Working near exposed live parts
Working near exposed and electrically live parts (such as overhead electric lines, electric wiring or underground cables) without proper precautions has the potential to kill or cause serious injury.
Even if you don't touch the exposed live parts you are still in danger, as high-voltage electricity (more than 1000 volts) can arc, or jump gaps.
Working safely around electricity in electric lines, around buildings, underground cables or even when repairing equipment is subject to a code of practice.
In many circumstances, the risks associated with undertaking electrical work near exposed live parts can be equivalent to those associated with live electrical work.
Evaluation of the risks and development of controls as required in Section 12 ‘Requirements for performance of live work’of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 will provide assistance in developing safe work practices in such circumstances.
The following risk assessment model can be found in the Workplace Health and Safety Risk Management Code of Practice 2007 while the table below provides examples of applied risk assessment and control measures.
Risk assessment model
Example of a risk assessmment
| Electrical equipment | Hazard |
Risk |
Risk level |
Control measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Main switchboard |
If removed fuses have exposed live parts |
Electric shock and explosion |
Low |
Regular visual check Replace fuses by suitably trained person |
Workshop lighting is within arm’s reach |
If internal parts of light fittings are accessed |
Electric shock |
Low |
Regular visual check Have safety switch installed for lights Electrical maintenance work only by licensed electrical persons |
Poles, cross arms and overhead lines |
If damaged by vehicle or other incident |
Electric shock |
Medium |
Protect poles from vehicular damage by barricading or by administrative controls |
Refrigeration equipment |
May have moisture ingress |
Corrosion, electric shock risk |
Medium |
Regular inspection and maintenance Electrical maintenance work only by licensed electrical persons |
Socket outlets in workplace |
May have unsafe equipment plugged in, or outlets or wiring damaged |
Electric shock |
Medium |
Regular visual check Maintenance plan for plug in equipment and safety switch protection |
The Code of Practice - Working Near Exposed Live Parts applies to anyone working around exposed live parts including: :
- crane operators
- plant operators
- painters
- carpenters
- people erecting or working on scaffolds
- signmakers
- agricultural workers
- carriers of high loads
- electrical repairers
- builders working near exposed live parts
- anyone who clears vegetation near overhead lines
- electrical workers
Last updated June 25, 2009
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