Electron Issue 091
Keeping you up to date with the latest regulatory changes, exam reports, technical issues, consultation results and other issues affecting electrical workers - published March 2018
Registrar update
At the February Board meeting we said farewell to Board Member William Waterworth and welcomed three other Board Members. See the Presiding Member’s remarks below for more. I wish them all the very best.
I am in the throes of contributing to the Board’s work programme, which will constitute the Board’s primary activity over the next 12 – 18 months. The Board’s strategy day is pending where the programme will be 'tested' to ensure it supports the overall strategic direction of the Board. Like all organisations, not everything can be done at once – prioritisation is the key – which is not always easy. I look forward to supporting the Board to achieve the outcome it requires.
Over the last two few months I have had a number of engagements with sector organisations. I am grateful for their time, and willingness to share their knowledge and experience. When we met, it was apparent that achieving safe electrical practise, and developing and maintaining a resilient electrical workforce is a collective responsibility. I hope you enjoy this issue of Electron. There are a couple of articles relating to technological change and the opportunities it can bring to the sector – if we remain responsive the future is bright for electrical workers.
All the best,
Simon Robb
Registrar
Presiding Member's update
The New Year is well underway and it looks like the next few years may see an increase in activity in the construction industry. KiwiBuild is envisaging 100,000 houses in 10 years and delivering this will require increased capacity across the whole of the construction process, electrical work included. In times of increased electrical worker demand, an increase in the number of persons carrying prescribed electrical work under supervision often occurs. As such, it is timely to remind electrical workers that the Board has comprehensive supervision guidelines on its website. All those who are supervising and those that are being supervised should retain a copy and make sure they are following them on a day to day basis. The supervision guidelines are available on the EWRB website. There are separate rules for Supervision of Trainees Holding a Limited Certificate. [PDF, 728 KB]
The start of 2018 has also further changes in Board Membership with another members being farewelled and three new members welcomed. William Waterworth, who has served on the Board since 2012, finished his term of appointment at the February meeting. William brought an eye for detail to the Board and assisted with a comprehensive review of the Board’s policies and procedures. The Board wishes him well with his future endeavors.
The new members are Monica Kershaw, Mac Mcintyre and Jane Davel. Monica Kershaw is a Registered Member and is a tutor at the Manukau Institute of Technology teaching electrical apprentices. Mac McIntyre is also a Registered Member. He is a consultant working in the distribution sector and has a background in network asset management and operation. Jane Davel joins as a lay member and has a marketing and governance background. The Board welcomes them and looks forward to their input.
In this month's Electron there is an article about the proposed amendments to AS/NZS 3000. It is important that all electrical workers read this article and that they keep up to date with the process to approve the changes and to bring them into operation.
Best wishes,
Mel Orange
Presiding Member
Board Prosecution
EWRB v Daryn Noel Leaity
The Board found Daryn Noel Leaity, an Electrical Inspector of Auckland, guilty of disciplinary offences under the Electricity Act 1992 and fined him $2,500 and ordered him to pay costs of $1,000.
Certification
Certification must be completed and provided for all prescribed electrical work. This includes carrying out the maintenance, repair or replacement of fittings and appliances. Certification verifies that the prescribed electrical work has been carried out lawfully, safely and that it has been tested in accordance with the legislative requirements.
Why should an electrical inspector ask to see an electrical worker's licence?
Inspectors have a vital responsibility as the "final step" to verify the safety of high risk electrical work. This responsibility carries a legal obligation to conduct whatever tests and actions are required to ensure the work will be safe and completed in accordance with the regulations.
Changes to the 'wiring rules' - a note on the regulatory status of AS/NZS 3000:2018
Standards Australia announced that a new edition of AS/NZS 3000:2018 (the 'wiring rules') is expected to be published in March 2018. Standards New Zealand is likely to approve the new standard soon. It is likely AS/NZS 3000:2018 will be adopted into the Regulations to replace AS/NZS 3000:2007 in late 2019.
What the Internet of Things will bring to the Electrical sector
As we connect more and more things to the Internet, we embark on a long and intrepid journey creating a new industry called "The Internet of Things (IOT)".