THE ALUMINIUM Foil Insulation Association (AFIA) has released a set of safety procedures designed to minimise risks associated with working near electrical fittings in roofs.
AFIA vice-president Michel Bostrom says the new guidelines have been developed by Professor Alex Baitch, one of Australia’s leading authorities on electric safety.
The AFIA guidelines have been designed to meet standards recently announced by the Federal Government.
“Although foil manufacturers are not directly involved in installing the product in roof spaces, we obviously feel a significant responsibility to ensure workers in the industry do not face unnecessary risks,” Mr Bostrom said.
“The explosion in demand for insulation products caused by the Federal Government rebate has obviously brought a high number of new workers into the industry. Indeed, that’s what the scheme was intended to do.
“However, this has created an environment where young and inexperienced workers have been sent into roof spaces, often with little or no understanding of the associated dangers.”
The AFIA procedures include a worksite hazard management checklist which installers must complete prior to beginning work in a home, a range of general electrical safety procedures and advice for working in proximity to cables. Specific instructions for dealing with halogen downlights and ceiling fans and information about appropriate clothing and tools also feature in the guidelines.
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