Electrical safety

Electricity is an integral part of modern day society and is a critical component for many industries. Electricity is also inherently dangerous with the potential to cause serious injury and death.

The following bulletins provide information on safe practices relating to the use of electricity and the technical and safety standards for electrical installations.

Notification requirement

It is a requirement under legislation to notify NT WorkSafe of all electric shocks which occur in the workplace, regardless of if the shock resulted in an injury or not.

In planning and undertaking work it is important to understand the risks and responsibilities incumbent upon the owners, operators and contractors intending to organise and undertake the work.

The bulletins and forms presented below outline the regulatory documents used in the Northern Territory to regulate the electrical industry. All forms must be completed correctly, clearly and contain relevant information.

Related Forms and Resources

Bulletins
Certificate of Compliance (CoC) - Electrical Safety
Certification requirements for installing Photo Voltaic (PV) Panels on buildings
Competent persons
Electrical contractor information - Connection of new installations
Electrical hazards associated with underground cables
Electrical installation work on mine sites
Electrical safety - Cleaning split system air-conditioners
Electrical safety - Identifying mismatched d.c. connectors in solar PV installations
Electrical safety - Notices of Non-Compliance
Electrical safety in the construction of showers and bathrooms
Electrical switchboard panels and meter panels containing asbestos
Equipotential bonding for pools and spas
Exemptions from the Wiring Rules or Electricity Reform Act 2000 and Regulations
Grid protection requirements for Solar PV installations over 30 Kilowatts
Ground mounted solar PhotoVoltaic arrays
Importation of electrical and electronic products
Installation of vertical earth (stake) electrodes
Main Switches in CT metered installations
Managing foil ceiling insulation electrical safety risks – for householders and tradespersons
Relocatable dwellings - electrical safety
Requirements for all electrical work on meter boxes and consumer switchboards in existing homes
Residual current devices (RCD) or safety switches
Safe use of extension cords
Safe use of lithium-ion batteries at home and in the workplace
Safe use of power boards
Safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment on construction sites
Safety requirement for roof top solar on commercial buildings and unit complexes
Safety requirements for installing Battery Energy Storage Systems
Separation distances required between pools and spas, and electrical infrastructure
Solar PV Batteries – Information for home and business owners
Test and tag of electrical equipment
Use of standby power systems in domestic situations
Voltmeter measurements - Testing foil insulation
Work health and safety requirements for Solar PV installers
Working close to overhead and underground power lines, gas pipes, and other infrastructure
Checklists
Electrical test checklist
Forms
Application for certificate of compliance book - Electrical
Electrical safety certificate of compliance
Verification of electrical installation
Guides
Controlling risks associated with Electroplating
Electrical equipment and gas installations at markets, shows and sporting events
Incident information release
Worker suffers burns after arc flash incident
Electrician lucky to escape arc flash injury
Multiple machine operators across the Territory taking down power lines

A Safety Alert is an urgent, short communication that describes a work practice, incident or item that NT WorkSafe believes presents an immediate risk and requires corrective action. A Safety Alert provides background information, contributing factors and outlines controls, which NT WorkSafe has identified as practical measures that may assist eliminate or reduce the risk.

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Alerts
Product safety recall: Jinko Solar Australia Holdings Co. Pty Ltd – SunTank hybrid inverter
Apprentice suffers electric shock and falls from roof
Product safety recall: Growatt New Energy Australia Pty Ltd — solar power inverters
Product safety recall: LG Energy Solution Australia Pty Ltd – ESS Home Energy Storage System Batteries
Incorrect installation increases risk of DC isolator fires
Product Safety Recall: Davey Water Products Pty Ltd — Spa Quip 800 and 1200 Spa Controllers
Power tool battery fires
Product Safety Recall - ESS Home Energy Storage System Batteries
Damaged, defective or degraded overhead electrical infrastructure
Power off switchboards before entering ceiling space
Isolation of solar from backup generators
DC Solar isolator fire
Serious crush injury highlights failure of safety in building and plant design
Hazards of using load skates
Electrical safety risks in ceiling spaces
Risk of fire in old power factor correction assemblies
Using back-up generators with Solar PV installations
Use of 240 volt submersible pumps
Flood damage – Alice Springs
Fire risk in older model Polycom conference phone
Electrocution risk for home DIY repairs
Solar panel DC isolator fire risk
Electrical power tools onboard fishing vessels
Electric shock hazards associated with excessive sweating whilst using mains powered tools
Christmas lights - electrical safety
Working near energised high voltage cables
Working with energised electrical lines
Working at height around live electrical installations
Incorrect installation of thermal insulation around electrical equipment and accessories