The Master Electrician Autumn 2014

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inside When lightning strikes Urgent update: Infinity Cable safety recall Giving yourself the sack Making a hospital’s heart beat

AUTUMN 14

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table of contents Average Net Distribution 33 977 CAB Audited as of September 2013

when lightning strikes 04 destination station: the sunshine coast 06 Infinity Cable safety recall

09

Pre-Contractor Program

10

the buzz

12

impressive project

16

a first-class training facility

20

meet a master electrician

24

benefit spotlight

25

regulator wrap up

26

letter of the law

30

the interview

32

gadget guide

36

techno biz

37

technical talk

38

giving yourself the sack

41

workplace relations

44

all about ME

48

test drive

50

events calendar

52

shocking photograph

53

the last word

54

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General Enquiries Master Electricians Australia PO Box 2438, Fortitude Valley BC Queensland 4006 PHONE 1300 889 198 FAX 1800 622 914 EMAIL magazine@masterelectricians.com.au WEB www.masterelectricians.com.au

06 WELCOME TO THE AUTUMN EDITION OF THE MASTER ELECTRICIAN MAGAZINE.

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Editorial Contacts & Contributors

Follow us @MasterElectrics on Twitter

EDITOR Malcolm Richards ASSOCIATE EDITOR Rebecca McNeil ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Janelle MacDonald PHONE 07 3252 4860 EMAIL magazine@masterelectricians.com.au DESIGN AND PRINT POMO 07 3844 3873

Become a Fan on Facebook www.facebook.com/ masterelectricians

www.masterelectricians.com.au or call 1300 889 198 The Master Electrician is printed on environmentally responsible paper sourced from FSC® certified forestry plantations. The paper is made with Elemental Chlorine Free pulps (ECF).

Cover photo: Christopher Frederick Jones www.cfjphoto.com.au

Disclaimer: The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are offered solely in pursuance of the objects of the Electrical Contractors Association and Master Electricians Australia to provide an informative service to contractors in the electrical industry on legal, commercial and other issues and problems related to the industry. The Electrical Contractors Association and Master Electricians Australia are not aware that any person intends to act or rely upon such statements and opinions contained in this publication or the manner in which it might be possible to do so. The Electrical Contractors Association and Master Electricians Australia issues no invitation to any member or other persons to act or rely upon such statements or opinions or any of them and it accepts no responsibility for any of them.

It intends by this provision to exclude, to the extent permitted by law, all liability for any such statements and opinions. The Master Electrician Magazine can be viewed online at www.masterelectricians.com.au

Many business owners can only dream of taking a step back from their work to travel while having their business continue to run like a well-oiled machine.

We uncover how a Master Electricians member has made this dream a reality.

Turn to page 41 for more.

Always a topic of heated debate, the looming skills shortage is set to significantly affect the construction industry by 2015. On page 32, Rod Camm from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research provides insight into skills progression and how we can avoid key areas of skills shortage.

Finally, if you’re dreaming about your next vacation, turn to page 6 as we discover what makes the Sunshine Coast one of the most popular Australian getaways and why it’s our top pick as the destination for the MEA 2014 Electrical Industry Conference.

Until next time.

Rebecca McNeil Associate Editor

The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

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feature

When lightning strikes The chances of a building being struck by lightning are rare, but on the odd chance it happens, you can easily be left to fork out tens of thousands of dollars for repairs. We uncover the best ways to protect you and your clients’ homes and buildings.

A lightning strike can pack a punch. Up to 30,000 amps of punch to be specific, and it’s that kind of power that not even the best surge protector can stand up against.

HPM Legrand R & D Manager Paul Barron says the amount of energy in a lightning strike can do great damage to both a person and their property.

“Standard lighting mitigation products, like switchboard and power board mounted surge diverters cannot dissipate the energy contained in a direct concentrated lighting strike,” Mr Barron says.

“On average, a severe thunderstorm can produce approximately 6,000 lightning strikes every minute,” Dr Kruszelnicki says.

“About 80 per cent of these lightning bolts happen inside the cloud, or from one cloud to another. Fewer than 20 per cent run between the cloud and the ground.

“A direct strike to your home can not only kill all your electrics, but even blast a hole through your house.”

Mr Barron says products such as surge diverters are a useful preventative measure to attempt to protect electrical installations.

“When a strike occurs the energy is spread across the supply network so the exact amount of energy delivered to your equipment will depend on many factors such as the distance from the strike point, the impedance between your equipment and the strike point as well as the impedance of the rest of the system.

“When an installation is subject to a lightning incident the voltage in the circuit rises extremely rapidly,” he says.

“Your installation can be a reasonable distance away from the strike point and still be subject to other voltages that will damage equipment. Surge diverter products will always mitigate possible damage to equipment, but they cannot guarantee protection.”

“The surge diverter is a device that normally has a very high resistance but when subject to high voltages, such as those from lightning, this resistance decreases and the energy in the lightning strike is siphoned off to the protective earth circuit. This then limits the voltages that are seen by the equipment on the circuit, limiting any potential damage.”

According to scientist and author Doctor Karl Kruszelnicki there are 1,800 thunderstorms blasting away around the planet at any given moment. www.masterelectricians.com.au

“This excessive voltage can damage both your installation and equipment connected to your network.

He says surge diverters are often sacrificial devices as the active components are typically Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs).

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“Surge diverters are non-linear semiconductor devices that change their impedance with voltage so when they are subject to high voltages they ‘break down’ allowing current to pass through them,” Mr Barron says.

“The practical outcome is they limit the voltage on the circuit but as the current passes through them the MOVs are damaged therefore after absorbing a certain number of surges they effectively stop working, removing your protection.

“Generally MOVs are rated in the amount of energy they can absorb in Joules so for the best protection you should pick one with the highest rating.”

Mr Barron advises that surge diverters should be fitted to the main switchboard.

“The majority of over voltage damage is from transient signals coming in from the network, rather than a strike directly on the building. By limiting the voltage where the mains supply to the installation is connected, you are most effectively protecting the equipment.

“For extra protection a cascading system of diverters can be employed and further protection can be achieved by socket outlet diverters and/or power board mounted diverters.

“A lightning strike can destroy all of your electronically controlled devices such as TVs, games consoles, air conditioner control circuits and even the conductors of the installation themselves so you really need to protect your home to the best of your ability.”

HPM Legrand has a simple range of DIN rail mounted devices that divert the energy to earth, in accordance with AS3000.2007 Appendix F. These are sacrificial devices and deteriorate over

Lightning Facts: • When struck, people do not glow or ‘fry to a crisp’ but their heart and breathing are often affected.

• In Australia, lightning accounts for five to ten deaths and more than 100 injuries annually. Many result from people using fixed telephones during thunderstorms, and one quarter of those are a result of people standing under trees.

• Only about 30 per cent of people struck actually die, and the incidence of long-term disability is low, particularly when appropriate first aid is applied promptly.

• If your clothes are wet, you are less likely to be seriously injured if struck, as most of the charge will conduct through the wet clothes rather than your body.

• Average lightning bolts carry a current of 10,000 to 30,000 amps. An average radiator draws 10 amps.

• Lightning can, and often does, strike more than once in the same place.

time, therefore they have an indicator to show whether they are functional or not.

Mr Barron warns lighting protection should never be seen as a comprehensive solution and should not replace other contingency planning activities.

“In critical installations, predominately in businesses, where interruption to service or damage to equipment would be extremely detrimental a full risk analysis should be undertaken which includes a full lighting fault analysis and system protection analysis.”

How to stay safe when lightning strikes: • Fit your home with surge diverters and lightning conductors to help safeguard your family and electrical appliances.

• Before the storm arrives, disconnect the external aerial and power leads to radio and television sets.

• Disconnect computer modems and power leads.

• Avoid the use of fixed telephones.

• If it is an emergency and you need to use the phone, ensure the call is brief or use a cordless or mobile phone. Lightning can hit the phone line and travel for half a kilometre and come out the hand piece when you are using it.

• If you’re stuck outside during lightning a car can provide the best protection from lightning strikes because it acts as a conductor where the lightning bolt will go through the metal and straight into the ground, not through you.

• A tree is a natural lightning conductor; the sap in the trunk can boil instantly and explode with a force of a quarter of a tonne so seeking shelter under a tree is one of the most dangerous places to be.

The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

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feature

Destination station: The Sunshine Coast Sun, sand and surf. What more could one ask for?

With preparations for this year’s Master Electricians Australia (MEA) Industry Conference well underway, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten must-dos that make the Sunshine Coast one of the most popular Australian destinations.

Renowned for its beautiful beaches, vibrant hinterland and pristine national parks, it’s no surprise that the Sunshine Coast has quickly become the quintessential getaway for tourists and locals alike. Located in the eastern coast of the country, the ‘Sunny’ Coast – as lovingly dubbed by its locals – enjoys a yearly average temperature of a pleasant 25°C. Despite not having a central business district, the area ranks as the 10th largest metropolis in Australia, its population willingly lured there by the lively shopping and dining culture of the area.

So what can we expect from the ever flamboyant Sunny Coast? www.masterelectricians.com.au

1. Hastings Street in Noosa As one of the most popular destinations on the Sunshine Coast, Hastings Street is well known as the heart of Noosa and widely regarded to be one of the Sunshine Coast’s biggest drawcards. Boasting an eclectic array of boutique shops and world class restaurants, the constant buzz of activity will certainly keep you more than entertained.

2. Australia Zoo Who could forget the home of the crocodile hunter? The 100-acre zoo is well-known worldwide, having been made famous by wildlife documentary series The Crocodile Hunter featuring the beloved late Steve Irwin. Steve’s widow Terri Irwin now owns

“Located in the eastern coast of the country, the ‘Sunny’ Coast – as lovingly dubbed by its locals – enjoys a yearly average temperature of a pleasant 25°C.” Australia Zoo, and it continues to be a top tourist destination as a home to more than 1,200 animals made up of a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles.

3. Noosa National Park Not only does Noosa National Park feature a spectacular array of coastal scenery,

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it provides an important refuge for our country’s native wildlife including the koala, glossy black cockatoo, ground parrot and wallum froglet. Enjoy a day of breathtaking waterfalls, hiking trails and volcanic landscapes in this natural wonder.

home to a nest of Peregrine Falcons.

It’s a great destination for a day hiking, rock climbing, or everyone’s favourite pastime – golf! That’s right, nestled at the foot of Mount Coolum is a beautiful public golf course.

an indulgent adventure. Wind your way through hundreds of stalls whose owners pride themselves on their locally-made produce and products. You’ll be hard pressed to find something you wouldn’t want to take home with you.

4. Mount Coolum Over 208 metres high, the dome shaped Mount Coolum is a haven for over 700 identified plant species and

5. Eumundi Markets The Eumundi Markets’ diverse range of art, craft, products, local produce and entertainment turn shopping into

6. The Glass House Mountains The Glass House Mountains are a not-tobe-missed scenic tour. Each of its peaks are protected within the Glass House

Save the dates!

The MEA 2014 Electrical Industry Conference will be held at the Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort and Spa Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast from Friday 26 September to Monday 29 September.

Visit www.conference.masterelectricians.com.au for more information or to register.

Early Bird specials out now!

See page 23 for more.

The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

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Mountains National Park, and all make for a prime picnic location.

7. Maleny, Mapleton and Montville The Sunshine Coast Hinterland plays host to a number of small scenic towns that make for popular tourist getaways.

Maleny, Mapleton and Montville are three quaint towns that offer good food, great panoramic scenery and fantastic company from the town locals. Grab a bite to eat at the local pub and you won’t want to leave!

8. Noosa beaches Noosa plays home to a number of sandy white beaches with crystal clear water for a great day relaxing on its shores or trying your hand at some adrenaline-pumping water sports. There are also a variety of fishing opportunities along creeks, rivers and waterways. www.masterelectricians.com.au

9. Underwater World Underwater World in Mooloolaba is a must-do for a great day out with the family.

The marine mammal park, oceanarium and wildlife sanctuary provides a variety of live animal presentations as well as an opportunity for the kids to interact with starfish in the touch pools. Get up close and personal with sharks by taking a trip through the see-through tunnel and explore the unknown of the underwater world.

10. The Ginger Factory It can often be a struggle for parents to find affordable family fun that is not only educational but entertaining for the kids.

The operational Ginger Factory nestled in the village of Yandina is sure to snare anyone’s attention with its scenic Garden Walks, Ginger Train rides, and numerous displays and tours catered for the whole family.

The diverse range of entertainments coupled with its laid-back culture make the

‘Sunny’ Coast the destination station sure to deliver an unforgettable vacation for the whole family.

Conference venue and location The Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort and Spa is a five-star luxury accommodation and conference venue conveniently located within strolling distance of Noosa’s cosmopolitan Hastings Street. The resort boasts beautifully designed villas and state of the art conference facilities nestled beside the tranquil National Park.

MEA has secured discounted accommodation rates at the Outrigger for Conference delegates. To find out how to access these discounted rates, visit: conference.masterelectricians.com.au

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industry update

Urgent update:

Infinity Cable safety recall Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has taken a lead role in recent months drawing attention to the safety concerns over some types of Infinity branded cable, and promoting industry awareness of the national recall.

We view this as a very serious product

failure – one which has the potential to claim the lives of electrical contractors, their employees and the general public, as well as cause significant damage to property.

For this reason, MEA is gravely concerned at efforts by another industry association to undermine the nation-wide safety recall of faulty and dangerous Infinity brand cable.

NECA recently issued a bulletin to the electrical contracting industry suggesting that “the industry acted too hastily in its public warnings” relating to the Infinity cable recall.

It went on to claim that “alarming media reports of hundreds of houses being at risk of fire or electrical fault may have been premature worrying homeowners unnecessarily”.

MEA unequivocally rejects this attempt to undermine the position we took because of our grave concern over the safety of Infinity cable.

The facts: • The cable has been tested and failed the Australian standard multiple times.

• The cable has been recalled in every state of Australia.

• The cable has been banned in most states as well.

We urge all contractors to heed the warnings of electrical safety regulators, and to observe the mandatory recall for Infinity TPS and Orange Round cable in all states.

In September last year, testing by the New South Wales Office of Fair Trading concluded “there were deficiencies in the manufacturing of Infinity cables”.

“The deterioration of the insulation on the cables over time could cause wires to become exposed and potentially result in an electrical shock or fire,” the tests found.

On this basis, MEA led a national awareness campaign highlighting the dangers and drawing the attention of contractors to the mandatory recalls.

We have also sought to work with Masters Home Improvement – where the vast majority of the cable was sold – to secure financial support for contractors who are called to remove and replace faulty Infinity cable. Where was NECA on this issue?

We did not do any of this in order to benefit this organisation. It was a crucial (and very successful) campaign which had just two objectives – to save lives and to protect our members.

That’s why it is deeply disturbing to see NECA issue a bulletin which could undermine that campaign and cause confusion and complacency in the industry.

By adopting this approach, NECA is being highly irresponsible and, in our view, abrogating its responsibility as an industry body to encourage safe work practices in our industry.

This issue is more important than any ‘turf war’ between two contractor organisations.

This is about the safety of electrical contractors, their employees and the public at large.

It is disappointing that NECA seems to have put its commercial interests ahead of public safety.

Once again, we urge all contractors still holding stocks of Infinity brand TPS or Orange Round cable to return it to the place of purchase. Do not install it. It has been deemed a threat to lives and property.

For more information or if you are interested in joining group legal action relating to Infinity cable, contact MEA on 1300 889 198.

The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

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feature

Pre-Contractor Program Meet the faces of the new Master Electricians Australia (MEA) industry program that is looking to help electricians boost their chances at business success.

Mentor Thomas Birt Northern Switchboard Solutions Tom has been in the electrical contracting industry for over 20 years, and worked on electrical switchboards for the past 16 years. He sits on the board of a group training organisation, TAFE college, and on various advisory committees.

What are some of the things you are currently looking to accomplish with your Pre-Contractor Jason through the PreContractor Program?

Well Jason recently began his own electrical contracting business and is still a little unsure of the best way forward. What we are trying to achieve together is finding the right fit and the right attributes for him to make his business work.

What has been in the works to help Jason accomplish this?

Currently we are getting back down to basics for him in terms of helping him understand the costs associated with self-employment, as this is an area we have identified as a weakness in the early stage of his business.

This includes establishing and having the right processes in place.

For example, the computer systems being used at the moment may not be the right fit for his business and we have started to look into that, as well as discussing charge-out rates and more.

What can you see in the future for Jason and his business?

I’m very confident that Jason will progress through the PreContractor Program to become a leader in quality electrical services with a flourishing business. In the near future, we will be looking into assisting Jason in employing a staff member as well as an apprentice to assist him in his growing business.

What’s great about the Pre-Contractor Program is that it provides sparkies like Jason with not only the confidence they need to run their business, but the support and guidance of someone who has been through what they are currently in the middle of. www.masterelectricians.com.au

PreContractor Jason Swanson, 32 Amplec Solutions Jason got his start in the electrical industry as an apprentice, and decided to open his own electrical contracting business last year.

How has the PreContractor program assisted you and your business?

The program has been really helpful so far in improving and boosting my business. We’re beginning to get more and more work through word of mouth and it’s great to be able to start my business off the right way.

What are some of the things you are currently working on with Tom as part of the program?

Tom and I are working together in developing ways of streamlining the business so I’m not all over the place! We’ll soon be looking into fixing up profit margins as well as ensuring that the business runs at a profit. My budgeting has already begun to improve and I’m hoping it will continue to do so as Tom and I start looking more into this aspect of the business.

How do you feel the Pre-Contractor Program has benefitted you?

Well, even after just one session with my mentor I feel my confidence in managing and running my own business has risen.

It really helps knowing that I have someone in my corner with the experience and knowledge to help me if I get stuck.

I’m very optimistic about the future of my business and I’m hopefully looking to expand and branch out into different fields of the electrical industry at the end of this year!

The Master Electricians Pre-Contractor Program is proudly supported by:

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Want to know more?

The Master Electricians Pre-Contractor Program is an industry mentoring program run by Master Electricians Australia (MEA).

The Government program is free of charge and aims to upskill electricians who have recently started a business, are seeking to start their own business or wanting to progress their careers within the electrical industry.

The program is designed so a Mentor provides advice, counsel and support to a Pre-Contractor over a 12 month period. This includes mentoring sessions individual to the Pre-Contractor and Mentor so as to be in-line with a particular subject or topic of importance.

Pre-Contractors also have the option to attend webinars and various events aimed at providing in-depth expert advice on a variety of business related topics.

MEA are currently seeking Pre-Contractors and Mentors in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria.

Pre-Contractors should be qualified, licenced electricians who: • Have commenced operating an electrical contracting business within the last 24 months • Are part of or wish to be part of their current employers succession plan • Are seeking a professional development opportunity for career progression, or • Intend on becoming an electrical contractor in the future.

Mentors will ideally have a combination of the following skills and experience: • Minimum five years in industry • Hold an Electrical Trade qualification and licence • Have experience in operating a safety management system • Understand new and emerging technologies • Have run a successful electrical contracting business.

Expressions of interest can be emailed to precontractor@ masterelectricians.com.au or interested parties can contact MEA on 1300 889 198.

Master Electricians Australia’s (MEA) Pre-Contractor program is funded by the Department of Industry and proudly sponsored by CNW. The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of Master Electricians Australia Limited and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Australia Government or State and Territory Governments.

The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

12

the buzz Recent spike in recalls sparks industry concerns In recent weeks, several items regularly used by electrical contractors and trades persons have been recalled due to safety issues.

While Master Electricians Australia (MEA) takes every product safety recall very seriously, there are a few key recalls that should be highlighted.

NHP DC Solar isolator switches NHP KDA-432 and KDM-432 metal and plastic versions NHP DC Solar isolator switches with date codes from x0113 to x3813 (x can be any number between 1 and 5) have been recalled.

Note: The last four digits are critical to identifying the affected product. Switches with date codes x3913 and above are not affected. These date codes are labelled internally and should only be accessed by an authorised electrical contractor.

The switch is defective and may still be ‘ON’ even when the handle is indicating ‘OFF’. There is a risk of electric shock to the electrical contractor during maintenance and installation.

The switches were available for sale from 11 July 2013 to 11 February 2014 nationally at electrical wholesalers as well as direct from NHP sales offices.

Defective switches are required to be replaced and re-sellers should cease supplying switches with affected date codes and arrange returns by contacting NHP Electrical Engineering Product Pty Ltd on (03) 9368 4088.

Schneider Electric (Australia) Pty Ltd – Clipsal 413 Surface Socket The Clipsal 413 Surface Sockets have been recalled as the terminal colour identification has been reversed on some of the products.

If the active and earth wires are terminated to match the colours, there is a risk of electric shock if the surface socket is used with a class 1 (earthed) appliance.

This product was available for sale from 9 January 2014 to 21 February 2014 nationally at electrical wholesalers. This recall applies to Clipsal 413 Surface Sockets with identifying features Cat No-413-WE, Batch Code – 201348, PR413-WE, MP413-WE. The product can be returned for a full refund at Clipsal.com/413recall or by calling 1300 733 907.

Total Tools – Detroit & Saber Generators The following Total Tools generators have been recalled:

These products were manufactured with a Multiple Earth Neutral (MEN) link between the neutral and earth without a Residual Current Device (RCD), which is non-compliant with safety clause 6 of AS2790 Electricity generating sets.

In addition, the Saber generator circuit breaker switch for equipment (CBE) is single pole, which is non-compliant with safety clause 3.1.4.

If a fault occurs in the units or equipment the MEN, which is bonded to the frame, can cause the frame to become live with electrical current and possibly cause an electric shock.

The product was sold in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria at 37 Total Tools franchised stores.

Consumers should cease using the product immediately and return their unit to the Total Tools store where purchased for rectification of the defect.

• Detroit 7.5KVA 15HP Recoil Start Generator and Detroit 3.1KVA 2500W 6.5HP Recoil Start Generator with part numbers YW8000HECO or DFD3000HS2

MEA is committed to keeping you up to date regarding important safety recalls and recommends electrical contractors connect with one of our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or LinkedIn – for regular updates about safety recalls.

• Saber 7.5kVA/7500W Generator with part number SGEN7500ECO.

Alternatively, visit www.recalls.gov.au to view a comprehensive list of product recalls.

www.masterelectricians.com.au

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Clipsal by Schneider Electric claims top spot at SA Interactive Media Excellence Awards The Clipsal by Schneider Electric iCat App has claimed the top award in the South Australian Interactive Media Excellence Awards (SAimX) for the ‘Business and eCommerce’ category.

Clipsal iCat’s new interface layout allows users to bookmark frequently used products and easily tap and scroll through the extensive listings within the application.

To save customers downloading iCat across multiple devices, the application has been bundled into a universal app, which also stores its content locally and is fully accessible without internet access.

The entry was an iPhone and iPad version of Clipsal’s Trade Product Guide, with the judging criteria based on outstanding innovation in the use of digital media technology.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to win this category at the SAimX awards and be recognised for our ongoing efforts in innovation and commitment to our customers,” Mr Locke said.

The Clipsal & Schneider Electric Partner Business worked with South Australianbased cross-platform digital media design agency, Enabled, to bring the desktop application to life in the handheld device market.

“Our customers often need to determine what products to use on-the-go,” he said.

Clipsal & Schneider Electric Digital Systems Manager Anthony Locke said the partner business wanted to make the Clipsal Trade Product Guide more accessible for customers.

“Enabled have helped us to create an extremely efficient and easy to use application, which will help those seeking the right products for the job at any time and any place.”

The SAimX awards showcase entrepreneurial and innovative businesses in South Australia and recognise those committed to developing and changing the digital technology landscape.

For more information, visit: www.clipsal.com.au

The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

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the buzz

Thiess Mining receiving the national Australian Apprenticeships – Employer Award.

Thiess clinches top Australian Apprenticeships Employer Award The prestigious national Australian Apprenticeships – Employer Award was bestowed upon Theiss Mining at the Australian Training Awards in Perth.

The construction, mining and services organisation won the award ahead of finalists TNT Express Australia and Cummins South Pacific Pty Ltd. Thiess General Manager for People and Capability Mark Vining said winning the award was a recognition of the hard work and effort that has been invested in training over the last 50 years.

“Training is part of our DNA and it is the way we do business,” Mr Vining said.

“We have probably trained tens of thousands of people and we don’t do it because we have to, we do it because we believe in it – it is an investment.

“Those people who start in apprenticeships and traineeships grow to be managers, supervisors and leaders of the business.”

The award recognises employers who have made innovative improvements, leading to better outcomes in the provision of www.masterelectricians.com.au

nationally recognised training to its apprentices or trainees.

Thiess’ Apprenticeship Program plays a key part in the company’s success and ensures the provision of quality career paths for its employees.

The Thiess Apprenticeship Program has been striving for excellence and innovation for more than eight years and during this time, it has delivered training and employment to more than 250 Australian Apprentices across a variety of disciplines including diesel fitters, automotive electricians, boilermakers, welders and high voltage electricians.

Established in 1934, Thiess is a leading construction, mining and services company with operations across Australia, Indonesia, India and New Zealand.

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QLD Government proposes safer work sites laws with introduction of WHS and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 On 13 February 2014, the Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP, AttorneyGeneral and Minister for Justice introduced the Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 into the Queensland Parliament.

The Bill implements findings from the Queensland Government’s review of national model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws which commenced in Queensland on 1 January 2012.

• Remove the requirement under the WHS Act for a person conducting a business or undertaking to provide a list of health and safety representatives to the WHS regulator

The Bill will amend legislation to:

• Allow for codes of practice adopted in Queensland to be approved, varied or revoked without requiring national consultation as currently required by the WHS Act

• Require at least 24 hours, but no more than 14 days, prior notice by WHS entry permit holders before they can enter a workplace to inquire into a suspected contravention. This will align with other entry notification periods in the WHS Act and the Fair Work Act 2009 • Increase penalties for non-compliance with WHS entry permit conditions and introduce penalties for failure to comply with the entry notification requirements • Require at least 24 hours, but no more than 14 days, prior notice before any person assisting a health and safety representative can have access to the workplace • Remove the power of health and safety representatives to direct workers to cease unsafe work

• Increase the maximum penalty that can be prescribed for offences in the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 to 300 penalty units.

The Queensland Government is the first state government who signed up to the National harmonisation process to introduce legislative changes to the harmonised laws.

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) General Manager – Workforce Policy Jason O’Dwyer said the tougher penalties for electrical safety breaches were a welcome step in protecting workers, keeping them safe on the job and maintaining suitable standards for the public engaging electrical contractors.

Employers would also welcome additional protection against union bullying and disruption on building sites.

“We’ve seen building unions cause significant delays to major projects by exploiting obscure loopholes or simply thumbing their noses at the law,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

“Everybody wants safe and secure workplaces, where everyone who goes to work at the start of the day goes home safely again at the end of it.

“For the safety of workers, for the productivity of work sites and for everyone’s job security, it is good to see a government taking action in this important area.”

Mr O’Dwyer praised the Attorney-General for his efforts in bringing the new laws before the Parliament, and said major contractors and employers would be keen to assist the government with their implementation.

The amendments will go before a Parliamentary inquiry and be debated in Parliament.

The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

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feature impressive project

Making a hospital’s heart beat The Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) is the largest public health infrastructure project ever undertaken in Australia. Rebecca Belsham sits down with Master Electricians member LCE Queensland to explore how they managed the $100 million electrical contract for this impressive project.

Logan City Electrical (LCE) Queensland are no strangers to carrying out the intricate electrical work needed to build a modern hospital.

They’re old veterans, having previously worked on the likes of the Prince Charles Hospital, Mater Adults Hospital, Mater Children’s Hospital and the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane. So it’s no surprise they won the contract for what was to be the largest public hospital in the country.

LCE Queensland General Manager Damien Druery says their contract included managing the site-wide high-voltage temporary power during construction as well as implementing the electrical work for the main hospital building.

“We designed, supplied and installed one of the largest Clipsal full DALI control systems in Australia as part of the GCUH project,” Mr Druery says. www.masterelectricians.com.au

“The DALI Lighting Control system is a powerful and flexible digital lighting system.”

“The DCBM provides a powerful scheduling occupancy control, daylight harvesting, computer control and more; all integrated onto an Ethernet network.”

A DALI control system is a complete building-wide digital lighting control system built on the DALI, Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, and Ethernet international standards.

Photo credit: Christopher Frederick Jones www.cfjphoto.com.au

17

The system consists of DCBM-DALI Line Controllers linked on an Ethernet network so you can scale your lighting system from a room, to a floor, to a building and beyond.

The DCBM intelligent DALI line controller is the vital ingredient to create a building-wide DALI lighting control system. Each DALI control line requires a DALI interface and DALI power supply.

The DCBM provides a powerful scheduling occupancy control, daylight harvesting, computer control and more; all integrated onto an Ethernet network.

Mr Druery says each DCBM Line Controller has inbuilt intelligence and capabilities which uses time schedules, pushbuttons, switches and sensors to control lighting and emergency lights on DALI lines.

“The particular system that we installed at GCUH gives the hospital staff individual control, on/off applications and dimming ability, for each and every light fitting.

“It also gives increased energy savings by being able to automatically turn off lights that may have been left on in departments that are not used out of hours.

“The DALI control system is also a big win for the hospital maintenance team as it gives them a status report of individual faulty light fittings and allows easy program modifications.”

“The nine-storey facility is more than three times larger than the old Southport Hospital which it replaced. It has 20 operating theatres, 2,200 car parks and 750 patient beds making it the first public hospital in the country to feature over 70 per cent of single patient bedrooms.”

A total of approximately eight million man hours, by all the trades, were required to complete the new facility, which included an overall on-site workforce of 2,300 workers at the peak of construction.

“We started this massive project in January 2009 and wrapped up our work in June last year,” Mr Druery says.

The Master Electrician Autumn 2014

18

“At the peak of construction we had 185 of our own internal staff working on the job, which included 26 apprentices who were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to work on such a massive project.

“To overcome the challenges we had with managing the huge number of electricians on site, we decided to split the project into smaller sections, with teams assigned to each section.”

Mr Druery says LCE Queensland used 2,292 kilometers of electrical cable throughout the hospital and installed more than 41,000 light fittings.

“At the peak of construction we had 185 of our own internal staff working on the job, which included 26 apprentices who were given a once in a lifetime opportunity to work on such a massive project ... we decided to split the project into smaller sections, with teams assigned to each section.”

“The logistics were another major challenge with the enormous amount of cable, light fittings, Bakelite and switchboards that we had to install each day of the project. Some days we would have 15 trucks to unload!

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19

“To resolve problems such as secure storage on site and shortages of cranes to unload our supplies, we had the materials delivered to a warehouse close by so we could sort and then truck the items to site in a more orderly fashion.”

GCUH has a total floor space of around 170,000 square meters which spans across seven main buildings and cost a whopping $1.76 billion to build.

The nine-storey facility is more than three times larger than the old Southport Hospital which it replaced. It has 20 operating theatres, 2,200 car parks and 750 patient beds making it the first public hospital in the country to feature over 70 per cent of single patient bedrooms.

Located on the corner of Parklands Drive and Olsen Avenue in Southport, the hospital has been designed to allow for further expansion to meet the future health service needs of the community.

(c/w compression spring & bolt GCUHspring is now one assembly) of Queensland’s largest teaching and research (c/w compression & bolt assembly) facilities and provides specialised health services that meet the needs of patients as well as the learning requirements of future clinicians.

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Autumn 2014

20

feature

The evolution of a first-class training facility The much-anticipated Tonsley TAFE South Australia is now open and offering a world-class training environment where the next generation of the state’s electricians can thrive. Katlynn Bradder-Denning takes a look at how the old Mitsubishi manufacturing site was transformed into a leading TAFE.

Located in Adelaide, on the old Mitsubishi site is Tonsley

“It’s an industry centre for life-long learning where students will be able to return throughout their career for ongoing skills development.”

The $120 million SIEC is part of the state-of-the-art technology park which is now providing students with purpose-built hands-on learning facilities.

Qualified electricians can also up-skill and re-train at the campus through the wide variety of short courses offered. The courses range from CPR and Low Voltage Switchboard Rescue to InService Inspection and Testing, Wiring Rules Refreshers, PLC’s and SCADA, Disconnect/Reconnect licensing and even the Clean Energy Council of Australia’s Renewable Energy Courses.

Park, a green-focused redevelopment now home to the Sustainable Industries Education Centre (SIEC) and Tonsley TAFE.

Director of Building and Construction at TAFE SA, Peter Nolan says the students of Tonsley TAFE have more opportunities available to them than any other Australian electrical apprentices.

“Tonsley TAFE gives students the best trades training in Australia, world-class facilities, standout trades training infrastructure, and new ways of learning that are not available at any other TAFE in the country,” Mr Nolan says.

“This marks a shift in the style of learning to a ‘student centric’ model where students access information and courses from a variety of sources, including face-to-face, online and peer-topeer learning. www.masterelectricians.com.au

Tonlsey TAFE is a central point for building and construction training and replaces outdated campuses at Marleston, O’Halloran Hill,Panorama and Crodyon in South Australia.

Students, staff and courses offered at the four previous campuses have been consolidated into the one campus which is home to a cluster of like-minded businesses built on the former Mitsubishi site.

The energy-efficient Tonsley Park is also home to Flinders University, Siemens, Tier 5 and Seeley International.

21

Park resident, Seeley International, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing both Tonsley TAFE and Flinders University students full access to their world-class research and development facilities. This allows students to join Seeley’s quest in establishing new energy efficient cooling and heating technologies.

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill says the SIEC is one of the most innovative and advanced of its kind in Australia, allowing students to work collaboratively just like they would in the industry.

“The Memorandum of Understanding with Seeley shows a promising future for the $4.5 billion building and construction industry that is critical to the state’s economic future,” Mr Weatherill says To add more variety to the ten electrical courses already offered, TAFE SA will be developing even more qualifications in the electrical fields which can be undertaken exclusively at Tonsley.

The businesses and manufactures residing in the park are working in the clean technology, mining, energy, green construction and medical sectors.

The centre and businesses involved are working towards achieving the country’s first Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star – Communities rating.

This rating means Tonsley Park will have an independent verification that it is one of greenest communities in the world.

Premier Weatherill says Tonsley park re-used the shell of the existing Mitisubishi workhouse to create the main building of the Park.

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“Interestingly the SIEC is contributing to environmental sustainability through under floor heating, chilled beams and 750, 000 litres of rain storage,” he says.

“Students can see the water consumption, energy use and savings made via the digital displays located across the campus which demonstrate the buildings environmental performance.”

Electrical courses offered to students: • Certificate II in Electrotechnology • Certificate II in Renewable Energy • Certificate III in Electrotechnology – Electrician • Certificate III in Instrumentation and Control • Certificate IV in Instrumentation and Control • Diploma in Electrical Engineering • Advanced Diploma of Electrical Engineering • Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology Electrical.

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The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

22

Electrical apprentices may be eligible for up to $20,000 worth of loans over the four years of their apprenticeship. Those who finish their training and become qualified will receive an immediate twenty per cent discount on their Trade Support Loan.

Comparatively University students are offered ten per cent discount on upfront payments but are only required to start paying their loan back when their base salary reaches $51,309.

The first electrical course started when the site was officially opened on 28 January 2014 by Premier Weatherill.

Over 800 TAFE students are expected to attend the campus daily with a predicted 6,500 students enrolled each year.

For a virtual tour of Tonsley Park visit www.tonsley.com To find out more and enrol at Tonsley Tafe visit www.tafesa.edu.au

In keeping green, students will also be taught eco-friendly business practices, making them the electrician of choice for green construction projects.

The Tonsley site coincides with the announcement of the Federal Government’s decision to introduce Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) style loans for apprentices. Under the new scheme electrical apprentices will be able to take advantage of Trade Support Loans to help buy the tools and equipment needed to complete their trade.

Tonsley Park fast facts: • Occupies 61 hectares of land • Is 10 kilometres from the CBD • Main building is eight hectares • Estimated time to complete the entire Tonsley Park precinct is 20 years.

The PD4 Warehouse Sensor LIGHTING CONTROL FOR WAREHOUSES, HIGH BAY STORAGE OR WHEREVER GREAT HEIGHT MOUNTING IS REQUIRED Datasheet downloadable from iautomation.com.au or call 1800 225 063 www.masterelectricians.com.au

r e Early bird of f REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Master Electricians Australia is thrilled to release the early bird offer for the 2014 Electrical Industry Conference held at the Outrigger Little Hastings Street Noosa, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

For a limited time only secure your spot for just

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To register or for more information visit: conference.masterelectricians.com.au Alternatively, contact the Events Team on 1300 889 198 or email: events@masterelectricians.com.au

24

meet a master electrician

Name: Dan Carpenter Company: Dan the Sparky Man State: Queensland Status: Accredited Master Electrician

them grow into the next generation of great tradesmen.

We also aim to provide the best possible service to our customers which in turn has won us a lot of repeat and word of mouth business. It is very satisfying to know that we’ve done a good job and customers trust us enough to return to us and recommend us to their friends.

Yes, there is a real Dan behind the company name!

As the founder of a successful Gold Coast electrical, solar and energy saving company, Accredited Master Electrician Dan the Sparky Man shares the twists and turns of his road to success.

Tell us about where you grew up.

I grew up in Tea Tree Gully in Adelaide, and this was where I initially founded my company Dan the Sparky Man at the age of 23. A few years later, I packed up and travelled Australia with my wife Kelly, before finally settling on the Gold Coast eight years ago.

As a child, what were your career aspirations?

To be a hotel manager! My first job when I was 14 years old was in a busy bar in Tea Tree Gully, which also got me interested in the idea of becoming a manager someday.

How did you come to be involved in the electrical industry?

While in Year 11, I came home from school one day and my Mum suddenly asked if I would be interested in pursuing www.masterelectricians.com.au

an electrical apprenticeship with my Uncle. While the thought had not crossed my mind before then, I was at the time struggling to stay motivated at school.

I knew I had to make the choice between finishing Year 11 and missing out on a great apprenticeship opportunity, or taking the plunge and trying something new.

Needless to say I’m very glad I decided to traverse the unknown and pursue an electrical apprenticeship.

What is most rewarding about your job?

Watching the business grow over the past two decades into an award winning team of specialist electricians has been extremely rewarding. We’ve been able to indenture over 20 apprentices over the years and it is very rewarding watching

Having been in the electrical trade for nearly two decades, what are some of the proudest moments for you and your company?

I’m proud that we’ve been able to gain Accredited Master Electrician status with Master Electricians Australia, as this is the mark of a true and trusted professional in our industry.

We’re very excited to have won the Gold Coast Business Excellence Award in July 2012 and I am also very humbled to have been nominated for Gold Coast Young Entrepreneur of the Year that same year, as well as featured in the August 2012 edition of Gold Coast Business News.

What motto do you like to do business by?

Just get it done! Excuses don’t get a business anywhere!

How do you keep a healthy work/ life balance?

This is something I have yet to master!

During my spare time, I aim to be at the beach as much as possible with my beautiful wife and baby girl. If I can get home early enough from work that’s where we will be, otherwise it’s Burleigh Heads for a coffee and a baby chino, and a swim every weekend!

25

benefit spotlight

Left image: MEA National Apprenticeships Program Manager Stacey Ozolins, Lend Lease (Building-Australia) Managing Director Murray Coleman and MEA Board member and Women in Contracting President Tammy Stanton at the 2013 Crystal Vision Awards. Right image: 2013 Crystal Vision Award winner for Achievement as a Business woman Alison Price (Brisbane Screening) with Stacey Ozolins.

National Association of Women in Construction – representing women in trades With more and more women supporting their partners and providing valuable input into their business, a strong support network of like-minded individuals can often be the confidence boost to progress your business and career.

Master Electricians Australia’s

(MEA) new corporate membership with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is looking to break down barriers and raise the profile of women working within the construction industry.

As a not-for-profit organisation formed in 1995, NAWIC’s mission to support and promote the advancement of women in our industry has certainly opened doors to ensuring women stand on equal footing with their male counterparts.

MEA Board member and Women in Contracting (WIC) President Tammy Stanton of Platinum Electrical said MEA’s new corporate membership with NAWIC supports the goals and drive of encouraging women to be actively involved in the construction industry.

“Our industry is made up of so many different trades aside from just electrical, and women are a growing part of the industry across a number of professions – from trade to business management” Ms Stanton said.

“MEA’s new membership with NAWIC provides a conduit to enabling women from around the country and from every facet of our industry to come together and network.

“The WIC ladies will have greater opportunities to link into NAWIC’s extensive network through mentoring programs, networking events and professional development. It provides a unique opportunity to encourage greater development of women across the construction industry.”

MEA CEO Malcolm Richards said the membership presented the perfect opportunity for WIC to be supporting members Australia wide.

Ms Stanton said one of the biggest challenges women face is simply getting their foot in the door of a trade.

“The networking opportunities stemming from WIC and MEA’s involvement in NAWIC will certainly grow, enabling more women across the country to interact with one another and gain the support they need.

“The networking opportunities stemming from WIC and MEA’s involvement in NAWIC will certainly grow, enabling more women across the country to interact with one another and gain the support they need.”

“There are still many people out there who won’t give women a shot when it comes to trade work,” she said.

“Having the support of people who are in the same position can make a huge difference in not only helping you land a job, but progressing your career.”

“NAWIC is a well established organisation that hosts many well-run and wellorganised events throughout the year,” Mr Richards said.

“We’re also very excited to be a part of NAWIC’s annual Crystal Vision Awards which is a great way for us to celebrate and recognise women in the construction industry.”

MEA National Apprenticeships Program Manager Stacey Ozolins, along with Tammy Stanton, will join the NAWIC Queensland/ Northern Territory Mentoring and Education Committee to ensure that WIC’s involvement in elevating the opportunities for women in the construction industry.

You can also visit www.nawic.com.au for more information about how to become a NAWIC member and receive discounts to events, scholarship and mentoring opportunities.

The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

26

regulator wrap up the latest state news from regulators

Energy Safe Victoria

VIC

DE-ENERGISING A SITE WHERE AN AMI IS PRESENT With the near completion of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) rollout, distribution businesses now have access to improved reporting and control of the supply to properties.

AMI, also known as smart meters, have the ability to monitor in real time voltage, current and temperature. They also enable the remote de-energisation and re-energisation of the premises. This means that the distribution business (DB) may no longer be pulling the service

EnergySafety

WA BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR NON-CONFORMING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

Electrical contractors are reminded to be vigilant and look for approval markings when installing electrical appliances or equipment purchased from overseas suppliers. Often these products are purchased by consumers from websites such as e-Bay. EnergySafety compliance inspections have found an influx of non-conforming electrical products entering the Western Australian market; products which are not approved and do not meet the relevant Australian/ www.masterelectricians.com.au

fuse to de-energise a site where an AMI is present.

Notify the DB prior to the service fuse removal with the following information:

De-energisation will involve remotely or locally opening the contactor within the meter. Re-energisation will involve closing the contactor within the meter and, if possible, this will be performed remotely.

• Name, licence number, contact phone number

The customer’s main switch must be off prior to performing any remote reenergisation. During remote re-energisation the AMI will automatically disconnect if a load is detected.

• Customer name and address • Reason for disconnection • Proposed reconnection time • Test to ensure all circuits are dead • Notify the DB after fuse reinsertion.

The service fuse (or supply disconnect fuse) must be removed prior to commencing any electrical work. This must be done in line with The Code of Practice for LV Fuse removal and Reinsertion.

It is essential that these steps are followed to prevent electrocution.

New Zealand standards (AS/NZS).

‘Electrical appliances A non-conforming 240v lead and equipment – Importing, selling or hiring’ available on the EnergySafety website.

Many imported appliances have been tested to the standards applicable in their country of origin. Often these standards are similar to those in Australia and when differences are identified between the Australian and international standards, importers must have the products tested to the AS/NZS standards.

Prescribed items require a Certificate of Approval issued before they can be sold in Australia.

In Western Australia, importers must contact a designated approval agency before engaging a laboratory for appliance testing to ensure the laboratory can carry out the tests required. A list of designated approval agencies can be found in EnergySafety’s brochure

Visit www.esv.vic.gov.au for more information.

Importers selling or hiring electrical appliances or equipment which are not prescribed do not require formal certification. However, they are responsible under common law for ensuring such items are electrically safe to be connected to the electricity supply. This assurance can be obtained by a report from an independent testing laboratory which confirms compliance with the relevant Australian/New Zealand standards for electrical safety.

Visit www.energysafety.wa.gov.au for more information.

27

Fair Trading

WARNING ON YELLOW PAGES SCAM

NSW

NSW Fair Trading Minister Stuart Ayres is warning NSW businesses and consumers about a billing scam by a company posing as Yellow Pages.

Mr Ayres said the scam, which first came to the attention of consumer protection authorities in Australia in 2010, had resurfaced and NSW Fair Trading was aware of reports from businesses in Wagga Wagga, Moss Vale, Broken Hill and Young.

The forms appear to be a confirmation of contact details, but are cleverly disguised as an agreement to sign up for an online business directory, with reference

in small print to a $99 per month charge for a minimum two year period, paid annually.

Minister Ayres said when payments are not made, businesses receive numerous reminders threatening legal action.

“Businesses should not respond to these threats,” he said.

“The companies do not have legitimate claims for payment, even if a contract was signed.

• Restrict the number of employees who are authorised to sign contracts and approve payments for directory listings or advertising and make sure all staff members are aware of how these scams work • Avoid giving out information about your business to third parties before clarifying the purpose of their enquiry • Deal with people you know and trust wherever possible.

“If you receive a ‘Yellow Pages’ fax or email, confirm if it is authentic by calling Sensis on 13 23 78.”

Tips to avoid the scam: • Read all documents carefully before signing any contracts for directory listings or advertising

If you receive a threatening letter demanding payment for unauthorised listings or advertising, ignore it and report it to Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or Scamwatch at www.scamwatch.gov.au.

Visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au for more information.

Electrician’s Insulated Tools Rated for Safety on the Job 63050-EINS

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The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

28

regulator wrap up Electrical Safety Office

QLD

WORKING SAFELY AT HEIGHTS The dangers of working at heights have been highlighted by a recent electrical incident which caused a roofing contractor to fall from a ladder while he and another worker were on the roof of a house in Rosewood.

The incident demonstrates the need for workers and employers to comply with specific laws for working at heights to help prevent injury and death.

A safe work method statement (SWMS) must be prepared for any high risk Correction: In the Summer 2014 edition of The Master Electrician it is stated “the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 now requires anyone acting as a safety observer for live electrical

construction work. This includes where there is a risk of a person falling more than two metres. The SWMS should identify the high risk work and describe all of the control measures considered while deciding on those to be implemented.

A SWMS helps promote on-site consultation, coordination between workers and employers, implement controls that are specific to the worksite, and ensures the chosen control measures will provide a safe work environment.

Amendments to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (effective since 15 November 2013) clarify that control measures are required where there is a fall risk of at least three metres in housing construction work (and at least two metres

in other construction work). A person conducting a business or undertaking must use control measures to prevent a person falling any distance, or if that is not practicable, to arrest the fall so that injury is prevented or minimised.

For the risk of falls under three metres in housing construction (or under two metres in other construction) there must be an assessment of the risk of injury and any necessary control measures used to prevent or minimise the level of risk.

For more information about working at heights visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au or phone the WHS Infoline on 1300 369 915.

(the CPR component).”

work to be competent to assist the person performing the work. They must have been assessed within the last six months to be competent in both rescue and resuscitation

Please be advised that the timeframe for this is 12 months, not six.

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29

OFFICE OF THE TECHNICAL REGULATOR

SA

STREAMLINING REGULATION FOR PLUMBING, GAS AND ELECTRICITY The Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) is currently investigating the introduction of electronic Certificates of Compliance (COC). The OTR is responsible for ensuring the safety of consumers and property, as well as compliance with legislation, technical standards

and codes in the gas, electricity and plumbing industries.

The OTR administers COC under the Gas Act 1997, the Electricity Act 1996 and the Water Industry Act 2012. The COCs certify that the work has been carried out by an appropriately licensed person and complies with the applicable technical standards and other requirements as specified under the relevant industry Acts.

Currently COCs are submitted in hard copy to the OTR, which is both labour and time intensive for all parties involved. The OTR are now looking at streamlining the hard copy certificate process into an electronic format but are first seeking feedback from

the gas, electricity and water industries and general members of the public on this option.

Consultation on this idea will occur over two phases and consists of seeking feedback from industry as well as the general public, and consolidating feedback to form the basis of a Business Case for change.

The OTR are interested in hearing about how your business currently handles COCs and any opportunities for efficiency gains.

Visit www.saplan.org.au/yoursay for more information or to provide feedback.

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The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

30

letter of the law

Change for the better: Payment Claims update for work done at a mine site In July 2013, a Queensland Supreme Court Judge held that the Queensland Security of Payment legislation did not apply to any work done on a mining lease. This was a major blow to contractors and subcontractors working in the mining industry.

Since the Security of Payment Acts in the other Eastern Seaboard jurisdictions were largely the same as the Queensland Act for these purposes, this decision affected contractors and subcontractors in those jurisdictions as well.

In the Winter 2013 issue of this publication, McKays outlined the implications this decision had on the industry.

Decision overturned The contractor who lost the original case made an appeal, and on 20 December 2013 the Queensland Court of Appeal overruled the decision.

The Court essentially adopted the view that when the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act (BCIPA) refers to “land”, it means “land” in the ordinary sense.

The current position in Queensland and New South Wales The law has now returned to where it was prior to July 2013.

Essentially, any subcontractor doing work on a mine site or gas field in Queensland and New South Wales which is not directly www.masterelectricians.com.au

related to extracting the minerals can now use the Security of Payment legislation to recover their money when they have not been paid for their work.

Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and ACT The mining exemptions in the Victorian, Tasmanian, South Australian and ACT payment claims Acts are effectively the same as those in Queensland so the recent Queensland case is likely to also be followed in those states.

Western Australia and the Northern Territory Unfortunately, the change to the law in Queensland does not affect the position in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, where the opportunity to use payment claims on any mine site is extremely limited.

It has been held in Western Australia (and the same applies in the Northern Territory) that the exclusion under its Act is wider. In a Western Australian case, the parties entered into a contract for the building of a seawater desalination plant to supply water for an iron ore project.

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The Western Australian Tribunal held that because the purpose of the construction of the plant was the processing of seawater to produce desalinated water, the building of the plant itself fell within the mining exclusion even though the water was not to be used in a mine but was part of the construction of a mine.

subcontractors in the mining and gas industries to reap the

A win for contractors

For further information on how the payment legislation might

In McKays view the decision by the Queensland Court of Appeal is a triumph of common sense. It is now up to contractors and

affect you, please contact McKays Solicitor’s Ian Heathwood on

benefits that this legislation has brought to contractors in other areas of the construction and building industry.

This article was contributed by McKays Solicitors.

(07) 3223 5942 or email iheathwood@mackayslaw.com

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The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

32

the interview

Rod Camm National Centre for Vocational Education Research’s (NCVER) Rod Camm provides invaluable insight into skills progression in our industry, and how we can overcome key areas of skills shortage.

NCVER aims to be Australia’s leading provider of high quality, independent information on vocational education and training (VET) for governments, the education sector, industry and the community. What are some of your key roles as Managing Director of NCVER? My role is to ensure NCVER builds close relationships with our key stakeholders including Ministers, VET practitioners and providers, and more. That way we can understand the needs and priorities of these stakeholders and provide an evidence base to support key decisions, not just for government but also for industry. As an example, NCVER has an important role to play in the current age of entitlement systems. There appears to be so much training opportunity available through contestable funding, however, it is important our training systems operate nationally in order to provide real portable skills that help graduates navigate across the country.

Having previously held positions such as CEO of Skills Queensland, Associate Director-General of the Queensland Department of Education and Training, and CEO of Construction Skills Queensland, where do you see the progression of generic skills over the next ten years?

The provision of generic skills is critical across all sectors and remains genuinely in need. Employers still report that generic skills are very important for a person’s employability. Regardless of whether you are studying a trade or a Diploma, employability and workplace skills are paramount. Industry needs to become more involved and have a voice in predicting and producing future skills needs.

“Every step we make now removing red tape, will simplify the training sector and allow industry to drive innovation.”

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is all about skills for the workplace, so generic skills must be addressed, provided in the training process, and monitored closely so graduates are prepared for their future work.

The facts are the majority of graduates from the VET sector do not go into jobs specifically related to the qualification they studied. Therefore broad skills development, generic skills, occupational specific skills and customisation by training providers should all be a feature of our approach.

What do you think employers and the industry should be doing to address areas of skills shortage within the industry?

NCVER research and statistics has shown that electrotechnology has slow growth over time in industry www.masterelectricians.com.au

33

apprenticeship intakes, despite occupations like instrumentfitting being in high demand. This means that industry leadership and quality workforce planning is essential. Proper planning helps ensure that the training products and outcomes from the sector meet industry’s future needs. It is then important that we push hard to help industry deploy those skills, with the aim to improving productivity.

You are part of the Human Capital Taskforce for the Business 20 (B20) Forum, looking at a 20 year international plan of skills. Could you tell us a bit about this and what it entails?

Well the B20 is a forum through which the private sector produces policy recommendations for the annual meeting of the Group of 20 (G20) leaders.

“... broad skills development, generic skills, occupational specific skills and customisation by training providers should all be a feature of our approach”

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Member countries participate in ensuring a focus on the key role of the private sector, as the main driver of strong, sustainable and balanced growth. The G20 focus for the term of Australia’s presidency will be on promoting stronger economic growth and employment outcomes and making the global economy more resilient to shocks. Under the auspices of the G20, the B20 will focus on human capital, financing growth, infrastructure and investment and trade.

The Human Capital Taskforce will hold regular meetings leading up to the G20 Summit in November, and we have already held our first international meeting with 30 countries coming together to discuss the issues. This meeting outlined how all countries need to learn from the past, grab onto the good ideas that already exist, remember not to reinvent the wheel, and ensure decisions are implemented.

All recommendations stemming from these meetings will be presented by the respective Chairs of the four taskforces, and then presented at the G20 Summit.

What are the countries that will be involved in this plan?

There are approximately 30 countries currently involved.

Participants include Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States of America. Growing economies include Brazil and Turkey, to name a few.

You were a key member of reform bodies including the National Resources Sector Taskforce and Premier’s The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

34

“Logic tells you there should be alternate ways of developing the skills.”

Jobs Squad. What did these taskforces involve and have the actions from these bodies made an impact in improving skills learning in our industry?

The two taskforces were very different. The Premier’s Jobs Squad brought key industry representatives together with the objective to identify strategies to help deal with the Global Financial Crisis.

The National Resources Taskforce included representatives from government and industry. The focus was on how to improve the growth in the sector, including the identification and development of skills.

A real lesson is that if industry come to the table and consider cross industry solutions, anything is possible. There are plenty of examples where industry has provided the leadership and solution. This includes engagement with schools, hiring and training apprentices and sharing ideas. If industry leads, the development of a future workforce becomes achievable.

What are your thoughts on the newly proposed Alternative Pathways for the Trades that will allow trade students to enter an apprenticeship at a later stage once the theory portion of their study has been completed?

It is proven that apprenticeships work well as a system, but in certain circumstances industry could still benefit from a change from an existing ‘employment first’ system to a ‘training first’ system. The four-year Alternate Pathways pilot must be led by industry, and be supported by government for it to succeed.

Apprenticeships do produce work ready graduates, so any pilot must build on this principle. Graduates will need to develop genuine workplace skills.

Logic tells you there should be alternate ways of developing the skills. One only needs to look at the most recent resources boom, where very large projects demanded significant numbers of trade skills. The challenge was they needed them on commencement of the project, which made the traditional approach to an apprenticeship model (get the job first and start training) unworkable. Through better planning and flexible training models industry could have developed the skills in advance through a combination of group training, the National Apprenticeship model and pre-employment college based training to a standard supported by industry. This should have reduced the reliance on 457 visas as an example. The training sector needs to be more flexible and industry must lead by example.

With such a heavy work schedule, what are some of the things you enjoy doing to relax?

Being close to the fantastic Adelaide wine regions helps with my appreciation of red wine!

I greatly enjoy exercising and riding my road bike – it’s a good thing Adelaide puts on a good show for the Tour Down Under every year.

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36

gadget guide

Luto smartlight

MOPHIE OUTRIDE WITH WATER SPORT AND DRY LAND KITS

Melbourne LED lighting company Brightgreen has achieved Kickstarter success with its first crowdfunded project, the low-energy monitor-mounted smartlight Luto.

Livescribe has released the Livescribe 3 Smartpen, taking digital note-taking to the next level.

The Mophie OutRide for iPhone 4 and 4s is the perfect companion for every adventure junkie! The element-proof, high-impact, polycarbonate housing not only protects your iPhone, but transforms it into the ultimate 170 degree wide-angle action sports camera.

Tackling problems that occur due to bad lighting conditions, Luto creates the optimal illuminated environment for whatever screen based activity you are doing.

Luto’s front-facing task light provides high quality illumination directly onto your desk while its back facing LED panel generates appropriate ambient lighting for the area around your screen. It automatically adjusts correlated colour temperature and lux levels to align with tasks, reducing eye strain and fatigue.

Visit www.brightgreen.com for more information.

Livesccribe 3 Smartpen

The smartpen can be synced to your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch device using Bluetooth® Smart wireless technology.

Simply twist a ring on the smartpen to begin writing. The Livescribe 3 smartpen captures everything written on Livescribe paper as soon as it starts up, and then transfers that content to Livescribe+ when the app opens.

It is waterproof of up to five metres in depth, with interchangeable backs that are made for wet or dry scenarios. The quickdisconnect flexible multi-mount system enables you to mount it to just about anything and record every run.

This allows people to take notes with just a smartpen and notepad, and then review that information on a mobile device later.

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RRP $199.95 Visit www.smartpen.com.au for more information.

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EMONA

37

techno biz

Jasstech Solutions – AAA-LUX Luminaires

EziFix Fastening Systems

The next generation of sports field lighting from Europe has finally arrived in Australia.

The EziFix Fastening Systems is a revolutionary system for fastening electrical cabling, signage and light pipework. There is no drilling required, creates no mess and makes no noise.

JASSTECH’s AAA-LUX luminaires deliver the same light output as a 2,000W Metal Halide luminaire, yet can save you up to 60 per cent in operating costs. It has the added functionality of instant start-up, no re-strike delay, as well as dimming and zoning control from a smart App at your fingertips.

Install roofing and high wall fix points from the floor by spraying the primer, fixing the saddle, and tying off the cabling.

HPM Legrand – Excel Life™ Dual USB charger The new Legrand Excel Life Dual USB Charger Mechanism can be added to suitable plates with an extra mechanism hole providing the perfect solution to charging multiple mobile devices in homes and commercial applications.

With no possibility of breaking drill bits or falling off ladders, the system is a real health and safety winner. It is surfaced mounted so there is no threat of drilling through wiring or asbestos.

The dual USB ports enable two tablets or smart phones to be charged at maximum speed simultaneously. With a maximum charging capacity of 4.2A they are ideal for any combination of tablets, smart phones, cameras, MP3 players and GPS.

There is no other product on the market that can deliver the same high performance for the same weight.

It is weather-proof, colour-coded for fire or air conditioning, requires no extension cords and can be used both indoors and out.

The Legrand Excel Life Dual USB Charger Mechanism has a low standby power consumption of 230V a.c. < 0.15W and comes with overload protection.

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Visit www.hpmlegrand.com.au or call 1300 202 525 for more information.

The luminaires deliver competition standard lighting performance and fantastic spill control. Their patented lightweight (25kg) design means they are ideal for new installations and retrofits.

The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

38

technical talk

Thermal ageing of PVC cables Thermal ageing of polymer cables can lead to serious safety, performance and cost issues. Bob Merrick, Commercial Manager – Technical, Prysmian Cables, discusses thermal testing and operating temperature ranges for general market PVC cables.

Australia experiences

temperatures ranging from -10 to +40°C depending on location and season. Cables installed in roof and wall cavities risk encountering extreme heat for prolonged periods during their service life, this exposure can be exacerbated by installations where thermal insulation is encountered.

Modern cables are manufactured using polymers formulated to give the following characteristics: electrical protection, mechanical protection, ease of installation (cable preparation at termination), and long service life.

Thermal ageing of polymers over time may cause a loss of these characteristics such

www.masterelectricians.com.au

that a cable can be rendered unsafe for its intended daily use. Critical aspects of type testing for low-voltage consumer cables include thermal-based testing. These tests are designed to give a representation of the deleterious effects on cable components due to prolonged exposure to heat.

In a correctly formulated compound, these components are blended to provide excellent electrical, mechanical and processing capabilities. In relation to thermal performances of the various PVC compounds the following characteristics are evaluated:

Insulation and sheath compounds The most common insulation and sheath compounds used in ‘general building wires’, those being manufactured to AS/ NZS 5000.1 and 5000.2, are polyvinyl chloride (PVC). A typical formulation will consist of PVC copolymer, mineral fillers, lubricants, stabilisers (thermal), plasticisers and colourants.

Loss of mass Loss of mass is the evaluation of loss of plasticisers and lubricants due to volatilisation during heating. The temperature and duration of ageing is dependent on the type of compound and its temperature rating, for example, a V-90 compound will be aged at 115 ± 2°C for 120 hours. The test consists of comparison

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of weight of the compound before and after ageing.

Accelerated ageing Accelerated ageing takes place in ovens using prescribed temperature, air flow and air disturbance. The temperature and duration of ageing is dependent on the type of compound and its temperature rating, for example, a V-90 compound will be aged at 115 ± 2°C for 504 hours.

The test consists of a comparison of the physical characteristics (tensile and elongation) of the compound based on before and after ageing values, effectively reporting loss in mechanical properties.

Pressure test (hot deformation) Pressure testing is the measure of deformation of a compound due to force during a heat cycle. As with the previous two tests, the temperature is dependent on the type of compound and its temperature rating, for example, a V-90 compound will be tested at 90 ± 2°C. A load is applied to the specimen over a prescribed area during heating. The specimen is cooled under load and the resultant permanent deformation (indent) is measured.

Heat shock Heat shock testing is a measure of a compound’s ability to withstand heating

under stress without cracking. In this test, specimens are wound onto a mandrel and heated at 150 ± 3°C for one hour. After cooling the specimens are examined for any cracking.

Plasticiser exudation This test, although performed at 23 ± 2°C, is important in that it is designed to provide an indication of the stability of the plasticiser base of the PVC compound.

Failure mechanism When exposed to heating, poorly formulated PVC compounds will rapidly demonstrate a loss of physical properties due to loss of plasticiser. Operation in elevated temperatures (such as found in roof cavities and cladded walls) is the primary concern for these cable types.

The main failure reported is cracking of the insulation and sheaths, exposing the conductors and rendering the installation unsafe. Instances of green, oily fluid leaking at switches and power points should be investigated. While the oily substance itself is not electrically dangerous, it is a known indicator of thermal ageing in poorly formulated PVC compounds.

In Australia there is not a propensity to operate low-voltage PVC cables at current ratings high enough to cause thermal degradation due to self heating.

Australian Standard 3008.1.1 considers

“Thermal ageing of polymers over time may cause a loss of these characteristics such that a cable can be rendered unsafe for its intended daily use. Critical aspects of type testing for low-voltage consumer cables include thermal-based testing.”

current ratings for PVC insulated cables at a maximum continuous operating temperature of 90°C. This rating is qualified by note 3 of table 1 – Limiting temperature for insulated cables via: “The normal operating temperature of thermoplastic cables, including flexible cords installed as installation wiring, are based on a conductor temperature of 75°C. This is due to the risk of thermal deformation of insulation if the cables are clipped, fixed or otherwise installed in a manner that exposes the cable to severe mechanical pressure at higher temperatures.

V-90 and V-90HT insulated cables may be operated up to the maximum permissible temperatures 90 and 105°C provided that the cable is installed in a manner that is not subject to, or is protected against, severe mechanical pressure at temperatures higher The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

40

than 75°C. Such applications also allow for cables to be used in: a) Locations where the ambient temperatures exceeds the normal 40°C, for example; equipment wiring in luminaires and heating appliances, or in roof spaces affected by high summer temperatures, and b) Locations affected by bulk thermal insulation that restricts the dissipation of heat from the cable ...”.

“... the primary responsibility for the cable supplier is to make certain all relevant testing has been performed to ensure the integrity of the compounds are suitable for the operating temperatures indicated by the insulation designation.”

How to determine if a cable is suitable for the intended operating temperature In Australian Standards, cable insulation and sheaths compounds have designations to define their performance criteria and specific uses.

The AS/NZS 3808 – Insulating and sheathing materials for electric cables nominates V-75, V-90 insulation & 3V-75, 3V-90, 4V-75 & 5V-90 sheath designations – these compound designations are called up in the relevant cable build standards for these cable types. These designations are cross referenced in both AS/NZS 3008.1.1 – Electrical installations – Selection of cables – Cables for alternating voltages up to and including 0.6/1 kV – typical

Australian installation conditions and AS/ NZS 3000 – the Wiring Rules.

For all cables manufactured to AS/ NZS 5000.1 or 5000.2 the insulation compound designation must be shown in the cable sheath markings, hence a product such as 2.5 mm2 2-core and earth flat building wire will have in the marking legend either the compound designation V-75 or V-90, dependent on the manufacturer’s choice of compounds. By reference to table 1 of AS/NZS 3008.1.1 it can be seen that V-75 designated compounds are suitable for a maximum permissible temperature of 75°C and a V-90 designated compound

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is suitable for a maximum permissible temperature of 90°C (subject to previously stated note 3).

In summary, whichever marking is shown on the sheath, the primary responsibility for the cable supplier is to make certain all relevant testing has been performed to ensure the integrity of the compounds are suitable for the operating temperatures indicated by the insulation designation. It is the responsibility of the installer to select and install wiring within the guidelines of AS/NZS 3000 – the Wiring Rules, to ensure thermal runaway conditions are mitigated.

This article was provided by Prysmian Cables & Systems Australia Pty Ltd.

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Service Industry Management Solutions

41

feature business

Giving yourself the sack It’s the dream many business owners long to make a reality – having a self-sustaining and profitable business that virtually runs itself.

Stephanie Lim finds out how you can give yourself the sack, and still make money out of it!

Many business owners will agree that running a successful electrical contracting business can require a great deal of dedication and time on the owner’s part. What they soon realise is that this devotion of time only continues to increase as the business grows.

Holidays away and time with the family are sacrificed for hours poring over the accounts books and back-to-back meetings with clients.

It is a sad fact that for many business owners, life revolves around their work. Yet there are a lucky few who manage to run lucrative businesses without having to sacrifice the lifestyle of their choice.

Accredited Master Electrician Paul Christie from Casalite Electrics has owned and run an electrical contracting business for 13 years.

He was recently able to enjoy ten months holidaying in the United States and Canada with his wife and three daughters, all while his business continued to run.

“During my time travelling, I do a few hours of work a day and this includes replying to emails, accounting, speaking with clients

“I believe it’s really important to still maintain a handle on the business and not just dump it all on someone else.”

and generally making sure that everything is running smoothly,” he says.

“All I require is my trusty laptop and being away hasn’t hindered me from running the business at all.

“I believe it’s really important to still maintain a handle on the business and not just dump it all on someone else.”

Paul understands taking a step back from a business that an owner has worked hard to build can be difficult for many.

He recalls attending a business session at Master Electricians Australia’s (MEA) conference in Fiji a few years ago where The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

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David Williams from Mullins Lawyers has over three decades of experience leading his firm’s business services group, and says the key to business success is for owners to basically make themselves redundant in their work.

“It’s like giving yourself the sack. The first thing business owners should be looking at doing as soon as they start up a business is how to get out of it,” David explains.

“Basically from day one the business needs to be prepped as though it were going to be sold tomorrow.

“The control factor plays a big part for any business owner. It’s your business that you may have built from scratch or spent years of hard work on but you just have to be able to let some of that control go.”

“This means making the business investor or seller-ready.”

David says having an exit plan for your business should start the very same day you begin that business. attendees were asked to raise their hands if they were able to go away for two to three months at a time.

“Once you have an exit strategy in place it becomes a lot easier for a business owner to have the freedom he or she needs to go away on holiday, because it’s basically as though he has sold his business!

“I was the only one who raised my hand! Many business owners said they struggled to even take time off to attend the conference and that was only for four or five days,” Paul says.

“One of the first things business owners should look at doing is to convert their business into an electronic one.

“Around 70 per cent of the attendees put their hands up when asked if they were only able to take a week away from work out of the entire year.”

So what’s the secret?

www.masterelectricians.com.au

“Having your client list, database and accounts stored electronically means you can work anywhere and anytime you want, and you’re not restricted to an office or nine to five work hours.”

This was what enabled Casalite’s Paul Christie to keep an eye on his business while travelling overseas.

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“I decided to run my business remotely because I saw a job management ad and enquired about it,” Paul says.

David says many business owners don’t see or understand the true value of their business.

“I began by getting a job management program and an accounting package online and that made it easier for the team to do all our invoicing and quoting remotely.

“I’ve spoken to a business owner running a 30 year-old business that he said relied solely on himself and another employee,” he says.

“We had a business coach evaluate our business as well as hired a company to take care of all our website and marketing collateral.”

Paul says it was useful having trusted staff on the ground to be his eyes and ears while he was away.

“They said if they weren’t there the business would be worth nothing, and that simply isn’t true.

“Many people don’t realise the type of assets they have in their businesses. For example, a customer list in itself is of huge value to a potential buyer.

“Yet many people only value their assets as bricks and mortar.”

“It’s like buying or selling a house, a business needs to be made ready for a possible sale and that’s how you get your business to the point where you can leave and it will still run itself.”

“In the beginning it was really hard for me to make the change but once I got started it became a lot easier.

“The control factor plays a big part for any business owner. It’s your business that you may have built from scratch or spent years of hard work on but you just have to be able to let some of that control go.

“It’s certainly a big help to have staff I trust and my Manager to assist with running the business.”

This was what prompted David to create Mullins Lawyers’ Entry and Exit Assist packages.

“These packages basically help you get into and out of a business smoothly. One of the most important aspects of this is having the ability to take a step back and evaluate a business as a whole,” David explains.

“It’s like buying or selling a house, a business needs to be made ready for a possible sale and that’s how you get your business to the point where you can leave and it will still run itself.”

So what’s in the future for Paul and Casalite?

“More holidays! Our girls enjoy being home schooled and we’re certainly looking to do a little more travelling,” Paul says.

For more information on Entry and Exit Assist, contact David Williams at Mullins Lawyers on (07) 3224 0270.

The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

44

workplace relations

What would you do if 15 per cent of your workforce retired tomorrow?

It’s no secret that Australia has an ageing workforce, with a significant age shift occurring in Australia’s population profile.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data indicates that Australian society is ageing, and over the next decades, large numbers of people will be approaching retirement while fewer younger people will be entering the labour market.

Trevor-Roberts CEO Dr Edwin Trevor-Roberts leads a national career management organisation providing a range of career development services, including assisting organisations with their ageing workforce and helping individual’s transition to retirement. www.masterelectricians.com.au

According to Dr Trevor-Roberts, over the next five years, the baby boomers will hit retirement age and according to ABS data anywhere between 15 per cent and 18 per cent of the Australian workforce will retire over the next few years.

These experienced and seasoned workers are proven to be one of the most productive and reliable age groups at work.

Mature age workers are an often underestimated goldmine of productivity for the following reasons:

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• They are less likely to take days off due to illness or to care for others, and are less likely to experience work related injuries than other workers • They can deliver an average net benefit of up to $1,956 per year to their employer compared to other workers due to high retention rates, lower rates of absenteeism, decreased recruitment costs and greater return on investment • Experienced workers have built up knowledge and skills during their time in the workforce • A study by Australian Health Management which examined the daily work habits of 4,000 employees found that workers aged 55 years and over performed at their best for approximately seven hours out of an eight hour day - an achievement that other workers in the study were unable to match.

“Mature age workers can deliver an average net benefit of up to $1,956 per year to their employer compared to other workers due to high retention rates, lower rates of absenteeism, decreased recruitment costs and greater return on investment”

can help to minimise the impact on customers, and day-to-day productivity in businesses when long term employees retire.

So, the issues for your business are: • How are you going to attract and retain these workers?

• Do you have a strategy?

• Do you understand the age breakdown of your workforce, and know the retirement plans of these key employees?

Dr Trevor-Roberts believes that there are three different levels that need to be considered when thinking about older workers transitioning out of the workforce – business’s perspective, manager’s perspective and individual’s perspective.

Business’s perspective Firstly, don’t think of retirement as a destination. Rather it should be thought of as a journey whereby the individual gradually transitions to another set of activities – some of which may be paid and others that are not.

Dr Trevor-Roberts suggests business owners consider the exponential and untapped value that baby boomers have – value that is only discovered once they have left and at times this is a loss to the business.

Secondly, the business owner needs to conceptualise what a job actually is. Too often we get hung up on wanting employees working in a traditional full-time job working a 38 hour week.

Businesses should think more innovatively about different roles that not only meet the operational requirements of the business but also suit an older worker looking to transition to retirement.

For example, jobs based on a sequence of projects, or a 6:6 job where an employee works for six months on and six months off and another employee works the opposite. These scenarios may suit an individual’s lifestyle and in turn maintain employment all year round for the business.

Other strategies to consider are around knowledge management in the business. Business owners should ensure that intellectual property and customer relationships don’t retire along with employees. Having long term ‘easing out’ strategies in place

Manager’s perspective During an employee’s transition to retirement managers need to be understanding and flexible in how they engage with staff, The Master Electrician Autumn 2014

46

McKays Solicitors & the Electrical Industry A unique connection Focus & intelligence Straight talking Legal solutions

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which might mean using different management styles for individual employees. It may also result in having to manage more staff as more part-time employees are engaged.

Importantly, managers need to engage in ongoing conversations with their employees. It is not just one conversation about what the employee wants to do, but frequent and effective conversations (quarterly, if not monthly) to determine how the different arrangements are working for both parties.

Individual’s perspective Individuals need to take ownership of their retirement journey and be proactive in negotiating the flexible arrangements that they want.

Employees need to realise that their managers do not have all the answers and therefore need to actively engage in conversations about their desires and be open and flexible to the opportunities that arise.

Data shows that 35 per cent of workers in the construction industry and 43 per cent of workers in the electricity, gas, water and waste services industry are aged 45 years or older.

The workforce is getting older, which means that the way our older workers want to work is likely to change as their priorities shift. MEA has received many calls from members seeking advice on dealing with employees who no longer want to be on the tools but can add value in other areas of the business, perhaps where full-time hours are not required.

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“Employees need to realise that their managers do not have all the answers and therefore need to actively engage in conversations about their desires and be open and flexible to the opportunities that arise.”

Factors such as the health and wellbeing of individual workers, as well as their caring responsibilities, including caring for partners or parents and assisting with caring of grandchildren, presents barriers to workers continuing to work full-time hours.

MEA’s General Manager – Workplace Policy Jason O’Dwyer, says flexible working arrangements in the workplace can come about in a number of ways, including the employee requesting flexible working arrangements in accordance with the Fair Work Act, or the employee and employer entering into an Individual Flexibility Agreement (IFA) under the modern awards.

However, when entering into an IFA the agreement must have genuinely been agreed to without coercion or duress, and must result in the employee being better off overall at the time the agreement is made.

When considering any changes to work arrangements the employer must still ensure compliance with the applicable modern award or enterprise agreement covering the business.

The Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2010 (the modern award) allows for variations to starting and finishing times (by agreement in writing) and flexibility in rostered hours over weekdays, however the employer is still bound by the hours of work provisions which restrict ordinary hours worked between Monday to Friday 6am to 6pm. www.masterelectricians.com.au

47

Mr O’Dwyer says the current industrial relation system in Australia particularly the modern awards still have a long way to go to truly deliver on proactive practices like transition to retiring as Mr TrevorRoberts has eluded too. The Electrical industry modern award’s part-time arrangements, mandates that upon engagement parttime employees must be informed of the ordinary hours of work and starting and finishing times and specific days of the week. Any work performed in addition to those hours or outside the specified start and finish times is overtime paid at penalty rates.

Mr O’Dwyer says that many industries before 2010 had the ability to roster staff in normal business hours of up to 38 hours a week on a roster that was provided up to four weeks in advance and could be changed by mutual agreement. Businesses and employees now have no option to work this way particularly when business is not consistent. This can also be a barrier not only to older employees but also women wanting to re-enter into the workforce after having children.

This creates a barrier to flexibility to both the employer and employee. If a roster can be provided in advance, there should be no reason why an employer and a part-time employee cannot agree on a range of hours (up to 38 ordinary hours a week), to be rostered on any agreed day (within ordinary hours).

However, under the current award provisions, an employee and employer would need to enter into an individual flexibility agreement to do so.

So whilst there can be some award provisions preventing flexibility in the workplace, it is important to remember that there are mechanisms that can be used to create flexible working arrangements that suit both the employer and the individual

employee. If the employer and employee are willing to engage in effective conversation with each other an agreement can be made to provide flexibility that suits both parties.

For more information contact the MEA Workplace Relations Team on 1300 889 198.

To read more articles about career development and retirement visit the Trevor-Roberts website at www.trevor-roberts.com.au

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The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

48

all about ME

MEA launches State-based Excellence Awards Master Electricians Australia (MEA) recognises key individuals and businesses for their contributions to our industry at the Excellence Awards.

MEA is excited to announce the 2014 State-based Excellence Awards will now be rolled out across the country.

Having traditionally been a singular national ceremony, the Excellence Awards will now run in individual states. Winners from the state-based awards will move on to compete at the national awards, held at the 2014 MEA Electrical Industry Conference on the Sunshine Coast.

Award categories include:

Apprentice of the Year (fourth year or recently completed) Business Woman of the Year Master Electrician of the Year

The Excellence Awards are an opportunity for businesses to showcase outstanding accomplishments in the electrical and communications industry and draw attention to the value of their work.

Residential Project of the Year

Nominations for the 2014 Excellence Awards are now open to all individuals and businesses and their clients.

Data Project of the Year (Lex Batterham Memorial Award)

Visit www.masterelectricians.com.au/awards to nominate for the awards today. www.masterelectricians.com.au

Commercial Project of the Year Industrial/Mining Project of the Year

Innovative Product of the Year

49

Simon Tengende, VIC & TAS State Manager

MEA attends Royal Commission into Home Insulation Program Last year, Master Electricians Australia (MEA) welcomed the announcement of the Federal Government’s Royal Commission into the Home Insulation Program (HIP).

The Commission will investigate the deaths of four young tradesmen who tragically lost their lives, as well as the serious injuries suffered by others while working under the HIP. It will also determine the effect the program had on long-standing home insulation businesses.

MEA attended the Royal Commission’s first public hearing held on 23 December 2013 in Brisbane and have provided supplementary information to further aid the Commission.

MEA CEO Malcolm Richards said the organisation applauded the Federal Government’s determination to get to the bottom of the tragic deaths however he urged the Commission to look to the future and seek ways to ensure these tragedies were not repeated.

MEA have asked the Commission to recommend more widespread use of safety switches on electrical circuits, in line with the recommendation of the Queensland Coroner handed down at an inquiry into the HIP in July 2013.

MEA is committed to advocating for the interests of the industry and will continue to dedicate ourselves to creating a safer work environment for the electrical industry and all who work within it.

Greg Bryant, SA & NT State Manager

Better industry representation for members Master Electricians Australia (MEA) is excited to announce the organisation has once again expanded with a new South Australian office and South Australia/Northern Territory Manager.

As an electrician himself, Greg Bryant comes from a rich industry history having previously worked in the offices of Clipsal Schneider Electric and Gerard Lighting. Greg joins the MEA South Australian team in our new Torrensville office.

This expansion allows MEA to provide more comprehensive and all-rounded support for our South Australian and Northern Territory members, as well as a stronger voice of representation in these areas.

We are also pleased to announce the appointment of a new State Manager for Victoria and Tasmania, after having farewelled past Victorian State Manager Carl Rankin following a very successful two and a half years with MEA. Simon Tengende joins the MEA team having been a General Manager at the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He has also run the Department of Planning and Community Developments Young People Program across Victoria and will add a wealth of experience to the work that MEA does.

MEA is continuing to grow its strengths not only as a membership association for electrical contracting businesses and their workers, but as a peak body representing the electrical industry and wider sectors.

Free Safety and Technical Forums to assist electrical contractors This year, Master Electricians Australia (MEA) is inviting electrical contractors and businesses to switch on to safety and join us at our very first Safety and Technical Forum.

In addition to obtaining invaluable safety and technical knowledge, the forum is also an opportunity to have burning questions answered by a panel of industry professionals.

Attendees will gain knowledge of the technical and safety aspects of safety switches, find out how they can put legal requirements into practice in their business, as well as discuss the minimum requirements that should be enacted to ensure the safety of their workers under current safety legislation.

With presentations from MEA and Clipsal Schneider Electric, Master Electricians members and industry can also discuss topical issues directly affecting them and their business.

The forums will take an in-depth look into the technical aspects of safety switches, including dos and don’ts, common myths, selecting, testing and fault finding of safety switches, and what the benefits are for electrical contractors.

Register for the free forums at www.masterelectricians.com.au/ Roadshows.

The MEA Safety and Technical Forums are proudly sponsored by:

Business owners will learn about important safety legislations and policies for live work testing, including testing, isolation and lock out requirements.

The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

50

test drive

Mazda 6 GT Sedan With little action stirring within the mid-sized car market of late, David Melloy unearths a hidden gem – the new Mazda 6.

In a segment that can often be considered slightly on the

conservative side, it is refreshing to finally come across a car that delivers the goods in terms of both driving dynamics and looks.

Having driven two consecutive Ford Mondeos (both diesel) over the past six years, I was very much looking forward to the release of the next generation Mondeo. However despite the new model having already been made available overseas for around 18 months, there still doesn’t appear to be any launch date available in Australia in the foreseeable future.

Certainly, this was the time to cast the net a little wider in the hunt for a new vehicle.

www.masterelectricians.com.au

The Mazda 6 was a car that has always been on my radar, yet never really appealed to me in terms of its looks. This all changed with the new Mazda 6 model released early last year. With a swooping body and coupe-like roof reminiscent of the Jaguar XF, the car certainly exuded street-appeal with its low, wide stance.

Wanting to stick with an ‘oiler’, I took the mid-spec GT sedan for an extended drive over three days, and it didn’t disappoint. The GT comes with an impressive array of standard features like LED daylight running lights, Bi-Xenon headlights, sunroof, keyless entry, heated seats and auto-dimming rear-view mirror along with leather seats, sixspeaker Bose premium audio system, reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

51

Taking a step-up to the top-of-the-range Atenza brings extra features such as radar cruise control, blind spot monitor, forward obstruction warning, high-beam control, cross traffic alert and smart brake support system. A package sure to impress, even more so when compared to similar levels of features found in much more expensive European marques.

Out on the open road, the Mazda 6’s Skyactiv-D 2.2 engine was promising. Having often felt the lag that can occur with turbo diesel engines, particularly from a standing start, it was heartening to see that Mazda’s engineers have managed to give the 6 some real ‘get up and go’ with good response times. It delivers 129kW at 4,500rpm and 420Nm at 2,000rpm – better than the Mondeo. However, bear in mind that all models across the range do come with the ‘i-stop’ system which turns off the engine when you are stopped at lights – there can be a slight pause between taking the foot off the brake, and the engine re-starting and accelerating. One clever feature is Mazda’s ‘i-eloop’ system, which stores the energy generated through braking, and is used to help power the on-board electrical systems.

I took the GT out onto some twisty country roads, and the handling was sporty and nimble. Taking sharp corners was no issue, with all four wheels sticking safely to the tarmac. However, those 19 inch

wheels, while looking the business, certainly transmitted their fair share of road feedback – watch out for potholes!

The interior has not been left out of the equation. This is a car with some classy looks inside and out. Mazda has obviously spent time ensuring that the European feel of quality is transmitted throughout with soft-touch plastics used everywhere, a big touch screen for the reverse-camera and sat-nav, and premium leather upholstery. One note of warning, if you are over six feet in height, you may find head space slightly lacking due to the sunroof. Standing at six foot two, I only just manage to duck in, and that was with some slight adjustment to my normal driving position.

Mazda has done an outstanding job with the Mazda 6. If you are looking at mid-sized sedans, this has to be on your shopping list. The only issues I had were mild niggles, apart from the interior head height, with the 6 being a car that is fun to drive, has all the bells and whistles, and looks great. I might just get one!

The Mazda 6 range starts at $37,049 for the base model Sport sedan.

Full specs are available at the Mazda website www.mazda.com.au

Meet Andre w he’s a safety

expert.

Andrew knows that having a quality safety management system implemented in your business can do more than just satisfy your obligations, it can save lives.

Andrew is the man you can rely on when it comes to safety.

He lives it, breathes it, and speaks to real contractors everyday about how to improve it.

If you’re serious about safety, then having access to a safety expert like Andrew through Master Electricians SafetyConnect is the best decision you will make for your business this year.

Could your business benefit from advice from an expert like Andrew?

Call Master Electricians SafetyConnect on 1300 889 198 or visit: masterelectricians.com.au/safety to find out how a safety expert like Andrew can make life easier for you.

Proudly supported by:

The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

52

events calendar MARCH

MAY

22 – 23 March or 29 – 30 March 2014 Dads ‘n’ Daughters Weekend Phillip Island Nature Parks, VIC www.penguins.org.au

5 May – 10 June 2014 MEA Roadshows www.masterelectricians.com.au/ Roadshows

26 March to 20 April 2014 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Melbourne, VIC www.comedyfestival.com.au

APRIL 29 April – 1 May 2014 Energy Networks 2014 Conference Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, VIC www.energynetworks2014.com.au

8 May 2014 Women in the Energy Industries Conference Crown Conference Centre, Melbourne, VIC www.ee-oz.com.au

29 May Traders 500 Melbourne Showgrounds, Grand Pavilion, VIC www.traders500.com.au

IMPORTANT DATES THIS QUARTER

13 – 16 May 2014 National Manufacturing Week Exhibition Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW www.nationalmanufacturingweek.com.au

18 April 2014 Good Friday

16 – 18 May 2014 V8 Supercars Perth 400 Perth, WA www.v8supercars.com.au

25 April 2014 Anzac Day

22 May 2014 – Victoria 28 May 2014 – New South Wales 30 May 2014 – Queensland Bright Ideas for Business Series Session #3 www.masterelectricians.com.au/ Business

2 June 2014 Western Australia Day (WA only)

21 April 2014 Easter Monday

5 May 2014 May Day (NT only)

9 June 2014 Queen’s Birthday (excluding WA)

Contracting Industry Redundancy Trust CIRT was established in 1990 to provide employers in the Queensland electrical construction industry with services to meet the changing requirements for redundancy. The Contributions are held in trust for this purpose.

If you require specific information regarding contributions, payments and the benefits we offer, please either contact us on the numbers below or visit our website.

CIRT ONLINE

www.cirt.com.au

As a CIRT employer, you may be eligible for training subsidies from JETCO to assist in maintaining or upgrading the electrical industry related skills of your workforce.

Listed below are some of the courses that can be subsidised: Cert IV in Electrical Instrumentation

Telecommunications

Cert IV in Hazardous Areas

First aid and Resuscitation

Low voltage switchboard rescue

And many more

For all CIRT and JETCO enquiries contact the administrators Brisbane Local Call Fax E-mail JETCO

www.masterelectricians.com.au

(07) 3506 7788 1300 200 123 (07) 3506 7700 enquiries@cirt.com.au (07) 3506 7787

Postal Address: CIRT Administration C/- Malcolm V Leeke & Co PO Box 42, EVERTON PARK QLD 4053

53

shocking photograph

DIY danger An electrical contractor was recently called to a job where an outside light was not working and the owner had complained about receiving an electric shock when placing his aluminium ladder against the eves of the tin roof.

The electrician drove an earth electrode into the ground near the roof and measured a nice clean 240 volts! What he found next was scary. The owner had tried his hand at some DIY electrical work to install the outdoor light. He laid conduit across the beams directly underneath the roofing iron and drilled several screws right through the conduit.

Strangely the circuit breaker had not tripped and there was no safety switch. The electrician re-wired the light circuit and fitted a safety switch.

Home owners can often be fooled by the array of electrical goods in hardware stores. It is important to remind them that you don’t need to be a licensed electrician to buy them, but you most certainly need to be licensed to install them.

LIKE TO WIN $50?

Send us your favourite picture (in high resolution of at least 1MB please) and if we publish it, we’ll send you $50!

Thanks to Mark from Jensen Electrical in Kingswood NSW, $50 is on its way.

Send your entries to magazine@masterelectricians.com.au for your chance to win.

Get Your Field Technicians Connected The simPRO Connect App is an out-of-office extension of

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Connect enables staff in the field to update times, materials, and job details in real time. generated at BeQRious.com

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The Connect App links your mobile workforce with simPRO Enterprise Job Management Software

Contact us today on 1300 139 467 or visit simpro.com.au to get connected

The Master Electrician

Autumn 2014

54

the last word

The real test of an insurance policy Since the inception of Master Electricians Australia (MEA), we have actively sought to position our brand – your brand – around the concepts of service, quality and reliability. In positioning Master Electricians as providers of premium services, we have sought to educate the public that (to use an old saying) you get what you pay for.

That’s not to say we don’t encourage members to be cost competitive. Simply that we want buyers to understand that if you use the cheapest product available, you don’t get the best result. We’ve seen that recently with the recall of imported Infinity brand cables.

So it’s always a little surprising to me when members complain that the insurance packages offered through MEA are not the cheapest on the market. Usually the story goes like this: “Mal, I can get a much better insurance deal on the internet/from a friend of a friend/with a voucher I found on the back of my shopping docket.”

But just as when you engage an electrical contractor, the price of your insurance is not the best measure of service and product quality. The real test of an insurance policy – indeed, the one and only reason for having it – is the response you receive when you need to make a claim.

MEA’s brokers Comsure have written around 2,500 policies for our members from several

different insurance companies, which have paid out close to $2.5 million over the last three years. A number of those pay outs have been around the $250,000 mark, and there are a number currently under consideration which would be much larger.

Like many of you, I personally use the MEA’s insurance options for my home and contents. Recently I had to claim against the policy after a lightning strike, which caused $33,000 worth of damage to wiring, fittings and appliances. And yes, that was the inspiration for the story on page 4. I’m glad the editorial team found the whole thing so amusing!

As much as I would have preferred not to personally road test the work of MEA’s insurers, the experience has reinforced to me just how valuable the service actually is.

It’s also confirmed my view that we have the right product offerings for members, even if they are not the cheapest on the market.

When you have a major disruption – whether it’s at work or at home – you need to know that that policy you have faithfully been paying for all those years will prove to be worthwhile. You don’t want to find out “by accident” that your policy is not what you thought it was. You need to know that you have right type of policy, and the right amount of cover.

So when the time comes to renew your insurance – whether at work or at home – I strongly recommend you take advantage of MEA’s insurance broker service for members to compare different policies and coverage levels. It’s a free service, but it might just turn out to be invaluable.

MALCOLM RICHARDS CEO

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