Repairing electrical equipment
Hazard identification
Risk assessment
Control measures
This information caters for those who work on equipment, machinery or appliances where there is a risk of contact with exposed live electrical parts.
This may include:
- an appliance repairer replacing a mechanical part in an electrical appliance, such as a water hose in an electric dishwasher
- a maintenance worker repairing, replacing, adjusting or calibrating hydraulic components in industrial machinery
This information may also be useful to electrical workers performing electrical work next to another exposed live electrical part.
Hazard identification
You should follow a basic risk management process:
- Look at the site and identify any potential hazards
- assess the risk of injuring yourself and other workers
- Use appropriate control measures
Examples of dangerous situations include:
- exposed live electrical parts
- restricted working space making it difficult to gain access to mechanical parts without going very near or touching exposed live electrical parts
- mechanical movement of parts of the appliance resulting in accidental contact with exposed live parts
Risk assessment
Where a hazard has been identified, a risk assessment must be conducted. Some factors to be considered include:
- the type of work being carried out and tools or equipment used
- proximity of the work to exposed live parts
- the conductive natures of the tools and equipment being used
For a more information on these factors, read section 10.3 of the Code of Practice - Working Near Exposed Live Parts.
Control measures
Use the preferred hierarchy of control measures when determining safe work practices:
- Eliminate the hazard – this could involve:
- having the electricity supply to the equipment or situation isolated. When disconnecting equipment from supply by the plug or detachable connection, a method should be applied to ensure the equipment is not reconnected while the work is undertaken
- Substitute with a less hazardous process or equipment:
- for example, using non-conductive or insulated tools to perform the work;
- replacing rather than repairing the faulty part could mean shorter downtime and not having to work live
- Isolate the hazard – this could involve:
- erecting a physical barrier to prevent contact with electrical hazards, directly or indirectly
- Redesign the equipment or work process – this could involve:
- designing and installing equipment that does not have live parts near the work area
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment – this may mean the use of:
- insulating gloves
More information on the repair of electrical equipment is available in section 10 of the Code of Practice - Working Near Exposed Live Parts.
Last updated July 16, 2005
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