The main ways electricity hurts people in the workplace are:
-
contact with exposed live parts causing electric shock and burns – this could be indirect, like exposed leads touching a metal floor or roof
-
faults causing fires
-
electricity igniting a flammable or explosive atmosphere – in a spray paint booth, for example.
High-risk electrical equipment
Some equipment is higher risk than others. Portable electrical equipment can get damaged easily, especially when moved often, like:
-
plugs
-
sockets
-
electrical cables
-
extension leads.
Conditions with higher risk
The risks for electricity are greatest in harsh conditions, for example:
-
outdoors or in wet surroundings where equipment can get wet and damaged
-
cramped spaces with earthed metalwork – such as inside a tank or bin – where it may be difficult to avoid shock in an electrical fault.
Higher-risk workplaces for electricity
Higher-risk workplaces are where the environment is likely to damage equipment.
Some higher-risk workplaces include:
-
wet or dusty areas
-
outdoors
-
workplaces that use corrosive substances
-
commercial kitchens
-
manufacturing environments.
There are extra WHS duties if your workplace is higher risk than others.
Lower-risk workplaces for electricity
Lower-risk workplaces are free of conditions likely to damage to electrical equipment.
These workplaces are dry, clean and well-organised. Some lower-risk workplaces include:
-
an office
-
retail shop
-
classroom.
Although regular testing and inspecting electrical equipment is not required in lower-risk workplaces, you may still want to test and inspect to ensure it’s safe.