Safety information

This alert warns plumbers and other workers of the dangers of removing water/gas meters or cutting through metal pipes that may be used as part of an electrical earthing system in a property.

The main contributing factor in these types of incidents is a fault that may have occurred in an electrical fixture or from damaged wiring on the property, or in the street, that causes the metallic piping to become ‘live’. When the pipe is cut or becomes disconnected, either side of the pipe could become ‘live’, causing the worker to receive an electric shock that may cause serious injury or death.

The Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017 requires a person conducting a business or undertaking to identify hazards and assess and control risks at the workplace, in consultation with their workers.

Prior to the removal of water/gas meters, or the repair or replacement of metallic piping or conducting work that requires touching nearby metallic service pipes, before commencing any work the following control measures should be implemented:

  • Complete a risk assessment. This will identify hazards and help you implement appropriate control measures.
  • Ask the customer about the operational condition of the electrical installation and whether they have experienced a ‘tingling’ sensation after touching the metals pipes, taps or appliances. If an electrical fault is suspected, advise the customer and the electricity network provider.
  • If practicable, find the main switch for the premises and turn the power off. Attach a danger tag, or lock the switchboard, to ensure the power remains off until the work is completed.
  • Where an earth wire needs to be disconnected, this work must be carried out by a licensed electrical contractor.
  • Where practicable use voltage indicator/proximity tester to check metal services pipes, however these can be unreliable and should not be used as a standalone control.
  • Electrical Insulating Gloves should be worn and checked for damage prior to use.

Use a bridging conductor when cutting a pipe or disconnecting a meter

  1. In preparation for using a bridging conductor, thoroughly clean the section of pipe to bare metal on each side of the length to be cut or disconnected – or either side of the meter if the meter is to be removed.
  2. Visually inspect the bridging conductor for any damage before use.
  3. Attach a bridging conductor with a current rating of 70 amps or greater to the cleaned part of the pipe and secured it firmly. Ensure the clamps make good physical contact with the cleansed parts of the metal pipe and leave the setup undisturbed until the work is finished.
    4. A water meter with a blue bridging conductor clamped to it. The background features a blue wall, and the ground is covered with wood chips
  4. The bridging conductor must not be broken or removed until all work on the service is completed, and continuity of the metallic pipe is restored. Removal of a bridging conductor during work may result in an electric shock.
  5. Where metallic pipe is to be replaced by plastic pipe or other fittings, work must not commence until the earthing requirements have been checked by a licensed electrical contractor and modified if necessary.

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