Electricity

• Prevention
• Checklist
• Safety Alerts
• Further Information

From 1 January 2012 the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) has effect in the ACT, replacing the Work Safety Act 2008. The information on this page is in the process of being updated to reflect the new WHS Act. Click here for further information on the WHS Act.

Description

Electrical safety is an issue in most workplaces.  Electrical equipment is widely used in cafes and restaurants for example.  Frequent use of such equipment can make them electrically unsafe and may lead to death or severe injuries such as burns, electric shock, eye damage, partial loss of limb function, memory loss or confusion.

Prevention

Reduce the risk of exposure by following these guidelines:

• remove faulty electrical equipment immediately from service and attach a warning label
• install safety switches to guard against an electrical incident
• always hire a professional to install and fix electrical equipment; it's dangerous, illegal and could be fatal to attempt it on your own
• ensure all areas have enough power points to avoid double adaptor use and extension leads (the use of power boards is a preferred option to double adaptors)
• be aware of all safety switches and what equipment they cover
• use electrical appliances designed for use in the workplace environment (e.g. splashproof or waterproof)
• turn off power to electrical equipment not designed for the workplace environment if they become wet
• ensure electrical equipment (e.g. electric carving knives and extension leads) and installations (e.g. switchboards, wiring and safety switches) are regularly inspected, serviced and maintained
• report faulty electrical equipment (e.g. when cords are fraying or bare wires are exposed, smoke is coming out of the equipment or the appliance cuts out for no reason)
• store extension cords and electrical leads away from water, chemicals, hot surfaces and walkways
• use childproof plastic plug covers
• ensure workers wear appropriate footwear and are trained in working with electricity (e.g. correct ways to use electrical equipment, function of controls and guards, etc.).
• make sure all socket outlets are protected by a safety switch
• secure extension leads and protect them from damage.
  

Checklist

Click here to access a checklist which may be useful in identifying such hazards in your workplace.

Safety Alerts

You may wish check the Safety Alerts list for any recent safety alerts in relation to electrical issues.

Further Information

WorkSafe ACT has the following publications relating to electrical safety:

• Guidance Note: Electrical Equipment - Inspect, Test and Tag
• Guidance Note: Electrical Equipment - Shows and Carnivals.

Worksafe Victoria have also published a useful Fact Sheet on Preventing electrical shock from power tools and electrical leads.