Inspection Details
- Location: Commercial Premises, Melbourne CBD
- Reason for Attendance: Vehicle Collision – Electrical Hazard & Structural Breach
Event Summary
A vehicle crashed through the front glazed window of a commercial building, continuing through internal areas and striking a wall containing active electrical cabling. The incident caused significant structural damage and posed immediate electrical hazards. Our team was called to assess and mitigate risks, isolate circuits, and carry out urgent make-safe works.
Cause of Damages
- The collision resulted in penetration of an internal wall housing live electrical infrastructure
- Electrical wiring was exposed and potentially compromised, creating a high-risk environment
- No underlying maintenance issues were identified
Damage Assessment
- Structural damage to the building’s façade and internal walls
- Electrical cabling dislodged and exposed, risking shock or fire
- Debris and compromised infrastructure across multiple internal zones
- Public safety concerns due to proximity to pedestrian areas and municipal assets
Works Completed
- Immediate isolation and lockout of the main switchboard to de-energise the site
- Enabled safe access for other trades to begin debris removal and structural repairs
- Identified and isolated multiple power and lighting circuits in impacted zones
- Coordinated traffic management and worked with the municipal building surveyor to secure the site
- Public protection measures implemented; building order placed and later removed post make-safe
- Hired and deployed a scissor lift for elevated access to damaged ceiling areas
- Collaborated with fire protection contractors to isolate and disconnect affected sprinkler heads
- Removed damaged wall and ceiling sections and disconnected non-operational services
- Conducted comprehensive electrical testing (insulation resistance, continuity checks)
- Performed full visual inspection of switchboards, fittings, outlets, and junction boxes
- Verified all circuits were safe and restored power to the building, minimising downtime
Outcome
- Site hazards eliminated and building safely re-energised
- Structural and electrical integrity confirmed
- Public safety restored and building order lifted
- Operations resumed with minimal disruption to commercial activities
