Control Electrical Risk on Network Pipes:
Understanding the Hazards and why It Matters

Electrical energy can travel unexpectedly through metallic water or gas pipes, creating a hidden and often fatal hazard for workers involved in maintenance or network operations. Faults, cross-connections, or damaged insulation can energise these services, meaning a pipe that appears safe to cut or disconnect may, in fact, carry live current.

The national unit NWPNET064 – Control Electrical Risk on Network Pipes exists to address these dangers. It specifies the skills and knowledge required to detect, assess, and control electrical risks when working on or near network pipes. Understanding the unit’s intent is essential not only for compliance, but for preventing real-world incidents where incorrect assumptions about pipe safety have led to serious injury or death.

What’s Going Wrong in the Field? (Recent Cases)

1) Metallic water services becoming “live.”
SafeWork NSW warns that faults on a premises or in the street can energise metallic water (or gas) pipes. Cutting or removing meters can expose workers to lethal potential differences on either side of the break. The alert specifically highlights using detection devices and safe work sequencing before any disconnection. SafeWork NSW

2) Cutting a “water pipe” that concealed an energised cable.
In May 2023, a person repairing a water leak unearthed what appeared to be a poly water pipe and cut it—contacting an energised cable and suffering fatal electrocution. This reinforces the need for utility location, positive identification, and test-before-you-touch protocols when working around buried services. WorkSafe QLD

3) Energised taps after meter work.
In WA, three family members received electric shocks from taps after an electrician failed to follow safe procedures during a kWh meter replacement. Mis-earthing/neutral issues can place hazardous voltages onto metallic plumbing and fixtures—exactly the condition field crews must detect and control. Western Australian Government

(For broader guidance, WorkSafe Qld also publishes specific controls for working on metal water services, underscoring risk assessment, testing, and bonding/bridging practices for plumbers and network crews WorkSafe QLD.)

What the Unit, NWPNET064, Expects You to Do (and Why) Training.gov.au NWPNET064

It requires you to:

• Prepare for work: locate the job from plans/diagrams; conduct a WHS risk assessment; select PPE and electrical testing equipment; identify yourself to customers; and contact relevant authorities (e.g., Before You Dig Australia (BYDA)) to identify other utility assets.
• Assess network pipes for electricity: use electrical testing devices and continuously monitor control measures during activities such as pipe replacement—because conditions can change mid-task.
• Finalise work safely: secure equipment, verify the site meets environmental/organisational requirements, and tag/report any faulty gear.

At Pipeline Training, course delivery mirrors these requirements—risk identification, control measures, hands-on device use, documentation, and practical assessment within a single morning—so participants can demonstrate competence under realistic conditions.

High-Risk Triggers You Must Control

• Broken neutral / stray voltage migrating to pipework: Faults can place dangerous voltage on metallic pipes and taps; always assume services may be energised until tested by a competent person with suitable instruments. (See government guidance and case outcomes. Western Australian Government)
• Misidentified assets: Poly “water pipes” may conceal or co-locate with electrical conduits—never cut without scan/locate and isolation/permit controls, WorkSafe QLD
• Removing meters or cutting metallic sections: Treat both sides as potentially live; apply bridging/bonding and verify de-energisation, SafeWork NSW

Practical Controls (Mapped to NWPNET064)

1. Plan & locate

• Read job specs and diagrams; confirm all services with the relevant authorities (e.g., Before You Dig Australia (BYDA)).

Training.gov.au NWPNET064

• Use approved locators and, where necessary, pothole by hand to verify, WorkSafe QLD.

2. Test-before-you-touch

• Use a suitable electrical testing device on network pipes and adjacent metallic fixtures (taps, meters, risers).
• If separation is needed, bridge/bond to maintain equipotential before cutting/removing metallic sections.

3. Maintain controls during replacement

• Continuously monitor with detection devices during pipe replacement; conditions can change with upstream switching or faults.

4. De-energise where practicable; isolate and verify

• Coordinate with supply authorities to de-energise; never assume equipment is dead—test every conductor, every time. SafeWork NSW

5. Escalate anomalies immediately

• If you detect voltage on pipework or fixtures, stop work, barricade, and report; treat as an electrical incident per state guidance. WorkSafe QLD

6. Documentation & reporting

• Complete incident/near-miss reports, tag faulty equipment, and record testing results to support regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.

Why This Matters for CEOs and Asset Owners

• Duty of care & legal exposure: Government alerts show fatal and serious incidents arising from energised pipework and misidentification—events that are foreseeable and preventable with competent training and controls, SafeWork NSW. 
• Operational reputation: A single shock incident during meter changes or pipe replacement can trigger investigation, penalties, and brand damage -Western Australian Government
• Risk-based assurance: Investing in NWPNET064 competency closes known gaps—testing protocols, continuous monitoring, and correct sequencing during cut-and-change work.

Enrolment & Delivery and Pipeline Training (click here)

• Format: 5 hours, face-to-face practical at Rouse Hill, fortnightly Tuesday starts.
• Outcome: Statement of Attainment for NWPNET064 – Control electrical risk on network pipes upon successful completion.

Field Safety Checklist – Control Electrical Risk on Network Pipes

Before Work

• ☐ Confirm permits, service plans, and Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) -phone 1100).
• ☐ Conduct risk assessment and pre-start briefing.
• ☐ Inspect and test PPE and electrical detection devices.

During Work

• ☐ Test-before-you-touch using an approved detector.
• ☐ Maintain bridging or bonding when separating metallic pipework.
• ☐ Continuously monitor for voltage during operations.
• ☐ Keep bystanders clear; use warning barriers.

After Work

• ☐ Verify de-energisation before site demobilisation.
• ☐ Report any shocks, sparks, or voltage readings immediately.
• ☐ Tag and isolate any faulty tools or detection equipment.
• ☐ Complete incident log and sign off supervisor verification.