Temporary Power and Leads on Site

Why it matters

Builders supply and extension leads are the most abused electrical gear on any site. They get dragged through water, run over by plant, and joined with tape. Temporary supply on a construction site has its own standard, AS/NZS 3012, because site conditions are harder on gear than a finished building ever will be.

Hazards

• ⚠ Leads run through water, mud, or across traffic paths
• ⚠ Damaged insulation, taped joins, and missing earth pins
• ⚠ No RCD protection, or RCDs never tested
• ⚠ Overloaded outlets and daisy-chained power boards
• ⚠ Distribution boards left open to weather

Controls and safe practices

• ✓ Protect all site supply with RCDs and follow AS/NZS 3012 for construction and demolition sites.
• ✓ Test and tag leads and tools to the site schedule; remove anything failed or out of date.
• ✓ Keep leads off the ground on stands or hooks, and never across a traffic or wet area.
• ✓ Inspect leads before use: no cuts, no taped repairs, earth pin intact.
• ✓ Push-test RCDs on the schedule and keep distribution boards closed and weatherproof.
• ✓ Match the load to the supply: no daisy-chained boards.

Crew discussion questions

1. Where are leads currently running through water or across traffic?
2. When were the site RCDs last tested?
3. Who is responsible for test and tag on this job?
4. Are there any taped or damaged leads in use right now?

Applicable WHS citations

AS/NZS 3012, reg 157

More toolbox talks

• Manual Handling and Your Back
• White Cards and Site Induction
• The SWMS You Just Signed
• PPE: The Last Line, Not the First
• Heat and Fatigue
• Ladder Safety

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