Electrical Safety: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace

Electrical Safety: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace

In 2021-2022, eight incidents resulted in nine fatalities due to electrical causes in Australia and New Zealand. Rate of deaths per million people (DMP) sat at 0.29, an increase of 0.26 DMP compared to the previous year. Knowing risks associated with electricity and understanding how to manage those risks is essential for any workplace.

This article dives into different risks related to electrical work in Australia. We'll look at current regulations and standards, what end-users can do to ensure electrical equipment in their workplace stays safe from electrical incidents, and how to manage potential hazards. Employers must assess electrical risks before problems arise, not after an incident occurs.

What is Electrical Work?

Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations define electrical work in Australia. These regulations outline scope of electrical work and include the following activities:

• Connecting electricity supply wiring to electrical equipment
• Disconnecting electricity supply wiring from electrical equipment
• Installing, removing, adding, testing, replacing, repairing, altering, or maintaining electrical equipment or an electrical installation
• Work involving connection of electrical equipment to an electricity supply using a flexible cord plug and socket outlet

Electrical work does not include connecting equipment via a plug and socket outlet, working on non-electrical components without exposure to electrical risk, or replacing items that don't require expertise in electrical work (e.g., fuses or light bulbs).

What are Electrical Hazards?

Approximately 30 people across Australia suffer injury or death each year due to electrical accidents. Exposure to even brief contact with electricity at 50 volts for direct current (V DC) can pose significant health and safety risks for an individual. Electrical hazards threaten people's safety, and these hazards can cause death, serious injury, or shock.

Here are some common electrical hazards and risks in Australia:

• Direct and Indirect Contact: Electrical risks can be direct or indirect contact with live parts, which can cause electric shock and burns.
• Faulty Electrical Equipment: Workers using electricity may not be the only ones at risk. Injuries or worse yet, death, can result from fires caused by faulty equipment or substandard electrical installations.
• Flammable or Explosive Atmospheres: Electrical risks can arise in potentially hazardous, flammable, or explosive atmospheres, such as a spray paint booth, where fire or explosion could be the source of ignition.
• Toxic gases: Certain forms of electrical work can produce poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide that cause serious health consequences.

Legal Requirements and Standards in Australia for Electrical Safety

Each Australian state and territory regulates legal requirements and standards for electrical safety in Australia, and New Zealand, separately. However, some general guidelines apply across the board. Here are some of the essential legal requirements and standards for electrical safety in Australia:

AS/NZS 3820:2020 Essential Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment

AS/NZS 3820 is the joint Australian and New Zealand standard for essential safety requirements of electrical equipment. Objective of this standard provides practical guidance through a set of criteria for safety of electrical equipment. Here are some key points about AS/NZS 3820:

• AS/NZS 3820 forms one part of the framework used by Electrical Safety Regulatory Authorities to ensure electrical equipment suppliers know requirements needed to confirm the equipment they supply stays electrically safe.
• The standard sets criteria for safety of electrical equipment, including design, construction, testing of electrical equipment, and marking requirements.
• Compliance with AS/NZS 3820 remains required for electrical equipment to be recognised as safe.

Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS)

The Electrical Equipment Safety System operates in Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania to regulate safety of household electrical equipment. South Australia, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory are transitioning to the EESS. Pre-market requirements include a certification process for specific electrical equipment, which must meet Australian/New Zealand electrical safety standards and remain electrically safe.

AS/NZS 3760:2022 In-Service Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment and RCDs

AS/NZS 3760 specifies generally observed safety inspection and maintenance standards for single and polyphase portable electrical equipment and machinery. This joint Australian and New Zealand Standard provides guidelines and procedures for safety inspection, testing, and tagging of all portable equipment and electrical appliances. It helps minimise risk of electrical accidents in the workplace and other environments where workers use electrical equipment.

The standard covers various electrical equipment, including 240V, 3-phase, low-voltage devices, and RCDs. It outlines frequency of inspections, qualifications required of those performing tests, and documentation needed to demonstrate compliance with the standard. Regular inspection and testing under this standard remain among the most effective ways to prevent equipment-related incidents.

Electrical Safety Act 2002

The Electrical Safety Act 2002 is a law in Queensland, Australia, that outlines what electrical workers must do to prevent people from being killed or injured and property destroyed or damaged by electricity. This law helps prevent death, injury, and destroyed or damaged properties caused by electricity. Queensland's electrical safety legal framework includes the Electrical Safety Act 2002, the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013, and codes of practice.

Licensing

Licensing requirements for electrical work in Australia vary depending on the state or territory. Here are some examples of licensing requirements in different parts of Australia:

• Western Australia: An electrical worker's license is required for electrical work if it's not on the list of regulations. The Electrical Licensing Board issues permits for contracting and installation work.
• New South Wales: Construction professionals, builders, and tradespeople must be licensed to undertake residential and commercial building work. Specifications for licensing differ based on kind of work and level of responsibility for the worker. For instance, a general residential building license may not authorise supervisors or specialised work.
• Queensland: To ensure safety and quality, the Electrical Safety Office issues licenses to electrical contractors and electricians as only they should perform electrical work.
• Victoria: Energy Safe Victoria licenses and registers all electricians and electrical tradespersons. Holding an A-Grade license permits electrical installation work in Victoria without supervision.

These standards and requirements represent just one of many ways Australia ensures safety of electrical systems and equipment. By following these regulations, employers and workers can help ensure their workplace stays safe from electrical hazards. For a deeper dive into practical compliance steps, see our related guide on getting ahead with electrical safety in the workplace.

Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace

Aside from compliance with legal standards, employers must also take steps to identify and manage electrical risks associated with their operations. This involves the following:

Risk Assessment and Hazard Identification

Conducting a thorough risk assessment forms a fundamental step in managing electrical risks. It involves identifying potential hazards and evaluating associated risks. A comprehensive assessment enables organisations to prioritise control measures effectively and allocate resources toward addressing the most critical hazards. Regular reviews and updates of risk assessments remain necessary to adapt to changing circumstances.

Implementing Control Measures

To minimise electrical risks, organisations should implement a combination of engineering and administrative controls. Engineering controls focus on eliminating or reducing hazards through design modifications, insulation, and isolation. Administrative controls involve implementing safe work practices, providing training, and establishing procedures for operating and maintaining equipment. Protective personal equipment (PPE) must also be provided to employees when necessary.

Electrical Safety Training

Proper training ensures employees possess knowledge and skills needed to work safely with electricity. Training programs should cover topics such as electrical hazard identification, safe work practices, emergency procedures, and correct use of PPE. Conducting regular refresher training reinforces knowledge and keeps employees updated on any changes in regulations or policies.

Safe Work Practices

Establishing safe work practices proves crucial in preventing electrical accidents. Provide guidelines for working near electrical sources, including procedures for isolating equipment, testing for live circuits, and using lockout/tagout systems. Employees should stay aware of dangers associated with electricity and follow established protocols to minimise risks. In construction settings especially, strict adherence to these practices reduces incident rates significantly.

Electrical Equipment Maintenance and Testing

Regular electrical equipment maintenance and testing remain essential to ensure safe operating conditions. Conduct equipment inspections at regular intervals to identify faults or deterioration. Testing, such as insulation resistance testing, should also be performed according to prescribed frequencies to verify integrity of electrical installations and confirm RCDs function correctly.

Emergency Preparedness

Preparing for electrical emergencies proves crucial for minimising potential harm. Organisations should develop an emergency response plan that includes procedures for evacuating personnel, isolating electrical sources, and providing first aid. Train employees on emergency protocols and provide access to appropriate safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and safety switches with emergency stop buttons.

To help you prepare for emergencies, use an Electrical Emergency Response Plan (EERP). The EERP offers a comprehensive tool to help workers assess risks and develop an emergency response plan tailored to their specific workplace.

Reporting and Incident Investigation

Hazard reporting is an essential component of occupational safety and health. Workers should be encouraged to report any potential electrical hazards, near-misses, or incidents. To maintain accurate incident reports, establishing clear reporting procedures in the workplace proves crucial. Thorough investigations should follow any incident to identify root causes, improve safety protocols, and prevent similar incidents from occurring in future.

Contractor Management

Organisations must comply with electrical safety standards when working with contractors who perform electrical work. Evaluating contractor competency and verifying compliance with legal requirements remains essential. Effective communication and coordination between the organisation and contractors prove crucial to maintaining a safe work environment during electrical projects, particularly on busy construction sites where multiple trades operate simultaneously.

Review and Continuous Improvement

Regular review of electrical safety policies and procedures remains necessary to ensure they stay up-to-date and effective. Organisations should seek feedback from employees and stakeholders and make improvements based on their input. Continuous improvement ensures electrical safety practices evolve alongside changing regulations, technology, and work processes.

Integrated Management System

An integrated management system (IMS) offers a comprehensive approach to occupational safety and health encompassing all electrical safety aspects. The IMS should include policies and procedures for electrical safety, risk assessment, hazard identification, safe work practices, emergency preparedness, equipment maintenance, visual inspection and testing, contractor management, and review and continuous improvement.

Electrical Management Plans

Electrical management plans play a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient management of unsafe electrical equipment and systems within an organisation. These plans outline strategies, procedures, and guidelines to follow for properly installing, maintaining, and operating electrical equipment and systems. Teams should regularly update these plans to address any regulations, equipment, or work process changes. Many principles here overlap with broader plant safety, as outlined in our guide to managing risks of plant in the workplace.

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

Most electrical works qualify as high-risk activities, and organisations must develop safe work method statements (SWMS) for each identified electrical high-risk task. SWMS document risks involved in a particular job, safety measures, and responsibilities of workers. They provide a clear plan for safely completing electrical tasks.

SafetyDocs Helps Achieve Electrical Safety

Effective electricity management in the workplace remains paramount to ensuring safety of all employees. Injuries or fatalities can quickly occur if protocols and guidelines aren't followed diligently. However, keeping track of these protocols can take time and effort. This is where SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture comes in.

Our safety solutions help companies establish an electrical safety program that covers all aspects and meets legislative requirements. Our content-rich, fully editable documents save organisations time, costs, and resources. With a commitment to providing safe and compliant workplaces, SafetyDocs ensures peace of mind for all employees.

Check out the following documents to start your electrical safety journey:

• Electrical Safety Policy
• Electrical Safety Checklist - NZ
• Workplace Safety Rules - NZ
• Emergency Response Plan
• Risk Management Plan
• Quality Project Management Plan

For related guidance on managing other workplace hazards, explore our articles on managing vehicle safety in the workplace and managing the risks of plant in the workplace. You can also visit us at the Workplace Health and Safety Show to learn more about our full range of safety resources.

We look forward to helping you achieve a safe and compliant electrical workplace. Contact us today to learn more about SafetyDocs.

Our team of experts remains dedicated to providing accurate and informative content. Craig Cruickshank, senior HSEQ advisor at SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture, has reviewed this blog post to ensure the highest level of quality.

Learn more about Craig's work on LinkedIn for more industry insights.

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Please note the above information is provided as a comment only and should not be relied on as professional, legal, or financial advice.