Electrical Safety Checklist for Australian Workplaces

Quick answer: Electrical hazards are one of the leading causes of serious workplace injury in Australia. Use this checklist to confirm that RCDs are in place and tested, all portable equipment has a current test-and-tag, leads are in good condition, and that isolation procedures are followed before any electrical work begins.

Last reviewed: June 2026 by the BlueSafe Technical Team. Reflects the Model WHS Regulations and AS/NZS 3760:2010 (test and tag).

Electricity kills and injures workers every year in Australian workplaces. Unlike many hazards, the danger is often invisible — a damaged lead, an untested RCD, or a wet floor near a power outlet can deliver a fatal shock with no warning. Under the Work Health and Safety Act, a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) has a duty to manage electrical risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

This checklist is structured to work as a practical site walkthrough. Complete it at initial site set-up, after any significant change to the electrical installation, and at regular intervals thereafter (monthly for higher-risk sites, quarterly as a minimum for lower-risk workplaces).

For a deeper understanding of electrical hazards and controls, refer to our guide: Electrical Hazards in the Workplace.

1. Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

RCDs (sometimes called safety switches) detect current leakage and disconnect the circuit within milliseconds — fast enough to prevent electrocution. They are mandatory for portable electrical equipment used in construction and recommended for all workplace outlets.

RCDs are installed on all circuits supplying portable electrical equipment used outdoors or in construction.
RCDs are installed on all socket outlets in wet areas (kitchens, bathrooms, plant wash-down areas).
Push-button trip test has been performed on all RCDs and the trip was confirmed to operate correctly.
Trip-time testing (using calibrated test equipment) is up to date and records are retained.
RCD test records are dated, signed by the tester, and stored on site or in the WHS management system.
Any RCD that failed a push-button test or trip-time test has been taken out of service and reported for repair by a licensed electrician.

2. Test and Tag — Portable Appliances and Leads

Test and tag provides documented evidence that portable electrical equipment (power tools, extension leads, appliances) has been inspected and electrically tested to AS/NZS 3760.

All portable power tools have a current (in-date) test-and-tag label attached.
All extension leads and multi-box adaptors have a current test-and-tag label attached.
All portable appliances (kettles, fridges, phone chargers, monitors) have a current test-and-tag label attached.
Test dates and retest intervals are appropriate for the environment (e.g. construction sites require more frequent testing than low-risk office environments).
Test-and-tag records (including equipment ID, test date, result, and next test due date) are retained.
Any item with an expired tag or a failed test has been removed from service, labelled "DO NOT USE," and quarantined pending repair or disposal.

3. Visual Condition of Leads, Plugs, and Equipment

A quick visual check before each use is required under the WHS Regulations and AS/NZS 3760. This is separate from the formal test-and-tag process.

No leads have visible cuts, abrasions, kinks, or exposed copper conductors.
No plugs or sockets have cracked casings, bent pins, or scorch marks.
No equipment has damaged housing, missing guards, or signs of burning or overheating.
Leads are not run under doors, across walkways, or in any position where they can be damaged by foot traffic or vehicle movement.
Extension leads are not daisy-chained (one extension lead plugged into another).
Workers are instructed to report any damaged electrical equipment immediately and not to use it until inspected by a competent person.

4. Switchboards and Distribution Boards

Switchboards must be kept secure and free from combustible materials to prevent fire and to limit access to live parts.

Switchboard enclosures are closed and latched (not propped open).
Switchboard access is restricted to authorised persons — locked where accessible to the public or unauthorised workers.
All circuit breakers and switches are labelled clearly and legibly.
No combustible materials (cardboard, rags, timber) are stored in front of or adjacent to the switchboard.
A minimum clearance of 600 mm is maintained in front of the switchboard (1 metre preferred and required in some states).
The switchboard has no signs of burning, discolouration, or pest activity (insects, vermin).
The switchboard diagram (as-built drawing) is current and accessible.

5. Overloaded Outlets and Circuits

Overloaded circuits are a leading cause of electrical fires. Double adaptors and piggyback plugs concentrate load on a single outlet not designed for it.

No double adaptors or piggyback plugs are in use.
Portable power boards are rated for the combined load being drawn and are used only as a temporary measure.
No circuit breakers have been found tripped repeatedly without a diagnosed cause — repeated tripping indicates overloading or a fault that must be investigated by a licensed electrician.
High-load equipment (welders, compressors, large air conditioners) is connected to dedicated circuits of the appropriate rating.

6. Wet Areas and Water Exclusion

Water dramatically reduces the resistance of the human body, making otherwise survivable shock voltages fatal.

No extension leads or electrical equipment are resting on wet ground, wet concrete, or in areas subject to flooding or ponding.
Leads are kept clear of puddles, trenches with water, and areas subject to rain ingress.
All outdoor outlets and equipment are rated IP44 or higher (weatherproof) where exposure to rain or moisture is likely.
Leads crossing wet areas are elevated or protected so they cannot contact standing water.

7. Isolation and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

Before any maintenance, adjustment, cleaning, or repair work on electrical equipment or plant, the energy source must be isolated and controlled.

An isolation procedure (lockout/tagout) is documented and available to all relevant workers.
Personal safety locks and danger tags are available at the worksite.
Workers required to isolate equipment have been trained in the isolation procedure.
Isolation points are clearly identified and labelled on plant and equipment.
A "try before you touch" check (attempt to start the equipment after isolation to confirm it is de-energised) is performed before work begins.
No worker removes another worker's personal safety lock — each worker applies their own lock and removes it only when their own work is complete.

8. Licensed Electrical Work

Only licensed electricians may carry out electrical installation work, connection of electrical equipment, or alteration of electrical wiring.

All electrical installation, maintenance, and repair work on site has been carried out by a licensed electrician.
Copies of electrical contractor licences are held on file (or accessible in the WHS management system).
A Certificate of Compliance (or equivalent) has been issued for any new electrical installation work.
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is in place for any high-risk electrical work. For guidance on preparing one, refer to our Electrician SWMS Guide.
No workers have been permitted to attempt DIY electrical repairs, including replacing elements, rewiring plugs, or bypassing safety devices.

9. Overhead and Underground Electrical Services

Contact with overhead power lines and underground cables is responsible for a significant proportion of fatal electrical incidents in Australian workplaces, particularly in construction, excavation, and landscaping.

Overhead power lines in or adjacent to the work area have been identified and marked on the site plan.
Safe approach distances for overhead power lines have been established and communicated to workers and plant operators (minimum 3 metres for distribution lines; greater distances for high-voltage transmission lines).
Physical barriers or spotter arrangements are in place where plant or vehicles operate near overhead lines.
A Dial Before You Dig (1100 or online at www.1100.com.au) enquiry has been lodged before any excavation work, and service location plans are on site.
Underground services have been located using a combination of plans, cable-locating equipment, and careful hand exposure where necessary.
Workers know to call 000 and the relevant network operator immediately if contact with a power line or underground cable occurs.

10. Emergency Procedures

Workers must know what to do if someone receives an electric shock or if an electrical fire occurs.

Emergency procedures for electrical incidents (shock, electrocution, electrical fire) are documented and displayed on site.
Workers know not to touch a person who is still in contact with a live source — the power must be isolated first.
Workers trained in CPR and first aid are present on site (or response time to trained personnel meets the requirements of the WHS Regulations for the work being performed).
Emergency services contact numbers (000) and the network operator's fault line are posted at or near the main switchboard.
Fire extinguishers appropriate for electrical fires (CO₂ or dry powder — never water) are accessible and serviced.
An electrical incident has not occurred without a formal investigation and corrective actions being completed and recorded.

Using This Checklist

Complete each section with a tick, a cross, or N/A. For any cross (non-conformance), record:

What the issue is.
Who is responsible for correcting it.
By when it must be fixed.

Review outstanding items at each site meeting and close them out promptly. Retain completed checklists as WHS records — they demonstrate your due diligence if a regulator or insurer asks for evidence of ongoing electrical safety management.

If you identify issues that require licensed electrical work, stop using the affected equipment or circuit immediately and arrange repairs before it is returned to service.

Frequently asked questions

How often should RCDs be tested in the workplace?

Under the Model WHS Regulations, RCDs protecting portable electrical equipment used in construction must be tested at least every three months. For other workplaces, AS/NZS 3760 recommends a six-monthly push-button test and periodic trip-time testing by a competent person. Always check your state regulator's requirements as intervals can vary.

What is test and tag, and who can do it?

Test and tag is the process of visually inspecting and electrically testing portable appliances and leads to verify they are safe to use. Under AS/NZS 3760, testing must be carried out by a competent person — typically a licensed electrician or a person with specific test-and-tag training and calibrated equipment. A dated tag is attached to the item showing the next test due date.

Can anyone do electrical work in an Australian workplace?

No. Electrical work — including installing, repairing, or altering any fixed or portable electrical equipment — must be carried out by a licensed electrician under the relevant state electrical licensing legislation. Unlicensed electrical work is illegal and can void insurance. Test and tag (inspection and testing of portable appliances) is not the same as electrical installation work and can be performed by a trained, competent person.

What is isolation and lockout/tagout (LOTO) and when is it required?

Isolation (or lockout/tagout) is the process of de-energising electrical equipment and physically locking or tagging out the energy source before any maintenance, repair, or cleaning work is carried out. It is required whenever a worker could be exposed to a hazard from unexpected start-up or energy release. A signed and dated danger tag or personal safety lock must remain in place until the authorised worker removes it.

Manage your electrical safety records online

Keeping completed checklists, test-and-tag records, and RCD test logs in one place makes compliance straightforward and keeps your team accountable. Explore Blue Safe Online for digital WHS management tools built for Australian workplaces.

This checklist is provided for general guidance only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not replace the need to consult the WHS legislation in your state or territory, the relevant Australian Standards, or a qualified WHS professional. Requirements may vary by jurisdiction, industry, and the nature of the work being performed. Blue Safe Online accepts no liability for reliance on the contents of this page.