Reducing Electrical Risks in the Workplace

Prioritising Electrical Safety On Site

Electrical safety in the Brisbane workplace isn’t just about ticking a box – it’s about saving lives and keeping your team free from harm. At Voltora Industries, we couldn’t be more passionate about on-site safety. Proactively managing electrical risks prevents damage to people and property, supports continuity and keeps a work site productive! 

If you operate a business or are a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Act legally requires you to manage electrical risks in the workplace. In this article, we’ve put together some information to help you do that. 

Remember you can always get in touch with the Voltora team if you have any questions about electrical safety, or need the guidance of expert electricians Just give us a ring on 1300 799 430.

Common Workplace Electrical Risks

‘An electrical risk is a risk to a person of death, shock or other injury caused directly or indirectly by electricity’, according to Worksafe Queensland. 

Shut down the electricity and most workplaces couldn’t go on. We rely on it, but it comes with risks. Even brief contact can result in shocks, burns and fatalities, and can lead to other injuries such as falling from ladders or scaffolding. 

Some of the more common electrical hazards you’ll find in a Queensland workplace include: 

• Damaged or exposed electrical cables, often caused by wear and tear or poor installation.
• Inadequate maintenance of equipment leading to overheating, arcing, or mechanical failure.
• Missing or bypassed safety features, such as removed or disabled RCDs or circuit breakers.
• Misusing extension leads and power boards, for example overloading circuits or daisy-chaining power boards.
• Unmarked electrical installations that pose serious dangers during renovations or maintenance work.
• Working near overhead or underground power lines in construction and outdoor settings.
  

These are real, physical hazards we regularly encounter at Voltora. They’re not just an electrical shock threat – they can result in fires or even explosions, depending on the work atmosphere. Working in a damp environment or near water can also exacerbate electrical risks. So, what can be done to mitigate them?

Managing Electrical Safety

Let’s take a look at effective ways you can manage electrical safety on a worksite.

Don’t DIY Electrical Work

One of the most important steps is to ensure that only qualified, licensed electricians carry out any electrical work at your workplace. Attempting to DIY it or getting in a mate who knows a little bit about electrics to help out is a big no-no. An electrician like Voltora Industries ensures work is carried out safely and meets all state and national standards. 

Examples of electrical work you should call the pros in for include installing new electrical systems, repairing or upgrading switchboards and of course anything to do with live wiring. If you’re unsure about a job, it’s better to err on the side of caution and get the pros in. 

Regular Testing and Tagging

In Queensland, electrical equipment and switches need to be regularly tested and tagged by a competent person to ensure they’re in good working order. The interval between tests depends on what industry your business operates in. Here are some examples: 

⋅ Construction sites: Every three months
⋅ Manufacturing/industrial sites: Every six to 12 months
⋅ Office environments: Every two to five years

If equipment fails a test, it needs to be taken out of use and marked as such. 

Installing Safety Switches

Residual current devices (RCDs), also known as safety switches, cut off the electricity supply if it detects a dangerous imbalance or a harmful leak. They can be the difference between life and death as they cut the power in milliseconds and minimise the chance of electrocution. Voltora Industries recommends installing safety switches on all circuits for comprehensive protection.

Managing Extension Leads and Power Boards

Workplaces are busy and team members are trying to get as much done in the time allocated to them. This shouldn’t mean compromising on electrical safety though! Shortcuts are often taken  when it comes to extension cords and power boards, and the result can be overloaded circuits, increased fire risk, and potential harm to staff or equipment. 

To reduce risks associated with them, follow these tips:

• Never use damaged leads or cracked power boards.
• Don’t daisy chain power boards. Linking multiple boards together can overload the circuit.
• Secure leads to prevent tripping hazards.
• Use weather-rated leads outdoors and keep cords away from heat, water, and sharp edges.
• Label and inspect cords regularly, especially in high foot traffic areas.
• Use battery-operated tools instead of cords where possible.
  

Hierarchy of Controls for Electrical Safety

Many businesses turn to the ‘Hierarchy of Controls’ to help manage electrical safety. It’s a system that can be applied to all risk management – it ranks risk controls from the highest level of protection to the lowest and least reliable protection. The hierarchy is structured like this: 

1. Eliminate the hazard: Make sure the electrical hazard no longer exists. For example, doing work at ground level instead of at heights. 
2. Substitute the hazard – An example would be switching to a process that uses less electrical current, or opting for battery-powered tools rather than mains-connected ones.
3. Engineering controls – These prevent the hazard from coming into contact with worker. They include residual current devices (RCDs), safety switches, circuit breakers, and surge protection.
4. Administrative controls – These give the workers more information, or change the way work is done. They include safe work procedures, warning signage, and training programs to help reinforce safety protocols.
5. Personal protective equipment (PPE) – As a last line of defence, PPE like insulated gloves, arc flash clothing, and face shields can reduce the severity of injuries.
   

Partner with Voltora Industries for Complete Electrical Safety

No matter what industry you operate in here in Brisbane or South East Queensland, partnering with Voltora Industries will ensure the highest standards in electrical safety at your workplace. 

We have a team of qualified Brisbane electricians providing tailored electrical safety solutions to keep you compliant and productive. Whether you’re running a warehouse, managing a retail outlet, or overseeing a corporate office, we’re here to make sure your electrical systems support your success in the safest way possible. Get proactive with your electrical safety and contact Voltora Industries today.