Product Overview

Summary: This Electrical Risk Assessment Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step method for identifying, assessing and controlling electrical risks in Australian workplaces. It helps organisations meet their WHS obligations, protect workers from electric shock, arc flash and fire, and demonstrate due diligence when working on or near electrical installations and equipment.

Electrical work and the operation of electrical equipment present some of the most serious and immediate risks in any workplace. This Electrical Risk Assessment Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, repeatable process for identifying electrical hazards, evaluating the level of risk, and selecting appropriate control measures in line with Australian WHS legislation and recognised electrical standards. It is designed to be practical for on-the-ground use by supervisors and electricians, while also providing the documentation trail needed by managers and PCBUs to demonstrate compliance and due diligence.

The SOP guides users through pre-work assessments, live and de-energised work considerations, lockout/tagout requirements, arc flash and shock risk evaluation, and ongoing review of controls. It helps businesses move beyond informal “common sense” approaches by embedding a consistent methodology for electrical risk assessments across projects, sites and teams. By implementing this procedure, organisations can reduce the likelihood of electrical incidents, improve the quality of permits and SWMS, and ensure that electrical work is planned and executed with safety at the forefront.

Whether you manage a construction site, manufacturing facility, commercial building or service fleet, this SOP provides a ready-to-use framework that aligns with Australian Standards and regulator expectations. It supports better consultation with workers, clearer communication of electrical hazards, and more robust decision-making about isolation, testing, PPE, and safe work methods.

Key Benefits

• Ensure electrical work is planned and carried out in accordance with Australian WHS legislation and electrical safety standards.
• Reduce the likelihood of electric shock, arc flash, burns and electrical fires through systematic hazard identification and risk control.
• Standardise the way electrical risk assessments are conducted across all sites, projects and contractors.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and insurers with clear, documented electrical risk assessment records.
• Improve communication between electricians, supervisors and management regarding electrical hazards, controls and residual risk.

Who is this for?

• Electrical Contractors
• Electricians
• WHS Managers
• Safety Advisors
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Engineering Managers
• Site Supervisors
• PCBU Representatives

Hazards Addressed

• Electric shock from exposed live parts or faulty equipment
• Arc flash and arc blast resulting in burns and blast injuries
• Electrical fires caused by overloads, faults or poor installations
• Contact with overhead or underground power lines
• Inadequate isolation and unexpected energisation of circuits or equipment
• Use of damaged or non-compliant portable electrical equipment
• Ignition of flammable atmospheres by electrical equipment
• Trip hazards and secondary injuries associated with electrical leads and equipment
• Inadequate earthing and bonding leading to touch voltage risks
• Working in wet or conductive environments increasing shock risk

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Legislative and Standards References
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Consultation
• 5.0 Electrical Hazard Identification Process
• 6.0 Electrical Risk Assessment Methodology (Likelihood and Consequence)
• 7.0 Hierarchy of Control for Electrical Risks
• 8.0 Pre-Work Planning and Documentation Requirements
• 9.0 Isolation, Lockout/Tagout and Test-for-Dead Procedures (Overview)
• 10.0 Assessment of Work on or Near Live Parts
• 11.0 Arc Flash and Shock Risk Considerations
• 12.0 PPE Selection and Use for Electrical Tasks
• 13.0 Portable Electrical Equipment and RCD Considerations
• 14.0 Special Environments (Confined Spaces, Wet Areas, Hazardous Areas)
• 15.0 Recording, Reviewing and Approving Electrical Risk Assessments
• 16.0 Training, Competency and Authorisation Requirements
• 17.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
• 18.0 Appendices – Sample Electrical Risk Assessment Form and Risk Matrix

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory variants)
• 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 4836:2011 Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment
• AS/NZS 3012:2019 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
• AS/NZS 3760:2022 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 Risk management – Guidelines