Electrical & energised work

Direct or indirect contact with live electrical conductors, damaged tools, or unisolated circuits resulting in shock, burn, cardiac arrhythmia, or death. Triggers HRCW under WHS Reg 291(1)(l) for energised electrical installations.

Controls (hierarchy of controls order)

1. Eliminate

   Residual LOW

   De-energise, isolate, lock-out / tag-out and test before touch

   Apply the 'test for dead, prove dead, leave dead' principle: open isolator, lock with personal padlock, attach danger tag with worker's name and date, verify isolation with a tested instrument on each phase, prove the test instrument is working on a known live source before and after.

   Cited: WHS Reg 159 · AS/NZS 4836 · Electrical Risk Management CoP

2. Engineering controls

   Residual MEDIUM

   All site power via 30 mA RCD-protected circuits

   All construction power outlets protected by 30 mA residual current devices (RCDs) tested before each shift using the integral test button; portable RCDs to AS/NZS 3012 where fixed RCDs not installed.

   Cited: AS/NZS 3012 · WHS Reg 150

3. Administrative controls

   Residual MEDIUM

   Licensed electrician only — Electrical Permit-to-Work required

   All electrical work on energised conductors performed by a licensed electrician (state-specific licence). Permit-to-Work issued by site electrical authority identifying the conductors, the isolation points, the test points, the personnel, and the rescue plan. Permit signed off on completion before re-energisation.

   Cited: WHS Reg 158 · State electrical licensing legislation

4. Personal protective equipment

   Residual MEDIUM

   Arc-flash rated PPE for live testing and switching

   Where live testing or switching is unavoidable, PPE selected against incident energy calculation: minimum Category 2 (8 cal/cm²) for switchboard work, Category 4 (40 cal/cm²) for HV. Voltage-rated gloves with leather over-protectors; insulated mats; double-insulated tools.

   Cited: AS/NZS 4836 · AS 2225

PPE

• Arc-flash rated PPE (Category as per incident energy) — Arc-rated coverall + hood, voltage-rated gloves with leather over-protectors, voltage-rated mat, insulated tools. Category 2 minimum for switchboard live testing; Category 4 for transformer / HV operations.Standard: AS/NZS 4836 + NFPA 70E equivalent
• Industrial safety helmet — Type 1 industrial safety helmet with chin strap where required by site rules or wind exposure. Replace at expiry date or after impact.Standard: AS/NZS 1801
• Steel-cap safety boots — Type 1 safety footwear with steel toecap, slip-resistant sole, ankle support; electrical hazard rating where exposed to live electrical work.Standard: AS/NZS 2210.3
• Safety glasses (medium impact) — Medium-impact safety glasses with side shields; fitted prescription where worker requires correction.Standard: AS/NZS 1337.1