Ceiling insulation installer fatality

The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) are investigating the fatality of a ceiling insulation installer which occurred on 18 November 2009 near Rockhampton. A second person assisting with the work received an electric shock.

Initial findings suggest that a fault in the electrical installation in the ceiling cavity is the likely cause of the fatality. A cable supplying the stove circuit was damaged by a ceiling fixing screw, causing the supporting metal ceiling batten to become energised at approximately 240 V. This is the second electrocution death of an installation installer in the last four weeks.

Insulation installers have previously been warned of the dangers associated with installing ceiling insulation near electrical equipment, including cables, light fittings and ceiling fans.

Tragedies such as this could be avoided if basic safety precautions are followed. The information contained in the fact-sheet ‘Insulation - installing ceiling insulation and your health and safety’, published on the Department’s website following the electrocution death of an insulation installer on 14 October 2009, should be followed in all cases.

In particular, the information on turning off electricity and wearing adequate personal protection, including footwear and clothing, are fundamental in providing safe working arrangements.

While an electric shock may not always result in death, it can still have serious health impacts, including burns and damage to the nervous system, brain, sensory/motor organs, heart and lungs. A shock can also throw you off balance, resulting in fall injuries. The prospect of such injuries occurring in a roof space can make rescue difficult, resulting in a delay in treatment.

The Electrical Safety Act 2002 requires employers or self-employed persons to conduct their businesses in a way that is electrically safe. This provision applies to businesses engaged in non-electrical work such as installing insulation material.

The ESO warns installers not to underestimate other dangers involved, such as the increased fire risk associated with incorrectly installing insulation around lighting fixtures.

WHSQ and ESO inspectors have commenced audits of insulation installers as part of an ongoing operation to ensure compliance with the requirements of both occupational health and safety and electrical safety legislation.

These audits will focus on compliance, by insulation installers, with the safety conditions contained in the Ministerial Notice issued on 30 October 2009 under the Act. This includes ensuring that metal or other conductive fastenings are not being used; that on-site risk assessments are being undertaken and documented; and that installers are complying with the Wiring Rules requirements for clearances of insulation material around recessed downlights. Inspectors will be taking immediate enforcement action if they detect any breaches.

Any insulation installer entering a roof space must conduct a risk assessment to determine possible hazards, prior to starting work.