158Preliminary steps

158 Preliminary steps

(1)  A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure the following before electrical work on energised electrical equipment commences:

(a) a risk assessment is conducted in relation to the proposed electrical work;

(b) the area where the electrical work is to be carried out is clear of obstructions so as to allow for easy access and exit;

(c) the point at which the electrical equipment can be disconnected or isolated from its electricity supply is –

(i) clearly marked or labelled; and

(ii) clear of obstructions so as to allow for easy access and exit by the worker who is to carry out the electrical work or any other competent person; and

(iii) capable of being operated quickly;

(d) the person authorises the electrical work after consulting with the person with management or control of the workplace.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  For the purposes of subregulation (1)(a) , the risk assessment must be –

(a) conducted by a competent person; and

(b) recorded.

| Note | | Regulation 12 permits risk assessments to be conducted, in certain circumstances, in relation to a class of hazards, tasks, things or circumstances. |

(3)  Subregulation (1)(c) does not apply to electrical work on electrical equipment if –

(a) the work is to be carried out on the supply side of the main switch on the main switchboard for the equipment; and

(b) the point at which the equipment can be disconnected from its electricity supply is not reasonably accessible from the work location.