Energy Safety August 2009 Newsletter
General
Safety of electrical supplies to aircraft and aviation facilities
During 2006 it became apparent that there was uncertainty regarding the regulatory framework for, and oversight of, aviation electrical work and systems supplying power to aircraft.
In response, the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), working closely with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and industry groups, established the Aviation Electrical Supplies Steering Committee (AESSC).
AESSC’s objective is to lead the identification and development of safe practices for the management of hazards, associated with electrical supplies to aircraft and aviation workshops, and to recommend any regulatory changes required.
AESSC is made up of representatives of government agencies with regulatory oversight responsibilities, and organisations representing the aviation industry responsible for the delivery of safe outcomes.
AESSC’s primary work to date has been to oversee the development of a consultants document. AESSC’s intention is that the document could form the basis for developing performance requirements, and a suitable means of compliance, for the proper and safe management of electricity supplies to aircraft and aircraft maintenance.
Public submissions close at 12 noon on Monday 21 September 2009.
Related links
Toaster recall
An Energy Safety (ES) investigation into Goldair toasters has resulted in a product recall after a consumer reported receiving an electric shock from the toaster element.
ES found the toasters had been manually “adjusted” during manufacture that caused a set of contacts to touch in the off position.
This could result in an electric shock due to touching of live parts if a finger is accidently put into the slot of the toaster, for example when moving the toaster while still connected to the mains power.
A recall notice was published in the major papers throughout the country. Faulty toasters do not comply with the applicable electrical standard for toasters and could present an unsafe situation for consumers;
Toasters are reasonably safe as long as they are treated with care but ES recommends one should not:
- insert fingers or objects into a toaster which is plugged in
- operate a toaster on wet metal surfaces, under low shelves, near curtains, or within reach of small children.
The outside of a toaster may reach high temperatures while running, which may cause a burn when touched. This is especially dangerous for those with sensitive skin, such as children or older people.
Related link
Retailer fined for breaching electrical appliance safety rules
A bargain store in Panmure was convicted and fined $1,500 plus $330 legal costs, for breaching the Electricity Regulations.
Style Master Limited was found guilty of offering for sale electrical products without first establishing their safety, in the Auckland District Court on 17 July 2009.
The products included a range of household electrical products such as table lamps, hair clippers and compact fluorescent light bulbs. These light bulbs were never intended to be used in a New Zealand light socket presenting a safety risk to anyone who used them.
Despite prior education and warnings, Style Master Limited, which is trading in the old Fulsun shop in Panmure, disregarded public safety and continued to sell these products.
Energy Safety is trying to get the message across to bargain type stores that they have a duty to ensure the safety of electrical products before they sell.
The rules are in place to protect consumers and encourage good business practice.
The prosecution was taken by Energy Safety, which is part of the Ministry of Economic Development. The company had breached Electricity Regulations 107(a) and 107(aa). Energy Safety is committed to ensuring the safe supply and use of electricity and gas. It undertakes an ongoing programme of investigations and audits of electrical and gas appliances.
Related link to the Media Release
Removal of supplier declarations
Energy Safety’s audit program includes the auditing of appliances and appliance suppliers. Such audits may identify gas appliance supplier declarations that are insufficient or incorrect.
Regulation 15C (2) of the Gas Regulations provides that the Secretary—
(a) may remove from the website any supplier declaration that appears to the Secretary to be incorrect, frivolous, non-complying, or outdated; and
(b) must promptly send notice of the removal to the manufacturer or importer.
The following declarations have been removed following Energy Safety auditing. The supplier has also been notified. The supplier may make a new declaration that meets the requirements of the Gas Regulations.
|
Supplier |
Decln No. |
Make |
Model |
Date removed |
|
Spectrum Imports |
6447200811 |
Polo |
PH6GWOK |
5/06/2009 |
|
Marvel Distributors |
6452200811 |
Xunda |
1-5018 |
29/05/2009 |
|
Marvel Distributors |
MAR6574a |
Parker |
Baby cooker with grill |
29/05/2009 |
|
Marvel Distributors |
MAR7537 |
Xunda |
F4-B |
29/05/2009 |
|
Marvel Distributors |
MAR4427a |
Xunda |
3-5218DSC |
29/05/2009 |
|
Marvel Distributors |
MAR6559a |
Challenger |
GWH8L |
29/05/2009 |
|
Marvel Distributors |
MAR6558a |
Challenger |
GWH6L |
29/05/2009 |
|
Marvel Distributors |
MAR6573a |
Challenger |
GWH12L |
29/05/2009 |
|
Marvel Distributors |
548120072 |
Challenger |
20L |
29/05/2009 |
The Gas appliance database has a section that clearly identifies the declarations that have been removed.
ECANZ tradeshow
The Ministry of Economic Development’s Energy Safety and Radio Spectrum Management teams had a stand at the Electrotechnology Trade Show in Christchurch on 16 July, 2009.
The ECANZ Trade Show is the only trade show in the South Island specifically aimed at the electrical industry. It takes upwards of 1,000 visitors each year, and enables manufacturers, importers, retailers and people with service, installation and engineering competence to interact in one place at one time, to discuss compliance and safety issues and to gain a better understanding of regulatory processes.
“Education was the major achievement of the day,” said the Ministry’s David McLaughlan. “We were able to assist visitors with specific enquiries, so that they could better play their part in achieving safe outcomes for New Zealanders.”
Heater recall
An Energy Safety (ES) investigation into a Goldair oil filled column heater has resulted in a voluntary product recall after a child with breathing difficulties was admitted to hospital. The child had inhaled a heater oil vapour consequential to an electrical fault.
The heater was sent to a test laboratory for analysis. The laboratory established the fault to be a breakdown of wiring insulation due to the temperature of the heater exceeding the operating temperature limit of the wiring insulation held in contact with it. Electrical flashover occurred between the live conductor and the metal end cover causing small holes to be punctured in the metal panel resulting in leakage of oil and fumes.
This does not comply with the applicable electrical safety standard for heaters and therefore a recall notice was published by the supplier in all the major papers throughout the country.
There have also been a number of significant house fires notified to ES which appear to have been initiated from various other makes of oil filled column heaters throughout the country. The damage caused by the fires made it difficult to separate any potential electrical problem from user error.
Important safety issues to consider with these types of heaters are their relatively low surface temperatures which may make the oil-filled heaters appear safer than most other types of heater. This may entice consumers to cover the heaters for the purpose of airing or drying clothing or place the heater in a confined space.
A general reminder to all consumers is to apply the heater meter rule. Keep the heater at least a meter away from everything.
Related link to safety tips with heaters
Carbon monoxide hazards with gas appliance “light back”
“Light back” is one of several conditions with gas appliances that can result in the emission of high levels of carbon monoxide. It occurs when gas burns behind the burner port.
“Light back” has resulted in fatalities and so should always be treated as serious.
As a result of recent investigations and enquiries into events believed to have involved light back, Energy Safety has posted an advisory notice on its website for professionals and consumers describing the condition and measures to prevent it.
Learn more about “light back” causes, effects and prevention.
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