Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407:body:0:p11
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00407
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 26927–29939

required by the WHS Regulations) that are properly tested and maintained.
    * If RCDs, circuit breakers or other over current protective devices including fuses are triggered into operation, ensure circuits are not re-energised until the reason for the operation has been determined by a competent person.
    * Ensure RCDs are effective by regular testing.

3.1              Unsafe electrical equipment and electrical installations at the workplace

Regulation 149 A person conducting a business or undertaking that has management or control
of electrical equipment must ensure that any unsafe electrical equipment at the workplace is disconnected (or isolated) from its electricity supply and, once disconnected, is not reconnected until it is repaired or tested and found to be safe or is replaced or permanently removed from use.
Electrical equipment is unsafe if there are reasonable grounds for believing it to be unsafe.
You should implement a safe system of work to deal with potentially unsafe electrical equipment
at the workplace. This could include:
    * requiring workers (if competent to do so) to undertake a check of the physical condition of the electrical equipment, including the lead and plug connections, prior to commencing use
    * taking the electrical equipment out of service if in doubt as to safety, including at any time during use
    * putting reporting arrangements in place to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable,
      that supervisors or line managers are advised if a worker takes electrical equipment out
      of service for safety reasons.
Unsafe electrical equipment must be disconnected or isolated from its electricity supply. It must not be reconnected unless it is repaired by a competent person or tests by a competent person have confirmed it is safe to use. Alternatively, it could be replaced or permanently removed from use.
Unsafe electrical equipment should be labelled indicating it is unsafe and must not be used. This
is to prevent inadvertent use before the electrical equipment can be tested, repaired or replaced.

3.2              Inspecting and testing electrical equipment
Inspecting and testing electrical equipment will assist in determining whether it is electrically safe.
Regular visual inspection can identify obvious damage, wear or other conditions that might make electrical equipment unsafe. Many electrical defects are detectable by visual inspection.
Regular testing can detect electrical faults and deterioration that cannot be detected by visual inspection.
The nature and frequency of inspection and testing will vary depending on the nature of the workplace and the risks associated with the electrical equipment.
Lower-risk workplaces include those workplaces that are dry, clean, well-organised and free of conditions that are likely to result in damage to electrical equipment, for example an office, retail shop, telecommunications centre, classroom, etc. Electrical equipment commonly used in these types of lower-risk