Working with energised electrical lines

The purpose of this Safety Alert is to highlight the danger of electric shocks and electrocution when working with energised electrical lines.

Background

An electrician was recently killed in Darwin’s rural area repairing damage to electrical infrastructure after a storm. The electrician was working with an energised electrical line when he came into contact with a portion of the line where the insulation had been damaged.

Contributing factors

• Workplace circumstances changed, when a branch cut from a tree came into contact with an electrical line causing it to pull away from the pole
• With the equipment available, it was not possible to conduct a thorough inspection of the electrical line to check for damage
• The electrical line was energised whilst work was being performed
• There was no evidence of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) being used.

Action required

• All employers and workers, including self-employed people, must ensure that all workplace hazards are identified and appropriate risk management measures are put in place to reduce the risks associated with the hazard
• When circumstances change during a job, time is taken to reassess and identify all workplace hazards and appropriate risk management measures are put in place
• Electrical installations are de-energised prior to the commencement of any work
• Electrical installations are tested to confirm they are de-energised before they are touched
• All workers are to ensure that the appropriate PPE is worn. Any tools or equipment being used must be appropriate for the task and the conditions.

Further information

Safety Alerts

• Working at height around live electrical installations

Information bulletins

• Working close to overhead and underground power lines, gas pipes, and other infrastructure