Incorrect installation of thermal insulation around electrical equipment and accessories

The purpose of this Safety Alert is to highlight the risk of electric shock and the potential fire hazard from the incorrect installation of thermal insulation around electrical equipment and accessories.

Background

The Electrical Safety Office and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland are investigating the fatality of an insulation installer. A second person assisting with the work received an electric shock and burns.

It appears that a staple used to fix foil insulation in the roof space of a home may have pierced an electric cable which energised the foil.

Contributing factors

Employers, workers and contractors must be aware of the potential for fatal electric shock whilst installing foil insulation within roof spaces, and the fire hazard potential caused by incorrectly installing thermal insulation around electrical accessories.

Action required

  • Australian Standard AS 3999-1992 Thermal insulation of dwellings - bulk installations – installation requirements

Installers must install all bulk insulation in compliance with Australian insulation installation standard,
AS 3999-1992.

Note:

  • Clause 4.2 (e) is replaced with clause 4.5.2.3 of AS/NZS 3000:2007 Wiring Rules
  • Figure 4.5 is replaced with figure 4.7 of AS/NZS 3000:2007
  • The Wiring Rules sets out the minimum clearance distances between thermal insulation and recessed luminaires, including down lights.

Caption: Figure 4.7 Default minimum clearances for recessed luminaires

Risk assessment

Anyone entering a roof space should conduct a risk assessment to determine possible hazards prior to startingwork.

Further information

Information bulletins

  • Installation of Thermal Insulation around Electrical Equipment and Accessories
  • Ceiling Foil Insulation Risks to Licensed Electrical Workers
  • Voltmeter Measurements
  • Managing Foil Ceiling Insulation Risks – Householders and Tradespersons

Contact details

Call us on: 1800 019 115

Email us at

For more information on work health and safety, go to the NT WorkSafe website at

Disclaimer

This Safety Alert contains safety information following inquires made by NT WorkSafe about an incident or unsafe practice. The information contained in this Alert does not necessarily include the outcome of NT WorkSafe’s action with respect to an incident. NT WorkSafe does not warrant the information in this Alert is complete or up-to-date and does not accept any liability for the information in this report or as to its use.

This Safety Alert contains information reproduced with permission from WorkSafe Victoria and Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.

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Incorrect installation of thermal insulation around electrical equipment and accessories (version 1.0 – 21October2009)