ELECTRICAL RISKS AT THE WORKPLACE
Heading
FACT SHEET
Overview
This fact sheet provides general guidance for persons conducting
a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and workers on managing
electrical risks at the workplace. It does not cover electrical risks
arising from overhead or underground electric lines.
This fact sheet should be read together with the relevant work
health and safety (WHS) Codes of Practice and any applicable
transitional arrangements.
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FACT SHEET —Electrical Risks at the Workplace August 2012 Page: 1
What is an electrical risk? If a PCBU’s workers, including contractors, are required
or allowed to use electrical equipment at a workplace
An electrical risk is a risk to a person of death, shock or shared by multiple PCBUs (for example at a construction
other injury caused directly or indirectly by electricity. site) then the PCBU must ensure, so far as is reasonably
The main hazards associated with these risks are: practicable, that the equipment is safe to use. This duty
applies regardless of whether the PCBU owns
• contact with exposed live parts causing electric or supplied the electrical equipment.
shock and burns (for example exposed leads or
other electrical equipment coming into contact
Common risk control measures
with metal surfaces such as metal flooring or roofs)
• faults which could cause fires Common measures to control electrical risks at a
workplace include:
• fire or explosion where electricity could be the
source of ignition in a potentially flammable or • ensuring only appropriately licensed or registered
explosive atmosphere (for example in a spray electricians carry out electrical work
paint booth).
• providing safe and suitable electrical equipment for
The risk of injury from electricity is strongly linked example not using leads and tools in damp or wet
to where and how it is used. The risks are greatest in conditions unless they are specially designed for
harsh conditions, for example: those conditions
• outdoors or in wet surroundings—equipment may • inspecting leads for damage before use and
become wet and may be at greater risk of damage removing any that are damaged from the
workplace.
• in cramped spaces with earthed metalwork, such
as inside a tank or bin—it may be difficult to avoid • providing enough socket outlets—overloading
electrical shock if an electrical fault develops. socket outlets by using adaptors can cause fires
Some items of equipment can also involve greater risk • ensuring power circuits are protected by the
than others. Portable electrical equipment is particularly appropriate rated fuse or circuit breaker to prevent
liable to damage including to plugs and sockets, overloading
electrical connections and to the cable itself. Extension • if the circuit keeps overloading—not increasing
leads, particularly those connected to equipment which the fuse rating as this creates a fire risk due to
is frequently moved, can suffer from similar problems. overheating
• using battery powered tools instead of mains
General duty to manage electrical risks operated where possible
PCBUs must manage electrical risks at the workplace. • so far as is reasonably practicable arranging
When managing electrical risks, the risks must be electrical leads so they will not be damaged:
eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable. If
−− not running leads across the floor or ground,
elimination is not reasonably practicable, the risks
through doorways and over sharp edges
must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.
−− using lead stands or insulated cable hangers
For more information on managing risks refer to the to keep leads off the ground
Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and
−− using cable protection ramps or covers to protect
Safety Risks.
cables and cords, where applicable
General duty in relation to electrical • using Residual Current Devices (RCDs) (also known
as ‘safety switches’) to protect workers using
equipment portable equipment as required by the WHS
Any PCBU with management or control over electrical Regulations
equipment (including an electrical installation) must
ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the
equipment is safe to use. See below for examples
of common risk control measures.
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• determining the reason why an RCD, circuit Additionally PCBUs must ensure their workers have
breaker or other over current protective device suitable information, training, instruction and (if
disconnected the electricity before it is switched necessary) supervision to allow them to carry out work
back on in other people’s homes without risks to health or
safety, so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes
• ensuring RCDs are effective by regular testing
suitable training on electrical risks in domestic settings,
• carrying out preventative maintenance on and on the PCBU’s procedures to eliminate or minimise
electrical equipment as appropriate for example an those risks.
appropriate system of visual inspection and where
necessary, testing. Inspecting and testing electrical
Unsafe electrical equipment equipment—general workplaces
PCBUs must ensure that any unsafe electrical Inspecting and testing electrical equipment will help
equipment within their management or control is determine whether it is electrically safe.
disconnected or isolated from its electricity supply
and once disconnected is not reconnected until it is Regular visual inspection can identify obvious damage,
repaired or tested and found to be safe or is replaced wear or other conditions which might make electrical
or permanently removed from use. equipment unsafe. Many electrical defects are
detectable by visual inspection for example,
Consider implementing the following procedures to damaged cords.
ensure unsafe equipment is not used at a workplace:
Regular testing can detect electrical faults and
• procedures requiring the physical condition deterioration that cannot be detected by visual
of electrical equipment including the lead and inspection.
plug connections to be checked prior to use, as
appropriate The nature and frequency of inspection and testing
depends on factors such as the nature of the
• procedures for taking the electrical equipment out electrical equipment, how it is used and its operating
of service if there is any doubt as to electrical safety, environment.
including during use
• procedures for reporting faulty equipment. The WHS Regulations have specific requirements
for electrical equipment used in a ‘hostile operating
Electrical equipment used by carers in environment’.
other people’s homes
What is a ‘hostile operating
PCBUs that direct or allow workers to work in other
people’s homes as carers or in similar capacities must do environment’?
what is reasonably practicable to ensure the safety of A ‘hostile operating environment’ is a term used to
the workers. describe an environment where electrical equipment
is exposed to operating conditions that are likely to
For example PCBUs must put arrangements in place
result in damage to the equipment or a reduction in
to ensure that workers do not use unsafe electrical
its expected life span.
equipment whether supplied by them or the home
owner. This could include putting procedures in place This includes conditions that involve exposing the
that require electrical equipment that is reasonably electrical equipment to moisture, heat, vibration,
believed to be unsafe to be disconnected or isolated. mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals and dust.
Such equipment must not be used by workers until
repaired or tested and found to be safe. Examples include wet or dusty areas, outdoors,
workplaces that use corrosive substances, commercial
Alternatively workers could be supplied with portable kitchens, and manufacturing environments.
RCDs to use with plug-in electrical equipment and
supplied with suitably maintained electrical equipment
(for example vacuum cleaners) so they do not have to
use the client’s equipment.
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Inspecting and testing electrical For extended hires the PCBU using the electrical
equipment must ensure it is inspected and tested
equipment—hostile operating at the intervals applicable to the type of workplace
environments where the equipment is being used.
Electrical equipment that is connected by a plug and
Who is competent to carry
socket—in essence ‘plug in’ electrical equipment—
that is used in a ‘hostile operating environment’ (as out inspection and testing of
described above) must be regularly inspected and electrical equipment to meet these
tested by a competent person. If this equipment has requirements?
not been regularly tested then it must not be used
until it is tested. Inspection and testing of electrical equipment
under the WHS Regulations must be carried out by
Brand-new equipment that is ‘out of the box’ does a competent person—someone who has acquired
not need to be tested before being put into service through training, qualification or experience the
unless there are reasonable grounds to believe it is knowledge and skills to carry out the task.
electrically unsafe. Examples include:
As a general rule electrical equipment used in ‘hostile • a licensed or registered electrician (whichever
operating environments’ should be inspected and applies in the jurisdiction)
tested at least once every 12 months. More frequent
• in some jurisdictions—a licensed electrical
testing will be required where plug-in equipment is
inspector
exposed to increased risks of mechanical damage
or electrical deterioration, for example: • a person who has successfully completed a
structured training course and been deemed
• electrical equipment used in manufacturing and competent in the use of a pass-fail type portable
work shop environments (for example at least appliance tester and the visual inspection of
once every 6 months) electrical equipment.
• commercial cleaning equipment (for example
at least once every 6 months)
Records of testing—electrical
equipment used in hostile operating
• hire equipment (see below).
environments
In addition to regular inspection and testing plug-in
electrical equipment should also be tested: A record of testing of electrical equipment used in
a ‘hostile operating environment’ must be kept
• after a repair or servicing that could affect the until the electrical equipment is next tested or
electrical safety of the equipment in essence permanently removed from the workplace or
undertaken by the person carrying out the repair disposed of. A record of testing must specify:
or servicing before return to use
• the name of the person who carried out the
• before first use if bought second-hand
testing
• if there is no record of it being tested previously.
• the date of the testing
Further guidance on indicative testing intervals
• the outcome of the testing, and
can be found in AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-service safety
inspection and testing of electrical equipment and the • the date on which the next testing must be
manufacturer’s recommendations (if any). carried out.
Hire equipment The record may be in the form of a tag attached
to the tested electrical equipment.
PCBUs hiring out electrical equipment must ensure
it is inspected and tested at the commencement of
each hire and tested every three months.
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Inspecting and testing electrical • is provided through an isolating transformer that
provides at least and equivalent level of protection,
equipment—construction and or
demolition sites
• is provided from a non-earthed socket outlet
AS/NZS 3012: 2010 Electrical installations—Construction supplied by an isolated winding portable generator
and Demolition Sites applies in relation to the inspection that provides at least an equivalent level of
and testing of electrical equipment on construction protection.
and demolition sites (including record keeping
requirements). Maintenance and testing of RCDs
Where provided for use in a workplace RCDs must be
As a general rule electrical equipment connected by
fit for purpose, maintained so as to be effective and
a plug and socket that is used on construction and
tested regularly.
demolition sites should be inspected and tested at least
once every three months. More fequent testing may be
required as indicated by a site-specific risk assessment. Non-portable and portable RCDs
if RCD requirements apply
Requirements for RCDs (also known The WHS Regulations do not mandate whether RCDs
as ‘safety switches’)—hostile operating (where required) should be non-portable or portable.
environments The choice of appropriate RCD will depend on all
relevant circumstances, including for example, the
Transitional arrangements may apply so you degree to which the PCBU has management or control
should check with the WHS regulator about the of the electrical installations at the workplace.
commencement date for these requirements in
your jurisdiction. Provision of RCDs at shared workplaces
If RCD requirements apply at a workplace all PCBUs at
If reasonably practicable, RCDs must be used to protect
the workplace have responsibility, so far as is reasonably
workers using ‘plug in’ electrical equipment in ‘hostile
practicable, to ensure compliance with the legal
operating environments’ (as described above).
requirements.
RCD requirements also apply to operating
At a shared workplace PCBUs will usually have varying
environments where the electrical equipment:
degrees of control over certain parts of the physical
workplace, for example their ability to have non-
• is moved between different locations in
portable RCDs installed at the switchboard.
circumstances where damage to the equipment
or to a flexible electricity supply cord is reasonably
In these circumstances all PCBUs with a shared
likely
responsibility at a workplace must consult and
• is frequently moved during normal use co-operate with each other to ensure compliance
with the legal requirements.
• forms part of or is used in connection with an
amusement device.
Each PCBU retains responsibility, for ensuring
If it is reasonably practicable for an RCD to be provided, appropriate RCD protection is provided, and must
the RCD must have a tripping current that does not discharge their duty to the extent to which the person
exceed 30 milliamps for socket outlets not exceeding has the capacity to influence or control the matter,
20 amps. disregarding any attempts to ‘contract out’ of the duty.
This requirement does not apply if the supply of
electricity to the electrical equipment:
• does not exceed 50 volts alternating current
• is direct current
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Testing RCDs—all workplaces
PCBUs with management or control of a workplace
must take all reasonable steps to ensure that RCDs used
at the workplace are tested regularly by a competent
person to ensure the devices are working effectively.
A record of testing—other than daily push button
tests—must be kept until the RCD is next tested or
disposed of.
RCD testing requirements apply to both portable and
non-portable devices. Portable RCDs will also require
testing as portable electrical equipment if used in
a ‘hostile operating environment’.
For example if workers use portable RCDs as part
of their work for example, portable RCDs used by
contract cleaners, then the PCBU directing the work
must ensure the RCDs are tested regularly.
Requirements for RCDs construction
and demolition sites
AS/NZS 3012: 2010 applies in relation to the provision
and testing of RCDs on construction and demolition
sites (including record keeping requirements).
More information
More work health and safety resources are available
on the Safe Work Australia website.
Disclaimer
Note: this fact sheet provides general information
only and should not be used as a substitute for
seeking professional legal advice for your specific
circumstances. The contents of this fact sheet are
correct and based on available information at the
time of writing. However, there may be subsequent
decisions of courts or tribunals on the matter
covered by this fact sheet which mean that the
contents are no longer accurate.
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