Part 4.7: WHS Electrical Risks

Regulatory citation: Model Work Health and Safety Regulations, Part 4.7, General Electrical Safety in Workplaces and Energized Electrical Work

What Are the WHS Electrical Risk Regulations?

Part 4.7 of the model Work Health and Safety Regulations sets duties for managing electrical risks at workplaces. It covers electrical equipment and installations, inspection and testing, residual current devices (RCDs), work on energized equipment and work near overhead and underground electric lines.

Why These Regulations Matter

Electric shock, arc flash and electrical fires cause deaths and serious injuries in Australian workplaces every year. Many involve damaged equipment, unsafe work on live circuits or contact with overhead power lines.

Core Obligations

1. Manage Electrical Risks

PCBUs must manage risks associated with electrical equipment and installations, including risks from equipment that is unsafe, damaged or used in harsh conditions.

2. Inspection and Testing in Hazardous Environments

Electrical equipment supplied through a socket outlet and used in an environment likely to cause damage, such as exposure to moisture, heat, vibration, mechanical damage, corrosive chemicals or dust, must be regularly inspected and tested by a competent person. Construction and demolition sites also have specific testing requirements.

3. Remove Unsafe Equipment

If electrical equipment is unsafe, it must be disconnected or isolated and withdrawn from use until it is repaired, replaced or tested and found safe.

4. Residual Current Devices

RCDs must be used for socket outlets of 20 amps or less that supply equipment in higher-risk conditions, such as wet environments, equipment that may damage its own cord, or conditions that expose the cord or equipment to damage. RCDs must be tested regularly.

5. Energized Work Is Prohibited With Limited Exceptions

Work on energized electrical equipment is generally prohibited. It is only allowed in limited circumstances, such as when it is necessary for health and safety, for testing, or because continuity of supply is necessary, and then only with a risk assessment, a safe work method statement, a safety observer where required and suitable controls.

6. Overhead and Underground Lines

PCBUs must ensure no person, plant or thing comes within an unsafe distance of overhead or underground electric lines, following the requirements of the network operator.

Common Compliance Approaches

Test and Tag Program

Many PCBUs use AS/NZS 3760 to set inspection and testing intervals for portable equipment, with shorter intervals for harsher environments.

Isolate and Test Before Work

Use lockout procedures and test for dead with a proven tester before starting any electrical work.

Plan Around Power Lines

Identify overhead lines before using cranes, elevating work platforms or tipper trucks, and contact the network operator where approach distances can't be maintained.

Example: Electrical Risk Management in Practice

A residential builder runs power tools from a site switchboard. All socket outlets are RCD protected, and a licensed electrician inspects, tests and tags leads and tools every three months, as required for construction work. When an apprentice reports a damaged extension lead, the site supervisor withdraws it from use immediately. Before a concrete pump arrives, the supervisor identifies an overhead line near the driveway and arranges for the network operator to cover the line.

Note: This summary is based on the model WHS laws published by Safe Work Australia. Most states and territories have adopted them with minor variations, while Victoria has its own OHS laws. Always check the legislation and codes of practice that apply in your jurisdiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is test and tag a legal requirement in Australia?

Under the model WHS Regulations, inspection and testing is required for socket-outlet equipment used in hazardous environments and on construction and demolition sites. Tagging is a common way to record testing, and some jurisdictions have their own specific rules.

Can electrical work be done live under WHS law?

Generally no. Energized electrical work is prohibited except in limited circumstances, such as when it's necessary for health and safety, for testing, or because continuity of supply is necessary. It must then be done with a risk assessment, safe work method statement and appropriate controls.

When are RCDs required in the workplace?

RCDs are required for socket outlets of 20 amps or less supplying equipment in higher-risk conditions, such as wet areas or where cords may be damaged. Construction sites have additional RCD requirements, and RCDs must be tested regularly.