Construction and Demolition Sites
[ Last Updated 27 March 2006 ]
Q. On Construction and Demolition Sites, is a Submersible Well Pump Protected by a Monitored Earth System Acceptable, in lieu of RCDs?
A. Internationally recognised safety practices permit the use of a number of alternatives to RCDs for protection against electric shock. Where such alternatives are applied, the exact performance of the alternative safety system needs to be evaluated. For example, a supply incorporating a monitored earth system would have to achieve compliance with IEC 60479.
Q. Does a Builder's Temporary Electricity Supply for a Domestic House Require RCD Protection?
A. Yes, as this is a construction site. AS/NZS 3012 requires a RCD to be installed.
Q. What are the Requirements for RCD Testing on a Builder's Temporary and Construction and Demolition Sites?
A. RCD testing and other requirements are detailed in AS/NZS 3012.
Q. Does a Builder's Temporary for a Construction Site Require an RCD and Does this Apply to a Domestic House Site?
A. Domestic home construction is treated no differently from a large commercial or industrial construction. In the eyes of the law they are the same.
Regulation 69B (d) of the regulations states that compliance with AS/NZS 3012 "Construction and Demolition" is deemed to meet the safety outcomes of regulation 69. This standard requires an RCD on all builders' temporaries. It also meets the requirements of regulation 90 for damp areas. OSH has adopted this practice as meeting their requirement for safety.
However, these safety requirements can be met by using other methods such as a earth leakage monitoring system of the use of an isolating transformer. The problem with these is their bulk, cost and if people will actually use them. With an RCD you are not relying upon an action from others.
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