Director’s Report

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DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Peter Lamont

Director ACRS and Senior Policy Advisor Peter.Lamont@neca.asn.au

Our data and telecommunications industry is continuing to develop at a rapid rate. The Internet of Things (IoT) and smart buildings are becoming common terms and we are now hearing about smart cities and smart city grids. The Australian Cabling Registration Service (ACRS) remains committed to ensuring that the training courses available to prospective data and telecommunications workers are up to date and relevant. Similarly, ACRS works hard to ensure cablers keep their registrations current, so that they have no problems working in the industry.

It is for that reason, that ACRS is firmly of the view that there is a need for improved industry compliance in regard to data and telecommunications cabling. As such, ACRS recently presented the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) with a submission encouraging them to initiate a robust compliance audit of the cabling industry, particularly on the grounds of health and safety.

It is also critical that cable workers know that the transition period for the latest edition of AS/CA S009 has now ceased. ACMA has advised ACRS that all work now needs to be done according to AS/ CA S009:2020 Installation requirements for customer cabling (Wiring Rules) (the 2020 Wiring Rules) that was published on 20 August 2020, and sets out the requirements for the installation and maintenance of customer cabling.

At the end of March 2022, there were 26,085 providers registered through ACRS. The vast majority of these registered cablers (25,466) have Open registration, with smaller numbers having Restricted registration (580) or Lift registration (39). numbers have remained fairly static over recent months.

The Australian Cabling Registration Service (ACRS) is one of five registered cabling registration providers approved by the Australian Media and Communications Authority (ACMA). ACRS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NECA and as well as providing cabling provider registration services, ACRS provides access to regular and timely up-to-date information on the state of the data and telecommunication industry, and makes representations to the Federal Government on behalf of the industry on policy and compliance matters.

Thinking about a move into data and communications as a way to diversify your contracting business? Here are a few critical questions to ask before you get started.

Am I registered to do the work?

In Australia, all cabling work, including telephone, data, fire and security alarm system cabling, that connects with the telecommunications network must be performed by a registered cabler, or under the direct supervision of a registered cabler.

What is required to become a registered cabler?

To become a registered cabler you must complete the appropriate training course for the work to be undertaken through a Registered Training Organisations (RTO). An Open Registration is required for commercial and domestic premises work. For work in domestic premises you only require a Restricted Registration. You must also have a minimum of 80 hours cabling experience for Restricted Registration and 360 hours for Open Registration. Holding an electrical licence, Security licence or enAbleTM NBN Card will suffice.

Once I’ve completed the training, who do I register with?

There are a number of Cabling Registrars authorised by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in Australia, including ACRS, that can verify a cabler’s eligibility for registration.

Do all my staff need to be registered?

No. To ensure compliance with the ACMA guidelines, cablers must be either registered or, directly supervised at all times by a cabler who is registered for the type of work being done.

COMPLIANT FOR CABLING? Thinking about a move into data and What are the consequences of doing communications as a way to diversify your cabling work without being registered? contracting business? Here are a few critical questions to ask before you get started. The ACMA has a range of options available to enforce compliance. These include: formal Am I registered to do the work? warnings; non-compliance notices to the telecommunications carrier, which may In Australia, all cabling work, including result in disconnection from the network; telephone, data, fire and security alarm telecommunications infringement notices system cabling, that connects with the (on-the-spot fine of $2,040); and if the telecommunications network must be matter is serious enough, taking court performed by a registered cabler, or under action, which may result in a conviction the direct supervision of a registered cabler. and/or a fine of up to $20,400. What is required to become a registered The biggest consequence is that, should cabler? anything go wrong or your work is found to be faulty, your business insurance is To become a registered cabler you must unlikely to cover you. This could lead to complete the appropriate training course litigation and substantial financial loss for the work to be undertaken through a for your business. Registered Training Organisations (RTO). Not being registered is not worth the risk. An Open Registration is required for commercial and domestic premises work. For work in domestic premises you only require a Restricted Registration.

Peter Lamont

You must also have a minimum of 80 Director, ACRS hours cabling experience for Restricted www.acrs.com.au

Registration and 360 hours for Open Registration. Holding an electrical licence, Security licence or enAbleTM NBN Card will suffice.

Once I’ve completed the training, who do I register with?

There are a number of Cabling Registrars authorised by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) in Australia, including ACRS, that can verify a cabler’s eligibility for registration.

Do all my staff need to be registered?

No. To ensure compliance with the ACMA guidelines, cablers must be either registered or, directly supervised at all times by a cabler who is registered for the type of work being done.

COMPLIANT FOR CABLING? Cablers must now comply The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) advises that the Communications Alliance industry standard AS/CA S009:2020 Installation What are the consequences of doing requirements for customer cabling cabling work without being registered? (Wiring Rules), was published on 20 August 2020, and sets out the requirements for the installation and The ACMA has a range of options available to enforce compliance. These include: formal warnings; non-compliance notices to the maintenance of customer cabling. telecommunications carrier, which may result in disconnection from the network; The 2020 Wiring Rules were expressed telecommunications infringement notices to take effect on publication. The (on-the-spot fine of $2,040); and if the requirements of the 2020 Wiring matter is serious enough, taking court Rules are made mandatory through action, which may result in a conviction the ACMA’s Telecommunications and/or a fine of up to $20,400. Cabling Provider Rules 2014, The biggest consequence is that, should made under section 421(1) of the anything go wrong or your work is found Telecommunications Act 1997. to be faulty, your business insurance is unlikely to cover you. This could lead to Cablers can no longer use the 2013 litigation and substantial financial loss Wiring Rules and must comply with the for your business. requirements of the 2020 Wiring Rules. Not being registered is not worth the risk. For more information visit this link:

acma.gov.au/australian-cabling-standards Peter Lamont

Director, ACRS www.acrs.com.au

New Digital Platform Regulators Forum established

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Office of the eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) have joined forces to create a new body to promote greater co-operation in the regulation of digital platforms. The Digital Platform Regulators Forum (DP-Reg) will work closely to enhance regulatory capabilities and to cooperate on joint projects. A critical and overarching focus is considering how competition, consumer protection, privacy, online safety and data intersect in the issues that the various regulators consider. For the purposes of this forum, a ‘digital platform’ includes, but is not limited to, internet search engines, digital content aggregators, social media services, private messaging services, media referral services and electronic marketplaces. You will hear more about this into the future.

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Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry. Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry. Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry. Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry. Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry. Peace of mind costs less than 60c a week! Register with ACRS and reap the benefits of being with the only Australian electrical specialist registry while avoiding a hefty fine. The Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS) provides a fast, reliable and low-cost registration service for the electrical and communications industry. that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations. For more information visit www.acrs.com.au or call 1300 667 771. cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations. It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations. that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations. For more information visit www.acrs.com.au or call 1300 667 771. cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations. It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the It is illegal for anyone other than a registered cabler to install or maintain cabling that connects to the telecommunications network. So if you are installing any equipment that will connect to the network – from smart home systems to extra phone lines – you need a current cabling registration. Carrying a current cabling registration card confirms you have completed the relevant training and gained the professional experience to complete the work to the customer’s expectations. work to the customer’s expectations.work to the customer’s expectations.

INTERNATIONAL MEN’S HEALTH WEEK

BUILDING HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS FOR MEN AND BOYS

Lifeline Australia ...................... 13 11 14 Beyond Blue ............................... 1300 22 4636 MensLine Australia................... 1300 78 99 78 Suicide Call Back Service........ 1300 659 467 Kids Helpline for under 25s .......... 1800 55 1800 Mates in Construction ............. 1300 642 111

THeRe IS A COMMOn BeLIeF THAT Men THInK THeIR HeALTH IS nOT IMPORTAnT. InTeRnATIOnAL Men’S HeALTH WeeK AIMS TO ADDReSS THIS, PLACInG Men’S HeALTH FROnT AnD CenTRe, AnD eMPHASISInG THe IMPORTAnCe OF GOOD HeALTH AT ALL AGeS.

Celebrated every year in the middle of June, International Men’s Health week is designed to provoke thought and discussion about what needs to be done to improve male health. This year’s theme is Building Healthy environments for Men and Boys, with the focus on creating physically, mentally and emotionally healthy environments in the home, workplace and in social settings.

It serves to ask two questions:

½ what factors in men’s and boys’ environments contribute to the status of male health?; ½ how can we turn that around and create positive environments in the lives of men and boys?

Objectives for International Men’s Health Week

½ raise public awareness of the unique health concerns of men and boys in Australia; ½ provide tools and resources to amplify this national campaign at the local level; ½ educate medical, healthcare and welfare professionals so that they feel more competent in the area of men’s health and wellbeing; ½ educate men about their health and wellbeing issues.

What employers can do to help improve men’s health

½ promote open communication; ½ create health and fitness initiatives; ½ provide flexible working options; ½ monitor absences.

The National Men’s Health Strategy 2020-2030 at a glance

½ Australia is one of only 12 countries to have a male life expectancy over 80 years; ½ deaths from injury are 2.6 times more common in men than women; ½ on average, the life expectancy for men is around 4 years lower than for women; ½ males are more likely to be diagnosed with bowel cancer and less likely to participate in bowel cancer screening than females; ½ males are 20% more likely to be overweight or obese than females; ½ the prevalence of dementia is expected to increase by 90% over the next 20 years; ½ the top 10 causes of death in males are: heart disease, lung cancer, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, prostate cancer, bowel cancer, diabetes, lymph/ blood cancer and suicide; ½ death by suicide is more than three times more common in males than females; ½ males are more likely to die from preventable causes than females; ½ almost 1 in 4 males aged 1624 years have experienced symptoms of a mental disorder; ½ around 1.5 million Australian males aged 18 years and over (17%) self-reported a mental or behavioural condition in 2014/15; ½ males die from coronary heart disease and lung cancer at twice the rate of females.

Source: Australian Government Department of Health

Top 10 causes of premature death in men

According to data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2016, the leading causes of death for Australian men include (in order of first to last): ½ ischaemic heart disease; ½ trachea and lung cancer; ½ dementia and Alzheimer’s disease; ½ cerebrovascular diseases; ½ chronic lower respiratory diseases; ½ prostate cancer; ½ colon and rectum cancer; ½ diabetes; ½ blood and lymph cancer, including leukaemia; ½ suicide.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Action support plan for employers or supervisors

SafeWork nSW has developed an action plan for employers and or supervisors to help workers who need mental health support. ½ know the signs and act early; ½ start the conversation; ½ connect to support; ½ plan and make changes; ½ stay connected.

encourage workers to take up positive coping strategies such as exercise and activities they enjoy. using alcohol or drugs as a crutch will only make things worse and may increase the risk of injuries on your work site. Scan this QR code for more information from SafeWork nSW.

AN AUTOMATIC EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR COULD SAVE A LIFE

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is typically caused by an abnormal heart rhythm that occurs when the electrical system of the heart malfunctions. According to the Heart Foundation around 25,000 Australian’s suffer an SCA outside of hospitals each year. They also report that as few as 5% of these people survive to leave hospital and go home.

When an SCA occurs, it is critical to attend to the injured person as quickly as possible, as each minute that passes dramatically reduces their chance of survival.

An automatic external defibrillator (AeD) is a portable device, which can be used by anyone to administer an electric shock to a person suffering an SCA. This momentarily stops the heart and enables it to resume beating in an appropriate rhythm. AeDs enable more individuals to respond to medical emergencies requiring defibrillation, while waiting for specialist medical treatment to arrive. An AeD automatically analyses the heart’s rhythm and will not administer a shock unless it is required. They can provide responsive audio visual instructions to guide the user without the need for specialist medical knowledge or training, and can even provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidance.

Whilst CPR allows oxygenated blood to circulate inside the body helping to reduce serious damage, the only thing able to revive someone from SCA is defibrillation. Public access AeDs are associated with two to three times greater SCA survival rates compared to instances where an AeD is not available.

unfortunately, there are a number of perceived barriers that commonly prevent AeD use. These include:

½ inaccurate public knowledge and misconceptions on how and when to use an AeD; ½ the inability to locate an AeD; ½ improper AeD maintenance practices, including device testing and battery monitoring; ½ the general public’s inability to recognise an AeD; and ½ their lack of confidence in using an AeD.

HeartSine is making it easier for these issues to be overcome. HeartSine are leaders in the manufacture of AeDs and have a range of easy to use semi-automatic and fully automatic devices available.

HeartSine Samaritan 500P Semi-Auto Defibrillator

HeartSine Samaritan 350P Semi-Auto Defibrillator

HeartSine Samaritan 360P Fully-Auto Defibrillator

To find out more about the HeartSine range of AeD products, contact 1300 361 099 or visit www.safetyspecialists.com.au/product-category/first-aid-and-defibrillators