On 31 March 2022, the Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws replaced the health and safety elements of the Mines Safety and Inspection laws. For information visit www.demirs.wa.gov.au/whs
Transitional arrangements may be in place for the compliance requirements on this page.
All health and safety notifications, forms and guidance for mining and petroleum has moved to the WorkSafe website
What is low voltage (LV) electricity?
Low voltage (LV) electricity means electrical energy at voltages exceeding 32 Volt AC or 115 Volt DC, but not exceeding 1000 Volt AC or 1500 Volt DC for mines as per MSIR 1995.
In alternating current (AC), the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction, whereas in direct current (DC), the flow of electric charge is in one direction.
When working on LV installations it is a mandatory requirement to comply with Building and Energy's Code of practice for persons working on or near energised electrical installations.
Fault currents
Fault currents of up to 20 times the rated current of a supply transformer can flow for short times during fault conditions. Electric arcs can be produced under these conditions with enough energy to cause an explosion or melt metallic switchboard cubicles and cause severe burns to skin.
Electrical workers should also be aware that circuit protection may not operate in such circumstances.
Building and Energy's Safe working guidelines for electrical workers prescribes principles and methods for the organisation and performance of safe work on electrical installations.
Arc flash risk
It is recommended that sites conduct an arc flash risk assessment on their LV switchboard installations to understand and manage the electric arc flash hazard.