Safety alert on water pipes

The NSW government has recently issued a new safety alert, warning of the dangers of electrocution when handling metallic water services.

This new alert replaces a previous safety alert issued in 2005, following the recent death of a plumber who was electrocuted while installing a new section of copper water pipe at a private residence. This is the second fatality of its type in NSW since 2005.

The alert warns plumbers that serious or fatal electric shocks can result when removing water meters or when cutting through or disconnecting metallic water pipes on water services. The main contributing factor in these types of incidents is a fault that may have occurred with the electricity supply on the premises or in the street, causing the metallic piping to become ‘live’. When the pipe is cut or disconnected, either side of the pipe could become ‘live’, causing the worker to receive an electric shock.

Prior to the removal of water meters, or the repair or replacement of metallic water piping, the following risk control measures should be implemented:

• Before commencing work, ask the customer about the operational condition of the electrical installation. If they have experienced a ‘tingling’ sensation after touching the water pipes, taps or appliances, do not work on the water service. Advise the customer and the local electricity distributor that an electrical fault is suspected.
• If practicable, find the main switch for the premises and turn off the power. Attach a danger tag, or lock the switchboard, to ensure the power remains off until the work is completed.
• Use low-voltage, insulated gloves when working on the water service.
• Thoroughly clean the section of pipe each side of the length to be cut or disconnected — or either side of the water meter if the meter is to be removed.
• Attach a bridging conductor with a 70 A or greater current rating and span the work area where the metal pipe is to be cut or the meter disconnected — and leave the area undisturbed until the work is finished. Ensure the clamps make good physical contact with the cleansed parts of the metal pipe.
• The bridging conductor must not be broken or removed until all work on the water service is completed and continuity of the metallic pipe is restored.
• Where metallic pipe is to be replaced by plastic pipe or other fittings, work must not commence until the earthing requirements have been checked by an electrical contractor, and modified if necessary.
• Plumbers must not disconnect earth wires that may be attached to the metal water pipes. If an earth wire needs to be disconnected, or is damaged, the customer should be told to get an electrical contractor to carry out the work.