Electrical Risk Management

The electrical system is considered as the “Backbone” of all industrial & commercial installations. Any disruptions in the electrical system can bring the whole system to stand-still and thus making it a very critical part of any installation.

What are the electrical risks?

Electrical risks are risks of death, electric shock or other injury caused directly or indirectly by electricity. The most common electrical risks and causes of injury are:

• Electric shock causing injury or death. The electric shock may be received by direct or indirect contact, tracking through or across a medium, or by arcing. For example, an electric shock may result from indirect contact where a conductive part that is not normally energized becomes energized due to a fault (e.g. metal toaster body, fence).
• Arcing, explosion or fire causing burns. The injuries are often suffered because arcing or explosion or both occur when high fault currents are present.
• Electric shock from ‘step-and-touch’ potentials.
• Toxic gases causing illness or death. Burning and arcing associated with electrical equipment may release various gases and contaminants.
• Fire resulting from an electrical fault.

Even the briefest contact with electricity at 50 volts for alternating current (V a.c.) or 120 volts for direct current (V d.c.) can have serious consequences to a person’s health and safety. High voltage shocks involving more than 1000 V a.c. or 1500 V d.c. can cause contact burns and damage to internal organs. Electric shocks from faulty electrical equipment may also lead to related injuries, including falls from ladders, scaffolds or other elevated work platforms. Other injuries or illnesses may include muscle spasms, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, collapse, and unconsciousness. Workers using electricity may not be the only ones at risk—faulty electrical equipment and poor electrical installations can lead to fires that may also cause death or injury to others. The risk of injury from electricity is strongly linked to where and how it is used. The risks are greatest in harsh conditions, for example:

• Outdoors or in wet surroundings—equipment may become wet and may be at greater risk of damage.
• In cramped spaces with earthed metalwork, such as inside a tank or bin—it may be difficult to avoid electrical shock if an electrical fault develops.

Some items of equipment can also involve greater risk than others. Portable electrical equipment is particularly liable to damage including to plugs and sockets, electrical connections and to the cable itself. Extension leads, particularly those connected to equipment which is frequently moved, can suffer from similar problems.

Risk

Electrocution incidents can be fatal, while non-fatal shocks can result in serious and permanent burn injuries to the skin, internal tissues and damage to the heart depending on the length and severity of the shock. Electric shocks from faulty electrical equipment may also lead to related injuries, including falls from ladders, scaffolding or other elevated work platforms. Those working with electricity may not be the only ones at risk. Poor electrical installation and faulty electrical appliances can lead to electric shock to others at or near the workplace.

Remedy

Dependent on the context and conditions, but may include for example:

• Ensure only appropriately licensed or registered electricians carry out electrical work.
• Switch off electricity where possible before working on equipment.
• Ensure electrical equipment is in good working order (testing and tagging).
• Use battery-operated tools rather than mains power tools where possible.
• Remove damaged, unsafe electrical equipment or cords from the workplace.
• Ensure tag out and isolation procedures are in place and used.
• Use residual current devices (or safety switches) with portable equipment (as per the WHS Regulations)
• Don't overload power sockets.
• Meet electrical safety standards.