Toolbox Talk: Working with electricity

Introduction

There is no electrical appliance that will provide 100% protection. It is important for you to:

• Use well maintained equipment and use the right tool for the task
• Receive the necessary training on how to operate equipment safely.
• Undertake forward planning (task analysis) to avoid tragedy.

Working with electricity on site

Due to the short-term nature of many construction sites, electrical equipment is often used over multiple work site locations that are visited by several contractors.

This means it can be difficult to ensure electrical equipment on site has been appropriately maintained and tested. Electricity used outdoors, where water may be present, requires special precautions.

The Electricity Safety Regulations require that installations, fittings and appliances used at construction sites are 'electrically safe’.

IDENTIFY electrical hazards

Electrical hazards should be considered when working on any construction site. They can arise in the following places:

• Sockets and plugs
• Light bulbs
• Water supplies
• Overhead lines
• Temporary supply switch boards
• Electrical cords
• Electrical equipment
• Electrically powered tools

ASSESS the danger

Before doing any work make sure people using the equipment are trained and competent in its use.

Sockets and plugs

These must be correct. Do not use double adapters. Equipment must have a minimum ingress protection rating of IP33 for indoor use and IP44 for outdoor use.

Water supplies

Ensure effective drainage so that excess water can safely drain and disperse and be kept away from electrical tools and equipment.

Temporary supply switch boards

These should:

• Be weatherproof and designed to ensure accidental access to wiring cannot be made.
• Have door and locking facilities with a sign stating "Keep closed".
• Have an insulated slot in the bottom to allow for leads.
• Be checked by a qualified electrical worker and issued a Certificate of Verification (CoV) confirming that the switchboard complies with AS/NZS 3000 and AS/NZS 3012.
• Have a periodic assessment at least every six months.
• Only have any work or alteration to the switch board carried out by a registered electrician.

Electrical cords

Use extensions cords that are the correct size or rating for the equipment/tool being used. Inspect extension cords prior to use, discarding all damaged or worn cords.

Electrical equipment

All power tools should have a safety control switch which operates the 'motor only' option when held in 'on’ position'.

Electrically powered tools

Must be visually inspected before use. Tested every 3 months and tagged with the test date. Removed from service if found to be faulty.

MANAGE - check electrical tools and equipment regularly

All electrical tools and equipment should be inspected by a competent person every three months.

• All power tools must have an identification tag stating the date of the last inspection and when the next inspection is due.
• Do not use electrical appliance that may be damaged. Remove equipment or tools from service when faulty or damaged and label them 'DO NOT USE'.
• Store equipment carefully, securely, and safely.
• Light bulbs - it is recommended to replace bulbs to LED bulbs or to a lower wattage bulb than recommended to prevent overheating.
• Temporary switch boards - should be sheltered to ensure they are not affected by weather. Switch boards should be designed for a construction site and include a circuit breaker and RCD, ensuring no adapters or piggyback plugs are used.
• Electrical cords - put cords safely away after use and store somewhere dry.

The supply of power and use of electrical appliances and equipment should comply with the following:

• Electricity Act 1992
• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-service Safety Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment
• AS/NZS 3012:2010 Electrical Installations Construction and Demolition Sites
• Approved Code of Practice for Demolition

Remember: Portable power tools should be connected to power outlets via an earth leakage residual current device, commonly known as an RCD. It should be tested daily.

Further resources

Electrical (Safety) Regulations 2010 (NZ Legislation website)