49 asbestos illness cases in 22 years at Ausgrid, claims ETU
09 November, 2012The ETU claims to have evidence that shows Ausgrid has documented 49 cases of asbestos-related illness in 22 years. The union group has threatened action if an asbestos removal plan is not developed.
Beware of copper-clad aluminium communications cables
08 November, 2012 by Paul StathisCopper-clad aluminium (CCA) has been used in electrical cable for many years, being engineered to provide lightweight reticulation solutions appropriate to specific applications. However, the electrical and communications industries should be aware that CCA is not engineered for use in telecommunications and data cables.
ETU calls for audit of asbestos in electricity industry
07 November, 2012The Electrical Trades Union has questioned Endeavour Energy’s policy on asbestos meter boards, claiming that its policy relies on out-of-date workplace safety advice.
Call to protect electricians
02 November, 2012The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) is calling on the NSW Government to protect electrical and communications contractors caught up in the alarming amount of insolvencies that have been occurring in the state’s construction industry recently.
Regulatory changes imminent for electricity metering
30 October, 2012The National Measurement Institute (NMI) plans to lift the current exemptions for electricity meters and will introduce new legislation on 1 January 2013. The new legislation will remove the current exemption for some categories of electricity meter under the National Measurement Act 1960.
Inquest into insulation deaths a timely warning
26 October, 2012The Coronial Inquest into one of the deaths linked to the federal government’s Home Insulation Program (HIP) was a timely reminder about the importance of electrical safety and the use of qualified tradespeople, Master Electricians Australia has said.
TV and computer recycling scheme launched in Sydney
26 October, 2012Senator Don Farrell, Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, has launched free television and computer recycling services in Sydney as part of the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme.
WA subcontractors carry the can
23 October, 2012Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has called on the federal and state governments to take responsibility for the flawed school building scheme which has left small contracting businesses millions of dollars out of pocket and driven many to the brink of bankruptcy.
CEC welcomes Productivity Commission report
22 October, 2012The CEC has welcomed the Electricity Network Regulation Frameworks report, saying it is “heading in the right direction with its recommendations on making the electricity market more consumer-oriented”.
Privatisation key to funding new infrastructure: IA report
22 October, 2012Infrastructure Australia has called on governments to consider selling commercially viable, publicly owned assets to the private sector to fund new infrastructure.
Energy regulation needs overhauling, Productivity Commission says
19 October, 2012An overhaul is required for energy regulation and ownership arrangements for electricity networks, according to a draft report by the Productivity Commission.
MEA urges electrical safety diligence
16 October, 2012Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has urged Sydney contractors and tradies to remain diligent with electrical safety precautions following two separate incidents in one week where a man received burns to 90% of his body and another man died.
Call for reform to cut red tape
15 October, 2012The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) is calling for policy and regulatory reforms to cut the increasing amount of government red tape that is costing electrical and communications contractors both time and money.
Installation guidelines a joint initiative from AFAC & ASIAL
15 October, 2012AFAC and ASIAL have guidelines intended to assist security companies to install, service and monitor smoke detectors/sensors connected to security alarm systems in an appropriate manner, without detailed knowledge of fire alarm standards, individual state regulations or building codes.
ETU criticises O’Farrell’s comments on electricity costs
08 October, 2012The Electrical Trades Union has criticised NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell’s suggestion to Julia Gillard that IR changes are key to reducing electricity costs.
