Report - METEX - Electrical Engineering Control Plan - November 2022 to June 2025

The findings of an assessment program at surface and underground metalliferous mines focussing on the principal electrical engineering control plan and exposure to uncontrolled release of electrical energy.

Sector	METEX- surface and underground mines
Principal control plan	Electrical engineering control plan
Topic	Exposure to uncontrolled release of electrical energy

Operation type assessed

Operation type	Number of mines assessed
Surface	20
Underground	8
Total	28

Compliance notice types issued during the program

Notice type	Notices surface	Notices underground	Percentage of all notices issued
WHS(MPS)A s23 notice of concerns	18	8	31%
WHSA s191 improvement notice	41	15	68%
WHSA s195 prohibition notice	1	0	1%
Total	60	23	100%

Note: This data represents all notices issued during the program and may include notices other than electrical engineering control plan topics.

Criteria assessed

Criteria assessed	Criteria support
Identify electrical services	Verify warning signs are installed to indicate the presence of energised electrical conductors. Confirm people engaged in ground or structure penetrating work are familiar with the permit system requirements. Confirm people who conduct work in the vicinity of aerial power lines are familiar with: • Procedures or permitting systems controlling work in the vicinity of aerial power lines. • The minimum separation distances required • Methods of ensuring separation distances are not breached.
Energy isolation	Required isolation facilities are fitted to isolate plant including: • Suitable isolators fitted to plant. • Isolators are clearly labelled and easily identified as the correct isolation point. • Isolation state is clearly identified with "Off" position clearly marked or break visible. • Isolator can be locked in the "Off" position. • Confirm people engaged in ground or structure penetrating work are familiar with the permit system requirements. Electrical energy isolation procedures are readily available. Workers can explain the competency standards and authorisations required to conduct isolation activities. People conducting isolations are competent and authorised. People can explain the isolation requirements and procedures for plant they work on. Electrical energy isolations are completed as required in the procedures. People can explain any isolation permit processes relative to their work. Isolation permits are completed as required.
Reduced voltage	Review a sample of field devices and control circuits to confirm the source is extra low voltage. Review a sample of handheld power tools to confirm pneumatic or battery powered alternatives are utilised (where possible). Review a sample of welding equipment to confirm they are fitted with a hazard reduction device or a voltage reduction device. Confirm there is evidence of the inspection and testing of welding equipment.

Findings with issues identified - surface operation

Criteria assessed	Mine type	Findings of concern	Findings of contravention	Multiple findings	Total findings of issues
Identify electrical services	Surface	13	7	2	22
Energy isolation	Surface	14	6	0	20
Reduced voltage	Surface	9	3	0	12

Findings with issues identified - underground operation

Criteria assessed	Mine type	Findings of concern	Findings of contravention	Total findings of issues
Identify electrical services	UG	12	2	14
Energy isolation	UG	4	2	6
Reduced voltage	UG	8	4	12

Recommendations

Operators of metalliferous surface and underground mines should review the site principal electrical engineering control plan (EECP) and the criteria assessed for the topic exposure to uncontrolled release of electrical energy with specific focus on:

Electrical supervision arrangements must ensure that the standards and procedures for the installation, commissioning, maintenance, and repair of electrical plant and installations at the mine are effectively supervised, monitored, and reviewed.
EECP risk assessments are to clearly identify the risk, its potential consequences, and the control measures to be implemented to prevent or mitigate an unwanted event.
Workers undertaking electrical tasks must be trained and competent in the implementation of the EECP, particularly in relation to arc flash protection and procedures for the safe isolation and restoration of power.