Electrical

University workplace risks associated with use of electrical equipment are managed in accordance with the following regulatory and university documents:

• WHS Regulations 2012 (Part 4.7) – General Electrical Safety in Workplaces and Energised Electrical Work
• Managing Workplace Health and Safety Risks
• Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace (SafeWork SA: Codes of Practice)

The University's Facilities Management Unit (FMU) is responsible for managing building electrical installations and testing of fixed residual current devices for each campus. FMU also supervises contractors carrying out electrical work.

Inspection and testing of electrical equipment used UniSA's workplaces is carried out in accordance with the University procedure: In-service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.

Risk management

Typical safety controls for implementation by university workplaces include:

• Consider electrical safety in the purchase of new plant or equipment
• Ensure new electrical equipment conforms to Australian Standards or equivalent recognised international standards
• Ensure electrical safety is included in maintenance, servicing and repair of electrical equipment
• Inspect, test and tag applicable electrical equipment in accordance with the university procedure
• Check electrical safety in regular workplace inspections
• Ensure workplace training and SOPs incorporate electrical safety
• Ensure electrical equipment is modified or repaired only by competent personnel
• Report a hazard if electrical equipment is showing signs of damage or wear or may be unsafe
• Take action if equipment is found to be non-compliant or might be unsafe

Electrical safety issues

Some significant electrical safety issues within our University environment are:

• Use of electrical equipment in laboratories and fume cupboards – make sure electrical cords cannot come into contact with hot and/or wet surfaces such as hot plates or water baths.
• Use of overseas plugs and travel adaptors on electrical equipment from overseas – these are not adequately earthed and are non-compliant with Australian Standards. They must be replaced with Australian fittings.

Please note: The following forms are updated frequently. Please access the forms from this page and do not store a local copy to avoid using outdated forms.

Forms

• Electrical Equipment Register (WHS 25)

Procedures

• In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment
• Managing Workplace Health and Safety Risks

References and resources

• Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations 2012 (Legislation SA)
• Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace (SafeWork SA: Codes of Practice)
• AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment – Appendix 1