Western Power has been fined $40,000 for failing to have adequate electrical testing processes after a Manning resident received an electric shock in April 2022.
The network operator pleaded guilty to failing to develop, implement, and maintain adequate work practices as mandated by the Electricity Regulations 2015 at Perth Magistrates Court last month.
The court was told the incident occurred when an electrical subcontractor was working for Western Power to install new power meters and convert overhead electricity supplies to underground ones.
After completing the work, the subcontractor filled out a service connection test checklist provided by Western Power, which was meant to ensure the wiring between the meter, metallic switchboard, and the network was safe for occupants when the electricity supply was restored.
However, later that evening a resident at the home received an electric shock while touching a bathroom tap, but fortunately, the resident escaped without harm.
Building and Energy prosecutors told the court that Western Power’s service connection test form did not include an electrical neutral integrity test, a key method for detecting the neutral fault present at the home.”
Saj Abdoolakhan, WA’s Director of Energy Safety, said it was incredibly lucky the home’s occupant escaped unharmed, warning the hazardous voltages could have resulted in serious or fatal injuries, as well as property damage or fire, and noted this isn’t the first time an incident like this has occurred.
“Western Power has previous convictions for instances in which deficiencies in the form led to inadequate testing and risk to consumers, including an electric shock in Kingsley and damaged appliances in Lancelin,” he said.
“Western Power has recently advised me that it has now taken adequate corrective actions and included the electrical neutral integrity test as a key requirement for service connections.”
If you believe you may have received an electric shock, report it to your network operator immediately, avoid touching any metallic surfaces, and seek medical attention, even for minor shocks.
