Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407:body:0:p3
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 5365–8412

construction and demolition sites, except if a requirement of the Code
is dealt with in AS/NZS 3012:2010 Electrical installations—Construction and demolition sites.
In that case you must comply with AS/NZS 3012:2010. Further information about construction
work can be found in the Code of Practice: Construction Work.
This Code does not apply to:
    * electrical work on extra-low voltage electrical equipment, including extra-low voltage electrical installations
    * electrical work on high voltage equipment after switching, isolation, short circuiting and earthing, subject to summary guidance in Chapter 10 of this Code
    * the manufacture of electrical equipment
    * automotive electrical work
    * work that is not electrical work carried out on telephone, communication and data systems
    * work carried out by or on behalf of an electricity supply authority on the electrical equipment controlled or operated by the authority to generate, transform, transmit or supply electricity
    * repair of consumer electrical equipment when unplugged from any electrical socket outlet.
'Extra-low voltage' means voltage that does not exceed 50 volts alternating current (50 V a.c.)
or 120 volts ripple-free direct current (120 V ripple free d.c.).
This Code is divided into two parts dealing with:
    * Part A (Chapters 2-3): general electrical safety at the workplace, including electrical installations, requirements for inspecting and testing electrical equipment, and requirements for residual current devices in certain high-risk environments
    * Part B (Chapters 4-9): health and safety risks associated with electrical work.

How to use this Code of Practice
In providing guidance, the word 'should' is used in this Code to indicate a recommended course
of action, while 'may' is used to indicate an optional course of action.
This Code also includes various references to provisions of the WHS Act and Regulations which set out the legal requirements. These references are not exhaustive. The words 'must', 'requires' or 'mandatory' indicate that a legal requirement exists and must be complied with.

1.     INTRODUCTION

1.1              What are 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,
      electric shock may result from indirect contact where a conductive part that is not
      normally energised becomes energised 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