Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407:body:0:p22
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 57020–60081

most effect control measure is to remove the hazard or hazardous work practice. For example, working de-energised rather than energised eliminates significant electrical risks. That is why the WHS Regulations prohibit energised electrical work subject to certain exceptions.

Substitution
Replacing a hazardous process or material with one that is less hazardous will reduce the hazard, and hence the risk. For example, it may not be reasonably practicable to eliminate energised electrical work altogether; however, even if it is necessary (for one of the legally permissible reasons) to work on an energised electrical part, it may be possible to de-energise the surrounding parts.

Isolation
Preventing workers from coming into contact with the source of the electrical hazard will reduce the relevant risks.

Engineering controls
Use engineering control measures to minimise the risk, for example insulation, guarding and installing residual current devices to prevent electric shock.

Administrative controls
Administrative controls involve the use of safe work practices to control the risk, for example the provision of suitable and adequate training, establishing exclusion zones, use of permits and warning signs.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)
PPE includes protective eyewear, insulated gloves, hard hats, aprons and breathing protection. The PPE should be rated for the work to be done. If working on energised equipment, the PPE must be able to protect the user from the maximum prospective energy available at the work site.
Administrative controls and PPE do nothing to change the hazard itself. They rely on people behaving as expected and require a high level of supervision. Exclusive reliance on administrative controls and PPE must only occur where other measures are not reasonably practicable or as an interim control while the preferred control measure is being implemented. See regulation 36 of the WHS Regulations.
However, administrative controls such as procurement and personnel policies and procedures are very important in relation to electrical risks, as they will help to ensure that electrical work is carried out by a qualified electrician as required by law.
You should check that your chosen control measure does not introduce new hazards.

4.5              Review the control measures
See Section 2.4 of this Code.

5.     RISK CONTROLS – WORKING DE-ENERGISED

Electrical work (whether energised or de-energised) must only be carried out by appropriately licensed or registered electrical workers.
For more information about the applicable electrical licensing or registration laws contact the local regulator in the relevant jurisdiction.

5.1              General principles – verification of de-energised electrical equipment

Regulation 152-156 A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that electrical work is not carried out on electrical equipment while the equipment is energised, subject to the prescribed exceptions discussed in Section 7 of this Code.
These provisions do not apply to work