Product Overview

Summary: This Workplace Electrical Safety Training Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, structured approach to educating workers on how to identify, control and work safely around electrical hazards. It helps Australian businesses meet their WHS obligations while building practical, competency-based training that reduces the risk of electric shock, arc flash, fire and equipment damage.

Electrical energy is present in almost every workplace, from office environments and workshops to construction sites and processing plants. Without structured, competency-based training, workers can be exposed to serious hazards such as electric shock, arc flash, burns, fire and equipment failure. This Workplace Electrical Safety Training SOP provides a documented, repeatable framework for planning, delivering and recording electrical safety training across your organisation, ensuring that both electrical and non-electrical workers understand their responsibilities and know how to work safely around energised and de-energised equipment.

Designed specifically for the Australian WHS landscape, this procedure guides you through training needs analysis, course content development, delivery methods, assessment of competency and refresher scheduling. It supports compliance with WHS legislation, Australian Standards and energy isolation requirements, while also addressing common problem areas such as inconsistent induction content, poor lockout/tagout understanding, unsafe use of portable electrical equipment and inadequate recordkeeping. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, improve safety culture and significantly reduce the likelihood of electrical incidents, downtime and regulatory scrutiny.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, high-quality electrical safety training across all sites and work groups.
• Reduce the likelihood of electric shock, arc flash incidents and electrically initiated fires.
• Demonstrate WHS due diligence through documented training plans, records and competency assessments.
• Standardise induction and refresher training content for both electrical and non-electrical workers.
• Improve worker confidence in hazard identification, isolation procedures and emergency response.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Electrical Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• Maintenance Managers
• Electrical Contractors
• Training and Compliance Coordinators
• Site Managers
• Operations Managers
• Human Resources Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Electric shock from exposed live parts or faulty equipment
• Arc flash and arc blast injuries during switching or fault conditions
• Electrical burns from contact with energised conductors
• Electrical fires caused by overloading, damaged cords or poor maintenance
• Use of non-compliant or damaged portable electrical tools and leads
• Inadequate lockout/tagout and isolation of electrical energy sources
• Contact with overhead or underground power lines
• Use of incorrect or non-rated personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Unsafe work in wet or conductive environments
• Unauthorised work on electrical installations by unqualified personnel

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology
• 3.0 Legal and Other Requirements
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 5.0 Training Needs Analysis and Target Groups
• 6.0 Electrical Safety Training Content and Learning Outcomes
• 7.0 Training Delivery Methods (Classroom, Toolbox Talks, Online, On-the-Job)
• 8.0 Specific Topics: Electrical Hazard Identification and Risk Control
• 9.0 Specific Topics: Isolation, Lockout/Tagout and Testing for Dead
• 10.0 Specific Topics: Safe Use of Portable Electrical Equipment and RCDs
• 11.0 Specific Topics: Working Near Overhead and Underground Services
• 12.0 Personal Protective Equipment for Electrical Work and Testing
• 13.0 Assessment of Competency and Verification of Understanding
• 14.0 Induction, Refresher and High-Risk Task Training Frequencies
• 15.0 Training Records, Registers and Document Control
• 16.0 Contractor and Visitor Electrical Safety Induction Requirements
• 17.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of Training Program
• 18.0 Non-Compliance, Corrective Actions and Retraining
• 19.0 References, Related Documents and Forms/Templates

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and corresponding state/territory Acts)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and corresponding state/territory Regulations)
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 4836: Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment
• AS/NZS 3012: Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites (where applicable)
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS/NZS 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use