At
the July Executive Committee meeting senior Sydney Water personnel,
John Werda and Paul McGrath, visited the meeting to share
details and findings following
the death of a Sydney Water employee in January whilst repairing
a break in a water main. The
earthing of the electrical system using iron pipe networks
is in question due to the increasing use of plastic sewerage
pipes.
The
possibility of setting up a NSW Water Industry Safety Forum
and its facilitation was raised. The Forum could also be extended
to include working at heights, on roads and in confined spaces.
It
was resolved that the Water Managers Forum on 1 September
2005 at the upcoming LGSA
Water Management Conference would be an ideal opportunity
to discuss this matter further and the SWC personnel were
invited them to present at the Water Managers Forum. Craig
Murray, Chief Executive, Country Energy is also going to attend
the Water Managers Forum as part of the panel on Water Safety
issues.
A
standing invitation has been given to Sydney Water representatives
to attend our Executive Committee meetings to keep members
aware of safety issue developments. In the meantime, member
councils are asked to forward safety issues for sharing with
Sydney Water.
