Jayden's death could change law

The death of a Bunbury trades assistant has forced the State Government to propose a major shake-up of the electrical industry.

EnergySafety, the State Government department tasked with ensuring safe practices in the sector, has proposed to ban work on live circuits which would force electricians to either isolate circuits or turn off the power before starting work on almost all projects.

The proposal follows the death of 18-year-old Jayden Zappelli, who died while working in the roof of an East Bunbury home in 2013.

He died after his supervising electrician did not make sure the power was isolated before work began.

EnergySafety announced it would look at the change following the _South Western Times _publishing the Zappelli family's impassioned plea on February 12.

Jayden's father, Greg, who has been campaigning for changes to the law to prevent another death, said it was a positive step.

"But we still have a way to go," he said.

Jayden's uncle and former electrician Mark Zappelli said the immediate focus of any law change should be on the residential sector rather than the complex industrial sector.

The family is pushing for the mandatory installation of RCDs - an electrical safety device - in all homes.

Mark Zappelli said the installation of RCDs in homes was "so simple" and would greatly improve safety for electricians and homeowners.

Energy Safety's discussion paper, released on Tuesday, said the code of practice had failed because it had not improved safety among electricians.

Under the proposed changes to the code, an electrician would have to isolate the circuit before beginning any work. There would be exemptions in some situations.

"A comprehensive prohibition on working on live electrical conductors will level the field, thus removing an incentive to cut corners and improve overall safety performance of electrical workers," the discussion paper stated.

Laser Electrical Bunbury owner Calwyn Griffiths said he would be in favour of any safety measures.

"Anything that will save lives and make my workers safer is a good thing," he said.

Electrical Trades Union WA general secretary Les McLaughlan said he supported the proposed changes to the code of practice.

"We believe it is unsafe to perform work on any electrical equipment while it remains energised," he said.

"There is nothing more important for our union than ensuring that every worker who goes to work returns home safely at the end of their shift."

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said he would consider a ban on live power work in roofs.

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