Safety priorities for working with electricity
Content
1. Safety priorities for working with electricity
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.
Some of the most common causes of electrocution are contact with overhead wires, carrying out maintenance work on live electrical circuits, and working with damaged electrical equipment, extension cords, plugs or sockets.
Although there are many different causes of electrocution, they have one thing in common – they could be prevented.
All electrical installations must meet Australian Standards. A WorkSafe Western Australia study found that, excluding those deaths caused by aerial powerlines, over half would probably have been prevented by the use of residual current devices.
All employers and contractors have a general duty of care to take practical steps to ensure that their employees are not exposed to electrical hazards in the workplace. Every workplace should have a process for identifying hazards, assessing the risks and reducing them.
Employers must also provide their employees with instruction, training, supervision and information so that they can perform their work safely.
Because of the dangers involved in working with electricity, WorkSafe Western Australia has identified this as one of seven areas to be given priority when our inspectors visit your workplace.
In their inspection, the department’s inspectors will be looking for five key elements presented overleaf.
These deal with many of the common problems affecting electricity that WorkSafe Western Australia has found in the workplaces. The elements of the checklist do not cover all mandatory requirements under workplace safety and health laws. However, following the same checklist yourself will assist you to identify any shortcomings in your procedures or training and to correct or update them, thus getting you started on meeting your safety and health responsibilities.
In looking at safety in relation to electricity and all workplace safety matters, please remember the three ThinkSafe steps:
- spot the hazard;
- assess the risk; and
- make the changes.
2. Checklist
Maintenance of electrical installations
Electrical installations are maintained and protected to minimise the risk of electrical shock or fire.
Workplaces
- Is there evidence of a maintenance program?
- Has electrical equipment been tested?
Construction:
- Is portable and fixed electrical equipment tagged?
- Is there a record of relevant test data?
- Is the tester’s licence number on the tag?
Residual current devices (RCDs)
Hand-held or portable electrical equipment is protected by RCDs.
Workplaces
- Are RCDs installed at switchboards and fixed sockets?
- Is portable electrical equipment protected by RCDs?
- Is RCD protection labelled and has it been tested?
Construction
- Are all final sub-circuits, socket outlets, portable generators and equipment protected by RCDs?
Flexible cords (cord extension sets etc)
Flexible cords are used in a safe manner.
Workplaces/construction
- Do connections have either moulded or transparent type plugs?
- Are plugs, sockets and extension leads in good condition?
- Are flexible cords protected from damage?
Construction
- Check that no aerial cable is fixed or attached to scaffolding
- Are cords suitable for the length in use?
- Check that no double adaptors and three-pin plug adaptors are in use
Specific electrical installations
Electrical installations are protected from damage that would increase the risk of electrical shock or fire.
Workplaces/construction
- Switchboards
Are they labelled correctly?
Are they protected from damage?
- Light fittings
Are they suitable for the location?
Are they protected from damage?
- Power points
Are they suitable for the location?
Are they protected from damage?
Other requirements
The work is organised for the safety of employees and others at workplaces.
- Are appropriate procedures in place if workers are working near Overhead power lines?
- Does any plant expose workers to risk because of electricity?
- Has site power been provided when construction site work has reached plate height?
3. Further information
For further information on electricity please contact WorkSafe via email safety@commerce.wa.gov.au or telephone 1300 307 877.