Why Electrical Risk Assessments Are Essential
An electrical risk assessment is a systematic process for identifying electrical hazards, evaluating the risks they pose, and implementing controls to eliminate or minimise those risks. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, all Perth businesses are required to manage risks to health and safety, including electrical risks.
Risk assessments are not a one-time exercise. They should be conducted before new work activities begin, when changes occur in the workplace, after incidents or near-misses, and at regular intervals to ensure existing controls remain effective.
Step 1: Hazard Identification
The first step is to identify all electrical hazards in your workplace. Walk through every area and consider:
Equipment Hazards
- Portable electrical equipment with visible damage
- Equipment with expired test tags
- Equipment that has failed testing but remains in use
- Non-compliant or uncertified equipment
- Equipment used outside its rated conditions
Installation Hazards
- Missing or inadequate RCD protection
- Overloaded circuits or power boards
- Damaged wiring, outlets, or switches
- Exposed conductors or live parts
- Inadequate circuit protection (incorrectly rated fuses or breakers)
Environmental Hazards
- Wet or damp conditions near electrical equipment
- Flammable materials near electrical sources
- Confined spaces with electrical equipment
- Outdoor exposure of equipment not rated for weather
- Extreme temperatures affecting equipment performance
Human Factor Hazards
- Untrained staff using electrical equipment
- Staff bypassing safety devices (RCDs, guards)
- Misuse of equipment for unintended purposes
- Staff bringing personal electrical items from home
- Contractor equipment entering the workplace untested
Step 2: Risk Assessment Using a Risk Matrix
Once hazards are identified, assess the likelihood of an incident occurring and the consequences if it does. Use a standard risk matrix:
Likelihood Levels:
- Almost Certain � expected to occur in most circumstances
- Likely � will probably occur at some time
- Possible � could occur at some time
- Unlikely � not expected to occur
- Rare � may occur only in exceptional circumstances
Consequence Levels:
- Catastrophic � death, multiple injuries, or major property damage
- Major � serious injury, significant property damage
- Moderate � minor injury, moderate property damage
- Minor � first aid injury, minor property damage
- Insignificant � no injury, negligible damage
Combine likelihood and consequence to determine the risk level: Extreme, High, Medium, or Low.
Step 3: Control Measures
Apply the hierarchy of controls to address each identified risk:
- Elimination � remove the hazard entirely (e.g., replace mains-powered equipment with battery-operated alternatives)
- Substitution � replace the hazard with something less risky (e.g., use low-voltage equipment where possible)
- Engineering controls � physically isolate people from the hazard (e.g., install RCDs, circuit protection, enclosed switchboards)
- Administrative controls � change the way people work (e.g., implement testing schedules, training programs, safe work procedures)
- Personal protective equipment � provide PPE as a last line of defence (e.g., insulated tools, electrical-rated gloves)
Step 4: Documentation
Your electrical risk assessment must be documented and include:
- Date of the assessment and names of the assessment team
- Area or activity assessed
- All identified hazards
- Risk ratings for each hazard
- Control measures proposed or implemented
- Residual risk after controls are applied
- Person responsible for implementing each control
- Timeline for implementation
Step 5: Review Process
Risk assessments must be reviewed:
- At least annually as part of your safety management cycle
- After any electrical incident or near-miss
- When new equipment is introduced to the workplace
- When workplace conditions change (e.g., new layout, different activities)
- When new information becomes available about electrical risks
- When regulatory requirements change
Conclusion
Electrical risk assessments are a fundamental requirement of workplace safety management in Australia. By systematically identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing controls, and regularly reviewing your assessments, you can create a workplace where electrical risks are understood, managed, and minimised. Make risk assessment an integral part of your safety culture, not just a compliance exercise.