Why You Need an Electrical Safety Checklist
Electrical safety in the workplace is not something that can be managed by testing and tagging alone. While regular AS/NZS 3760 testing is essential, a proactive, day-to-day approach to electrical safety is equally important. An electrical safety checklist empowers employees and managers to identify and address hazards before they cause harm.
This comprehensive 25-point checklist is designed for Perth businesses of all sizes and covers the key areas of workplace electrical safety. Print it out, adapt it to your specific environment, and use it as part of your regular safety routines.
Equipment Safety Checks
1. All Portable Equipment Is Currently Tagged and Within Test Date
Walk through your workplace and verify that every piece of portable electrical equipment displays a current test tag. Check that the next test date has not passed. Items with expired tags must be taken out of service until retested.
2. No Equipment Shows Visible Damage
Inspect all equipment for signs of physical damage including cracked housings, broken switches, missing guards, and loose components. Damaged equipment must be removed from service immediately, tagged as faulty, and reported to the appropriate person.
3. Power Cords Are in Good Condition
Check all power cords for cuts, abrasions, kinks, and signs of overheating. Pay particular attention to the points where cords enter plugs and equipment, as these are common failure points. Replace damaged cords�never attempt to repair them with tape.
4. Plugs Are Undamaged and Securely Fitted
Inspect all plugs for cracked housings, bent or missing pins, and loose connections. A plug that feels warm during use may indicate a poor connection and should be replaced.
5. Equipment Is Used According to Manufacturer Instructions
Ensure all equipment is being used for its intended purpose and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Misuse of equipment is a leading cause of electrical incidents.
RCD Protection Checks
6. All Required Circuits Have RCD Protection
Verify that RCD protection is installed on all circuits supplying portable equipment, particularly in areas with increased risk of electric shock such as kitchens, outdoor areas, and construction zones.
7. RCDs Have Been Tested Within the Required Period
Check the test records for all RCDs. Portable RCDs must be tested every 3 months (push-button test) with a full operating time test annually. Fixed RCDs should be tested annually.
8. RCD Test Buttons Function Correctly
Perform a push-button test on each RCD by pressing the test button. The device should trip immediately. If any RCD fails to trip, disconnect it from service and arrange for replacement or repair.
9. RCD Test Results Are Documented
Confirm that all RCD test results are recorded and retained. Records should include the RCD identification, test date, test type, results, and tester details.
Power Board and Distribution Checks
10. Power Boards Are Not Daisy-Chained
Daisy-chaining�plugging one power board into another�is a serious fire hazard and is strictly prohibited. Each power board should be plugged directly into a fixed outlet.
11. Power Boards Are Not Overloaded
Check that no power board is supplying more equipment than its rated capacity. A standard 10-amp power board should not exceed 2,400 watts total load. Overloaded power boards are a major cause of electrical fires.
12. Power Boards Have Overload Protection
Verify that all power boards are fitted with a built-in overload protection device such as a circuit breaker or fuse. Avoid using cheap, unbranded power boards that lack this critical safety feature.
13. Power Boards Are Positioned Safely
Power boards should be positioned where they are not subject to physical damage, moisture, or excessive heat. They should never be placed on the floor in areas where they could be walked on or run over by trolleys.
Extension Lead Safety Checks
14. Extension Leads Are Rated for the Load
Check that all extension leads are appropriately rated for the equipment they supply. A lightweight extension lead should never be used to power high-draw equipment such as heaters, kettles, or power tools.
15. Extension Leads Are Not Run Through Walls or Ceilings
Extension leads should never be run through walls, ceilings, under doors, or across walkways where they can be damaged. If permanent power is needed, have a fixed outlet installed by a licensed electrician.
16. Extension Leads Are Fully Unwound When in Use
Coiled extension leads can overheat and cause fires. Always fully unwind extension leads before use to allow heat to dissipate.
17. Leads Are Protected from Physical Damage
Where extension leads must cross walkways or be exposed to vehicle traffic, use appropriate cable protectors or ramps to prevent damage.
Visual Inspection Routine
18. Staff Are Trained to Perform Basic Visual Inspections
Every employee who uses electrical equipment should be able to perform a basic visual inspection. Provide training on what to look for and encourage a culture of reporting damaged equipment immediately.
19. Visual Inspections Are Conducted Before Each Use
Implement a policy requiring users to visually inspect equipment before each use. This simple habit can catch obvious defects between formal test dates.
20. A Formal Visual Inspection Schedule Is Maintained
In addition to user checks, schedule formal visual inspections at regular intervals. Monthly walk-throughs of the workplace by a designated safety officer are recommended.
Environment and Installation Checks
21. Equipment Is Kept Away from Water Sources
Ensure electrical equipment is positioned away from sinks, basins, and other water sources. In wet areas, use equipment rated for the conditions and ensure RCD protection is in place.
22. Adequate Ventilation Exists Around Electrical Equipment
Equipment that generates heat�such as computers, printers, and chargers�requires adequate ventilation to prevent overheating. Do not block ventilation openings or cover equipment while in use.
23. Flammable Materials Are Kept Away from Electrical Sources
Paper, cardboard, cleaning chemicals, and other flammable materials should be stored away from electrical outlets, power boards, and equipment that generates heat.
24. Emergency Shut-Off Procedures Are in Place
Ensure all employees know how to quickly disconnect power in an emergency. Clearly label circuit breakers and isolating switches, and include emergency shut-off procedures in your safety induction.
25. A Reporting System Exists for Electrical Faults
Implement a clear, accessible system for reporting electrical faults and hazards. Reports should be acted upon promptly, and defective equipment should be removed from service immediately.
Implementing the Checklist
To get the most out of this checklist:
- Customise it for your specific workplace and industry
- Schedule regular reviews � monthly for high-risk environments, quarterly for offices
- Assign responsibility for each check to specific individuals or roles
- Document findings and track corrective actions
- Integrate it with your broader workplace health and safety management system
Conclusion
Electrical safety is everyone's responsibility. This 25-point checklist, combined with a robust test and tag program, creates multiple layers of protection against electrical hazards. Use it consistently, act on findings promptly, and build a culture where electrical safety is a daily priority�not an afterthought.