SAFETY ALERT

055

BASIC ELECTRICAL SAFETY

ON CONSTRUCTION
SITES.
INCIDENT
An apprentice electrician sustained an electric shock while working at a major construction site.
The apprentice was not undertaking specific electrical work at the time but was in close
proximity to electrical cables. The apprentice was cable tying electrical cables in a cable tray.
While undertaking this work the apprentice came into contact with a cable that was energised
and received a shock.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
The cables had been previously checked by the apprentice and de-energised, however the
circuit was re- energised by persons unknown. The site was busy with a number of contractors
undertaking work in the vicinity including electrical work. The lock out of the electrical circuit
was not maintained and workers undertaking related works were not aware the circuit had been
re-energised.

ACTION REQUIRED
Basic electrical safety should be observed in regard to the energising or de-energising of
electrical circuits and cable. Circuits and equipment should be definitively tagged out for de-
energised work. High visibility tags and physical locks should be used to inform and warn that
electrical power is isolated. Where multiple workers are involved each should put their individual
tag/lock in place to ensure that circuits are not re-energised when others are still working. Tags
should not be removed except by an authorised person or the owner of the tag.
> Identify Energy Sources
> Identify the circuit/s to Be Locked Out or Isolated
> Determine Lockout Methods
> Notify All Affected Employees
> At construction sites with a large workforce you may need to have special communication
methods and permits or approvals.
> Shut down Equipment, machinery and circuits.

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 BASIC ELECTRICAL SAFETY ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.

> Trace all systems to locate and lock out energy sources. Always look for other possible
energy sources. De-energize electrical circuits by disconnecting the power source from the
circuit.
> Install Lockout Devices
> The lockout devices attached to one system should not prevent access to the controls and
energy-isolating devices of another system
> Tagging
> Attach a durable tag to your lock. The tag should identify the worker’s name, the worker’s
employer, the date and time of lockout, the work area involved, and the reason for the
lockout.
> A tag in itself offers no guarantee that a machine or system is locked out. It simply provides
information.
> Verify Zero-Energy State
> Test the system to ensure that all electrical components are de-energized and de-activated,
including interlocking and dependent systems that could feed into the system, either
mechanically or electrically.
> Perform the task, Carry out and complete the work assignment.
> Re-energise the circuit, remove lock and tags and inform other workers.
In view of the risk of electrocution associated electrical hazards PCBU’s should consider
arranging refresher CPR training for electricians on a regular basis.

Further Information | Phone: Access Canberra on 13 22 81 | Email: worksafe@act.gov.au | Web: act.gov.au/accesscbr

This Alert contains safety information following inquiries made by Access Canberra about an incident or unsafe practice. The
information contained in this Alert does not necessarily include the outcome of Access Canberra’s action with respect to an
incident. Access Canberra does not warrant the information in this Alert is complete or up-to- date and does not accept any

www.act.gov.au/accesscbr
liability to any person for the information in this report or as to its use.