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Dangerous High Voltage Switches Found on WA Mine Sites

Dangerous High Voltage Switches Found on WA Mine Sites

Mines in Western Australia are being warned to check their high voltage switches amid growing concern that some sites are using the same switch at the centre of the Perth shopping centre explosion that killed two people earlier this month.

State Mining Engineer with the Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP), Andrew Chaplyn, said mines should check the kind of switches they’re using as a matter of urgency.

“If they have any Long and Crawford oil-insulated combined-fuse switches installed, they must ensure there are warning signs on all switches about the need for complete isolation from supply before performing any repair, fault finding, maintenance or fuse replacement,” Mr Chaplyn said.

“This isolation must remain effective until all work is completed and all lids and covers are replaced.”

On 3 February, one man was killed and another was rushed to hospital after a power transformer exploded at the Morley Galleria shopping centre in Perth’s north east. The second man died in hospital later that day. The men were carrying out electrical maintenance on the transformer when the explosion occurred.

In the wake of investigations into the incident, WA’s EnergySafety has  imposed new safety precautions for high-voltage oil-insulated combined-fuse switches produced by Long and Crawford.

“These switches could have been in service for up to 40 years and are either approaching or past their safe service life,” Mr Chaplyn said.

“The inherent danger of these switches was tragically highlighted by the accident at the Morley Galleria, which claimed the lives of two young men and severely injured two others.”

“This is why we are reminding industry about the EnergySafety Order regarding the dangers of working with these switches.”

Electrical Inspectors from the DMP must be provided with details on replacement programs should the faulty switches be found on site, Mr Chaplyn said.

Ken Bowron, Director of EnergySafety  said the type of switch involved allows the three fuses to be changed while the in-coming electricity supply at the base of the tank remains energised.

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

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

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