6.4 What to use to work safely – tools, instruments and equipment used for electrical work
6.4.1 General
6.4.2 Selection, testing, maintenance
6.4.3 Use of instruments and test devices
6.4.4 Instruments and test devices
6.4.5 Ladders, portable pole platforms and scaffolds
6.4.1 General
In general industry, tools, instruments and equipment that are poorly maintained, inappropriately used or not fit for purpose can cause injuries. With electrical work, there is the added risk of electric shock or large releases of energy from arcing and explosion.
The tools, instruments and equipment used by electrical workers often have special design characteristics. For example, many are insulated as a control measure. However, regular maintenance and inspection are required. Otherwise, certain dangers can arise, eg the insulating medium might conceal a mechanical defect that could cause an open circuit in the lead of a testing device.
The term, "tools, instruments and equipment", includes the following devices:
- Insulated hand tools where the insulation is relied upon as a control measure;
- Rescue and escape kits;
- Portable short circuits and earth devices;
- Operating rods, including measuring sticks;
- Mechanical equipment such as serial hoists for line work;
- Cable spiking or stabbing equipment;
- Ladders and pole platforms;
- Insulating mats and covers;
- Harnesses, lanyards and fall restraint devices; and
- Instruments and testing devices used for proving de-energised, testing and faultfinding.
Workers should be competent in the use of the device. Safe use includes:
- Being able to use the device safely and in the manner for which it was intended;
- Being able to determine, by inspection, that the device is safe for use eg the device is not damaged and is fit for purpose;
- Understanding the limitations of the equipment eg when testing to prove an AC circuit is de-energised, whether the device indicates the presence of hazardous levels of DC;
- Being aware of the electrical safety implications for others when the device is being used eg whether the device causes the electric potential of the earthing system to rise to a hazardous level; and
- Knowing what to do to ensure electrical safety when an inconclusive or incorrect result is obtained.
Refer also to section B.2.8 for information about the general use of tools for electrical work.
6.4.2 Selection, testing, maintenance
When selecting or maintaining tools, instruments and equipment, you should address a number of factors to ensure electrical safety. At least the following issues are to be addressed:
- The device must be fit for purpose;
- Equipment and test instruments that can be visually confirmed as functioning correctly should have visual confirmation of correct function each time before use;
- Equipment and test instruments that are not able to be visually confirmed as functioning correctly must be tested at least every 6 months to ensure proper working order;
- Repairs and maintenance should meet appropriate standards and manufacturer’s instructions.
Appropriate guidance and standards for testing, inspecting, calibrating and maintaining these devices can be obtained from sources that include:
- Manufactures and suppliers;
- Industry groups;
- National and international codes and standards such as those produced by:
- Standards Australia, eg AS and AS/NZS publications; and
- International Electrotechnical Commission, eg IEC publications.
When selecting devices the following should be avoided:
- Flame producing devices, since flame conducts electricity; and
- Fire extinguishers that contain conductive mediums such as water.
When working near exposed live parts or working live, the tools and equipment used should be non-conductive or insulated. Examples include:
- Torches;
- Telescopic devices eg antennas, dentists mirrors;
- Rulers and tape measures;
- Insulated tools eg screwdrivers, pliers, cable cutters, spanners, crimpers; and
- Electrical or hydraulic powered tools.
6.4.3 Use of instruments and test devices
When using instruments and test devices, the work practice should include: 
- Immediately before and after use – the device should be inspected and functional checks performed to confirm that the device is operating correctly, as appropriate; and
- The work practices employed during use should not only be safe but in line with documented procedures. These documented procedures should address manufacturer’s instructions.
6.4.4 Instruments and test devices
When selecting instruments and test devices, the following should be addressed:
- The device’s function, range and class of accuracy should be appropriate to both work and conditions; and
- To ensure electrical safety – the combination of leads and instrument used should be capable of withstanding the impulse voltages and fault current levels that could be experienced at the location.
The relevant protective category – or Installation Category17 of instrument, device and leads – should be chosen as a control measure for impulse voltages and prospective fault currents. The Installation Category is an inherent safety design criterion. Note: Installation Category is a safety focus and is not associated with instrument accuracy.
The rating for test instruments and test probes used on 415/240V mains voltage equipment connected on the supply side of a main switchboard should be Installation Category III or IV.
Type A probes18 (leads) should be used for measuring supply voltages (415/240 V AC).
Therefore, workers who perform live testing or fault finding in switchboards should use at least Category III devices with Type A probes.
If the combination of the probe type and installation category of the instrument is inadequate, alternative measures should be taken. These measures include:
- Obtaining a more suitable instrument, device and lead combination; or
- Using other appropriate means to ensure electrical safety. Fused leads or probes may be a suitable control measure, but they should be fit for purpose.
When selecting a voltage indicating device, consideration should be given to whether a single or double probe device is more suitable eg a proximity tester or a multimeter style.
For example, a proximity tester that has a self test facility and a fail-safe design may be appropriate to test to prove de-energised in some low voltage situations. However, when measuring the voltage at a neutral link, a double probe voltmeter with a trailing earth lead is more appropriate.
6.4.5 Ladders, portable pole platforms and scaffolds.
Refer to section B.2.2
17The term "Installation Category" is defined in Appendix A.
18 The term "Type A probe" is defined in Appendix A.
Last updated July 16, 2009
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