Product Overview

Summary: This Electrical Fire Prevention Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical controls to prevent electrical fires in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses identify and manage electrical fire risks, standardise safe work practices, and demonstrate compliance with WHS obligations and relevant Australian Standards.

Electrical fires are one of the most common and most preventable causes of serious workplace incidents in Australia. Overloaded circuits, poorly maintained equipment, makeshift extensions, and unlicensed electrical work can quickly escalate into fires that threaten people, property, and business continuity. This Electrical Fire Prevention Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step framework to systematically control these risks before they result in an emergency.

Developed for Australian workplaces across industries—from offices and warehouses through to workshops, retail, and light manufacturing—this SOP translates WHS duties and technical electrical requirements into plain, actionable instructions. It outlines how to identify electrical fire hazards, implement engineering and administrative controls, set inspection and maintenance regimes, and respond to early warning signs such as heat, smell, or tripping circuits. By adopting this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence, support their Electrical Safety Management System, and give workers clear guidance on what is and is not acceptable electrical practice on site.

The document also supports coordination between PCBUs, contractors, and building owners by clarifying roles, documentation requirements, and communication pathways around electrical fire risks. It is designed to integrate with existing emergency plans, hot work procedures, and permit-to-work systems, helping businesses create a defensible, auditable trail of proactive fire prevention measures rather than relying solely on reactive firefighting capability.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the likelihood of electrical fires by standardising hazard identification, inspection, and control measures across the workplace.
• Ensure alignment with Australian WHS legislation and key electrical safety and fire protection standards, supporting regulatory compliance and due diligence.
• Improve coordination between in‑house staff, electrical contractors, and building managers regarding electrical installations, alterations, and maintenance.
• Strengthen worker awareness and competency in recognising early warning signs of electrical faults and unsafe practices.
• Minimise business disruption, asset damage, and insurance exposure through proactive, documented electrical fire prevention controls.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Electrical Supervisors
• Maintenance Managers
• Facility Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Site Supervisors
• Electricians and Electrical Contractors
• Operations Managers
• Risk and Compliance Managers
• Small Business Owners with fixed premises

Hazards Addressed

• Overloaded power points, power boards, and circuits
• Use of damaged, frayed, or improperly repaired electrical leads
• Unapproved use of double adaptors, cube taps, and daisy‑chained power boards
• Faulty or poorly maintained electrical equipment and appliances
• Unlicensed or unauthorised electrical work and temporary wiring
• Accumulation of combustible materials near electrical switchboards and equipment
• Inadequate clearance and ventilation around electrical cabinets and motors causing overheating
• Use of non‑compliant portable heaters, fans, and high‑load appliances
• Ignition of flammable vapours or dusts by electrical equipment in inappropriate locations
• Failure of residual current devices (RCDs) and circuit protection due to lack of testing and maintenance

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Supporting Documents
• 5.0 Electrical Fire Risk Identification and Assessment
• 6.0 Control Measures for Electrical Fire Prevention
• 6.1 Design and Installation Controls (including new fit‑outs and modifications)
• 6.2 Inspection, Testing and Tagging of Portable Electrical Equipment
• 6.3 Fixed Installation Inspection and Maintenance Requirements
• 6.4 Management of Power Boards, Extension Leads and Adaptors
• 6.5 Control of Portable Heaters and High‑Load Appliances
• 6.6 Housekeeping and Separation of Combustibles from Electrical Equipment
• 7.0 Permit‑to‑Work and Contractor Management for Electrical Tasks
• 8.0 Pre‑Use Checks and Routine Workplace Inspections
• 9.0 Response to Electrical Faults, Alarms and Early Warning Signs
• 10.0 Integration with Fire Protection Systems and Emergency Procedures
• 11.0 Training, Induction and Communication Requirements
• 12.0 Incident, Near Miss and Fault Reporting and Investigation
• 13.0 Recordkeeping, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 14.0 Document Control and Review History
• Appendix A – Sample Electrical Fire Prevention Checklist
• Appendix B – Example Electrical Equipment Register
• Appendix C – Sample Electrical Fire Hazard Risk Assessment Matrix
• Appendix D – Quick Reference Guide for Workers

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and corresponding State/Territory Acts)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (and State/Territory equivalents) – electrical safety and fire protection provisions
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
• AS 2293.1: Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings – System design, installation and operation
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the risk of plant in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities