Schedule 26 position
High Voltage Operator
Manage the appointed high-voltage permit and switching functions.
THE LEGISLATION EXAM IN NUMBERS
- 55questions: 15 mandatory, 20 general, 20 on the High Voltage Operator role
- 3 hoursin one sitting
- 80%to pass: 44 of 55
- Open bookyour own printed WHS Act and Mines Regulations, tabbed and highlighted within WorkSafe's rules
Published by WorkSafe WA (legislation examinations FAQ). The exam pass is one requirement among several; appointment to the position is a separate step by the mine operator.
APPOINTMENT
Check the role and eligibility.
Required where the mine has high-voltage installations or uses high-voltage electricity. Clause 6(3) requires approved training and SSE or Exploration Manager satisfaction with switching knowledge.
Read Schedule 26 clause 6 and current WorkSafe competency guidance before appointment.
A qualification, official exam pass and written mine appointment are separate things. Confirm your appointed place, functions and alternate arrangements.
WORKING INTERFACES
Who the role works with.
- The SSE or Exploration Manager assesses the required switching knowledge.
- Coordinates with the Electrical Supervisor and permit holders; the site defines authorisation boundaries.
LEGAL FUNCTIONS
What the position is responsible for.
- Issue high-voltage vicinity permits for relevant work near uninsulated HV conductors or components.
- Specify the required plant-operation safety measures on the permit and ensure they are carried out.
- Isolate and re-energise HV equipment for access, maintenance or repair.
Schedule 26 clause 6
PRACTICAL SHIFT ROUTINE
Daily prompts to adapt to your site.
- Check current switching instructions, permits and affected workgroups.
- Confirm handover of equipment status through the authorised site process.
- Record completed actions and unresolved permit or equipment issues.
PQM suggested workflow — adapt to site arrangements; not a universal daily legal frequency. Inspection timing is risk-based; these prompts are not a universal statutory daily checklist.
WHEN AN INCIDENT OCCURS
Work through the site emergency plan.
Immediately escalate HV contact, unexpected energisation or loss of control through the electrical emergency process. Perform switching only within your authority and approved procedures; an app checklist is not switching authority.
Open incident first actionsSOURCE & REVIEW
Read the controlling source.
Schedule 26 clause 6
- WA legislation: current WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022
- WorkSafe: demonstrating competency
- WorkSafe: emergency plan for mining operations
Overview of the role-specific functions. Other WHS duties and site procedures may also apply. Sources checked 2026-10-05. Editorial summary awaiting independent professional review. Check current law, your written appointment and site procedures.
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