Working On or Near Live Electrical
reg 157 · reg 158 · AS/NZS 3000
Why it matters
Work on or near energised electrical installations is high risk construction work, and it kills quickly. The rule is simple: work de-energised. Live work is prohibited except in the narrow cases the regulations allow, and even then only with the preliminary steps done first. Test for dead every single time, no matter who told you it was off.
Hazards
- ⚠ Assuming a circuit is dead because someone said so
- ⚠ Working live to save time when the job could be isolated
- ⚠ Stored energy in capacitors and back-fed supplies
- ⚠ Contact with overhead or underground services
- ⚠ No safety observer during permitted live work
- ⚠ Damaged leads and unprotected temporary supply
Controls and safe practices
- ✓ Plan the work de-energised: energised work is prohibited except in the limited circumstances of reg 157.
- ✓ Where live work is unavoidable and permitted, complete the preliminary steps in reg 158 first: risk assessment, authorisation, and a safety observer.
- ✓ Isolate, lock, and tag at the source, then test for dead with a tester proved on a known live source before and after.
- ✓ Treat every conductor as live until you have personally proved it dead.
- ✓ Wire and protect temporary site supply to AS/NZS 3000 and keep leads off the ground and out of water.
- ✓ Keep clear of overhead lines and locate underground services before you dig or drill.
Crew discussion questions
- What are we isolating today, and who holds the lock and tag?
- Is there any live work planned, and are the reg 158 steps in place?
- Where are the overhead and underground services on this site?
- How are we proving dead, and is the tester proven itself?
Applicable WHS citations
reg 157, reg 158, AS/NZS 3000
Download the print-ready PDF with sign-on sheet
Free. We send the download plus a fresh talk every week. Unsubscribe any time.
Builder asking for your SWMS?
We generate your site-specific Safe Work Method Statement in minutes, verified against your state's WHS legislation.
Build your SWMS for A$39More toolbox talks
- Temporary Power and Leads on Site
- Manual Handling and Your Back
- White Cards and Site Induction
- The SWMS You Just Signed
- PPE: The Last Line, Not the First
- Roof Work
Talks by trade
ElectricianSolar InstallerAll toolbox talks