Product Overview

Summary: This Electrical Safety Protocols Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for working safely with electrical systems, tools and installations in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses control electrical hazards, meet WHS obligations, and protect workers, contractors and visitors from shocks, burns, arc flash and electrical fires.

Electricity is a critical part of almost every workplace, but it also presents some of the most serious and immediate hazards. This Electrical Safety Protocols SOP sets out a practical, repeatable system for planning, carrying out and supervising electrical work, whether it involves fixed installations, portable tools, temporary power, or fault-finding activities. It guides your team through pre-work assessments, isolation and lockout/tagout, safe approach distances, use of test instruments, and reinstatement of power, all in line with Australian WHS expectations and relevant electrical standards.

The document is designed for real-world use in Australian businesses – from construction sites and manufacturing facilities to commercial buildings and service-based operations. It helps you address common problem areas such as ad‑hoc electrical work, undocumented isolations, unsafe use of extension leads and power boards, and inconsistent testing and tagging practices. By implementing this SOP, you create a defensible, auditable process that supports due diligence, reduces the likelihood of shocks, burns, arc flash and fires, and provides clear guidance for both licensed electricians and non-electrical workers who may be exposed to electrical risks in their day-to-day tasks.

Key Benefits

• Ensure electrical work is planned, authorised and completed in line with Australian WHS laws and electrical standards.
• Reduce the risk of electric shock, arc flash, burns and electrical fires across your operations.
• Standardise isolation, lockout/tagout and testing practices so that all workers follow the same safe system of work.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and insurers through clear, documented electrical safety controls.
• Improve worker competence and confidence by providing practical, step-by-step guidance for common electrical tasks and scenarios.

Who is this for?

• Electricians
• Electrical Supervisors
• Maintenance Managers
• Facility Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Operations Managers
• Workshop Supervisors
• HVAC and Building Services Technicians
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)

Hazards Addressed

• Electric shock from live exposed parts or faulty equipment
• Arc flash and arc blast during switching, fault-finding or isolation
• Electrical burns from contact with energised components
• Electrical fires caused by overloading, poor connections or damaged cables
• Use of non-compliant or damaged portable electrical equipment
• Inadvertent energisation due to inadequate isolation or lockout/tagout
• Trip hazards and damage from poorly managed extension leads and power boards
• Explosive atmospheres ignited by electrical equipment in hazardous areas

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Authorisations
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Electrical Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
• 6.0 General Electrical Safety Rules for All Workers
• 7.0 Isolation, Lockout/Tagout and Verification of De-energisation
• 8.0 Safe Work on or Near Live Electrical Parts (Exceptional Circumstances Only)
• 9.0 Use, Inspection and Maintenance of Portable Electrical Equipment and Leads
• 10.0 Testing and Tagging Requirements
• 11.0 Temporary Power, Site Power Boards and Construction Site Installations
• 12.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Electrical Work
• 13.0 Housekeeping, Cable Management and Work Environment Controls
• 14.0 Working in Hazardous Areas or Confined Spaces with Electrical Equipment
• 15.0 Emergency Response, Electric Shock and Arc Flash Procedures
• 16.0 Training, Competency and Licensing Requirements
• 17.0 Documentation, Records and Audit Requirements
• 18.0 Review, Consultation and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Cth and harmonised state/territory equivalents) – Electrical safety provisions
• 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 3012:2019 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites
• AS/NZS 3760:2022 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS/NZS 4836:2011 Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment
• AS/NZS 60898.1:2015 Circuit-breakers for overcurrent protection for household and similar installations