Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures

Contents:
Policy: Procedures:
1.0 Background 4.0 Administrative Arrangements
2.0 Legal Requirements 4.1 Hazards of Electricity
2.1 Definitions 4.2 Equipment Safety
3.0 Responsibilities 4.3 Protection from Electric Shock
4.3.1 Earthing / Insulation
4.3.2 Residual Current Devices (RCDs)
4.3.3 Low Voltages
3.1 University 4.4 Electrical Safety Risk Management
4.4.1 Regular in-service testing
4.4.2 Isolation and Tagging: Non-compliant
equipment
4.4.3 Use low voltage equipment
4.4.4 Electromedical equipment
4.4.5 Design/hiring equipment
4.4.6 Purchasing equipment
4.4.7 Information, Instruction and Training
3.2 Office of Facilities Management 4. 5 Record Keeping
3.3 Deans and Heads of School/Centre 5.0 Electric Shock and Related Electrical Incidents
3.4 Licensed Electrical Workers / Contractors 6.0 Contact Information
3.5 Supervisors, Staff and Students 7.0 References and Links
3.6 Visitors 8.0 Appendices
3.7 Safety and Health Office
___________________________________________________________

1.0 Background
This document summarises the operating procedures of the University of Western Australia to control
the hazard posed by electricity and to minimise the risk of injury or disease arising from such a source.

The management of electrical safety at the University is designed to provide protection from –
• Electric Shock arising from:
• Exposed contacts
• Damaged insulation on equipment or extension leads or
• Wet conditions in the area in which electrical equipment may be used

• Risk of Fire arising from:

• Heating equipment
• Overloaded circuits
• Loose connections
• Short circuits or
• Inappropriate electrical equipment in hazardous atmospheres

These procedures provide the minimum requirements on practical guidance on how to meet the
requirements of Occupational Health and Safety (Plant) Regulations 1996, the objective of which is to
protect people at work against risks to safety or health from plant and systems associated with
electricity. Managers, supervisors, staff, students, contractors and visitors to the University shall
follow these procedures.

UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 1

2.0 Legal requirements
The University and competent person shall comply with all requirements of the Occupational Safety
and Health Act 1984 (amended March 1999), the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996,
Part 3 - Division 6 (amended December 1999), relevant Australian Standards, Codes of Practice,
Guidance Notes and Electricity Act 1945 Electricity (Licensing Regulation 1991), AS/NZS 3760 - 2001:
In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and all relevant laws.

2.1 Definitions Further information see appendix5

Electrical Work
Includes all work involving construction, repair or maintenance on:
• electrical installation(s)
• electrical equipment

Electrical Installation
The electrical installation is the electricity supply to a building, and includes the main switchboard,
distribution boards, and all fixed wiring to isolation switches or socket outlets

Electrical Equipment
An electrical equipment is an electricity consuming device or apparatus (including the cable) that is
connected to the electrical installation

Electrical equipment can be classified into one of the following categories:

• Hand-held / Portable: appliance which is hand-held while in operation or can be moved easily
while connected to the supply, intended to be held in the hand during normal use and the electrical
motor forms an integral part of the equipment. (Excludes battery operated equipment). Examples:
floor polisher, power tools, power leads, multi-outlet power board, jug, toaster, laboratory
stirrer/heater, heat gun, heating mantle, etc
• Movable: an appliance that can be moved readily from one place to another by unplugging from a
general purpose outlet, but that is not moved during operation. Examples: cathode ray
oscilloscope, electronic balance, personal computer, printer, portable power generating equipment,
etc
• Fixed/stationary: an appliance which in normal use is fastened to a support or otherwise secured
in a specific position or is of such a size or function as to be difficult or unlikely to be moved from
one place to another. Examples: large workshop machinery (lathe, band saw, etc), oven,
refrigerator, fixed power generating equipment, etc
• Experimental: an appliance, constructed by a School/Section that does not fit into any of the other
categories. Examples: immersion heater elements, furnaces, distillation control systems, laser
sources, UV light sources, heater controls, etc.

Electric shocks, incidents and accident

An electric shock is defined as an incident which does not require medical or first aid treatment.
An incident is where no injuries are sustained, but precautionary medical treatment is sought.
An electric accident is defined as an incident which requires medical or first aid treatment and incudes
fatalities.
Electrical (Licensing) Regulations 1991, Regulation 63 (3) - an “Accident” means any accident that
results from a sudden discharge of electricity or that otherwise has, or may ha ve, electrical origins.

Competent Person (licensed electrical workers)

A competent person for the purposes of these procedures will have been licensed by the Energy Safety
Directorate. The licensed person is responsible for ensuring that electrical work he or she undertakes
complies with relevant mandatory requirements set down by legislation. Electrical work must only be
carried out by one of the following:

UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 2

• Licensed electrical workers under the direct supervision and control of the Senior Technical
Officer (Electrical);
• Licensed electrical workers and Office of Facilities Management licensed electrical staff under
the control of the Workshop Electrical Supervisor of the Office of Facilities Management; or
• Licensed electrical workers and licensed School staff under Schools control.
• Licensed contractors, who will employ licensed electrical workers.

3.0 Responsibilities

3.1 University
• Is responsible for providing support for implementation of the Electrical Safety Procedures to
ensure that all staff, licensed electrical workers, students and visitors comply with these Electrical
Safety Procedures and electric shock and related electrical incidents which are documented
below and in Section 5.0

• Individual –
- report to / contact immediately your immediate supervisor;
- complete the UWA Confidential Incident / Injury Report Form Part 1
- (After hours emergencies: contact the Security Office on 9380 2222).

• Supervisor –
- Report to / contact immediately the Office of Facilities Management, Senior Technical
Officer Electrical on 9380 2036 or Workshop Electrical Supervisor on 9380 2016 who
will conduct an investigation;
- contact the Safety and Health Office on 9380 3938;
- (After hours emergencies: contact the Security Office on 9380 2222); and
- immediately ensures where the incident occurred the area is made safe (provided safe to
do so) and access to the area restricted until an investigation has been conducted

3.2 Office of Facilities Management (OFM) (in their area of control) are
responsible for:
• The electrical installation in all University buildings including provision, maintenance, repair,
alteration and additions to the electrical installation
• The safety of such installation and its compliance with appropriate legislation, Australian Standards
and this document
• Maintaining a list of University personnel authorised to carry out or supervise electrical work in the
University
• Ensuring all electrical contractors meet University standards and relevant requirements of these
procedures
• Liaising with others for assistance with compliance of this document
• Complying with the procedures of electric shock and related electrical incidents referenced in
Section 5.0
• Ensuring that appropriate staff attend an approved UWA electrical training course to comply with
these procedures and associated legislative requirements

3.3 Deans and Heads of School / Centre (in their area of control) are responsible for:
• Liaising with the Office of Facilities Management for any electrical work required.
• Ensuring compliance with AS3760 - 2001 (Appendix 2 – Testing and Inspection Intervals for
Electrical Equipment)
• Ensuring that only licensed electrical workers (including all contractors), as defined in these
procedures, carry out and supervise electrical work in their School or area
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• Ensuring that procedures for the management of electrical safety in his or her School are
established and implemented in consultation with employees and their elected safety and health
representative, this includes conducting an annual Electrical Safety Checklist (Appendix 5),
referencing the Safety Risk Management Procedures. Any local policy and procedures must be
cross-referenced to these and any other relevant procedures
• Maintaining the Electrical Equipment Register (Appendix 1) and complying with Appendix 2
• Complying with the procedures of electric shock and related electrical incidents referenced in
Section 5.0
• Ensuring that appropriate staff attend an approved UWA electrical training course to comply with
these procedures and associated legislative requirements

3.4 Licensed Electrical Workers / Contractors (in their area of control) are responsible
for:
• Ensuring that all electrical work he or she undertakes complies with relevant mandatory
requirements set down by legislation and the safety standards outlined in these procedures
• Always advising the Workshop Electrical Supervisor of the Office of Facilities Management and /
or the Senior Technical Officer (Electrical) of any change to their licensed status
• Advising the Head of School / Centre of any change to their licensed status.
Note: In event of failure to comply with these procedures or any of the rules laid down by the
Electricity Act and Regulations, shall be liable to have their name removed from the list of licensed
electrical workers on the University Electrical Contractor’s licence and from that date will be
barred from carrying out electrical work on any property of the University
• Always follow the example of the Standard Operating Procedure (Appendix 4) applicable to electrical
work
• Notifying the Office of Facilities Management, Senior Technical Officer Electrical, and / or OFM
Workshop Electrical Supervisor of any situation they believe poses a threat to the safety and health
of persons involved with electrical work (and any other person)
• Complying with the procedures for electric shock and related electrical incidents referenced in
Section 5.0
• Attending a UWA approved electrical training course to comply with these procedures and
associated legislative requirements

3.5 Supervisors, Staff and Students

• Supervisors, staff and students shall comply with these safety procedures and associated legal
requirements
• Shall comply with the procedures of electric shock and related electrical incidents referenced in
Section 5.0
• Attend an approved UWA electrical training course to comply with these procedures and associated
legislative requirements

3.6 Visitors
• Are not authorised to interfere with or modify any electrical equipment
• Are always to be accompanied by a delegated personnel
• Shall comply with the procedures of electric shock and related electrical incidents referenced in
Section 5.0

3.7 Safety and Health Office (in their area of control) are responsible for:
• Assisting Deans and Heads of School / Centres / Office of Facilities Management, managers,
supervisors and others to implement these procedures
• Complying with the procedures of electric shock and related electrical incidents referenced in
Section 5.0

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• Attending, coordinating and maintaining records of attendance of the UWA electrical training
course to comply with these procedures and associated legislative requirements

PROCEDURES:

4.0 Administrative Arrangements

4.1 Hazards of Electricity

Electrical accidents can occur when electricity is present in faulty wiring and equipment or when poor
work practices are followed. Accidents involving electricity can lead to burns and tissue damage and in
some cases, cardiac arrest and death when the body forms part of the electric circuit. Electric shock
can be very unsettling to the victim even if there is no apparent injury. Any person receiving an electric
shock is strongly advised to seek medical attention within 24 hours. Refer to Section 5.0.

Other possible consequences of electrical accidents are fire and explosion (as sparking can be a source
of ignition) and damage to equipment. Many of the accidents can be traced back to faults
such as incorrectly earthed equipment, frayed or broken insulation or practices such as
inappropriate work on live equipment.

Most mains power is supplied at 240 volts (50 Hertz), however, a higher voltage (such as 415 volts) or
lower (such as 12 volt) systems may power some equipment. Low voltage systems are usually safer
by virtue of reducing current flow through the body. Nevertheless, users should be aware that low
voltage equipment may still be hazardous in some situations.

4.2 Equipment Safety

The safety of electrical equipment and cables primarily relies on insulation to separate live parts and to
guard against people coming into contact with those live parts. Additional safety is provided by
connecting accessible conductive parts to earth. This means that if external parts become live, the
electricity will be conducted to earth rather than through the person.

Equipment can become unsafe after repeated usage if a component becomes faulty or insulation
deteriorates, or if flexible cords are damaged.

Visual inspections can usually verify that the following safety standards are maintained and are
recommended to be carried out annually. (Appendix 3 – Electrical Equipment Safety Checklist)

All work on electrical equipment, including construction or modifications must only be performed by a
competent authorised person.

Internal, non-visual or earthing equipment checks must only be conducted by a licensed electrical
worker and in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

The use of electrical apparatus in applications that involve liquids can present special electrical
hazards, as liquids will usually conduct electricity. This will be apparent in many laboratories where
equipment such as electrophoresis equipment or water baths are commonly used. In these cases, the
equipment must be of good standard and be suitable for the purpose for which it is used. Flammable
liquids must be kept separate to prevent fire or damage.

No double adaptors and piggy-backs to be used. All electrical plugs must be either moulded (integral
part of the cord) or transparent.

UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 5

 4.3 Protection from Electric Shock

4.3.1 Earthing / Insulation

Class I equipment includes not only insulation of live parts but an earth connection via the flexible
cord and power outlet to accessible conductive parts. The accessible parts will not become live if the
basic insulation fails. However, the disadvantage of Class I equipment is that an electric shock can still
occur if a person forms a connection between live and earthed components.

Class II (double insulated) equipment does not have an earth connection as in Class I equipment but
relies on double or reinforced insulation for protection. Introducing an earth on this equipment can be
dangerous.

4.3.2 Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

Residual Current Devices (RCDs) operate by switching off electricity supply when an imbalance
is detected between the current flowing between the active and neutral leads. An imbalance will occur
when part or all of the current returns via earth rather than the neutral lead. As the detectable
imbalance (~30 mA) and switching times are below the levels to result in injury, the RCDs are an
effective means of protecting people in most situations but are not to be relied on.

For this reason the University requires RCDs to be installed on all socket outlets.

Where nuisance tripping of any RCD is a problem or for advice on requirements for RCDs, contact the
Office of Facilities Management, Workshop Electrical Supervisor or Senior Technical Officer
Electrical.

4.3.3 Low Voltages

Susceptibility to electric shock varies widely between individuals and according to the circumstances
and therefore it is not possible to set a safe voltage limit. However, generally low voltage (less than 50
volts) is unlikely to cause injury or electric shock.

4.4 Electrical Risk Management

The responsibility for safety rests with the person with management and control of the workplace. In
particular, Schools and Sections are to ensure that all equipment purchased or brought to the
University is tested before use and at regular intervals thereafter and that electrical safety standards are
maintained in accordance with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3760:2001. Equipment that has been
tested should be clearly indicated with an appropriate test tag. (Appendix 2 -Testing and Inspection Intervals
for Electrical Equipment)

4.4.1 Advice on regular in-service testing

Advice on testing of equipment to be arranged through the Office of Facilities Management, Workshop
Electrical Supervisor or Senior Technical Officer Electrical.
Electrical equipment and cords should be checked on a regular basis.

4.4.2 Isolation and Tagging:

Isolation and tagging procedures cover basic safety principles and isolation requirements to protect
personnel and equipment. It is a requirement that, before any repairs or alterations are commenced, the
electrical circuits or equipment to be worked on be entirely disconnected from the electricity supply,
unless other adequate precautions are taken to prevent electric shock and the appropriate
tagging/isolation compliance procedure is undertaken.

UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 6

• Danger tag (red and black): is a warning to all persons that the equipment is being worked on and
must not be operated, as lives may be placed in danger. These tags are fixed and removed only by
the person signing the tag, placed at common isolation points and removed upon completion of
work

• Out of Service tag (yellow and black): is a notice to all persons to identify appliances or
equipment that are out of service for repairs or alterations. These tags are fixed at common
isolation points of the equipment that is unsafe or not to be operated

Equipment that is faulty or damaged or otherwise does not comply with testing (Appendix 2) shall be
removed from service immediately and sent for repair or disposal. If disposed of, it must be
clearly labelled and rendered incapable (eg. cutting off plugs) of being connected to mains supply.

4.4.3 Use low voltage equipment for hand-held

Where appropriate, low voltage or battery powered hand-held equipment can provide additional
protection. Low voltage equipment will have a special plug.

4.4.4 Electromedical equipment (Research)

Because of the patient connections associated with electromedical equipment, use of such equipment
would normally require the prior approval from the University Human Ethics Committee who would
seek evidence that the equipment conforms to acceptable technical standards.

Australian Standard AS/NZS 3551:1996 Technical management programs for medical devices refers to
the safe management of electromedical equipment and provides guidance on setting up and
maintaining electromedical equipment. In some cases, provisions of the Therapeutic Goods Act may
also apply to electromedical devices in which case relevant approval must be obtained from
the Therapeutic Devices Branch of the Commonwealth Department of Human Services and Health.

Any persons cons idering using electromedical devices should contact the Secretary of the University
Human Ethics Committee and the Safety and Health Office for specialist advice.
UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 7
 4.4.5 Design/hiring equipment
Equipment designed or constructed within the University must be designed and constructed in
accordance with relevant standards. It is also recommended that advice be obtained from the
Safety and Health Office Insurance Officer beforehand, as the liability exposure of the University (to
the end user) may be sufficiently great as to affect the viability of the project.

Electrical equipment, which is lent for hire or loan, must be visually checked before each hire
and regularly tested in accordance with AS 3760-2001.

4.4.6 Purchasing equipment

• Equipment purchased for use must be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with
relevant standards, specifically Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996, Part 3 - Division
4 and Part 4 – Division 4 (amended December 1999); and
• Be compliant with the UWA Plant and Equipment Safety Procedures, Purchasing Safety Procedures
and OFM Electrical Work Regulations and Controls.
• For assistance, contact the Safety and Health Office on 9380 3938 and the Senior Technical Officer
Electrical, Office of Facilities Management on 9380 2036.

4.4.7 Information, Instruction and Training (including Electric Shock)

• All personnel using electrical equipment are to be provided with information on the use and the
associated hazards at commencement of contract or soon after.
• All nominated personnel are to attend a UWA electrical training course to comply with these
procedures and associated legislative requirements.
• For an incident/accident involving electric shock please immediately notify your supervisor, then
contact the Security Office on 9380 2222 emergencies and the Safety and Health Office on 9380
3938. Confidential Incident / Injury Report Form to be completed.
• Report any electrical hazards and faults to Urgent and Minor Maintenance x 2025 or email
psjob@acs.uwa.edu.au.

4.5 Record Keeping

Registers:
• An electrical equipment record must be completed (Appendix 1)
• A general electrical safety checklist inspection is to be conducted annually (Appendix 3)

5.0 Electric Shock and Related Electrical Incidents

Anyone who incurs an electric shock and related electrical incidents must follow the following
procedures:
• Individual –
- report to / contact immediately your immediate supervisor;
- complete the UWA Confidential Incident / Injury Report Form Part 1
- (After hours emergencies: contact the Security Office on 9380 2222)

• Supervisor –
- Report to / contact immediately the Office of Facilities Management, Senior Technical
Officer Electrical on 9380 2036 or Workshop Electrical Supervisor on 9380 2016
who will conduct an investigation and formally report the incident to Energy Safety Directorate
and the Network Operator;
- contact the Safety and Health Office on 9380 3938;
- (After hours emergencies: contact the Security Office on 9380 2222); and

UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 8

- immediately ensures where the incident occurred the area is made safe (provided safe to
do so) and access to the area restricted until an investigation has been conducted

6.0 Contact Information: telephone, e-mail address

For assistance and further information with implementing these procedures please contact:
• Office of Facilities Management, Senior Technical Officer Electrical 9380 2036;
• Safety and Health Office 9380 3938, email: sho@admin.uwa.edu.au; or
• web site: http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/

7.0 References and Links (related policies/documents)

These procedures have been developed in reference to the minimum following documents and related
legislative requirements:
• Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 (amended March 1999)
• Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996, Part 3 - Division 6 (amended December 1999)
• Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996, Part 4 – Division 4 (Plant)
• Australian Standards (AS) - 3760: 2001; 1543; 1674; 2243; 2430; 2865; 3000; 3012; 3100; 3190;
3200; 3551; 3108; 1188; 3859; 3175; 3350; 3105; 3003 and 3108
• http://www.safety.uwa.edu.au/
• UWA Policy and Procedures for Confined Space
• UWA Personal Protective Equipment Guidelines
• UWA Safety Risk Management Procedures
• UWA Contractor Safety and Health Policy
Office of Facilities Management:
http://www.ofm.uwa.edu.au/plan/elecregs.htm

7.0 Appendices
• Appendix 1: Electrical Equipment Register
• Appendix 2: Testing and Inspection Intervals for Electrical Equipment
• Appendix 3: Electrical Equipment Safety Checklist
• Appendix 4: Standard Operating Procedure (example)
• Appendix 5: Definitions

Last Edits: December 2002 Previous Edits: October 2002

Responsible: SHO Manager Approved by: University Safety Committee
Date for Review: October 2004 File Ref:
Previous Titles:

UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 9

APPENDIX 1: Electrical Equipment Register – to be completed and updated regularly

Identification Location Description of equipment Testing & Inspection Outcome Documentation

Number: Intervals done (R=Refer, F=Fix, Tag Initial Date
eg. UWA – U1 (Yes / No) T =Test & D=Discard)
- tick - tick appropriate box
appropriate box
Yes No R F T D [ ] / /

Yes No R F T D [ ] / /

Yes No R F T D [ ] / /

Yes No R F T D [ ] / /

Yes No R F T D [ ] / /

Yes No R F T D [ ] / /

Yes No R F T D [ ] / /

Yes No R F T D [ ] / /

Yes No R F T D [ ] / /

Yes No R F T D [ ] / /

Yes No R F T D [ ] / /

Yes No R F T D [ ] / /

UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 10

Appendix 2: Testing and Inspection Intervals for Electrical Equipment –
Deans, Heads of School / Centre and OFM to ensure compliance with below requirements.
Reference: AS/NZS 3760 – 2001: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment

FREQUENCY OF INSPECION AND TESTS:

Equipment shall be inspected and tested –
i) prior to initial introduction to service. Where the equipment is new the supplier shall be deemed responsible for the initial electrical safety of the new equipment
ii) before return to service after a repair or servicing, which could have affected the electrical safety
iii) prior to each hire (for hire equipment, inspection only) and additionally tested at not greater than monthly intervals
iv) at intervals not exceeding those specified below in Table 1

CAUTION: This page must be read in conjunction with AS/NZS 3760-2001 as a whole, and particularly Clause 2.1.

TABLE 1
Type of environment and / or Interval between inspection and tests Cord extension sets
Equipment and EPOs
Interval Class of Equipment Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

Class I – Class II – Push button test by user Operating time RCD

(protectively (double tester
earthed) insulated)
Portable Fixed Portable Fixed

i)Factories, workshops, places of work or 6 months 12 months Daily, or before 6 months 12 months 12 6 months
repair manufacturing, assembly, every use months
maintenance or fabrication
ii)Laboratories, health care and educational 12 months 12 months 3 months or 6 months 2 years 2 years 12 months
establishments, tea rooms and office kitchens before every use
iii)Office environment: where the equipment 12 months 12 months 3 months 6 months 2 years 2 years 12 months
or supply flexible cord is subject to flexing in
normal use OR is open to abuse OR is in a
hostile environment
iv)Office environment: where the equipment 5 years 5 years 3 months 6 months 2 years 2 years 5 years
or supply flexible cord is NOT subject to
flexing in normal use AND is NOT open to
abuse and is NOT in a hostile environment

UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 11

TABLE 1 (continued)
Type of environment and / or Interval between inspection and tests Cord extension sets
equipment and EPOs
Interval betwClass of Equipment Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

Class I – Class II – Push button test by Operating time RCD

(protectively earthed) (double insulated) user tester
Portable Fixed Portable Fixed

v)Hire equipment (note 3) Inspected before each Inspect before each Prior to each N/A Prior to each N/A Inspect before
hire. Test monthly hire. Test monthly hire. Test hire. Test each hire.
monthly monthly Test monthly
vi)Repaired/serviced/second hand equipment
After repair or service which could affect electrical safety, or on re -introduction to service
vii)Equipment used for commercial cleaning 6 months 12 months 3 months N/A 2 years N/A 12 months

viii)Residential type areas: Residential 2 years 2 years 6 months 6 months 2 years 2 years 2 years
institutions, boarding houses, hospitals,
accommodation houses and the like

NOTES:
1 Multiple environments may exist in any location, eg. An ‘office’ classification and a ‘laboratory’ classification may exist within a ‘factory’
establishment
2 Regulatory Authorities, other Standards, workplace safety requirements or manufacturers’ instructions may specify intervals appropriate to particular
industries or specific types of equipment
3 RCDs in transportable equipment shall be regarded as portable RCDs
4 The following Standards refer only to the inspection and testing method of Clause 2.3 of this Standard, but not to the intervals of testing in Table 2 above.
Refer to the appropriate standard for specific test intervals:
AS 3001 Electrical Installations – Movable premises and their installations
AS 3002 Electrical Installations – Shows and Carnivals
AS/NZS 3003 Electrical Installations – Patient treatment areas of hospitals and medical and dental practices
AS 3004 Electrical Installations – Marinas and pleasure craft at low voltage
AS/NZS 3012 Electrical Installations – Construction and demolition sites
AS/NZS 4249 Electrical Safety Practices – Film, video and television sites

UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 12

 APPENDIX 3: Electrical Equipment Safety Checklist
Complete annually (eg. by 30th June)
To be conducted by nominated representative on behalf of Deans, Head of School / Centre

School / Section:………………………………. Date of Inspection: / /

Who Conducted Inspection: ………………………………………………

Item Yes / No Action to be Taken By Whom By When

Any electrical defects Yes / /

No
Electrical appliance dry and clean Yes / /
No
Correct appliance for the task Yes / /
No
Inspection test is current with Yes / /
tester’s licence number on tag No

Evidence of a maintenance Yes / /

program No
Danger tag or Out of Service tag Yes / /
applied No
Electrical appliance not in wet or Yes / /
in wet areas without RCDs No

Double adaptors used Yes / /

No
Protected Powerboard with circuit Yes / /
breaker used No
Electrical portable outlet device Yes / /
(EPODs) used and not overloaded No
Loose cables off the floor in Yes / /
trafficable areas No
Are plugs, sockets and extension Yes / /
leads in good condition No
Are flexible cords protected from Yes / /
damage No
Are power points protected from Yes / /
damage No
Appropriate fire extinguishers Yes / /
available No
Notes:
• Do not withdraw a plug from a socket by pulling the cable: ELECTROCUTION
• Before touching a person suspected of being electrocuted, switch off the electricity supply (i.e. by switching off and
removing plug from socket)
• Commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately (if trained) if heart and breathing has stopped following an
electric shock - Arrange for first aid immediately
• No double adaptors and piggy-backs

UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 13

APPENDIX 4: Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs): Electrical Equipment Safety
INSTRUCTIONS: licensed electrical workers MUST always follow these SOPs whilst working working with
electrical equipment.
1. PURPOSE: Provide safe and efficient means for personnel working with
electrical equipment
2. SCOPE: Throughout operational work area when working with electrical
equipment
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE):
Safety footwear (steel toecap shoes, safety helmets, cotton clothing: non-conductive buttons, sleeves to wrist
length and legs which reach the footwear, safety glasses, insulating gloves, insulating mats, etc
3. ACTION:
3.1 Before your start work
• Always follow the instructions of the (supervisor)
• Know, recognise and understand the consequences of the hazards that may be faced with
electricity
• Use equipment properly
• Plan and discuss the job with the supervisor / person authorising the electrical work
• Take care and think about what is to be done
• Isolate the electrical equipment or circuit
• Fit a “DANGER – DO NOT OPERATE” tag
• Erect safety barriers when required
• Use the correct earthing equipment
• Avoid working on live equipment whenever possible
• Cover and insulate adjacent live apparatus
• Test before starting work
• Check test instruments before and after use
• Start work only when authorised to do so

3.2 When working

• Use safety observers when required
• Check the isolation points before resuming work after a break
• Regularly check and clean the tools that you use
• Maintain tools and equipment in good working order
• Use insulated ladders

3.3 On Completion of Work

• Check that no tools are left on or in the job
• Remove your own earthing equipment
• Check that the work is complete and test prior the equipment can be energised
• Notify all personnel involved that the equipment will be energised
• Remove “DANGER – DO NOT OPERATE” tags
• Energise supply
• Remove and store all safety barriers

3.4 Safety Practices

• Know the electric shock and resuscitation procedure
• Know the first aid officer before your work
• Know where the fire extinguishers are located in your work area and how to operate them
• Know the correct type of fire extinguisher for the various types of fire
• Keep your workplace clean and orderly
• Report all electrical accidents to OFM, Workshop Electrical Supervisor and Safety and Health
Office
• Carry a mobile phone
UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 14
APPENDIX 5: Definitions
Clear Access Means unimpeded access to designated area, with a minimum clearance of
900mm greater than the radius of any opening door
Electrical Portable Means a device, other than a cord extension set, having a single plug
Outlet Device (EPOD) intended for connection to a mains outlet socket, a (EPOD) sheathed
flexible cord and an assembly of one or more outlet (Power Board) sockets.
It may incorporate a reeling or cooling arrangement
Electrical Work Is defined in the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 and means work
on electrical machines or instruments, on an electrical installation or on
electrical appliances or equipment to which electricity is supplied or intended
to be supplied, at a nominal pressure exceeding 50 volts alternating current
or 115 volts direct current , whether or not the thing on which the work is
being performed is part of, or is connected to or to be connected to, any
distribution works or private generating plant and, where work is performed
on any appliance, whether or not electricity is supplied or may be supplied
thereto through an electric plug socket or socket outlet
Extra Low Voltage Means voltage NOT exceeding 50 volts AC or 120 volts DC
Fixed Equipment Means a component part of an installation hard wired through its own
isolation point
Hand held equipment Means portable equipment that is intended to be held in the hand during
normal use and the electrical motor forms an integral part of the equipment.
(Excludes battery operated equipment)
Hazard Means in relation to a person, anything that may result in injury to the
person; or harm to the health of a person
High Voltage Means voltage exceeding 1000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC
Isolation Means disconnected from all sources of supply by the operations of
isolators, isolating links or fuses or connectors the physical break must be of
length appropriate to the voltage and insulation medium
Isolator Means a device that for reasons of safety provides a physical break in the
circuit in the open position. The length of the break is dependent on the
voltage and the insulating medium
Live (Energised) Means a term applied to all or part of electrical equipment when a difference
of potential exists between it and the mass of earth under normal conditions
of operation
Low Voltage Means voltage exceeding 50 volts AC or 120 volts DC but NOT exceeding
1000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC
Network Operator Means
(a) in relation to an electrical installation of a consumer, the supply authority
supplying electricity in the area within which the electrical installation is
situated and to the distribution works of which the electrical installation
is or is to be connected; or
(b) in relation to an electrical installation other than an electrical installation
of a consumer, the Director
Plant Means any machinery, equipment, appliance, implement, or tool and any
component or fitting thereof or accessory thereto used in the execution of
the work under the contract but not forming part of the works
Residual Current A mechanical switching device designed to make, carry and break currents
Device (RCD) under normal service conditions and to cause the opening of the contacts
when the residual current attains a given value under specific conditions
University Premises Means the place whether in a building or grounds, owned, occupied or
controlled by the University

UWA Electrical Equipment Safety Procedures 15