combined-fuse switch exploded at the Morley Galleria Shopping Centre on 3 February, killing two persons and severely injuring two others.”

“It is unsafe to perform work on any item of electrical equipment while it remains energised, especially high-voltage equipment”, he said.

Mr Bowron said many similar Long & Crawford switches, of unknown number and location, are owned and operated by private owners, with unknown histories of preventative maintenance.

“We are looking into all aspects of these switches as part of the investigation process following the Morley Galleria accident and the Order we are issuing today is made in light of evidence we have to date.

“The Order will be sent to all licensed electrical contractors in WA and property owners likely to have these switches on their property”, Mr Bowron said.

View the Order on EnergySafety's website.

Media contact: Catherine Gildersleeve 6251 1930 or 0411 258 721 (media enquiries only)