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Why work de-energised?
It is far safer to work de-energised. Work de-energised unless there is no reasonable alternative and all regulatory requirements for safety have been met.
‘No reasonable alternative’ means that there is a greater safety risk if a situation is de-energised.
Working de-energised also applies to all electrical equipment – from appliances and cables to switchboards and electrical accessories.
It will mean isolating and disconnecting power supply and proving that the parts are de-energised before carrying out further work.
Safe isolation
- All sources of electrical voltage will need to be de-energised. This may involve more than one isolation point.
- Remove hazards from other sources of energy eg. spring tension or hydraulic pressure.
- Prominently tag parts that have been de-energised with a warning or safety sign.
- Prove parts are de-energised.
- Remember that you may be working near other exposed live parts
Refer to Section 5.4.2 of the Code of Practice - Electrical Work for more details on isolating and disconnecting.
Last updated July 16, 2009
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