Arc flash risk whilst drilling on or near energised electrical equipment
The purpose of this Safety Alert is to highlight the risk of using power tools to drill on or near live electrical equipment.
Background
The NT WorkSafe Electrical Safety Unit has been alerted to two incidents recently where workers using power tools has resulted in arc flashes, and in one case burn injuries.
In the first incident a communications technician drilled into the back panel of a switchboard escutcheon panel with a step drill, the drill tip contacted a live busbar resulting in an arc flash. The worker escaped injury.
In the second incident a tradesman and apprentice were drilling out a cable lug on a battery bank. The opposite end of the lugged cable was still connected to a battery terminal. Whilst drilling, the drill has contacted a live conductor causing an arc flash, a small fire and burns to both workers.
Possible contributing factors
- The equipment being worked on in both incidents was energised.
- Effective de-energisation and isolation (lock out, tag out) was not undertaken prior to initiation of the task.
- The work being performed differed from the activities outlined in the Safe Work Method Statement and the risks had not been adequately assessed or documented.
- The lack of risk assessment meant there were insufficient controls for working near live conductors.
Action required
- Undertake a risk assessment prior to commencing work and whenever there is a change to the scope of work.
- Ensure effective de-energisation and isolation (lock out, tag out) be undertaken prior to commencing work.
- Review controls for working on or near live conductors.
- Ensure appropriate personal protective equipment, including face shields/eye protection and gloves are available and used.
Further information
For further information, please refer to the following:
Codes of Practice
Legislation
- Electrical Safety Act 2022
- Part 2 of the Electrical Safety Regulations 2024 applies to managing risks to health and safety.
Other guidance
- AS/NZS 4836:2023 Safe working on or near low-voltage and extra-low voltage electrical installations and equipment
The official Australian and New Zealand Standard that sets out safety principles, guidelines, and procedures for working on or near low-voltage (LV) and extra-low voltage (ELV) electrical installations and equipment.
Disclaimer
This Safety Alert contains safety information following inquires made by NT WorkSafe about an incident or unsafe practice. The information contained in this Alert does not necessarily include the outcome of NT WorkSafe’s action with respect to an incident. NT WorkSafe does not warrant the information in this Alert is complete or up-to-date and does not accept any liability for the information in this report or as to its use.