Australian Capital Territory Current Regulations

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WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATION 2011 - REG 164

Use of socket outlets in hostile operating environment

    (1)     This section applies in the following circumstances:

        (a)     electrical equipment is used in an environment in which the normal use of electrical equipment exposes the equipment to operating conditions that are likely to result in damage to the equipment or a reduction in its expected life span, including conditions that involve exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust;

        (b)     electrical equipment is moved between different locations in circumstances where damage to the equipment or to a flexible electricity supply cord is reasonably likely;

        (c)     electrical equipment is frequently moved during its normal use;

        (d)     electrical equipment forms part of, or is used in connection with, an amusement device.

    (2)     In a circumstance set out in subsection (1), a person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that any electrical risk associated with the supply of electricity to the electrical equipment through a socket outlet is minimised by the use of an appropriate residual current device.

Maximum penalty:

        (a)     in the case of an individual—$6 000; or

        (b)     in the case of a body corporate—$30 000.

Note     Strict liability applies to each physical element of each offence under this regulation, unless otherwise stated (see  s 6A).

    (3)     Without limiting subsection (2), the residual current device must have a tripping current that does not exceed 30mA if electricity is supplied to the equipment through a socket outlet not exceeding 20A.

    (4)     Subsection (2) does not apply if the supply of electricity to the electrical equipment

        (a)     does not exceed 50V AC; or

        (b)     is DC; or

        (c)     is provided through an isolating transformer that provides at least an equivalent level of protection; or

        (d)     is provided from a non-earthed socket outlet supplied by an isolated winding portable generator that provides at least an equivalent level of protection.

Note     The

title="A1971-30">Electricity Safety Act 1971

and the

title="A2004-11">Building Act 2004

also deal with residual current devices.



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