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Transcript of Auslec Solutions 03
WINTER 2010
Pri
nt p
ost
no. P
P25
5003
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61
CONTEN TS 04 Out and about
08 Auslec @ QME
10 Harmonisation of OHS laws — what are the major changes
14 Motorsport — dangerously safe?
18 Product cut
22 Branching out
28 Can your business afford the flu this winter?
34 Gravity sucks … even underground
Published By
L&H GroupA.B.N. 19730 781 473456 Lower Heidelberg Road, Heidelberg VIC 3084 AustraliaPh: +61 3 9243 3555www.auslec.com.au
EditorPaul StathisPh: +61 3 9381 [email protected]
ArtNathaniel EckstromPh: +61 2 9487 [email protected]
Associate PublisherGavin Karthaus Ph: +61 3 9381 [email protected]
Production ManagerJulie WrightPh: +61 2 9487 [email protected]
Produced on behalf of L&H Group by
A division of Westwick-Farrow Media.
A.B.N. 29 001 621 861
Cnr. Fox Valley Road & Kiogle Street,(Locked Bag 1289) Wahroonga NSW 2076 AustraliaPh: +61 2 9487 2700
ISSN 1837-8021
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without the permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Copyright L&H Group. Opinions expressed are those of individuals and are not necessarily those of the publisher. All information is believed to be correct at time of publication. All reasonable efforts have been made to contact copyright holders.
All material published in this magazine is published in good faith and every care is taken to accurately relay information provided to us. Readers are advised by the publishers to ensure that all necessary safety devices and precautions are installed and safe working procedures adopted before the use of any equipment found or purchased through the information we provide. Further, all performance criteria was provided by the representative company concerned and any dispute should be referred to them.
Welcome.
Well, here we are with Issue 3 of
Auslec Solutions. Thanks to all of you
who have taken the time to give us
feedback on this magazine through
our nationwide branch network. We’re
delighted to hear so many positive
comments about our magazine.
At Auslec, we pride ourselves on being at the
forefront of innovation and customer excellence and
I believe this is exemplified by our ongoing commit-
ment to our Connections Reward Program.
Connections is a unique program within the electri-
cal industry, culminating in the opportunity to attend
Traders 500 — a fantastic forum for you, our customer,
to see and learn about new products and technolo-
gies, discuss your needs with expert suppliers and
enjoy the network offering that only an event like
this can provide.
This innovative approach has been developed over 11
years and has seen the Connections program develop
to what it is today — over 5000 of our loyal customers
attending a national trade show. Check out Out and
About starting on page 4 for more info.
As we enter into winter, many of us will invariably
be struck down with the dreaded flu. On page 28,
we look at the impact that flu can have on not only
individuals but business as well — thankfully, we also
look at ways to help combat this annual threat.
Would it be possible to survive a 500 km/h car crash
(is it possible to even go 500 km/h in the first place?!)?
Unbelievably, this is exactly what Phil Lamattina did
when his Top Fuel dragster and the track decided to
part company. Flick to page 14 for a fascinating look
at the safety measures involved in some of today’s
top motorsport categories.
Well, all that and more in another bumper issue of
Auslec Solutions. And don’t forget to let us know what
you think — through your local Auslec branch — or
email us at [email protected]
Best regards,
Robin Norris
Chief Executive Officer
L&H Group
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and about
*outLending a hand to CanTeenIn 2009, L&H and Auslec commenced
a relationship with CanTeen – a national
support organisation for young people living
with cancer.
A cancer diagnosis is traumatic at the
best of times, but perhaps even more so
for young people. At this stage of their lives
they will already be experiencing issues
relating to their identity, independence,
relationships and career; and while cancer
is not a death sentence, it can mean the
start of a long process of painful treatment
and years of uncertainty.
Impressed by the marvellous work of
this charity, L&H donate a percentage of
sales from all private-brand products to this
worthwhile charity.
In 2010, CanTeen implemented a number
of new initiatives which have been funded
partly by L&H’s donations, made possible only
by the ongoing support of loyal customers. A
new website for cancer patients who have
finished their treatment – www.nowwhat.
org.au – has been recently launched and has
proven to be extremely beneficial in helping
patients and their families who are nearing
the end of their treatment.
Also recently launched is the ‘Raise
More Than a Sweat’ campaign, specifically
aimed at people or groups who compete in
fun runs, triathlons and other challenging
pursuits as an avenue to help raise all-
important funds. Encouraged to dedicate
efforts to someone they may know who
is living with cancer or to the memory
of someone they may have lost, this is
a valuable and positive way to celebrate
the life or show support for a loved one,
while helping CanTeen make a difference
for the future.
Check out www.canteen.org.au for more
information.
L&H 500 – Gentlemen, start your engines!
2010 marks the third year in a row that
L&H Group has held the naming rights
for the L&H 500 at Victoria’s magnificent
Phillip Island.
Kickstarting the endurance component
of the V8 Supercars series, the L&H 500
is a gruelling 500 km test of man and
machine against one of world motorsport’s
toughest and best circuits. With top speeds
nearing 300 km/h, the 4.5 km track is
circumnavigated in around one and a
half minutes. The seaside track has been
upgraded to include a new pit lane exit
that extends further into the main straight,
creating a new high-speed exit point closer
to turn one, meaning fast and furious action
for drivers and spectators alike.
Universally recognised as a ‘driver’s
circuit’, the Phillip Island round is eagerly
anticipated by the L&H-sponsored FPR team
as well. Team driver Mark Winterbottom
says: “Wind direction plays a big part here;
you get understeer in and oversteer out,
or vice versa, depending on which way it’s
blowing. Turn 4 is a good passing corner and
the biggest brake on the track, which gives
you a chance to make up time.”
Over 900 guests of L&H and Auslec will
not only be watching the on track action
but they will have the chance to experience
this great race up close and personal
through interactive tours conducted by Ford
Performance Racing. Pit lane and garage
tours are an absolute highlight of the day.
Mark Winterbottom and Steve Richards
enjoyed successful podium finishes in last
year’s L&H 500 and are looking to repeat
that success in 2010.
L&H and Auslec Ford Fiesta promotionL&H and Auslec recently ran an incentive
promotion in conjunction with Clipsal with five
Ford Fiesta cars up for grabs.
Customers were encouraged to purchase
$550 worth of Clipsal products as featured
in Issue 90 of The Electrical Contractor on
one invoice to be automatically entered in to
the draw.
With multiple entries allowed, customers
wasted no time in stocking up on Clipsal product to increase their chances of winning. Five
very happy winners have recently taken the keys to their new sets of wheels.
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*out
and aboutConnections: Traders 500 and Podium 2010
Welcome to the team …Our Western Australian operation recently
welcomed the addition of three new
faces to the team in Scott Tomlinson –
State Sales Manager, Paul Halse – Sales
Manager and Angelo D’Ovidio – Sales
Manager.
Aus lec i s a customer- focused
organisation and prides itself on delivering
industry-best service. You don’t become
the leading value-added business-to-business distributor of electrical, safety and MRO
products without quality people with superior technical expertise. Auslec understands
that great people make a great company.
Connections Australia is a rewards program
designed to reward customers for their
ongoing support. Connections not only
gives qualifying customers the opportunity
to attend exclusive events with other
members of the electrical industry, it also
provides access to training and development
courses, networking opportunities, special
members-only offers and much more.
As part of the Connections program, the
largest electrical industry event of its kind in
Australia will again take place in 2010 — the
Traders 500 trade show brought to you by
L&H and Auslec.
This ‘free to industry personnel’ event
will be held in each state from September
to December this year and will feature the
electrical industry’s leading manufacturers
and suppliers.
Visitors will be amazed at this year’s
impressive ‘world’s biggest branch’, where
they will be able to trial and purchase
products as well as discuss their upcoming
project needs with technical experts from
over 70 leading suppliers. On top of that,
visitors have the chance to win the L&H
Ford Performance Vehicle GT-P — simply
by attending.
Running in conjunction with Traders 500
Podium is the annual, invite-only Podium
concert that promises a memorable evening
with other members of the electrical industry
while rocking out to the irrepressible Jimmy
Barnes. Jimmy’s career as both a solo
performer and as the lead vocalist of the
legendary band Cold Chisel has made him
one of the most popular and bestselling
Australian music artists of all time.
Joining Jimmy will be Jason Singh from
Taxi Ride and together they will belt out
some of Australia’s best rock hits in some
of the coolest venues in Oz — The Quarry
Amphitheatre in Perth, The Trak Cinema in
Melbourne, the Coffee Club Auditorium in
Brisbane and the Adelaide Entertainment
Centre.
Big boost for energy efficiencyThe peak industry body for electrical
contractors, NECA, has welcomed the
federal government’s commitment to
growing the nation’s renewable energy
capabilities. Demonstrated by the $652.5
million Renewable Energy Future Fund
announced in this year’s Budget, it is
anticipated that this fund will continue
to support the growth of the industry,
of which electrical contractors are major
contributors.
Designed to encourage the take-up
of industrial, commercial and residential
energy efficiency, the fund will assist
Australian businesses and households to
reduce their energy consumption.
NECA CEO James Tinslay said: “We
are encouraged by the government’s
commitment to energy efficiency and how
this will benefit both electrical contractors
as well as the consumer.
“Much of the work around renewable
energy requires licensed electricians. As an
industry association, we are encouraging
our members to undertake training and
install technologies which provide a
financial and environmental benefit for
consumers. It is our hope that these
initiatives will provide real energy-efficient
outcomes for residents and business.”
NECA has been prominent in the
development of the EcoSmart Electricians
training and accreditation program designed
to encourage and support electrical
contractors to provide energy-efficient
solutions to their customers.
The EcoSmart Electricians Program to
date has trained over 1200 electricians
and has around 300 accredited contractors
nationwide, who are providing real energy-
efficient solutions. Training focuses on
both energy generation and demand
enabling accredited contractors the
ability to provide truly energy-efficient
solutions.
Contact your local Auslec branch
for more information on the EcoSmart
Electricians training program.
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and about
*out Young gun shooting high
Online training solutions for fall protection and confined spaces
Auslec is excited to announce that Fujitsu
Racing’s Michael Caruso will again partner
them under a personal sponsorship
arrangement for the remainder of the 2010
V8 Supercars Championship Series.
“I’m really excited to have Auslec
back onboard,” said Caruso. “They’re
involvement in V8 Supercars is already
significant, so it’s fantastic that they are
continuing their interest with our sport.
“It’s great to have backing, not only
from a major Australian company, but,
more so, the chance for me to become
involved in the Auslec business structure
and getting to work with their clients. To
get an opportunity for more corporate
speaking and appearances is really
exciting and I’m looking forward to being
able to share my passion for V8 Supercars
nationwide with the company.”
Martin Dench, Group Marketing
Manager of L&H Group adds: “Working
with Michael again is a great thing for
our business. We’ve supported him
throughout his development and we are
pleased to again be working with one of
Australia’s best young drivers in the V8
Supercars series.
“As an ambassador for our Auslec
brand, Michael wi l l be spending
considerable time with some of Australia’s
largest companies and representing our
business as we continue our growth. It
is a credit to Michael on how well he
went last year and has continued that
on in 2010”.
2010 has also seen Caruso making
further appearances on the Seven
Network’s V8Xtra program whi le
also being a nominated V8 Supercar
driver representative for various CSA
announcements and the V8 Supercars
Australia Supersafe program.
Visit www.michaelcaruso.com.au.
Bigger and better …Auslec Wollongong branch has recently relocated to bigger and better premises in Berkeley
Road, Unanderra. Fifteen staff headed up by branch manager Graeme Sneddon made the
smooth transition earlier this year.
Speaking to Auslec Solutions, Graeme said: “We believe this move will help cement
us as the number-one Industrial solutions provider in our market within the Illawarra area.
Customers such as BlueScope Steel, BHP Billiton, Gujarat NRE and Port Kembla Coal rely
heavily on us as a one-source solution for their maintenance repair and operational supply
requirements.”
Being solutions focused is critical to the
ongoing success of Auslec.
Far more than just a supplier of product,
Auslec can now facilitate online training
requirements after teaming up with one
of the world’s leading manufacturers of
fall protection, confined space and rescue
equipment, Capital Safety.
Capital Safety has just launched its new
Online Learning Height Safety Awareness
Unit of Study. In conjunction with Electrain,
individuals and companies can be provided
with a nationally recognised training course,
now available for partial completion in an
online format.
The Online Learning Height Safety
Awareness Unit of Study covers the basic
height-safety awareness theory in line with
AS/NZS 1891.4:2009. Participants will be
introduced to content covering height safety
issues such as the hierarchy of control, basic
legislative requirements, fall prevention,
work positioning and fall arrest components
including: anchor systems, fall protection
harnesses, connecting means and rescue
planning.
Online Learning fall protection training
enables employers to provide training in an
alternative learning environment, with the
added advantage of being able to provide the
theory component of courses accessible to
anyone at any time.
Course completion times can be reduced by
up to 65% compared to face-to-face learning
while still allowing workers to receive the
same standard of height-safety training.
Contact your nearest Auslec branch for
more information or to enrol.
Taking place every two years, QME is a
must-attend event for the national min-
ing, construction and materials handling
communities.
Mackay, Queensland, from 27 to 29
July this year is where Auslec will again
present their abilities and expertise in
the electrical, industrial and safety con-
sumables markets to the 10,000-plus
expected visitors. Stand number 1270
will showcase a myriad of solutions
that will assist customers in growing
their knowledge, their business and
their bottom line.
One such solution on display will be
temporary power switch-rooms manu-
factured by Energy Contracts.
These containerised, high-quality,
modular switch-rooms provide cost- and
time-saving answers to your temporary
power requirements. All switchboards
are constructed to Australian
Standards from the modular Cu-
bic panel-board system ensuring
full Type Test compliance and
are presented in ISO-standard
sea-worthy containers designed
to suit Australia’s harsh climatic
conditions. The design of these
unique switch-rooms incorpo-
rates emergency lighting, vermin
protection and container internal
climate control by virtue of two
integrated split-system air con-
ditioners. The ability to manage
the internal ambient temperature of
the containers results in cost savings
by avoiding the necessity to over-size
switchgear and busbars to meet de-
rating factors.
Also on display will be the Connex
quick-connect electrical fitting for use
with any 34 mm spigot-mounted lighting
fixture. It incorporates the use of state-
of-the-art materials, ensuring extreme
durability, strength and reliability, and
is designed to allow the removal and
replacement of the light fitting in less
than 60 seconds.
The Auslec stand will be the place to
stop by to discuss your communications
needs too. L&H Group’s specialist Com-
munication Distribution division, Pacific
Datacom, can assist with all your busi-
ness’s structured cabling infrastructure
(SCS) requirements. On display will be
19-inch equipment racks, UPS systems,
active networking equipment, network
copper/fibre test and termination equip-
ment, as well as optical-fibre and copper
networking cables.
Designed in Australia for Australian
conditions, the Rittal RiMine range of
enclosures will be available to test on
site. All enclosures include numerous
features such as IP66 rating, door stays
to reduce the chance of accidents and
lockable handles for security and safety.
A selection of Rittal’s world-famous
Climate Control Solutions will also be
featured to round out the accessories
and options available to finetune your
selection.
For those looking to streamline their
business's clothing needs, Smarter
Clothing, the specialist uniform sourc-
ing business of L&H Group, will be on
hand to discuss the benefits in creating
customised, hassle-free uniform solu-
tions by offering an unrivalled range of
manufacturers and flexibility in ordering
options.
AMS from Smarter Clothing is the
unique proprietary online system de-
veloped to give complete control over
what clothing is purchased, by whom
and how much they purchase.
The AMS guarantees to reduce
uniform spend by controlling set em-
ployee entitlements to match garment
life cycles, managing the ‘entitlement
cycle creep’ and the ability to supply
any choice of brand preference.
Learn about these and other solutions
at QME 2010 by visiting Auslec/Law-
rence & Hanson at Stand #1270.
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*Aus
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Auslec.red:Layout 1 19/5/10 9:26 AM Page 1
Harmonisation of oHs laws - wHat are tHe major cHanges?
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National employers are currently required
to comply with different OHS Acts for
each state and territory and 70 industry
or hazard-specific Acts that regulate OHS.
From January 2012, OHS laws across the
states and territories (with the exception
of WA) will adopt one national model
Act. Its purpose is to impose uniform
OHS obligations on business throughout
Australia and to reduce the burden of
compliance with multiple and different
obligations across state borders.
The model legislation will consist of a
principal OHS Act supported by regulations
and codes of practice that can be readily
adopted around Australia. The core duties
imposed on employers are not likely to
change greatly.
To assist in better understanding the
implications of the new OHS laws, we
spoke with Andrew Douglas, principal
lawyer of Douglas LPT and expert in
workplace law, to outline the key issues
you’ll have to address with this transi-
tion. His comments form the remainder
of this article.
Let’s start by considering the good
things about the new Act:
One system across all states and ter- ·
ritories;
Removal of NSW’s and Queensland’s ·
‘reverse-onus’ prosecutions which deem
employers liable unless they can prove
otherwise;
Clearer definitions of key words; ·
Penalty system that places OHS ‘front ·
and centre’, along with ‘sentencing
tariffs’ that are predictable throughout
Australia;
Less onerous recruitment; ·
Less OHS infrastructure; ·
Strong focus on OHS management ·
systems as a first line of defence.
Now the less-desirable effects:
The model Act opts for an ‘aspirational’ ·
approach to workplace safety, as demon-
strated by the objects of the draft Act: “The
principle that workers … should be given
the highest level of protection from hazards
and risks as is reasonably practicable.”
This will likely result in a more onerous
interpretation of employers’ core duty to
do whatever is reasonably practicable to
provide a safe workplace.
The positive duty which will now be ·
imposed on officers (such as directors) is
likely to represent a massive impost on
businesses’ time, skill and resources.
The punitive aspects don’t discrimi- ·
nate between the sizes and resources
of business;
The model Act remains complex, duties ·
are broad and all-embracing and there is
little positive guidance offered to employers
regarding how the duties are to be applied
in a real context.
The new landscape will require:
High training and infrastructure costs; ·
Robust and defensible OHS manage- ·
ment system;
Improved reporting and documented ·
processes evidencing the OHS manage-
ment system.
Employers’ primary duty
The core duty which will be imposed on duty
holders is to take ‘reasonably practicable’
steps to minimise risks to health and safety.
‘Reasonably practicable’ involves the highest
level of protection for workers - it is likely
that courts will more readily find a breach.
This represents the law as it currently is
in states other than NSW and Queensland,
albeit of a lower threshold. The changes
will make it easier for employers in NSW
and Queensland to escape liability when
they have been charged with the offence
of failing to provide a safe workplace, but
more likely in other states that they will
breach the duties.
Penalties
The new Act imposes significant penalties
for the breach of OHS duties and provides
a greater range of sentencing options
than those which currently exist, including
adverse-publicity orders, training orders,
compensation orders and corporate proba-
tion. Safe Work Australia has proposed other
penalties for other offences (Categories
4-7), but it is not yet known if these will
be adopted.
Director/manager OHS liability
The Act imposes a positive obligation
on ‘officers’ to exercise due diligence to
ensure that the company in which they
hold office meets its safety obligations.
This requires them to be proactive in
taking steps to ensure the company
complies with its OHS obligations. This is
likely to be interpreted as a stronger obliga-
tion on managers and directors to involve
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Category Description Maximum penalty
1 Most serious cases - breach of primary duty involving
recklessness and serious harm (fatality or serious
injury) to a person or a risk of such harm.
Corporation - $3 million
Individual - $600,000 Imprisonment - up to five years
Workers and other persons - $300,000 Imprisonment -
up to five years
2 Breach of primary duty where serious harm or risk
of it without element of recklessness.
Corporation - $1.5 million
Individual officers - $300,000
Workers and other persons - $150,000
3 Breach of duty that doesn’t involve high risk of
serious harm.
Corporation - $500,000
Individual officer - $100,000
Workers and other persons - $50,000
The new act imposes
significant penalties
for the breach of OHS
duties and provides
a greater range of
sentencing options
© iStockphoto.com/Alex Slobodkin
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themselves in workplace health and safety
matters. In most states, directors and certain
managers are currently liable if a company
breaches its statutory obligations and that
breach is attributable to the officer failing
to take reasonable care. That test requires
the prosecution to demonstrate negligence
on the part of the officer. The new test
will involve more onerous obligations on
‘officers’.
In NSW, Tasmania and Queensland,
directors and managers are currently
deemed to have committed an offence
if the entity in which they are directors
or managers contravenes OHS laws,
subject to the defence of having used
due diligence or not being in a position
to influence the conduct of the company.
The new provisions are likely to slightly
ease director and manager liability in those
states, as the prosecution will bear the
onus of demonstrating a failure to exercise
due diligence. Importantly, the Act broadly
defines ‘officer’ and will include directors,
persons who make or participate in making
decisions that affect a substantial part of
an entity’s business or undertaking, persons
who have the capacity to significantly affect
an entity’s financial standing and receiv-
ers, managers and liquidators of an entity.
Although broad, it may reduce the scope
of liability in NSW and Queensland, which
currently allows any person concerned in
the company’s management to be charged
with a breach of OHS legislation. The new
provisions mean that some managers won’t
be liable as officers unless prosecution
can prove they had the capacity to affect
a substantial part of the company’s busi-
ness. It’s not yet clear how this test will
be interpreted, however all employees can
potentially be liable under the provisions
which impose duties on ‘workers’. So,
any supervisor or manager who fails to
take reasonable care to avoid actions that
adversely affect the health and safety of
other persons can be charged.
OHS liability of employees/workers
Duties will be owed to (and by) all ‘workers’
in a business. The Act will adopt a broad
definition of worker, which will include any
person who works, in any capacity, in or
as part of the business or undertaking. This
broad definition will catch labour-hire em-
ployees and other contractors. Contractors
were previously covered by OHS legislation,
both as duty holders and people to whom
duty was owed.
Union right of entry
The union right of entry provisions in the
model Act involve an expansion of the rights
of unions to enter workplaces as compared
to the current situation in NSW, SA, Tas-
mania and the Commonwealth. The model
Act gives unions the power to investigate
incidents and to consult and advise work-
ers in relation to OHS matters. On entry,
officials have the power to inspect systems
of work, plant, substances and records. It is
proposed that no prior notice of the entry
will have to be provided where there is a
suspected contravention of the Act, however
at least 24 hours’ notice must be given for
proposed entry to advise and consult with
relevant workers.
HSRs and committees
The new Act will continue to provide for
the election of HSRs and health and safety
committees. The powers and functions of
representatives will be uniform throughout
Australia and will include a right to issue
Provisional Improvement Notices where a
contravention of the Act is identified, and
power to direct that unsafe work cease.
How uniform will laws be?
While the harmonisation of OHS laws is
likely to lift the compliance burden for busi-
nesses operating throughout Australia, the
laws will still be subject to interpretation
by state regulators. Inspectors and pros-
ecutors in each state may take a different
approach to the application of the laws in
their jurisdiction. Additionally, the legisla-
tion includes ‘jurisdictional notes’ in the
Appendix to appease the different states.
These notes set out the provisions of the
Act which will require individual drafting
by the states and territories (eg, definition
of dangerous goods and high-risk plant)
which means that some provisions will
differ as between jurisdictions. The model
Act should mean that OHS compliance is
a less complex affair for national employ-
ers. However, as in the past, all employers
will have to satisfy the Work Safe Regula-
tor which operates in its own jurisdiction,
which means that careful attention should
be paid to the information and guidelines
which emanate from that body.
”
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‘ R e a s o n a b l y
p r a c t i c a b l e ’
involves the highest
level of protection
for workers - it is
likely that courts
will more readily
find a breach.
It’s obvious they can’t Tango, but you can.
Pierlite is a member of the Gerard Lighting Group.
If you’re looking for a robust and economical Floodlight that is easy to install, look no further than Philips TANGO. With a choice of two sizes ranging from a compact 70watt to an impressive 400watts, together with selection of asymmetric or symmetric optical distributions, the Philips Tango makes the ideal choice for general security area and architectural lighting applications. For more information contact your local Auslec branch.
IP65Galvanised
trunnion bracket.
motorsport - dangerously safe?
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Most of us love watching motor racing,
whether it’s Formula 1, V8 Supercars,
drag racing or another category; and
it’s often the spectacular crashes that
really thrill us. Whenever motorsport is
in the news, the two things always high-
lighted are the winner and the crashes.
Naturally, we want our favourite driver
or car to win, but we also get a ‘buzz’
out of seeing wheels and bits of metal
splattering across the track as a crash
occurs, often confident in the knowledge
that the driver isn’t injured.
So how is it that a race car driver can
walk away from a 300 km/h crash, while
the average motorist can get killed in an
80 km/h crash on the streets? Basically,
it comes down to safety measures that
are appropriate to the environment. Race
teams are acutely aware of the risks
they’re exposed to, so they’re prepared
well in advance. The drivers have the
right skills and safety gear to minimise
the effects of a crash, while the teams
and venues have the ability to respond
immediately to any incident.
Auslec Solutions recently spoke with
pro drag racing champion Phil Lamattina
and the Ford Performance Racing (FPR)
team to learn more about motorsport
safety.
Drag racing
Phil Lamattina’s ‘workplace’ is one of
the most hazardous you could find.
Travelling in a vehicle that launches from
stand-still to over 500 km/h in a matter
of seconds has a very high likelihood
of serious injury or death if something
goes wrong.
Phil is alive today, thanks to the im-
portance his team places on safety. In
2007, Phil experienced a horrific crash
at Willowbank Raceway in Queensland,
when the chassis of his top-fuel drag-
ster broke apart at around 500 km/h,
catapulting him and what was left of his
machine into the air for 200 m, before
slamming into a barrier and exploding
into flames.
In spite of such a frightening crash,
Phil walked away from the wreck with a
few bruises and burns to just one finger.
Phil doesn’t put his survival down to
luck, but rather to being well prepared
for a crisis well in advance: “I honestly
believe that my HANS (head and neck
support) device saved my life. The de-
vice sits on my shoulders and attaches
to the helmet with tethers, helping my
neck support my head and helmet under
extreme conditions. During the impact,
it stabilised my helmet and prevented
my head from thrusting forward as the
car decelerated. It distributed all the
impact into my chest, which is supported
through the seat belt.
“You see, wearing a helmet more than
doubles the weight of your head and, in
the event of a severe impact, your neck
can’t support that extra weight. I know
of drivers who died in crashes without a
scratch on them. The extreme forces of
a crash thrust the head forward violently,
while the body is securely strapped in,
causing the spinal cord to snap at the
base of the brain.
“A lot of racers don’t like wearing
HANS devices because they find them
uncomfortable and restrictive while driv-
ing. I was of the same opinion initially,
but once I understood what it did and
got used to wearing it, it was okay. It’s
not mandated by the Australian National
Drag Racing Association, but for me, it
was a lifesaver.”
Phil’s team makes safety their highest
priority. They believe it’s vitally important
to understand the purpose of safety gear
before they use it.
“Whenever we, as a team, decide on
any safety gear — be it a HANS device,
helmet, fire-retardant suit, boots or
gloves for me, or the appropriate safety
gear for the crew at the track — we
take the time to learn how it works and
why it does what it does,” states Phil.
“They’re all designed to protect you,
so it’s worth taking the time to get the
most protection possible out of them,
and it really doesn’t take much effort
to learn about the gear.
“Racers spend a lot of money to get
the very best performance possible from
their car and their team, but unfortu-
nately, too many compromise on safety,
which is strange, because it’s such an
insignificant cost compared to what’s
spent on their cars.”
Right from the start, Phil’s team did
considerable research into safety gear
and decided to buy the very best they
could find, and Phil is living proof —
literally — that it works.
Incidentally, Phil’s best quarter-mile run
is 4.59 seconds and his fastest speed
is an astonishing 536 km/h.
V8 Supercars
FPR, likewise, places safety as its high-
est priority. Auslec Solutions visited the
FPR facility in Campbellfield, Victoria, to
discuss safety with some key members
of the team.
Senior Brand Manager Louise Iozzi
comments that safety is a priority in
all aspects of FPR’s operations, not
just on race day: “We practise safety
at the track, in the workshop and in
manufacturing.
“All of the guys working here in the
‘garage’ are also our pit crews at races.
They not only understand the cars, but
they understand how to work safely and
cooperatively with each other here and © iS
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arim
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ham
Travelling in a vehicle
that launches from
stand-still to over 500
km/h in a matter of
seconds has a very high
likelihood of serious
injury or death if
something goes wrong
© iStockphoto.com/Andrey Prokhorov
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at the race track. Some of the crew
have designated tasks that are critical
to everyone’s safety — things like the
‘dead-man-handle’ that enables the
operator to instantly shut off fuel dur-
ing refuelling; fire extinguishers at the
ready; spill containment kits to prevent
spillages; and a jack that lifts the entire
car off the ground when other pit crew
are working on the car that’s the last
thing to be cleared before the driver
leaves the pits. And we’re constantly
reviewing our procedures to ensure
everyone’s safe.”
Not long ago, the FPR team changed
its clothing standards after an incident at
a race when Gary, one of the pit crew,
received burns to his legs from exhaust
flames as a car drove out of the pits.
While CAMS (Confederation of Australian
Motor Sport) regulations stipulate strict
safety gear and apparel on race days,
they allow pit crews to wear shorts
during practice and qualifying, which
Gary was wearing at the time. However,
since that incident, it is mandatory for
all FPR crew to wear long trousers at
all times to avoid similar injuries. While
Gary appreciated the greater protection,
he lamented where the next race is
being held: “Darwin’s weather is not
exactly suited to long pants, but the
extra protection is worth it.”
If it’s tough for the pit crew to be
covered ‘head to toe’, spare a thought
for the drivers. For their protection,
they wear a heavy fire-rated cover-all
suit, fire-resistant underwear and socks,
heavy gloves and boots, balaclava and
helmet. It might not be as comfortable
as the jeans and T-shirt that we often
drive around in, but it provides the right
degree of safety for that hazardous
environment.
FPR driver James Moffat cites heat as
one of the biggest problems that drivers
have to contend with during a race: “It
can be 60˚C in the cabin during races,
and a driver can lose about 2 kg in
sweat. So hydration and controlling body
temperature are vital to drivers.
“The cars have sizeable water contain-
ers behind the driver’s seat and they’re
always being refilled at pit stops. We
drink lots of water. In some races, like
the notoriously hot Clipsal 500, we
wear ‘cool-suits’ that pump chilled wa-
ter around our bodies. These are vital,
because without them, the excessive
heat creates real problems. At the 2007
Clipsal 500, one driver’s cool-suit failed
and the heat caused him to pass out
and crash into a barrier.”
Louise adds that safety is also a
priority for event organisers and track
management: “They know it’s a danger-
ous sport and they build and maintain
the track with safety as a priority. For
example, tight turns have long run-offs
and the 40 km/h pit-lane speed limit is
meticulously monitored for driver com-
pliance. The circuits are also assessed
after each race to improve safety for the
drivers, pit crews and spectators.
“At pre-race meetings before every
race, detailed safety information is
presented by the course management
to the teams. Everyone attends — driv-
ers, team management, race engineers
— to learn about the track conditions,
changes to it since the last race, what
can and can’t be done at that specific
race, new safety measures, new pen-
alties, etc.
“In addition to this, at each V8 Su-
percar race, there are plenty of fire
marshals who are ex-fire brigade and
a specialist trauma doctor in case of
any serious accidents.”
FPR Senior Brand Manager Samantha
Redfern adds that V8 Supercars takes
safety beyond the race track: “The V8
SuperSafe program takes an important
message to young drivers, by getting
icons of the sport to speak with them
about safe driving. V8 Supercar drivers
Mark Winterbottom and Michael Caruso
talk about taking measured — not fool-
ish — risks and taking precautions like
wearing appropriate safety gear. We’re
confident their message can make an
impression on these young guys to help
them drive safely on the streets.”
So the next time you’re watching a
motor race, you can be confident that
while the drivers and their teams put
their lives in extreme dangers, the smart
guys have taken appropriate measures
to be safe, in spite of the spectacular
crashes they may encounter.
”
“Racers spend a lot of
money to get the very
best performance
poss ib l e f rom
the i r ca r and
their team, but
unfortunately, too
many compromise
on safety, which is
strange, because it’s
such an insignificant
cost compared to
what’s spent on
their cars.
© iS
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DC013-X
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ERTHE NEW RADIO/MP3 AND BATTERY CHARGER
WORKSITE RADIO CHARGER• All DEWALT Chemistries• All DEWALT Voltages
Power to charge 7.2v - 18v
• Plays and Charges MP3 players & mobile phones
• I mproved Reception & Sound Quality
• 2 x 240V power sockets(Does not include Mobile Phone, MP3 Player or Leads)
1 CHARGER
DeWALT 8pp A4 brochure.indd 2 6/05/10 2:46 PM
*productcutAv a i l a b l e f r o m & r e c o m m e n d e d b y Auslec . U s e t h e locator at www.auslec.com.au to f ind your nearest branch.
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18 PULLwiRE SwiTCHESThe Steute safety pullwire switches offer diverse means to guard conveyers, where
it is often more effective to use a cable attached to a pullwire switch installed
along the hazard area than individual emergency-stop devices. In the event of
an emergency, a ‘stop’ command initiated from any point along the pullwire will
cause guarded machinery to shut down.
Different configurations are available to suit individual applications; such as
pullwire switches with one- or two-sided actuation, watertight collars, emergency-
stop buttons on the body of the limit switch, tension indicators, thermoplastic/cast
iron enclosures and limit switches with stainless steel components for particularly
arduous applications.
All accessories required for installation are readily available, including PVC-covered
steel cable, tension springs, wire supports and tensioning devices.
SOfT SHELL jACkETThe Soft-Shell Knit is a 300 gsm ‘3-in-1’ high-visibility jacket that features
a polyester/jersey shell, bonded with a showerproof membrane and micro
polar fleece lining. Not only are these garments wind and rain proof, they
also supplied in high-visibility yellow/navy and orange/navy.
The jackets are available as a half-zip jacket with vertical zip chest
pocket, side pockets, reflective piping and adjustable rubber cuffs; or
a full-zip jacket that has the same features, but is also supplied with
3M8906 reflective tape for day/night wear, a two-way zip-front closure
and a zip-off hood.
The jackets are available in a wide range of sizes, from S up to 5XL.
fOOT SwiTCHESThe Steute GF and GFS range of footswitches are designed for use in
the manufacturing and mining industries on presses, punching machines,
cranes and general machine-control applications.
The products can be tailor made to suit specific environmental conditions
and mechanical duty applications without requiring large lot sizes.
Footswitches are normally mounted on machines and plant where hand
operation is not possible, such as start/stop operations and production
processes. Analog operation is also available for speed control.
The footswitches are available in versions with multiple pedals and can
be mounted with a guard to protect against unintentional actuation. All
footswitches are equipped with slow or snap action contacts. Variants
are available with pressure point, potentiometer, Hall sensor and latching
elements.
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LED EMERGENCy LiGHTThe Stanilite Excel LED Legend emergency light is designed
to significantly reduce running and maintenance costs
while providing high-visibility and remaining architecturally
pleasing with a slimline design.
The high emergency classification of the fitting eliminates
the need for an adjacent emergency luminaire and therefore
reduces overall project costs.
The fitting consumes only a quarter of the power of
conventional 8 and 10 W fluorescent edge lights and needs
to be replaced far less frequently, with a 50,000-hour life.
These factors reduce both emissions during operation and
landfill from fewer expired lamps.
The fitting is also offered in a range of solutions with
Nexus LX and RF monitoring options available.
MOTOR SOfT STARTERAltistart 22 is a soft starter to complement the Schneider Electric
ATS01 and ATS48 soft starters for asynchronous motors. The unit is
intended to assist in easing stress on mechanical components and
electrical networks.
Significant space and cost reductions have been achieved by
integrating a bypass contactor, making it a quicker and simpler upgrade
to existing Star Delta starters.
The ATS22 also includes complete protection for the motor, starter
and application via customisable protection settings.
Available from 7.5 to 315 kW, the unit is well suited to a wide range
of applications including centrifugal pumps, fans, screw compressors
and material handling.
PROfiNET SAfETy CONTROLLERSPhoenix Contact offers a complete range of safety
solutions, from simple safety relays to high-end Profinet
Safety controllers for the most demanding automation
applications.
The PSR-TRISAFE-M master module includes all the
proven features of the existing PSR-TRISAFE-S series
and can be easily expanded using both safe and standard
extension modules.
The master module provides one device for all machine
safety functions including an easy and user-friendly
logic ‘wiring’ with just a click of the mouse. Flexible
system extension and Fieldbus interface options are
also available.
*productcutAvailable from & recommended by Auslec. Use the locator at www.auslec.com.au to find your nearest branch.
TEMPORARy METAL ROOf ANCHORThe DBI-SALA temporary roof anchor is
designed for use on various metal roofs
in residential, commercial and industrial
applications.
The device provides a 15 kN fall-arrest-rated
anchor point to protect users from falls, while
complying with safety regulations. Its portability
allows tradespeople to take it with them to
different jobs.
In a few simple steps, the anchor is installed
and ready for use; no need for tools or to
remove roof screws. The anchor’s bottom
angle simply slides under roof sheeting, with
the main post resting in the pan. The locking
cams are then pushed into place, providing a
secure connection. The anchor is now ready
to connect a fall-arrest system to it. Complete
the steps in reverse for removal.
fACE SHiELD wiTH CHiN GUARDThe VC107 UniSafe face shield is widely
used for grinding, cutting and polishing
and features a high-gloss brow guard
with improved ratchet action headgear
that provides quick, smooth headband
adjustment, while the gloss finish enhances
appearance and ease of cleaning.
Attached to the brow guard is a
polycarbonate high-impact, wide-flare
visor, complete with integrated chin guard
for added protection.
The 175 mm drop visor protects the
chin, upper neck and side of the face
without impacting on head movement
and vision.
The design allows convenient, quick and
secure assembly with the total combination
meeting high-impact requirements.
While in use, the face shield lift-up
friction system can be easily adjusted
and finetuned to facilitate one-hand
operation.A
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HAND SANiTiSiNG wiPESWith the annual flu season upon us, Pryme has released its new
Refresh Hand Sanitizing Wipes that are designed to kill 99.9% of
germs on contact.
Available in 70- and 200-count canisters, these wipes are ideal
for an industrial or office environment as they are gentle on hands
because they contain moisturisers and vitamin E.
By removing bacteria and dirt, sanitising wipes help reduce the
risk of infection and cross-contamination, which in turn can minimise
absenteeism during the cold and flu season.
Wingfield is a suburb just north of
the Adelaide Central Business District
and close to the industrial zone of
Port Adelaide. It is predominately
a ‘commercial’ landscape, with a
wide variety of business types and
industries.
Mirroring that diversity, the Auslec
branch in Wingfield is set up to cater
for the wide-ranging needs of its
diverse customer base that is both
local and regional.
Branch Manager Nick Hollobone
points out: “Our branch services
customers throughout metro Adelaide
right through to the most remote sites
throughout the state.
“Because of that breadth
of customer needs, the team
we’ve built here at Auslec
Wingfield is likewise diverse
and dynamic, which has al-
lowed us to quickly tailor our
business offerings to satisfy
our customers’ needs.
“Not only are our custom-
ers’ needs diverse, they’re
frequently changing too, so
we need to keep our services,
skills and product range in step
with their changes as well.”
As an example of this, the branch
implemented a ‘Mining, Oil & Gas’
team a couple of years ago in
response to the growth in this
particular sector. Since its com-
mencement, having a focused team
has enabled the branch to meet the
demanding expectations of its mining
customers.
Nick adds that, in doing so, the
team has developed further skills
that provide benefits to clients:
“We’ve also had to anticipate what
their needs would be in the near and
mid-term future, so we can carry the
right products and stock levels to
support them. To give you some idea
of what that translates into, we have
6500 SKUs in our inventory.”
Other sectors that the branch sup-
ports include construction, defence,
industrial and electrical.
Nick elaborates: “In addition to
mining, we have a strong focus on in-
dustry, defence and special projects,
such as the nearly complete ‘Northern
Expressway’ project that’s being built
in Adelaide at the moment.
“Our branch has 13 staff and,
between us, we have the collective
experience of 146 years in working in
and supporting industry. The enables
us to maintain very high levels of
support to our specialist custom-
ers, who typically have demanding
requirements. We understand their
needs are often urgent and complex,
so we endeavour to build close
relationships with these customers,
so we can better understand their
requirements and anticipate what
support they need.
“Our support is not just for our
larger customers. We also maintain
a strong focus on the needs of
the many industrial and electrical
contractors throughout Adelaide
and much of South Australia, who
are our customers. Good service is
good service; so when any of our
customers need our support and
products from our broad offerings
of electrical, safety and industrial
equipment and tools, we deliver the
best we can to all of them.”
Wingfield, South AustraliaBranch Manager — Nick HolloboneBranch/warehouse floor space — approx 2100 m2
Stock: 6500 SKUs , Number of staff — 13
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P: (08) 8359 5744E: [email protected]: 203 Cormack Rd, Wingfield SA 5013
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*productcutAvailable from & recommended by Auslec. Use the locator at www.auslec.com.au to find your nearest branch.
iNDUSTRiAL CABLESThe Olex range of specialised industrial cables for the
demanding Australian market has been expanded with
the comprehensive ‘Nexans Sourced’ range that includes
flexible, control and specialist application cables.
Meeting local and international standards, these cables
are backed by the technical knowledge and experience
of the world’s largest cable manufacturer and supported
locally by Olex.
The new range includes Titanex H07 single and multicore
flexible cable; H07VVH6-F PVC flat cable; VCVH6-F screened
and unscreened PVC flat cable; Buflex X’Prem control and
reeling cable; Rheyhalon control cable; Rheyflat-N screened
and unscreened rubber flat festoon cable and Boitalyon R
PVC pendant overhead crane cable.
DETACHABLE DiSPLAy MULTiMETERThe Fluke 233 True-RMS Remote
Display Digital Multimeter offers more
flexibility for use in unusual measurement
scenarios, through a display that can
be detached from the instrument and
viewed remotely.
Place the removable display where
it can be seen and then put the meter
where it’s convenient - no more juggling of
leads and the meter while stretching into
a tight spot. Measurements can be taken
in hard-to-reach places, where machines
or panels are physically separated from
a limit or isolator switch, or in user-
prohibited areas such as cleanrooms or
hazardous areas.
By providing more control in difficult
test situations, the remote display
multimeter helps operators work more
productively, conveniently and safely.
HAzARDOUS-AREA GLANDSTwo new glands have been added to the
Alco range to meet the requirements of the
industrial mining market, where mechanical
protection is required on PVC cables in
hazardous locations.
The ALCHUW-LTA range is suitable where
an ‘Anaconda’ is required, for example, where
EXME solenoids with tails are provided and
in adaptable-type applications to existing
conduit systems.
The ALCHUW-H range is applicable where
smooth-bodied conduit is suitable to hazardous
environment location for mechanical protection
for PVC cable.
SAfETy RELAyThe G1502S multifunctional safety relay features relay outputs
suitable for the protection of operators and machinery.
Features include safety outputs with switch-off delay of
0.25-10 seconds, e-stop with cross-fault monitoring and optional
simultaneity monitoring and connection of mechanical safety
switches and fail-safe sensors.
The relay can be used for monitoring in safety applications in
conjunction with different electro-sensitive protective equipment.
It has several multifunctional self-detecting and self-monitoring
inputs and short-circuits proof outputs. The simultaneity monitoring
of inputs, the functions ‘monitored’ or ‘automatic start’ and two
delayed contacts can be set. It can also used with two-hand
controls to EN574 type IIIC in conjunction with electronic sensors
or mechanical switches.
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24 wORk PANTSThe Hero range of cargo trousers and shorts offer not only a
relaxed and casual look, but also provide the durability of 260 gsm
middle-weight cotton duck weave.
Available in both dark navy and black, these garments have
numerous features, including heavy-duty adjustable waist buckle,
right leg cargo pocket, fashion knee pleats, concealed back cotton
mesh air-flow vents, left side tool or mobile phone pocket and a
heavy-duty plastic key ring on the waistband.
The pants are available in sizes ranging from 72R up to 132R.
HAND SANiTiSERDeb InstantFOAM hand sanitiser utilises the power of Deb
Foam technology.
With no sticky gelling agents or water required, the refreshing
foam formula sanitises hands quickly and effectively and helps
to reduce the incidence of absenteeism in the workplace
during the flu season.
The hand sanitiser is available in a range of sizes and packaging
types, including personal sized 47 and 250 ml dispensers,
through to a 1 L dispenser and a 1 L cartridge.
*productcutAvailable from & recommended by Auslec. Use the locator at www.auslec.com.au to find your nearest branch.
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SURGE-PROTECTED POwER MANAGERDesigned specifically for power conservation, the Green Power Surge
Protector will automatically cut off stand-by power three minutes after
devices connected to it have been switched off. It is also equipped
with ‘always on’ outlets for continuous power to certain devices.
The eight outlet unit can be operated using any IR remote, avoiding
the clutter and confusion of too many controllers.
Features include fireproof-seal surge protection, 800 V clamping,
60˚ rotating power cord, LED light indicator and RJ11 and RJ45
combo 1-in/1-out with 1.8 m telephone cable.
The unit is available in white (model GP8ESSP) and black
(model GP8ESSPBK).
RESPiRATORSThe Advantage 400 Series respirator provides a simple, three-
component design that provides easy donning and doffing in
a form that is both comfortable to wear and highly effective
in performance.
For any respirator to provide effective protection against
contaminants, it must be worn correctly. This respirator features
a silicone mask and a range of wearer-friendly attributes that
makes it comfortable to wear, thereby ensuring it is worn
correctly.
The mask and its filter range are suited to steel mills, foundries,
bagging operations, drilling rigs, construction, cement plants,
welding operations, painting, coatings, chemical manufacturing,
shipping, transportation and agricultural applications.
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DECONTACTOR SySTEMSMarécha l Decontac to r sys tems a re des igned
a s p o w e r f e e d e r s f o r i n d u s t r i a l p r o d u c t i o n
lines. The DSN6 series is rated to 690 V, 63 A,
50 Hz and 3P+E+4 aux.
The system comprises a socket, plug and load-break
switch in one compact set that is available with two, four
or six auxiliary contact pins for ‘electrical interlocking’ and
to transfer auxiliary signals.
The sockets are fitted with a ‘dead front’, so ‘live’
parts aren’t visible and can’t be touched. The plugs are
keyed to only mate with like-keyed sockets. Contact
pins feature split-tunnel terminals that are unaffected by
thermal cycling, shock or vibration, while the contact-pin
tips are made from 85% pure silver and 15% nickel to
provide high conductivity and arc resistance.
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DRUG ALCOHOL AND TOxiC ELEMENT TESTiNGThe latest initiatives in the fields of drug, alcohol and toxic-element testing are available
from Aquarian Industries.
These products are intended for pre-employment or regular testing and can assist
with occupational, health and safety obligations in a wide range of industries including,
mining, construction, agriculture, transport and warehousing.
The product range includes handheld breathalysers, wall-mounted solutions at site
entry points and alcohol interlocks for machinery and automotive applications (eg,
forklifts, tractors, trucks).
An independent service for on-site drug and alcohol testing compliant to Australian
drug and alcohol testing standards (AS 4308 and AS 4760) is also available.
LiGHTwEiGHT SAfETy GLASSESThe sporty ‘super fit’ safety glasses offer a comfortable,
universal fit and all-round protection – key factors in
increasing wearer acceptance.
The glasses combine a thin 1.2 mm high-performance
lens for superior optical performance with a lightweight
frame that weighs just 20 g, for all-day wearing.
Lens replacement compatibility creates cost saving and
rationalisation opportunities, while ensuring that the right
protection is worn for the right task.
The glasses are also compatible with a range of
other PPE items, including safety helmets and half-face
respirators.
*productcutAvailable from & recommended by Auslec. Use the locator at www.auslec.com.au to find your nearest branch.
ELECTRiCAL ENCLOSURE fOR HARSH ENViRONMENTSThe RiMine sloped-roof enclosure range brings together
German-engineered quality, reliability and leading-edge
technology to suit the requirements of the Australian
market.
This robust enclosure is designed to be strong and
resilient to withstand the harsh mining environment and
safeguard valuable electrical components.
With features including an IP66 rating, optimum
mounting area with depth-adjustable mounting plate and
a triple-point locking system, the enclosure is available
either painted or unpainted in 316-grade stainless steel
and in five different sizes to suit many applications.
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wEATHERPROOf fLUORESCENT LUMiNAiREThe Pierlite BWP/T5 is an energy-efficient, vandal-resistant T5
weatherproof fluorescent luminaire that is conveniently packed
with lamps.
The range features modular gear tray, 20 mm cable entry
with PG8.5 gland, along with stainless steel clips for ease of
installation and maintenance.
The luminaire is IP65 rated and constructed with a rugged
polycarbonate body assembly and to meet arduous lighting
requirements in adverse industrial conditions.
The fitting is available with a choice of an energy efficient
14 W or a 2 x 28 W electronic circuits.
BRAiDED fLExiBLE ExTENSiON CORDSThe Electcable EXT-EWA-xM braided flexible extension cords are available in 5-30 m lengths
in 5 m increments and feature a 15 A triple-insulated, braided flex cable with 10 or 15 A
clear plugs and sockets.
The braided shield is earthed when the cord is in use, providing a safety feature for
applications where OHS duty of care is essential.
The cable utilises extra-soft flex to avoid tangles and the tinned-copper braid provides an
80% shield over the inner sheath. The braid also offers extra strength and durability.
The insulated active and neutral plugs and sockets feature heavy-duty strain relief, safety
shroud and neon on/off indicator.
The cords are also available with 56 series plugs and sockets.
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CONfiNED SPACES GUiDANCEMSA has produced a 27-page booklet
that explains, in detail, what constitutes a
confined space and why such environments
may be hazardous.
Confined spaces include pits, tanks,
pipes, tunnels, wells, boilers, vessels
and manholes. Recognising and planning
appropriately for confined space work can
mean the difference between a job well
done and a disaster.
As part of that planning, MSA is available
to discuss appropriate equipment needs
such as self-contained breathing apparatus
sets, gas detectors and entry and retrieval
equipment.
The booklet is available free from MSA
or your local Auslec or L&H branch.
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Winter is a challenging time for businesses,
with an estimated 1,500,000 lost work days
each year in Australia due to flu alone. What
can you do to protect yourself, your staff
and your business from being adversely
affected by it?
To present you with some helpful
guidelines in mitigating the impact of
flu, we spoke to two industrial hygiene
experts, Pryme Australia Marketing Man-
ager Adrian Burton and Stoko Skincare
North America Product Line Director Ron
Shuster at the recent Safety in Action
show in Melbourne.
flu facts
Burton points out some facts about flu:
Influenza is a highly contagious and 1.
potentially deadly disease that can be spread
through coughing or sneezing.
Influenza isn’t the same as a cold. It’s 2.
from a virus and can cause debilitating
complications such as pneumonia, especially
in the elderly and other ‘at-risk’ groups.
Influenza causes 2500 deaths, 80,000 GP 3.
visits and 15,000 hospitalisations in Australia
each year.
1.2 million Australians aged under 65 4.
years are in ‘at-risk’ groups.
People with a chronic disease have 40 5.
times the risk of death from influenza. A
combination of heart and lung disease
increases this risk 800 times.
Only 42% of ‘at-risk’ groups under 65 are 6.
vaccinated annually.
Only 20-50% of healthcare workers, 7.
who are at greater risk of contracting
and spreading influenza, are vaccinated
annually.
15% of influenza-related deaths and 60% 8.
of hospitalisations are in ‘under-65 at-risk’
groups.
10% of all workplace absenteeism 9.
associated with illness is due to influenza.
10. Annual vaccination is the single, most-
effective measure to prevent influenza.
Surfaces most likely to be sources
of contamination
When an infected person sneezes or
coughs, droplets containing germs are
released, spreading the virus. These germs
invariably land on doorknobs, desks and
other surfaces that can come into contact
with other people. Those germs can live on
those surfaces for up to two hours, so, if
a person touches a surface with germs on
it then touches their mouth or nose before
washing their hands, the flu or cold germs
can spread to unsuspecting victims.
Proper handwashing essential
Burton advises that, while there are still
no known cures for the cold or flu virus,
we can take steps to avoid getting sick or
spreading germs to others:
Wash hands often with soap and clean, 1.
preferably warm, running water for 15-20
seconds. Note that water alone will not kill
any germs on skin surfaces.
Work soap into a lather, rubbing hands 2.
together vigorously. Friction helps to remove
dirt and micro-organisms. Wash around and
under rings, fingernails and cuticles.
Rinse hands well under running water.3.
Dry hands thoroughly using a clean paper 4.
towel.
Always wash or sanitise after coughing,
sneezing or blowing your nose, after going
to the bathroom, before preparing or eating
food, before and after tending to someone
who is sick and after handling an animal,
animal waste or garbage.
A handwashing and sanitising program is
a proven method in reducing sick days lost
to colds and flu. There is a wide range of
hand cleaners to suit personal preferences
and different spaces. Hand cleaners such as
Stoko Gel, Stoko Spray and Stoko Refresh
foaming instant hand sanitiser can be used
to rid hands of germs, killing 99% of com-
mon germs that cause disease.
Shuster adds that authorities like the
World Health Organization and The Cent-
ers for Disease Control advise that proper
handwashing is the single, most-important
action we can perform to help stop the
spread of diseases.
In a recent Bradley Corporation survey,
1020 participants were asked whether the
swine flu threat had changed the frequency
of their handwashing. Surprisingly, 54%
indicated they didn’t wash their hands more
frequently, even during the pandemic.
In another report by the London School
of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 404 com-
muters were analysed for micro-biological
contamination on hands. The results were
astonishing: 28% of people were found to
have faecal bacteria on their hands (a failure
to wash hands after using the bathroom) and
46% didn’t wash their hands for the recom-
mended duration for proper cleansing.
Dispensers: bulk-fill vs sealed
systems
Shuster points out that simply providing
hand cleansers and sanitisers is, in itself, not
sufficient to mitigate the spread of influenza
and other viruses and germs. The means of
dispensing must also be considered.
Hand-cleanser dispensers are manufac-
tured from plastic or metal and are avail-
able in an assortment of shapes, sizes and
mounting configurations. While they all serve
the common purpose of providing soap for
handwashing, there are significant hygienic
reasons to choose a sealed dispensing
system over a bulk-fill system.
Bulk-fill dispensers
At first glance, bulk-fill dispensers have
appeal:
Product flexibility – With no specific ·
cartridge or packaging system needed to fit
the unit, a company may buy any type of
hand cleanser without obligation to brand
or packaging type.
Ease of refilling – With some exceptions, ·
locking mechanisms aren’t required, giving
housekeeping staff easy access to refilling
the unit. Minimal training is required to
maintain the unit.
Reduced waste and costs – No disposal ·
empty cartridges or bags and no residual
product left in the dispenser.
If cleanser is being delivered by a bulk-fill
dispenser, users are, however, at risk of
washing with bacteria-laden soap. Hands
provide the perfect transport vehicle to
spread infection. Research has shown that
bulk-filled soap systems that are exposed
to outside elements can become contami-
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Germs invariably land
on door knobs, desks
and other surfaces that
can come into contact
with people
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nated and are potential breeding grounds
for a host of bacteria, which collect inside
the dispenser and flow with the soap onto
unsuspecting hands.
According to a Building Services Man-
agement (US magazine) article, one-in-four
refillable (bulk-fill) hand-cleanser dispensers
in public rest rooms are contaminated.
Unknowingly dispensed along with soap,
patrons were exposed to organisms like
Klebsiella pneumoniae (causes pneumonia
and bronchitis) and Serratia marcescens
(causes wound, eye, urinary-tract and res-
piratory infections).
These same ‘advantages’ of bulk-fill sys-
tems cause the system to be a breeding
ground for germs:
Product flexibility – no control over qual- ·
ity of product being poured into reservoir
of a bulk-fill dispenser. It is exposed to
airborne contaminates every time the cap
is unscrewed; unwashed hands touching
the refill bottle cap and bottle neck intro-
duce dirt and germs into it; and inserting
tubing to transfer soap into bulk container
introduces contaminants. Mixing various
brands of liquid cleanser that weren’t
formulated to go together can also cause
skin irritations.
Ease of refilling – Mixing various brands ·
of cleansers can result from cleaning per-
sonnel layering products in the bulk-fill unit.
The same ‘ease-of-refilling’ statement also
equates to ‘difficulty-in-cleaning’. Completely
emptying the unit and removing it from the
mounting surface makes it nearly impos-
sible to properly clean. Repeated use of
the same dirty valve system contaminates
the product. Also, because the units don’t
seal well, the product inside is exposed
to the circulating air in the lavatory, which
includes mould and fungi. A dark environ-
ment (closed container) and high water
content (product) contribute ideal growing
conditions for bacteria.
Reduces waste and costs – House- ·
keeping personnel, eager to comply with
budget cuts, often dilute hand cleansers
with water to stretch the supply of product.
This changes its viscosity and, in cases of
antibacterial products, negatively impacts the
‘time-kill’ properties of the soap. Watered-
down product can also cause dispensing
problems, such as dripping, which wastes
product and produces potential slip-and-fall
hazards on floors.
Sealed systems
Keeping the product uncontaminated inside
the dispenser is important for the health of
users. Hygienic, sealed systems offer the
best protection from external contaminates,
ensuring no contact with potentially germ-
ridden surfaces. Benefits include:
Eliminating the problem of mixing brands 1.
of products or diluting product with water.
If the refill is a collapsible bag filled with 2.
cleanser, the bags are immediately sealed
against potential contamination, ensuring
safety, cleanliness and hygiene.
Each bag is supplied with its own fresh 3.
pump, virtually replacing the system each
time the dispenser is refilled (also true for soft
plastic bottles with individual pumps).
Soap is manufactured and filled in clean 4.
production conditions and the bottle sealed. In
many countries, antibacterial hand cleansers
and instant hand sanitisers are regulated as
drug products. A sealed dispensing system
ensures the soap maintains the strict
specifications mandated by regulators.
Collapsible bags and bottles eliminate the 5.
spillage and wastage associated with refilling
bulk-type dispensers.
Beware of ‘sealed’ systems that require
the dispensing nozzle to be saved and
transferred from the empty unit to the
new, filled unit. By touching the nozzle
with hands, product build-up on the nozzle
and inability to clean it can contaminate
the soap.
”
“The world Health
Organization and The
Centers for Disease
Control advise that
proper handwashing
is the single, most-
important action we
can perform to help
stop the spread of
diseases.
Summary
While it’s challenging to change old
habits, studies show that it’s time
for ‘old dogs to learn new tricks’.
Practising proper hand hygiene,
avoiding touching the ‘T-zone’ of
the face (mouth, nose, eyes) and
learning to contain sneezes/coughs
are positive habits that will reduce
the transmission of illnesses in the
workplace. To provide optimum
health benefits from proper hand-
washing, hand cleanser must be
protected from contamination. A
sealed, hygienic dispensing system
is superior over difficult-to-clean
bulk-fill soap dispensers.
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Available from & recommended by Auslec. Use the locator at www.auslec.com.au to find your nearest branch.
SAfETy PADLOCkSThe Xenoy safety padlocks feature a non-conductive, non-magnetic
and spark-proof lock body and dielectric nylon shackle, making
them suitable for electrical lockout/tagout applications.
A key-retaining feature ensures padlocks aren’t left unlocked,
while a nylon ball-bearing locking mechanism means there are
no springs to jam.
Weighing just 55 g, the padlocks are rated for extreme conditions
with a -46 to 177˚C temperature range and are resistant to harsh
chemicals and corrosion. They are available in a variety of UV-
resistant colours for fast visual identification of work teams. They
are supplied with permanent, write-on danger ID labels, allowing
users to customise on site or to have them factory laser engraved
with company or site logos.
CORROSiON RESiSTANT LADDERSThe CorrosionMaster range of
single ladders and step platforms
is designed for use in harsh
environments such as mining sites,
chemical plants and other harsh
processing applications that are
too corrosive for traditional steel,
aluminium or timber styles.
The ladders are constructed from
fibreglass that will not rust, rot or
corrode.
A ‘st rongbox’ construct ion
technique provides lightweight
strength, rigidity and electrical
resistance, while stainless steel
fittings provide resistance to extreme
corrosion.
Fixed ladders are also available for
corrosive, potable and wastewater
environments.
SAfETy GOGGLEThe uvex carbonvision is a lightweight
safety goggle that weighs 43 g to provide
comfortable, all-day eye protection.
Utilising carbon technology, the goggle
is one of the most innovative products
in the uvex eyewear range, featuring an
injection-moulded face guard for a positive
seal and splash-proof protection. Its flexible,
soft components adapt to different facial
shapes, ensuring the robust frame is
properly balanced for all-day wearing.
The low-profile goggles are available in
a choice of two lens coatings - THS anti-
fog (both sides) and supravision extreme
(HC3000 anti-scratch outside, THSng anti-
fog inside) and compatible with half-face
masks, helmets and bump caps, to assist
in providing employees with a full head
protection system.
iNSULATED GLOVESThe Ninja Ice insulated gloves feature a two-layer insulated liner
and HPT coating that creates a spongy, soft, durable, flexible
coating that repels liquids to provide a firm wet or dry grip.
The ‘winter lining’ makes the gloves suitable for use in cold
temperatures such as in cold storage and outdoor winter-use
construction, utilities and commercial fishing and agriculture. It
is also treated with ‘actifresh’ for increased comfort.
The HPT coating formulation remains soft and flexible in
temperature as low as -50˚C.
The gloves are available in sizes M to 2XL and supplied in
packets of six pairs.
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fiBREGLASS PLATfORM LADDERThe FPL003-I is a heavy-duty, industrial-grade fibreglass
platform ladder that has a 150 kg load capacity.
The ladder features a 900 mm handrail that is compliant to
OHS requirements, non-slip treads and platform surface and
a resin bracing system for extra strength and safety.
The ladder is available in 600, 900, 1200, 1500, 1800 and
2400 mm heights, with a wheel kit available as an option
for the ladder.
ExPANDABLE SAfETy BARRiERThe Hi-Vis Expandable Barrier is designed for use as
a high-visibility safety barrier to highlight the presence
of any hazards in the work area and to create safe
work zones.
The highly visible and lightweight barrier is quick and
straightforward to deploy in the workplace to enhance
safety, while its concertina construction makes it easy
to collapse and store when not in use.
iNfRARED CAMERAThe i5 is a small and lightweight infrared camera
that weighs just 340 g. It is easy to use and
requires no former experience.
The camera is designed for ‘point-shoot-detect’
operation to obtain high-quality infrared images that
will immediately provide the infrared information
required.
The highly accurate camera is fully automatic and
focus free and is supplied with SD card storage
and reporting and analysis software.
Other infrared cameras available in the range
include the i40 handheld Thermal Cam 16k colour
LCD, i50 Thermal Cam 16k colour LCD PIP (three
steps) and i60 Thermal Cam 16k colour LCD PIP
(scaleable).
*productcutAvailable from & recommended by Auslec. Use the locator at www.auslec.com.au to find your nearest branch.
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LATEx-COATED GLOVEThe Ninja Flex is a latex-coated nylon glove that
features a 15-gauge 100% nylon shell, lightweight
latex crinkle coating with high abrasion resistance
and Actifresh-treated lining.
The ergonomically designed glove is available in a
variety of colours and in XS to 2XL sizes. They are
supplied in 12 pairs per pack.
Applications for the glove include assembly,
brickwork, recycling and working with glass and
sheetmetal.
SAfETy HELMETThe TA560/570 unvented/vented Type 1 safety helmets are
light, comfortable and supported by a considerable range of
approved accessories, providing a total head, eye, face and
hearing protection system.
The venting options allow users to maximise comfort/cooling and
to select the most appropriate product for the task at hand.
Quick and easy accessory attachment utilising the safety helmet
lateral slots broadens product use and on-the-job convenience.
The 6-point harness offers personalised adjustments to
ensure product stability and security even in the most trying
conditions.
Enhancing the product are multiple colours and the opportunity
to apply company logos, reflective tapes, approved transfers
and stickers.
The helmet is suited to industries such as mining, construction,
forestry and heavy engineering.
NOiSE MONiTORThe 3M NI-100 Noise Indicator alerts users to potentially
dangerous noise levels, helping identify areas where hearing
protection may need to be worn. Users simply clip the
noise indicator to a shirt or jacket; its LED delivers a clear
indication when noise levels exceed a potentially hazardous
threshold.
The device’s small size and lightweight design makes
it suitable for workers in a variety of industries and its
rechargeable battery operates for up to 200 hours.
The device is also an effective training tool within a noise
management program (consult AS/NZS 1269 series) to help
ensure workers know when and where to wear hearing
protection.
Historically, underground mining hasn’t
required the use of fall-arrest equipment
on work platforms attached to Integrated
Tool Carriers (ITs) or explosives-charging
operations using specialised charge
machines (Charge-up Rigs) where the
risk of falling was deemed negligible.
In fact, to those unfamiliar with un-
derground mining, the very notion of
fall restraint while underground may
seem strange.
One reason for this is because ITs
and charge machines are not technically
classified as elevated work platforms
within the AS2550.10:2006 ‘Mobile
elevating work platforms’ standard.
Historical incident data also shows
that fall-arrest equipment hasn’t been
necessary in this application and that
extra controls have been implemented
to prevent work platform detachment
and fail-to-safe systems.
The risk of falling from one level to
another has always been an identified
hazard when working around open holes
including stope-voids, ore-passes, shafts,
raises and winzes, as has the risk of
falling from specialised fan-hanging work
platforms with no handrails.
In June 2008, under its continual im-
provement program, Auslec Welshpool
customer Barminco Limited began a
review of all working-at-height activities
to prepare for the pending release of
the revised AS1891.4:2009 ‘Industrial
fall-arrest devices — Selection, use and
maintenance’ standard.
Barminco’s review recommended the
continued use of fall-prevention meas-
ures already in place and the introduction
of increased fall-prevention strategies
that included engineering controls for
some open-hole applications, engineer-
ing control for purpose-built fan-stage
and significantly, the introduction of
fall-restraint equipment applied to all
work conducted at height.
The main area requiring extra controls
was working from work platforms at-
tached to ITs, charging operations and
air-leg ladder rising. This would affect
all Barminco operations in Western
Australia, Queensland, Tasmania, Ghana
and Egypt. The over 250 employees that
regularly work at height, including service
crews and charge-up and air-leg miners,
would need to be trained and kitted out
with fall-prevention equipment.
Trials of fall-arrest equipment began
at St Barbara’s Marvel Loch Gold Mine
and Barrick Kanowna Belle Gold Mine,
where drop tests were conducted from
work-platforms and open-stopes. With
various fall-arrest and restraint systems
trialled, it became apparent that fixed-
length and retractable lanyards were
not suitable for work from platforms
underground.
In January 2010, the WA State Mining
Engineer issued a directive to all mines
that extra and appropriate fall-prevention
measures be put in place for all work
conducted from elevated work platforms
underground.
Jason Brown and Paul Richardson,
from specialist PPE designer and manu-
facturer Sperian Protection, provided
expert guidance on suitable equip-
ment selection and then made design
changes to Sperian standard products
to meet Barminco’s requirements for
tamper-proof, fall-restraint lanyards for
work platforms and open-hole work.
Sperian also worked with Barminco
to produce its ‘Prevention of Falls’
Procedure.
Ongoing trials of a lower-body har-
ness and short-restraint lanyard provid-
ing a comfortable, practical solution for
air-leg miners is currently being devel-
oped by Sperian for Barminco which,
after final risk assessment, will result
in industry-first best practice.
Barminco’s introduction of fall-pre-
vention equipment worn in fall-restraint
configuration for underground mining
purposes now ensures the risk of
injuries from falling from height is
practically eliminated from their opera-
tions; keeping in line with their goal of
ensuring all employees go home to
their families safe and sound.
Gra
vity
suc
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The original Masterpact M chassis is kept (no intervention on the switchboard structure)
Masterpact NW adapted for the "Plug & Play" solution
Masterpact M
30 minutes* to retrofit your air circuit breaker on your main switchboard!Was your air circuit breaker installed before 2003? The "Plug & Play" solution delivered by Schneider Electric enables a fast and simple retrofit of your existing Masterpact M device to the latest technology of Masterpact NW. The existing Masterpact M chassis is retained. Busbar and cable connections are not disturbed, only the circuit concerned needs to be isolated (for as little as 30 minutes*).
* Typical time for simple installations Need more information?Contact your local Auslec or L&H branch
Give your switchboard a new lease on life with "Plug & Play"
Fast and easy implementation
Certified "Plug & Play" solution
Continuity of service guaranteed
www.schneider-electric.com.au Electrical Contractors LicencesSchneider Electric (Australia) Pty Limited is licensed under the relevant state electrical safety acts: QLD: 66116; NSW: 150195C; VIC: 17615; SA: PGE210184; WA: EC008813; NT: C2356
Think LED Lighting, Think Philips
High efficiency sustainable downlight solutionsIn our endeavor to meet the needs of our customers, we are constantly pushing the limits. Our innovation pipeline is delivering new, responsible forms of lighting that improve people’s experience of light. LED lighting offers energy-saving solutions that help us create a sustainable future.
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