Shocking Negligence: How Western Power's $40,000 Fine Reveals the Danger Lurking in Your Home!
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In a world where we rely on electricity to power our lives, the safety of our electrical systems is paramount. However, a recent incident in Manning, Perth, has highlighted the potential dangers that can arise when safety protocols are not strictly followed. Western Power, the electricity network operator, has been fined $40,000 after a resident suffered an electric shock due to a failure in their home's electrical system.
The incident occurred when a subcontractor, working on behalf of Western Power, was tasked with installing new tariff meters and converting overhead to underground electricity supplies in April 2022. Despite completing a service connection test checklist provided by Western Power, a critical safety step was overlooked.
On the evening of the installation, a resident received an electric shock while touching a bathroom tap. This alarming event was the result of metal components in the home becoming 'live' due to an ill-directed current. It was a stroke of luck that the resident was not seriously injured—or worse.
An investigation into the incident revealed that Western Power's service connection checklist did not include an electrical neutral integrity test. This crucial test could have detected the fault and prevented the dangerous situation. The absence of this test in the checklist was a significant oversight, considering the potential for fatal injuries or even a fire.
WA Energy Safety director Saj Abdoolakhan expressed relief that the occupant was unharmed but emphasized the gravity of the situation. He pointed out that Western Power had previous convictions for similar instances where deficiencies in their procedures led to risks for consumers. These included an electric shock incident in Kingsley, which resulted in a $30,000 fine, and damaged appliances in Lancelin.
In response to these incidents, Western Power has now made the electrical neutral integrity test a key requirement for service connections. This change is a step in the right direction to ensure the safety of residents and their homes.
For our readers, especially those in their golden years who may not be as familiar with the intricacies of electrical work, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of electrical safety. It's crucial to ensure that any electrical work done in your home is carried out by a licensed professional who adheres to all safety regulations.
If you're having electrical work done, don't hesitate to ask the technician if they have completed all necessary safety checks, including the electrical neutral integrity test. It's also wise to have a licensed electrician conduct regular inspections of your home's electrical system to catch any potential issues before they become hazardous.
At the Seniors Discount Club, we care about your safety and well-being. We encourage you to share this information with friends and family to raise awareness about electrical safety. If you've had any experiences with electrical work or safety concerns in your home, please share your story in the comments below. Your insights could help others avoid similar dangers and ensure their homes are safe havens, not hidden hazards.
The incident occurred when a subcontractor, working on behalf of Western Power, was tasked with installing new tariff meters and converting overhead to underground electricity supplies in April 2022. Despite completing a service connection test checklist provided by Western Power, a critical safety step was overlooked.
On the evening of the installation, a resident received an electric shock while touching a bathroom tap. This alarming event was the result of metal components in the home becoming 'live' due to an ill-directed current. It was a stroke of luck that the resident was not seriously injured—or worse.
Western Power has been fined $40,000 after a Manning, Perth resident received an electric shock from metal components in their home. Credit: Facebook / Western Power
An investigation into the incident revealed that Western Power's service connection checklist did not include an electrical neutral integrity test. This crucial test could have detected the fault and prevented the dangerous situation. The absence of this test in the checklist was a significant oversight, considering the potential for fatal injuries or even a fire.
WA Energy Safety director Saj Abdoolakhan expressed relief that the occupant was unharmed but emphasized the gravity of the situation. He pointed out that Western Power had previous convictions for similar instances where deficiencies in their procedures led to risks for consumers. These included an electric shock incident in Kingsley, which resulted in a $30,000 fine, and damaged appliances in Lancelin.
In response to these incidents, Western Power has now made the electrical neutral integrity test a key requirement for service connections. This change is a step in the right direction to ensure the safety of residents and their homes.
For our readers, especially those in their golden years who may not be as familiar with the intricacies of electrical work, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of electrical safety. It's crucial to ensure that any electrical work done in your home is carried out by a licensed professional who adheres to all safety regulations.
If you're having electrical work done, don't hesitate to ask the technician if they have completed all necessary safety checks, including the electrical neutral integrity test. It's also wise to have a licensed electrician conduct regular inspections of your home's electrical system to catch any potential issues before they become hazardous.
