SCOPE
This Code of Practice defines:
- Principles; and
- Electrical Safety Procedures
The Principles apply to all persons working on, near or in the vicinity of Electrical Apparatus which is capable of being energised.
The Electrical Safety Procedures defined in this Code apply to the Distribution Businesses.
This Code is applicable to all employees of the Distribution Businesses, and contractors and their employees, working on, near or in the vicinity of, Electrical Apparatus controlled by the Distribution Businesses.
This Code is also applicable to not electrically connected apparatus in situations where the required level of isolation, as defined, can not be confirmed prior to work commencing, for example, on abandoned underground cables.
DOWNLOAD Green Book 2006 Edition
CHARTER of the DISTRIBUTION SUB COMMITTEE OF THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY COMMITTEE FOR THE CODE OF PRACTICE ON ELECTRICITY SAFETY FOR THE DISTRIBUTION BUSINESSES IN THE VICTORIAN ELECTRICITY SUPPLY INDUSTRY
(“THE GREEN BOOK”)
Contents
1. ROLE OF DISTRIBUTION SUB-COMMITTEE (Green Book Committee) of the ELECTRICAL SAFETY COMMITTEE
1.1 Objective
1.2 Representation
2. COMMITTEE PROCEDURES
2.1 Convenor and Secretary
2.2 Meeting Frequency
2.3 Quorum
2.4 Raising of Issues
2.5 Making of Recommendations
2.6 Agenda and Minutes
2.7 Budget
2.8 Annual Report
2.9 Changes to Committee Procedures
2.10 Presentations to the Committee
3. ROLES
3.1 Convenor
3.2 Committee Members
3.3 Secretariat
PROCEDURES & ROLES
1. ROLE OF DISTRIBUTION SUB-COMMITTEE (GREEN BOOK COMMITTEE) OF THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY COMMITTEE
The Electrical Safety Committee (ESC – Blue Book Committee) is established under section 10 of the Electrical Safety Act 1998 (the Act).
The Distribution Sub Committee, commonly referred to as the Green Book Committee, (the Committee) established by the Distribution Businesses is convened to ensure that the principles of the Blue Book are transferred into appropriate outcomes in the Distribution Businesses, and provides for representation from all Distribution Businesses.
1.1 Objective
The objective of the Committee is to develop, review and monitor the application of the Code of Practice on Electrical Safety for the Distribution Businesses in the Victorian Electricity Supply Industry (The Green Book) for consistency with the principles and procedures of the Blue Book.
Where appropriate these principles and procedures may be enhanced or added specific to the Distribution Businesses activities.
This will be achieved by
- Facilitating the ESC processes within the Distribution Businesses
- Electing two members to the ESC
- Provision of recommendations to the ESC for improvements or amendments to the Blue Book where appropriate.
- Auditing for compliance with, relevance and effectiveness of the Green Book;
- Reviewing electrical incidents which have implications for electrical safety and identifying and monitoring trends to determine any remedial actions required to prevent recurrences;
- Providing guidance on the application of the Green Book to Victorian Distribution Businesses.
- Representing the Green Book Committee at appropriate State and National forums relating to electrical safety.
- Liaison with other VESI Distribution Company sub-committees and Working Groups which may have the ability to enhance, modify or impact onto Green Book principles or clauses eg. Distribution High Voltage Live line Committee, No-Go Zone Committee.
1.2 Representation
The Committee shall consist of the following representation:
-
Two nominees representing each of the five distribution business licences;
- Upon invitation of the Committee for a specified period one representative nominated by a relevant Industry Organisation;
- The Committee may invite other persons on recommendation.
- The Distribution Companies may elect to nominate a representative contractor if appropriate.
The Green Book Committee may establish or incorporate (with agreement) other committees as sub-committees. In such cases the Green Book Committee shall nominate one or more of its members as representatives to attend sub-committee meetings to provide feedback and guidance.
2. COMMITTEE PROCEDURES
2.1 Convenor and Secretary
• The CONVENOR is to be ELECTED from within the Committee following a nomination seconded by a member of the Committee.
• The Convenor will be appointed for a period of two years. This term may be extended at the agreement of the Committee.
•
The Secretariat shall be appointed by the Committee.
2.2 Meeting Frequency
Meetings shall be held every two months, with actual meeting dates predetermined at least twelve months in advance.
Meeting dates may be changed by the Convenor, but at least ten working day's notice must be given to members of the revised dates.
Where necessary, extraordinary meetings may be called by the Convenor.
2.3 Quorum
A quorum shall consist of one representative for each of the distribution business licences. Green Book Committee members may act as a representative of any of the distribution business licences held or managed by their employing organisation.
2.4 Raising of Issues
New Policy issues cannot be tabled at a committee meeting. Appropriate documentation, which will enable the members to reach a considered opinion, must be included with the agenda, or otherwise provided to members such that they have received it at least 10 working days prior to the meeting. Exceptions may be allowed at the discretion of the Convenor for urgent procedural matters.
Administrative matters may be tabled for a decision at a Meeting, but every attempt should be made to provide appropriate information beforehand.
The Committee is to make any subsequent recommendations.
2.5 Making of Recommendations
Where a policy issue is involved, the matter shall be resolved by consensus .
Where only an administrative matter is involved, the matter can be passed with a simple majority.
2.6 Agenda and Minutes
The agenda is to be approved by the Convenor and distributed by the secretariat to members at least three working days prior to the ESC meeting.
Minutes are to be produced by the Secretariat and distributed to-
• Members of the Committee;
• Secretary of the ESC.
The minutes of each meeting are to be issued in draft form to the Convener within 20 working days of each Committee meeting for acceptance prior to release. Formal acceptance by the Committee of the minutes is to occur at the commencement of the next scheduled meeting.
The Committee is to determine the circulation requirements of the minutes and the Committee will be kept up to date by the Secretariat of the status of the circulation list.
2.7 Budget
The costs of the operation and function of the Committee shall be shared in accordance with an agreed basis. Intention for expenditure outside normal operating costs must be tabled for discussion and approval prior to the expenditure being undertaken.
Each member will be issued a summary of expenditure to remit to the secretariat as appropriate.
2.8 Annual Report
The Committee shall produce an annual report for the previous financial year by 31 July of each year and provide this to the Secretariat of the ESC.
The report is to be signed by the Convenor, or if that person has left the Committee, by the current Convenor.
2.9 Changes to Committee Procedures
The Committee may change these procedures as required at a full meeting of the Committee where consensus is reached relating to the proposed change.
2.10 Presentations to the Committee
The Committee will provide and promote opportunities for individuals or organisations to present matters that are directly relevant to the operations of the Green Book process. The Convener upon request shall be empowered to approve such presentations where in the Conveners opinion the matter is relevant to the Committee and will advise the time that will be allowed for such presentations.
3. ROLES
3.1 Convenor
• To represent the interests of the Committee
• To chair the meetings of the Committee;
•
To approve the minutes of Committee meetings for circulation;
• To deal with issues as appropriate between Committee meetings;
• To produce an annual report by 31 July each year; and
• The Convenor should arrange for an Acting Convenor if the Convenor is not able to attend a committee meeting.
3.2 Committee Members
To represent their appropriate constituency in the Committee by being in a suitable position within the represented company to –
• Propose amendments to the Code of Practice to meet the needs of their constituency;
• Provide interpretations/advice on the Code of Practice, consistent with the decisions of the Committee and ESC to their constituency;
• Facilitate the ESC and Green Book Committee process to their constituency;
• Report incidents within their constituency to the Committee;
• Act as a conduit for information between the ESC, the Green Book Committee and their constituency, and vice versa;
• Assist in the production of a subcommittee annual report as necessary;
• Follow Committee procedures; and
• Committee members should arrange for a proxy in their absence if not able to attend a committee meeting.
3.3 Secretariat
• Produce Agenda for Committee meetings and distribute these to members after Convenor approval;
• Take minutes of Committee meetings and distribute these to members and ESC Secretariat after Convenor approval;
• Facilitate communications with Committee members and the ESC; and
• Assist the Committee on administrative matters.