What is live work?
Live work is electrical work where part of the electrical equipment being worked on is energised.
Live work must have a safety observer unless you are testing electrical equipment.
Examples include:
- testing components of a television set that's switched on to do repairs
- testing to ensure correct connections and polarity
- tightening the terminals of live circuit breakers.
Live work is dangerous
Refer to Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Risk Management (PDF File, 616.5 KB) for details on:
- Risk assessment model
- Example of a risk assessment
It may be necessary to do some live work to test equipment. Refer to part 4.5 of the Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Electrical Work (PDF File, 740.7 KB) for more information on testing equipment.
Working live should only be done when there is no reasonable alternative.
Reasonable alternative does not mean not taking the time to de-energise because you are in a hurry.
Live work may be considered if working de-energised poses greater safety risks.
In many circumstances the risks of electrical work near exposed live parts can be equivalent to those of live electrical work.
Evaluation of the risks and development of controls as required in Section 12 ‘Requirements for performance of live work’ of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 gives help to develop safe work practices.
The following risk assessment model is in the Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Risk Management (PDF File, 616.5 KB) and the table below has examples of applied risk assessment and control measures.
Example of a risk assessment
| Electrical equipment | Hazard | Risk | Risk level | Control measures > |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main switchboard | If removed fuses have exposed live parts | Electric shock and explosion | Low | Regular visual check Replace fuses by suitably trained person |
| Workshop lighting is within arm’s reach | If internal parts of light fittings are accessed | Electric shock | Low | Regular visual check Have safety switch installed for lights Electrical maintenance work only by licensed electrical persons |
| Poles, cross arms and overhead lines | If damaged by vehicle or other incident | Electric shock | Medium | Protect poles from vehicular damage by barricading or by administrative controls |
| Refrigeration equipment | May have moisture ingress | Corrosion, electric shock risk | Medium | Regular inspection and maintenance Electrical maintenance work only by licensed electrical persons |
|
Socket outlets in workplace |
May have unsafe equipment plugged in, or outlets or wiring damaged | Electric shock | Medium | Regular visual check Maintenance plan for plug in equipment and safety switch protection |
Live work is restricted
The Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 - Electrical Work (PDF File, 740.7 KB) limits live work tasks to minimise dangers.
Breaching the code carries maximum penalties.