Advice

[greasemonkey]

Hey all,
I need to issue a COC but refuse because the factory is not up to scratch.I have been at it for 3 months now and still not finished.(I am permanently employed by them)The fact that my job is on the line does not bother me.I try to be honest all the time and this factory will not pass in any way. The bosses son has brought in a "tame" sparky who will issue a COC for the factory as it stands.Can I post some pics and details and you guys tear it apart and tell me who is wrong?

Some examples as a teaser:
1)50 mm 4 core rubber trailing cable 70mts long used as a permanent supply to a test bench with a step up transformer with no safety equipment and only a 400 amp breaker to switch the transformer.Connected to the municipal supply with no meter etc.
2)Plugs and lights connected to a 125 amp isolator direct(no switching etc)
3)DB's and isolators bricked closed.(I am still trying to find all of them)

[Sparks]

For things like that I would shut the place down. You know it. Do it before someone gets hurt. It will bug you the rest of your life(in jail)

[mikilianis]

Go for it send some pics and let us unite and anounce the spark that issued the coc as a fraud there is to much of that crap (issuing coc fraudulently ) going around undermines us genuine electricians like if possible use him as an example and prosecute him for fraud.Go for it .
Mike

[Sparks]

We need more of this attitude! We need to stand together about people who are discrediting our occupation.

[greasemonkey]

These are a few of the problems I have that they dont want repaired.The 16a plug in the hole is unswitched(no e/l or breaker)and the cable sticking out the top is live and cut. Top pic shows close up showing connections.Cable goes to main busbar and supplies store pc/heater/hotplate/kettle etc.Had to cut holes in the walls to find it.Everything is supposedly "mission critical" and cannot be switched off .Thinking or organising a municipal "power failure" and going mad with a sidecutter(probably get fired chop chop but its worth it)There is a lot worse,will take pics and show

[AndyD]

The first thing I would do is to list the problems and send by recorded mail or email to the general manager as well as the owner along with the info in laymans terms stating why its a hazard. Demand a reply and inform him that now he's aware of the problems he's also personally liable and will also go to jail if he refuses to act and someone gets hurt or killed. Explain that by refusing to act he's putting you in a very difficult position and keep copies of everything.

Bottom line is if they're prepared to ignore obvious hazards that can result in the death of an employee then they're not the kinda customer you want to work for.

[Dave A]

Maybe also point out that a DoL inspection is bound to have the operation shut down. Might help shift the line on what really is "mission critical."

It seems DoL inspectors are increasingly aware of electrical safety issues and I'd guess all it would take is a disgruntled employee (on just about anything ) to encourage a visit.

[AndyD]

Maybe also point out that a DoL inspection is bound to have the operation shut down. Might help shif the line on what really is "mission critical."

It seems DoL inspectors are increasingly aware of electrical safety issues and I'd guess all it would take is a disgruntled employee (on just about anything ) to encourage a visit.

I like that idea. If they're not motivated by someone possibly getting hurt they'll definitely be motivated by the financial implications of getting shut down by the DOL.

[Dave A]

We discovered all the pleasures of scaffolding erection safety requirements when a DoL inspector stopped around a factory trying to bust people operating forklifts without the appropriate certification. My guys just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

[Sparks]

I have refused COC's for less. When someone gets hurt and it will happen you will be held responsible. Put it all in writing and send copies to DOL and local supplier. If I am correct this is the tip of the iceberg. The local supplier can shut down the whole supply if an installation is not certified or poses a threat to them

[greasemonkey]

Thx guys,this is the route I am going.Will keep you all posted.

[AndyD]

I would be interested to hear the outcome. Good luck!!

[greasemonkey]

Hey all, first update: After presenting my case and explaining my refusal so issue a COC, I have been given a months notice.In short, sign the COC or leave(implied not said).This is fine by me.Will find another job(any leads?) and wait for the tame sparky to sign the COC and then go the DOL route.I can go now but then the tame sparky gets away.

[daveob]

Well done for having the balls to do what's right.

[Dave A]

Hey all, first update: After presenting my case and explaining my refusal so issue a COC, I have been given a months notice.

Go straight to the CCMA for unfair dismissal.

Bargaining council situation.

Go straight to the National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industry and register a dispute.