Preventing electrical injuries

The basic rule when it comes to preventing electrical injuries is simple – consider all electrical wires and equipment live until they are tested and proven otherwise.

Electricity can injure workers in two basic ways:

Electric shock

This is electric current passing through your body and can cause severe burns, potentially dangerous involuntary movements and may even stop your heart.

Arc flash

This is a release of energy, which can result in blast injuries, lung injuries, ruptured eardrums, shrapnel wounds, severe burns and blindness.

Electrical hazards

Electrical equipment

• Damaged electrical equipment.
• Incorrect electrical equipment being used for the task.
• Equipment left switched on.

Site/environment

• Clearance from power lines and underground services.
• Excess water onsite, rain or dust suppressant.

Electrical supply

• Overloading sockets and outlets by using adaptors can cause fires.
• Electrical supply not isolated from earth and a voltage between phase and earth conductors exceeding 230 volts.
• Unknown underground services.

Workers

• Unqualified and unauthorised people carrying out electrical work.
• Workers suffering from mental fatigue.
• Power tools should not be operated under the influence of alcohol or drugs (including prescription drugs which cause drowsiness).

Electrical Controls

Inspection

• All electrical appliances should be inspected prior to their first use by a competent person, and then tools and leads should undergo three monthly testing and tagging thereafter.
• Residual-current devices should be tested manually before use utilising the inbuilt testing button.
• All electrical appliances tools and leads should be checked for damage or faults by the operator prior to use.
• Where faults are detected, the appliance tool or lead should immediately be put “out of action” and repairs carried out by a Registered Electrician before use.

Legal guidance

• Employers must ensure that electrical appliances, equipment, machines, tools and power cords are safe for employees to use.
• ‘Testing and Tagging’ is required every three months, and helps to ensure that equipment is safe and free of faults not apparent from visual inspection.

“The basic rule when it comes to preventing electrical injuries is simple – consider all electrical wires and equipment live until they are tested and proven otherwise

Plant/Equipment

• Choose equipment that is well maintained, heavy duty, commercial quality, and correct for the task.

Site/environment

• Ensure effective drainage to eliminate excess water in working environment.
• Work should be performed on dry insulated areas – use wooden platforms, rubber mats.

Standards and regulations

Electricity (Safety) Regulation 25 requires that installations, fittings and appliances used at construction sites are “electrically safe” if they meet the requirements of AS/NZS 3012.

Electrical supply

• Never tamper with electrical supply circuits or systems.
• Ensure all connections to power points are made by correct plugs.
• Power socket outlets should be switched off before plugging in/out.

Workers

• Ensure workers using equipment are competent in its use.

About SITE SAFE

Site Safe NZ Inc is a not-for-profit, industry led organisation, that promotes a culture of safety in the New Zealand construction and related industries.

For more information about Site Safe NZ Inc, our products and services, or to speak to a Safety Advisor, contact us on 0800 SITE SAFE or visit www.sitesafe.org.nz.