Using safety observers

Live work apart from testing electrical equipment must have a safety observer.

Testing electrical equipment may not always require a safety observer but a risk assessment may show the need for a safety observer.

A safety observer is required for testing electrical equipment work where the risk assessment shows a high risk to electrical safety.

The safety observer (electrical) should:

• warn workers of danger
• perform rescue and resuscitation, if needed
• stop work before risks become too high.

The safety observer (electrical) should not:

• carry out work that compromises the role of observation
• have to observe more than one task at a time
• be situated in the work basket of an elevating work platform
• be regarded as the sole control measure to ensure electrical safety.

Refer to Section 6.3.4 of the Code of Practice for more details on safety observer (electrical) and safety observer zones for more information.