Product Overview

Summary: This Electrical Isolation Procedures Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step method for safely isolating, locking and tagging electrical equipment before any work is carried out. It helps Australian businesses control the risk of electric shock, arc flash and inadvertent energisation, supporting compliance with WHS obligations and protecting workers, contractors and plant.

Electrical isolation is a critical control for preventing serious injury and fatality in almost every industry, from construction and manufacturing to facilities management and utilities. This SOP sets out a robust, repeatable process for de-energising, locking, tagging and verifying isolation of electrical systems and equipment before inspection, maintenance, cleaning, fault-finding or modification work begins. It provides practical guidance tailored to Australian workplaces, making it easier to align day‑to‑day activities with WHS legislation and recognised industry standards.

The document tackles common failure points such as unclear isolation points, informal "tag only" practices, poor communication between shifts, and contractors working under different procedures. It defines who is authorised to isolate, how to coordinate multiple isolations and group lockouts, and the exact steps to test for dead and restore power safely. By implementing this SOP, businesses reduce the likelihood of electric shock, arc flash, equipment damage and unplanned outages, while also creating a defensible record that demonstrates due diligence in the event of an incident or regulator enquiry.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, documented electrical isolation practices across all sites and shifts.
• Reduce the risk of electric shock, arc flash and inadvertent energisation during maintenance and construction activities.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant electrical safety standards.
• Improve coordination between employees, contractors and supervisors through clearly defined roles and communication steps.
• Support faster onboarding and competency development with a clear, step-by-step isolation and lockout procedure.

Who is this for?

• Electrical Supervisors
• Electricians and Electrical Workers
• Maintenance Planners
• Plant and Operations Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Facilities Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Site Supervisors and Leading Hands
• Authorised Isolating Officers
• Contractor Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Electric shock from contact with live parts
• Arc flash and arc blast during switching or fault conditions
• Inadvertent re‑energisation of plant or circuits while work is in progress
• Contact with exposed conductive parts due to stored or induced energy
• Burns from electrical faults or short circuits
• Secondary injuries from falls or sudden movement caused by electric shock
• Damage to equipment and fire resulting from incorrect isolation or reconnection

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Isolation, Lockout, Tagout, Test for Dead, Authorised Person)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Authorisations
• 4.0 Pre‑Work Planning and Risk Assessment Requirements
• 5.0 Identification of Electrical Sources and Isolation Points
• 6.0 Step‑by‑Step Electrical Isolation Procedure
• 7.0 Lockout and Tagout Requirements (Personal and Group Lockout)
• 8.0 Verification of Isolation and Testing for Dead
• 9.0 Managing Stored and Induced Energy (Capacitors, UPS, Generators, VSDs)
• 10.0 Coordination with Other Energy Sources (Mechanical, Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Thermal)
• 11.0 Multi‑Party and Contractor Management Procedures
• 12.0 Restoration of Supply and De‑isolation Procedure
• 13.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Response
• 14.0 Training, Competency and Authorisation Requirements
• 15.0 Documentation, Permits and Record Keeping
• 16.0 Inspection, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 17.0 References and Related Documents

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state and territory legislation)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (particularly provisions relating to electrical risks and energised electrical work)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 4836:2022 Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• Relevant state and territory Electrical Safety Acts and Regulations (e.g. Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld))