SafeWork SA calls for compliance for imported plant, machinery

SafeWork SA are reminding South Australian businesses working with plant imported from overseas to ensure that installation and electrical wiring complies with Australian Standards. Inspectors recently inspected bottling lines installed by the same overseas supplier of plant at two separate businesses, and identified the risk of electrocution to operators due to unsafe wiring. Both bottling lines were immediately shut down.

The bottling lines had not been wired in accordance with Australian Standards. The businesses had also failed to employ a qualified electrician to inspect the plant, with no Certificate of Compliance prior to operation. The Office of the Technical Regulator immediately de-energised the plant due to the identified high risk, rendering it inoperable.

Businesses are reminded to ensure all components of plant and machinery comply with Australian Standards when purchasing from overseas suppliers. This is to ensure they are safe to use and operate.

Businesses must ensure that all machinery is RCD protected, has an electrical isolator fitted to motors, and is fitted with appropriate machine guarding to Australian Standards. All plant and machinery must also have clearly visible labelling in English, with wiring that complies with Australian Standards. Businesses must also ensure that energy sources are able to be isolated, and that all plant and machinery is fitted, where required, with emergency stops to Australian Standards.

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