ELECTRICAL WORKS

RISK ASSESSMENT

Disclaimer: The hazard identification and risk assessment provided here are for research and
educational purposes only. For a comprehensive risk assessment, it is advised to conduct a site
inspection. Utilizing OSHPEDIA's assessment resources can streamline and simplify your risk
assessment process, making it more efficient and easier to navigate. However, it is crucial to
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acknowledge that OSHPEDIA is not responsible for any unnoticed hazards or their potential negative
impacts on worksites.
ELECTRICAL WORKS

RISK MATRIX

PROBABILITY

1 2 3 4 5

1 1 2 3 4 5

Severity 2 2 4 6 8 10

3 3 6 9 12 15

4 4 8 12 16 20

5 5 10 15 20 25

Page 1 of 13 [Link] - AN OSH ENCYLOPEDIA RISK ASSESSMENT

ELECTRICAL WORKS

RISK MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Activity
Risk Ratings Mitigation Strategies
Exposed Live Wires, Damaged or
Specific Hazard Hazard Category Electrical Works
Deteriorated
 Insulation,
Monitor the
situation to ensure risks remain negligible.
 Implement routine inspections and audits to maintain control.
1-4 Negligible
Provide improper
Probability Poormaintenance, basic awareness training
installation, or human errorto staff.
can lead to exposure to live wires.
Risk  Document and communicate lessons learned to prevent escalation.
Severity Exposed live wires can lead to electrical shock, burns, serious injury, or fatalities if contact is made.
 Apply administrative controls such as revised work procedures or checklists.
 Increase staff training to raise awareness of minor risks. Residual
5-9 Low-impact
Initial Initial Initial Risk Residual Residual
Existing Control Measures  Establish periodic monitoring and assessments
Recommended to ensure risks remain
Control Measures low. Risk
Probability Severity Rating Probability Severity
 Reinforce the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary. Rating

 De-energize and isolate circuits  Implement engineering

 controls
Mark and barricade (e.g.,
areas improved
with exposed ventilation, machinery safeguards).
live wires to prevent
before beginning any electrical work.  Update standard operating procedures (SOPs) to address specific risk factors.
Considerabl unauthorized access.
 Use lockout/tagout
10-12 (LOTO)  Conduct regular safety drillsstrict
Implement and emergency
no-contact policies response
for live wires training.
unless
procedures to ensure circuits remain e
de-energized.
 Increase the use of necessary
PPE andand enforce compliance
under controlled with safety regulations.
conditions.
  inspections
Schedule frequent Test circuits withand
voltage testersaudits.
safety to confirm de-energization
 Conduct thorough inspections to
before proceeding with work.
identify and address exposed live

Schedule regular maintenance to repair or replace damaged
wires before work starts. Introduce high-levelorengineering
 exposed wiring. controls (e.g., safety interlocks, automatic shutdown
 Cover exposed live wires with
insulated barriers or protective 4 5
systems).
20
 Label and organize wiring to reduce confusion and accidental
2 5 10
sleeves. 13-16 Critical  Enforce strict operational controls and supervision of high-risk activities.
contact with live wires.
 
Implement emergency Use ground
responsefault circuit
plans,interrupters
including(GFCIs) to minimize the
evacuation procedures.
 Use insulated tools and equipment
risk of electrical shock.
designed for electrical work.  Increase resource allocation for regular monitoring and response readiness.
 Train workers on electrical hazard awareness and safe work
 Ensure only trained and authorized
 practices.
Suspend activities immediately until thorough risk evaluations are completed.
personnel handle live wires.
 Monitor and supervise high-risk electrical activities to ensure
 Keep flammable materials away from  Redesign or substitute hazardous processes or equipment to eliminate the risk.
compliance with safety protocols.
areas with exposed live wires. Develop and practice
  Conduct regular safety audits toresponse
detailed emergency and crisis
identify and address management plans.
potential
 Establish emergency response plans  Engage external safety experts for risk mitigation consultation.
electrical hazards.
17-25
for incidents involving live wires. Calamitous
 Ensure strict compliance with regulatory standards and laws, with penalties for
violations.
PPE Required Hard Hat, Safety Goggles, Reflective Vest, Safetyresources
Shoe, Electrical Responsible
 Allocate extensive forResistant PPE, Electrical
continuous Gloves risk management,
monitoring, and recovery
measures.

Page 2 of 13 [Link] - AN OSH ENCYLOPEDIA RISK ASSESSMENT

ELECTRICAL WORKS

Person

Activity

Improper Circuit Breaker

Specific Hazard Hazard Category Electrical Works
Configuration

Probability Improper circuit breaker configuration can occur due to poor installation or insufficient maintenance.
Risk
Severity It may lead to equipment damage, fires, system failures, or electrocution.

Initial Residual
Initial Initial Residual Residual
Existing Control Measures Risk Recommended Control Measures Risk
Probability Severity Probability Severity
Rating Rating

 Ensure Proper Sizing and Rating:

 Proper Labeling and Documentation: Label each circuit
Select circuit breakers with correct
breaker and maintain accurate schematics.
voltage, current, and interrupting
 Overcurrent Protection: Ensure breakers are configured to
ratings.
protect against overcurrent and faults.
 Compliance with Codes and
 Avoid Mixing Breaker Types: Use compatible types of
Standards: Follow national and local
breakers for consistent operation.
electrical codes (e.g., NEC, IEC). 4 5 20 2 5 10
 Periodic Maintenance and Calibration: Regularly inspect and
 Use Manufacturer Guidelines: Follow
replace faulty circuit breakers.
the manufacturer's instructions for
 Training and Awareness: Train personnel on correct
installation and configuration.
installation, configuration, and safety procedures.
 Qualified Personnel: Only qualified
 Regular Inspections and Testing: Test circuit breakers
electricians should install and
regularly for proper operation.
configure circuit breakers.

Hard Hat, Safety Goggles, Reflective Vest, Safety Shoe, Electrical Resistant PPE, Hand Gloves, Electrical Responsible
PPE Required
Gloves Person

Page 3 of 13 [Link] - AN OSH ENCYLOPEDIA RISK ASSESSMENT

ELECTRICAL WORKS

Activity

Specific Hazard Improper grounding Hazard Category Electrical Works

Improper grounding during electrical work can occur due to installation errors, lack of maintenance, or failure to follow proper
Probability
procedures.
Risk

Severity Improper grounding can result in electrical shock, equipment damage, fires, or fatalities if a fault occurs in the system.

Initial Residual
Initial Initial Residual Residual
Existing Control Measures Risk Recommended Control Measures Risk
Probability Severity Probability Severity
Rating Rating

 Ensure proper grounding of all

 Ensure all electrical equipment is properly grounded before use.
electrical systems, following local
 Provide training to workers on the importance of proper
codes and regulations.
grounding and how to recognize grounding issues.
 Conduct thorough inspections to verify
 Maintain a detailed record of grounding inspections, tests, and
that grounding systems are installed
repairs for accountability.
correctly and functioning.
 Implement a preventive maintenance program to address
 Use qualified electricians for
potential grounding issues before they become hazards.
grounding installation and
 Verify grounding connections are secure and free of damage or
maintenance.
4 5 20 wear. 2 5 10
 Regularly test grounding systems to
 Avoid using damaged or outdated grounding equipment, and
ensure they provide adequate
replace it as needed.
protection.
 Use ground monitoring systems to continuously check the
 Install ground fault circuit interrupters
integrity of the grounding system during operations.
(GFCIs) to detect and prevent
 Enforce strict lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures to prevent
electrical faults..
accidental energization during grounding work.
 Use high-quality, corrosion-resistant
 Label and mark grounding systems for easy identification and
grounding materials to ensure long-
maintenance
term effectiveness.

Hard Hat, Safety Goggles, Reflective Vest, Safety Shoe, Electrical Resistant PPE, Hand Gloves, Electrical Responsible
PPE Required
Gloves Person

Page 4 of 13 [Link] - AN OSH ENCYLOPEDIA RISK ASSESSMENT

ELECTRICAL WORKS

Activity

Specific Hazard Overloaded circuits Hazard Category Electrical Works

Probability Overloaded circuits can occur due to improper use of equipment, lack of maintenance, or exceeding circuit capacity.
Risk
Severity Overloaded circuits can cause electrical fires, equipment damage, or electrical shock, leading to serious safety risks.

Residual
Initial Initial Initial Risk Residual Residual
Existing Control Measures Recommended Control Measures Risk
Probability Severity Rating Probability Severity
Rating

 Prevent overloading by avoiding  Upgrade circuits or add new ones to support higher loads.
daisy-chaining multiple devices.  Use energy-efficient or lower-power devices to reduce circuit
 Design circuits to handle the required load.
electrical load.  Regularly inspect and maintain circuits to prevent overload
 Install appropriately rated circuit risks.
breakers and fuses for overload  Perform load calculations to ensure even power distribution
protection. across circuits.
4 5 20 2 5 10
 Use overcurrent protection devices  Label circuits with their load capacity for clear identification.
(OCPDs) to disconnect circuits during  Train workers on the correct use and limitations of electrical
overload. circuits.
 Continuously monitor power usage to  Enforce a policy to limit devices on circuits to prevent
detect overloads. overloading.
 Establish clear procedures for  Ensure proper ventilation and illumination in electrical panels
managing high-load circuits safely. locations.

Responsible
PPE Required Hard Hat, Safety Goggles, Reflective Vest, Safety Shoe, Electrical Resistant PPE, Electrical Gloves
Person

Page 5 of 13 [Link] - AN OSH ENCYLOPEDIA RISK ASSESSMENT

ELECTRICAL WORKS

Activity

Specific Hazard Short circuits Hazard Category Electrical Works

Probability Short circuits can occur due to faulty equipment, poor wiring, or improper installation.
Risk
Severity Short circuits can cause electrical fires, equipment damage, electric shock, or fatalities if not properly managed.

Residual
Initial Initial Initial Risk Residual Residual
Existing Control Measures Recommended Control Measures Risk
Probability Severity Rating Probability Severity
Rating

 Use higher-quality, corrosion-resistant wiring and components.

 Avoid using faulty or damaged  Replace outdated equipment with modern, safer alternatives.
electrical equipment and components.  Install circuit breakers or fuses to disconnect circuits during
 Remove any unnecessary or short circuits.
redundant wiring that could cause  Use surge protection devices to prevent voltage spikes.
hazards.  Ensure proper insulation of wires and cables to prevent
 Ensure all electrical equipment is accidental shorts.
properly grounded.  Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) for immediate
 Verify secure and properly tightened disconnection during faults.
electrical connections. 4 5 20  Conduct routine inspections and maintenance to detect wear 2 5 10
 Use insulated tools and equipment for or faults.
working on electrical systems.  Perform regular insulation resistance testing on wires and
 Apply cable management systems to cables.
protect wiring from damage.  Label circuits and wires clearly to prevent misconnection.
 Ensure proper spacing between wires  Provide continuous training on proper installation and handling
and components to prevent contact. of electrical systems.
 Enforce lockout/tagout (LOTO)  Establish safety protocols and emergency response
procedures during maintenance. procedures for short circuits.
 Conduct safety audits to identify potential hazards.

Hard Hat, Safety Goggles, Reflective Vest, Safety Shoe, Cotton Gloves, Electrical Resistant PPE, Hand Responsible
PPE Required
Gloves, Electrical Gloves Person

Page 6 of 13 [Link] - AN OSH ENCYLOPEDIA RISK ASSESSMENT

ELECTRICAL WORKS

Activity

Failure to comply with

Specific Hazard Hazard Category Electrical Works
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures

Probability Failure to comply with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures is likely due to lack of training, complacency, or time pressure.
Risk
Severity Non-compliance with LOTO procedures can lead to accidental energization, electrical shock, serious injuries, or fatalities.

Residual
Initial Initial Initial Risk Residual Residual
Existing Control Measures Recommended Control Measures Risk
Probability Severity Rating Probability Severity
Rating

 Ensure all workers are trained on

 Ensure each worker has their own lock to prevent unauthorized
proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
access during maintenance.
procedures and the importance of
 Use LOTO procedures for all types of equipment, regardless of
compliance.
the perceived level of risk.
 Implement a written LOTO program
 Incorporate a two-person verification process to ensure that
outlining clear steps for de-energizing,
energy sources are properly isolated.
locking, and tagging equipment.
 Maintain a log of LOTO procedures performed, including
 Conduct regular audits to ensure
equipment, date, and personnel involved.
LOTO procedures are being followed
 Enforce strict penalties for non-compliance with LOTO
correctly.
4 5 20 procedures. 2 5 10
 Assign responsible personnel to
 Establish clear communication between workers and
oversee and enforce LOTO
supervisors to ensure LOTO procedures are followed before
procedures during maintenance or
work begins.
servicing work.
 Reinforce LOTO procedures during safety meetings and
 Provide proper LOTO equipment,
encourage a safety-first culture.
including locks, tags, and safety
 Implement periodic refresher training to ensure continued
hasps, for all workers.
knowledge and compliance with LOTO procedures.
 Verify energy sources are fully isolated
 Perform lockout/tagout drills to ensure workers are proficient
and de-energized before starting work
and prepared in emergencies.
on electrical systems.

Responsible
PPE Required Hard Hat, Safety Goggles, Reflective Vest, Safety Shoe, Electrical Resistant PPE, Electrical Gloves Person

Page 7 of 13 [Link] - AN OSH ENCYLOPEDIA RISK ASSESSMENT

ELECTRICAL WORKS

Activity

Specific Hazard Arc Flash & Arc blast Hazard Category Electrical Works

Probability Arc flash or arc blast incidents during electrical work can occur due to faulty equipment, improper maintenance, or failure;
Risk
Severity Arc flash or arc blast can cause severe burns, hearing loss, blindness, or fatalities, and can also lead to fires.

Initial Residual
Initial Initial Residual Residual
Existing Control Measures Risk  Recommended Control Measures Risk
Probability Severity Probability Severity
Rating Rating

 Ensure all electrical systems are  Establish safe work practices, including maintaining safe
properly maintained and inspected distances from energized equipment and conducting work
regularly to minimize the risk of arc during off-peak hours.
flash incidents.  Install barriers or shields to protect workers from potential arc
 Install arc flash protection equipment, flash hazards when working near energized electrical
such as arc flash relays and circuit systems.
breakers, to detect and mitigate the  Regularly test and maintain protective relays and equipment to
effects of an arc. ensure proper functioning in case of an arc flash event.
 Use appropriate personal protective  Limit access to areas with high arc flash risk to trained and
equipment (PPE), including arc-rated 4 5 20 authorized personnel only. 2 5 10
clothing, face shields, gloves, and  Use infrared thermography or other diagnostic tools to identify
hearing protection. potential electrical faults before they lead to arc flashes.
 Clearly label electrical equipment with  Implement an arc flash study to determine the appropriate
arc flash warning signs and PPE and safe working distances based on the specific
information about the necessary PPE. electrical system.
 Implement and enforce lockout/tagout  Keep the work area clean and free from clutter to minimize the
(LOTO) procedures to de-energize chances of electrical faults causing an arc flash.
systems before working on electrical  Coordinate with safety teams to establish emergency
equipment. procedures in case of an arc flash or blast incident

Hard Hat, Safety Goggles, Reflective Vest, Safety Shoe, Cotton Gloves, Electrical Resistant PPE, Electrical Responsible
PPE Required
Gloves, Hand Gloves Person

Page 8 of 13 [Link] - AN OSH ENCYLOPEDIA RISK ASSESSMENT

ELECTRICAL WORKS

Activity

Flammable or Combustible Materials

Specific Hazard Hazard Category Electrical Works
Near electrical systems

Probability Flammable or combustible materials near electrical equipment increase the chance of fire hazards due to sparks, heat, or short circuits.
Risk
Severity The presence of flammable materials can lead to electrical fires, property damage, serious injuries, or fatalities if an ignition occurs.

Residual
Initial Initial Initial Risk Residual Residual
Existing Control Measures Recommended Control Measures Risk
Probability Severity Rating Probability Severity
Rating

 Use fire-resistant cables and materials for electrical wiring

 Keep flammable materials away from
in high-risk areas.
electrical equipment and wiring.
 Implement fire safety training for workers to respond to
 Store combustible materials in well-
electrical fire hazards.
ventilated areas, away from electrical
 Enforce strict no-smoking policies and control ignition
sources.
sources in areas with electrical systems.
 Use explosion-proof electrical
 Conduct regular fire drills and establish emergency
equipment in areas with flammable or
procedures for electrical fires.
combustible materials.
 Install smoke detectors and alarms in areas with electrical
 Install fire extinguishers and other fire 4 5 20 1 5 5
systems and combustible materials.
safety equipment near electrical
 Ensure proper ventilation to prevent heat buildup near
systems.
electrical equipment.
 Ensure proper grounding of electrical
 Use circuit breakers and overcurrent protection to prevent
systems to prevent sparks or
overheating and sparks.
overheating.
 Monitor equipment temperature to detect potential
 Regularly inspect electrical systems
overheating and prevent fires.
for signs of overheating, wear, or
 Seal electrical panels and connections to prevent sparks
damage.
from reaching flammable materials.

Hard Hat, Safety Goggles, Reflective Vest, Safety Shoe, Hand Gloves, Electrical Resistant PPE, Electrical Responsible
PPE Required
Gloves Person

Page 9 of 13 [Link] - AN OSH ENCYLOPEDIA RISK ASSESSMENT

ELECTRICAL WORKS

Activity

Specific Hazard Unskilled or unauthorized electrician Hazard Category Electrical Works

Probability Unskilled or unauthorized electricians may perform electrical work due to poor supervision or unclear access controls.
Risk
Severity Their involvement can result in electrical accidents, equipment damage, fires, or fatalities from improper handling of electrical systems.

Residual
Initial Initial Initial Risk Residual Residual
Existing Control Measures Recommended Control Measures Risk
Probability Severity Rating Probability Severity
Rating

 Ensure post qualifications and certification requirements in

 Implement strict access controls to
areas where electrical work is being performed.
ensure only qualified and authorized
 Use a permit-to-work system for electrical jobs, ensuring
electricians perform electrical work.
only trained personnel are assigned.
 Conduct thorough background checks
 Ensure all electricians wear identification badges to
to verify the qualifications and
confirm their qualifications and authorization.
experience of electricians.
 Enforce strict penalties for unauthorized access or
 Provide regular training and
unqualified electrical work.
certification to ensure electricians stay
5 5 25  Regularly audit electrical work to ensure only qualified 2 5 10
updated with current electrical safety
personnel are performing tasks.
standards and techniques.
 Provide mentoring programs for unskilled workers to
 Enforce a clear authorization process
develop their skills under the supervision of experienced
to grant access to electrical systems
electricians.
based on skill level and competency.
 Establish clear reporting procedures for unauthorized
 Supervise unskilled workers by pairing
personnel attempting to perform electrical work.
them with experienced, authorized
 Incorporate electrical safety into overall workplace safety
electricians during work.
culture to emphasize the importance of qualifications.

Hard Hat, Safety Goggles, Reflective Vest, Safety Shoe, Electrical Resistant PPE, Hand Gloves, Electrical Responsible
PPE Required
Gloves Person

Page 10 of 13 [Link] - AN OSH ENCYLOPEDIA RISK ASSESSMENT

ELECTRICAL WORKS

Activity

Specific Hazard Wet or Damp Conditions Hazard Category Electrical Works

Probability Wet conditions like rain or spills can increase the risk of electrical hazards.
Risk
Severity Moisture exposure can cause electrical shock, equipment damage, or even death.

Initial Initial Residual

Initial Residual Residual
Existing Control Measures Severit Risk Recommended Control Measures Risk
Probability Probability Severity
y Rating Rating

 Eliminate exposure to wet conditions

 Keep electrical equipment elevated above floor level to avoid
by relocating electrical systems away
contact with water or liquids.
from water sources.
 Use waterproof connectors and sealing compounds on all
 Install waterproof enclosures for
electrical connections in damp areas.
electrical panels, outlets, and wiring in
 Maintain dry working conditions by using dehumidifiers or fans
areas prone to moisture.
when working with electrical equipment.
 Ensure proper insulation of wiring to
 Ensure all electrical work is performed by trained professionals
prevent short circuits or electrical
familiar with wet condition protocols.
shock in wet environments.
3 5 15  Enforce lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures to ensure electrical 1 5 5
 Use ground fault circuit interrupters
systems are de-energized before maintenance in damp
(GFCIs) to detect and disconnect
conditions.
power in case of moisture contact.
 Train workers on electrical safety specific to wet environments,
 Regularly inspect electrical equipment
including proper PPE.
for signs of corrosion, wear, or water
 Quickly address liquid spills by ensuring that water or other
damage.
liquids do not come into contact with electrical components.
 Install proper drainage systems to
 Implement emergency response plans in case of electrical
prevent water accumulation near
hazards caused by water or liquid exposure.
electrical systems.

Hard Hat, Safety Goggles, Reflective Vest, Safety Shoe, Electrical Resistant PPE, Hand Gloves, Electrical Responsible
PPE Required
Gloves Person
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