Safety Focus for PTW Committee

The newly-formed Victorian Electricity Generators Permit to Work (PTW) Committee has a strong safety focus.

Inaugural chairman, Neil Bates Manager, Station Operations at Loy Yang Power, said the Committee was already working towards its first goal of developing a charter. Future goals include:

• Establishing a PTW code of practice;
• Establishing a common PTW terminology within the industry;
• Liaising with WorkCover and the Victorian Government regarding any future permit regulations.

Mr Bates said these steps would help to minimise confusion and thus improve safety for casual contractors working on sites.

The Committee is made up of two representatives each from Loy Yang Power Station, International Power Loy Yang B, International Power Hazelwood, Energy Brix and TRUenergy Yallourn, however, members hope to involve other Victorian electricity generators and possibly other companies outside of the generator industry in the future.

The Committee is closely modeled on the Queensland Electricity Generators PTW Committee. The Victorian group was initiated by Sage Technology, which works closely with NRG Gladstone in Queensland. The inaugural meeting was co-sponsored by Sage Technology and Loy Yang Power and featured guest speakers from the Queensland Committee.

For further information about the Victorian Electricity Generators PTW Committee, contact chairman, Neil Bates on (03) 5173 3438, mobile 0419 102 712, or email nbates@loyyangpower.com.au

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