Electricity
Information on electricity in the workplace
Electricity is a frequent cause of workplace deaths and does not have to be high voltage to cause electrocution. Electrical hazards exist in almost every workplace and the smallest error can be fatal. Each year on average two to three workers are electrocuted in Western Australia. Although there are many different causes of electrocution, they have one thing in common – they could be prevented.
On 1 January 2009, changes to occupational safety and health regulations will come into effect that allow the testing and tagging of portable electrical equipment and portable RCD’s on construction and demolition sites to be undertaken by a competent person or a licensed electrician.
For detailed information:
- ‘Guide to testing and tagging portable electrical equipment and residual current devices at workplaces’.
- undertaking competency based training in testing and tagging contact:
- Challenger TAFE, Rockingham (Michelle Jagger) (08) 9599 8628
- College of Electrical Training (08) 9417 8166
- Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (08) 9478 1642
- general information on electricity to EnergySafety website
Frequently asked questions (effective 1 January 2009)
- What are the requirements for testing and tagging portable electrical equipment or residual current device (RCD)for use on construction sites and demolition sites, and at other workplaces?
- What are the requirements for residual current device (RCD) protection in the workplace?
- Do low voltage generators require residual current device protection?
More frequently asked questions about electricity can be found here.
Resources available on this subject
- Related publications and downloads