The main ways electricity hurts people in the workplace are:  

• contact with exposed live parts causing electric shock and burns – this could be indirect, like exposed leads touching a metal floor or roof  

• faults causing fires 

• electricity igniting a flammable or explosive atmosphere – in a spray paint booth, for example. 

High-risk electrical equipment 

Some equipment is higher risk than others. Portable electrical equipment can get damaged easily, especially when moved often, like: 

• plugs 

• sockets 

• electrical cables 

• extension leads. 

Conditions with higher risk 

The risks for electricity are greatest in harsh conditions, for example: 

• outdoors or in wet surroundings where equipment can get wet and damaged 

• cramped spaces with earthed metalwork – such as inside a tank or bin – where it may be difficult to avoid shock in an electrical fault. 

Higher-risk workplaces for electricity 

Higher-risk workplaces are where the environment is likely to damage equipment. 

Some higher-risk workplaces include: 

• wet or dusty areas 

• outdoors 

• workplaces that use corrosive substances 

• commercial kitchens 

• manufacturing environments. 

There are extra WHS duties if your workplace is higher risk than others. 

Lower-risk workplaces for electricity 

Lower-risk workplaces are free of conditions likely to damage to electrical equipment. 

These workplaces are dry, clean and well-organised. Some lower-risk workplaces include: 

• an office 

• retail shop 

• classroom. 

Although regular testing and inspecting electrical equipment is not required in lower-risk workplaces, you may still want to test and inspect to ensure it’s safe.