Electrical safety at work
Electricity can kill if you give it the chance. This page gives a quick reference for employers and self-employed people to carry out their obligations under the legislation. Although it covers the main points for most types of workplace, it is not a complete list.
Even if you survive an electric shock, there can be serious side effects. These can include:
- burns
- eye damage
- partial loss of limb function
- neurological disorders such as confusion and memory loss
- injuries caused after the shock (e.g. falling from a ladder or contact with moving machinery).
The Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (PDF, 1 MB) sets out specific requirements about electrical equipment and installations at a workplace.
The regulation covers some of the things that you must do as a minimum. These requirements include:
- protecting extension leads and flexible cables (PDF, 335 KB) from damage
- using safety switches in certain situations
- inspecting, testing and tagging certain electrical equipment on a regular basis
- removing defective equipment from service
- removing safety switches from service if they are not working properly
- not using double adaptors and piggyback plugs to do certain work
Extension cords must be regularly tested and tagged.
Employers and self-employed people must also ensure electrical equipment is maintained in a safe condition as part of fulfilling their obligations under the Electrical Safety Act 2002 (PDF, 788 KB).
How does the regulation apply to you regarding extension cords and flexible leads?
All employers and self-employed people must locate and protect extension leads and flexible cables so they are not damaged by anything (including liquid). For example, using a suitable cover to provide protection against crushing or other damage in pedestrian and vehicle traffic areas.
Last updated July 20, 2005
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