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Another Insulation Installer Dies on the Job in Queensland

The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) are investigating the fatality of a ceiling insulation installer which occurred on 4 February 2010 at Millaa Millaa, in far north Queensland. An investigation is currently underway.

Initial findings suggest that a metal staple used to fix foil insulation to the ceiling structure may have pierced a live electrical cable causing the insulation to become energised.

This is the third electrocution death of an installation installer in the last four months. Insulation installers have previously been warned of the dangers associated with installing ceiling insulation.

The information contained in the department's fact-sheet, www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/resources/pdfs/alert-insulation_installing.pdf, 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.

Installers have also been advised of the additional safety requirements introduced by the Electrical Safety (Installation of Ceiling Insulation) Notice 2009 which came into effect from 1 November 2009. This Ministerial Notice requires that metal or other conductive fastenings are not used; that onsite risk assessments are undertaken and documented; and that installers comply with the Wiring Rules requirements for clearances of insulation material around recessed downlights.

WHSQ and ESO Inspectors are undertaking 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 and in particular with the safety conditions contained in the Ministerial Notice. To date more than 500 such audits have been completed. Any insulation installer entering a roof space must conduct a risk assessment to determine possible hazards prior to starting work.

Information on risk assessments is available at:
www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/law/codes/riskman/index.htm