What Is Asset Inspection in the ESI?

Asset inspection plays a crucial role in maintaining a safe and reliable electrical supply to NSW residents. The Electrical Supply Industry (ESI) includes a huge number of different professions, from electrical engineers to construction labourers. An asset inspector is responsible for checking electrical infrastructure for wear and tear, potential risks and other possible causes of failure. The key is to identify these issues before they turn into major faults.

From testing overhead powerlines to transformers and substations, let’s learn more about asset inspection in the ESI.

Why is asset inspection so important?

The electrical supply and distribution network (ESDN) refers to the infrastructure and systems that keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses across Australia. Asset inspection is about ensuring all electrical infrastructure is safe and meets modern standards. By identifying instances of unusual wear and tear, damage to electrical components and other potential risks early, asset inspectors help to prevent power failures and outages.

Asset inspection is also crucial for ensuring all electrical infrastructure meets regulatory standards. An asset inspector’s role is crucial to site safety. This is because hazards around electrical infrastructure can be more deadly than those in the average workplace.

What types of assets does an inspector check?

Essentially, there is no limit to the types of assets a qualified inspector can check. Electrical infrastructure typically includes substations, transformers, cables, overhead and underground power lines, power poles, overhead conductors and even public lighting systems.

If it’s part of the infrastructure required to deliver electricity to homes and businesses, it’s likely that you’ll be required to test it as an ESI asset inspector.

What training is required to be an asset inspector?

There’s no doubt that working around live electrical network apparatus can be high risk. That’s why extensive training is required for those wishing to become an asset inspector in the ESI. IAC Safety Services offers Certificate II in ESI: Asset Inspection and Testing, and this is a mandatory qualification to perform this role.

The great news is, you don’t need any other training or qualifications to complete the course. Anybody can enrol and become qualified as an asset inspector. The course typically takes 9 months to complete, comprising 900 hours in total.

Safety and ASP registration

Needless to say, safety is paramount when working in the ESI. The training you complete to become an Asset Inspector gives you much of this learning, through units aimed at complying with Work Health and Safety guidelines. However, if you want to perform an asset inspection role within the NSW electrical supply and distribution network, you’ll also need to be registered as an accredited service provider.

To do this, you must complete relevant safety training and register with NSW Climate and Energy Action.

Interested in learning more about asset inspection?

IAC Safety Services offers specialised Asset Inspection training, and all are welcome to enrol. With no training prerequisites, you can learn asset inspection skills even if you don’t have electrical training. We can even assist you in obtaining and maintaining your ASP registration. Contact us today to find out more.