Re: [Computerbank] Re: FW: [Snac] Notification - product recall

["Don Cameron" <donc@mudgeeab.com.au>]

Hi Kylie,

(Great timing... I was working on our company policy on this when your
message popped-in because of the recent recall... so here's a
cut-and-paste) - Also surge protection is not an issue from a safety
perspective (other than potentially damaging expensive chips!), however
overcurrent protection is a requirement for powerboards under OH&S
legislation for every Australian workplace. Also double-adaptors are no
longer permitted.

(An extract from our draft policy for your perusal)

7) The use of double adaptors is not permitted.

Wherever possible arrangements should be made to install sufficient general
purpose outlets for all of the equipment in the workplace.

In circumstances where it is necessary to use a multi-outlet power board,
such multi-outlet power board:

a) Must be marked with an appropriate Australian Testing Authority Type
Approval;

and

b) Must be fitted with an overcurrent protection device that can be reset.

The Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations require that if a
supply of electricity is provided to a socket outlet other than a lighting
socket at a workplace, any risk associated with the supply of electricity
should be controlled, so far as is reasonably practicable, by the
installation of a non-portable RCD that complies with the Australian
Standard 3190 Approval and Test Specification for Current Operated (Core
Balance) Earth Leakage Devices.

Accordingly MRA will ensure that;

c) All new installations will be protected by a non-portable RCD (Residual
Current Device);

and

d) Existing installations will be fitted with a non-portable RCD where there
is a significant risk of injury arising from the use of electrical
appliances drawing electricity from the circuit.

However, where electricity is supplied to movable electrical equipment
through a socket outlet and the supply of electricity is not protected by a
non-portable RCD, the output side of the socket must be directly connected
to a portable RCD.

In this context 'movable electrical equipment' is;

Any electrical equipment that is moved around a workplace while it is being
operated. This is equipment that a person would normally be holding or
controlling while it is operating e.g. portable power tools, industrial
floor polishers, vacuum cleaners, etc;

or

Equipment which is normally stationary while in operation but because it is
frequently relocated the supply cord could be damaged e.g. portable welding
equipment, audio-visual equipment, computers on wheeled trolleys, etc. and
includes all extension leads and multi-outlet power boards.

All RCDs must be kept in a safe operating condition and tested on a regular
basis by a competent person at the intervals specified in the Regulations.

Rgds, Don


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The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the individual, and do not 
express the opinions of Computerbank Australia Incorporated (CAI) in anyway.
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