Product Overview

Summary: This Low Voltage Rescue Safe Operating Procedure sets out the exact steps to safely respond to electric shock incidents involving low voltage equipment and installations. Designed for Australian workplaces, it supports WHS compliance, protects workers performing live work or working near energised parts, and ensures a fast, coordinated response when every second counts.

Low voltage electrical work is common across Australian workplaces, from construction sites and manufacturing plants to commercial buildings and utilities. Yet even at low voltage, an electric shock or arc incident can be fatal if the response is delayed or poorly managed. This Low Voltage Rescue Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for safely isolating supply, rescuing a casualty from live parts using approved equipment, and delivering immediate first aid while maintaining the safety of the rescuer and others on site.

The SOP translates legislative and Australian Standard requirements into practical actions your team can follow under pressure. It defines roles, mandatory training, equipment checks, and rescue techniques tailored to low voltage switchboards, panels and plant. By implementing this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under WHS laws, standardise their low voltage rescue practices across sites, and integrate rescue readiness into everyday electrical work and permit systems. This document supports training, drills and toolbox talks, helping workers to respond confidently and consistently in real emergencies.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a fast, structured and safe response to low voltage electric shock and arc incidents.
• Reduce the risk of secondary injuries to rescuers by enforcing strict isolation and rescue techniques.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation, electrical safety regulations and relevant Australian Standards.
• Standardise low voltage rescue training, drills and competency requirements across all sites and teams.
• Integrate rescue preparedness into electrical work planning, permitting and pre-start checks.

Who is this for?

• Electricians
• Electrical Linespersons
• HV and LV Technicians
• Maintenance Electricians
• Service Technicians
• Site Supervisors
• Safety Officers
• WHS Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Manufacturing Supervisors
• Training Coordinators
• First Aid Officers
• Authorised Electrical Persons (AEPs)

Hazards Addressed

• Electric shock from contact with energised low voltage conductors or equipment
• Arc flash and arc blast during rescue or switching operations
• Secondary electric shock to rescuers due to inadequate isolation or incorrect technique
• Burns from electrical contact or arc exposure
• Falls from ladders, platforms or elevated work areas following electric shock
• Cardiac arrest and respiratory failure associated with electric shock
• Panic, confusion and uncoordinated emergency response during electrical incidents
• Inadequate or failed rescue equipment (e.g. damaged LV rescue kits, insulated poles, gloves)

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (Low Voltage, Live Work, Rescue Kit, Competent Person)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Required Low Voltage Rescue Equipment and PPE
• 6.0 Pre-Use Inspection and Maintenance of LV Rescue Kits
• 7.0 Site Preparation and Risk Assessment for Work on or Near LV Installations
• 8.0 Step-by-Step Low Voltage Rescue Procedure
• 9.0 Electric Shock Response, CPR and First Aid Requirements
• 10.0 Communication, Emergency Notification and Incident Escalation
• 11.0 Post-Incident Actions, Reporting and Medical Follow-up
• 12.0 Training, Drills, Competency Assessment and Refresher Intervals
• 13.0 Recordkeeping, Documentation and Audit Requirements
• 14.0 Review, Consultation and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure
• 15.0 Appendices – Sample Checklists, Rescue Kit Inspection Form, Training Log and Rescue Flowchart

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• AS/NZS 4836: Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 60479: Effects of current on human beings and livestock (series, as applicable)
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Relevant state and territory Electrical Safety Acts and Regulations (e.g. Electrical Safety Act 2002 (Qld))