Electrical workers remain among the most dangerous professions in Australia; however, the low fatality rate of 2.0 deaths per 100,000 workers injured during their work means that they don't quite outnumber other occupations. Still, it's worth ensuring that you have a Safe Work Method Statement template before starting any electrical work.
What is an electrical risk?
Most electrical hazards at workplaces in Australia can be traced back to three primary factors:
How can I avoid these risks?
Since the Safe Work Method Statement Template identifies all areas of electrical hazard and provides specific recommendations for mitigating those hazards, safety on-site will be significantly enhanced if everyone is committed to following these procedures.
1. Assume that everything is "alive."
When working on electrical circuits, it's important to treat every conductor and piece as though they're alive and never touch them. Even if you strip and twist cables using pliers instead of your fingers, you shouldn't ever touch anything metallic, including metal covers such as those on switches, light fixtures, etc. Always assume these things are 'live' until proven otherwise.
2. Separate yourself from Earth
Before you start using electricity:
Check your environment and equipment.
Try to avoid direct contact with the live part of the wires.
Use insulated barriers or mats, gloves, and tools, and don't climb above the ground.
Keep an eye out for weak spots in cables.
And if there is no way to isolate yourself from the Earth, but someone else on standby.
3. Always test for dead:
Remember that checking for the dead is seen as "energized work.". All electrical wires and components, including neutral and earthing conductors, should be considered energized until proven otherwise.
Always adhere to proper testing and isolation protocols and Safe Work Method Statement template. De-energized exposed wires and parts should not be worked on or near unless an electrical worker has:
a. Identified the relevant electrical equipment and conductors, as well as all their energy sources and isolation points.
a. Isolated all electrical equipment and conductors from all sources of energy.
c. Protected the isolation.
d. Discharged any stored energy, such as capacitors, as needed.
e. Demonstrated that all relevant electrical equipment and cables were de-energized.
c. Determined the boundaries of the safe working area.
Work safely on or near low-voltage electrical systems and equipment, according to AS/NZS 3012:2011 and follow Safe Work Method Statement template
