Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407:body:0:p37
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 97047–100017

equipment, machinery, plant or appliance may pose a risk of direct or indirect contact with nearby exposed energised electrical parts (e.g. installing or testing circuits on a switchboard adjacent to exposed live electrical parts).
In some circumstances the risks associated with undertaking electrical work near exposed live parts can be equivalent to those associated with live electrical work. Risks to be considered,
but not limited to, are those arising from:
    * energised parts
    * exposed high temperature parts
    * moisture entering the electrical equipment.
Identifying and assessing the risks and developing risk control measures as described in the
Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks will provide further assistance
in developing safe work practices.

8.1              Planning and preparation
If there is a safety risk associated with working near energised electrical parts a written risk assessment should then be made to help determine the risk level and decide on appropriate risk control measures. Risks include:
    * electric shock if exposed energised parts are touched
    * explosion, for example if a metal tool is dropped onto bus bars causing a short circuit
    * exposed high-temperature parts causing burns to bare skin
    * electrical fires induced, for example, by allowing moisture or dust to enter electrical equipment.
The following factors may be taken into account in assessing risks:
    * type of work carried out and tools or equipment used
    * proximity of the work to energised parts
    * the types of tools and equipment used in the work, for example the conductive properties
      of tools
    * environmental conditions such as confined space, wet surfaces or unfavourable weather
    * assessing the need to repair equipment while it remains energised, for example cleaning
      a low voltage switch room
    * work that may impose additional risks, for example welding or grinding that could damage adjacent electrical lines or equipment.

8.2              Working near energised electrical parts
You must work through the hierarchy of controls to choose the control that most effectively eliminates or minimises the risk of working near energised electrical parts, so far as is reasonably practicable. This may involve a single control measure or a combination of two or more different controls.
Under the WHS Regulations substitution, isolation and engineering controls are ranked at the same level of protection, ahead of administrative controls and then PPE.

Elimination
The most effective control measure is to remove the hazard or hazardous work practice. This could mean electrically isolating the nearby electrical equipment or installation before starting work. When disconnecting the installation or equipment from supply, a method should be applied to ensure the equipment is not reconnected while the work is carried out. For example, you could place the plug in a lockable