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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how electrical risks are identified and managed in their workplace. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions where electrical equipment, installations, or tasks are involved. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear, structured way to sense-check everyday electrical safety practices.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control for electrical hazards in real work situations. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where current practices appear effective and where gaps or weaknesses may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Electrical risks can exist in many workplaces, even where electrical work is not the main activity. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like in everyday workplace safety. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps set clearer priorities for improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on how electrical equipment and tasks are actually managed rather than how they are expected to be managed. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real conditions, supervision, and use.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when work activities, equipment, or risks change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how electrical risks are identified and managed in practice, not just on written rules. They look for evidence that hazards are recognised, risks are assessed, and controls are applied and maintained over time. Tools like this checklist support informed decision-making by showing that electrical safety has been actively considered.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that issues identified lead to practical changes.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to risk controls or work practices
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
What types of electrical risks does this checklist cover?
It covers common risks such as damaged equipment, unsafe use, exposure to live parts, and poor maintenance. The focus is on how risks are managed during normal work.
Is this checklist only for electrical workers?
No. Electrical risks exist in offices, retail, workshops, and other workplaces. The checklist is useful wherever electrical equipment is used.
Does completing the checklist mean electrical risks are controlled?
No. The checklist helps identify strengths and gaps but does not control risks on its own. It supports review and improvement.
When should electrical risks be reviewed?
Reviews are useful when equipment changes, new tasks are introduced, or incidents occur. Many businesses also review periodically.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s147–s166 – Electrical Safety – Establishes duties relating to electrical equipment, installations, testing, and the management of electrical risks in workplaces.
Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace – Provides practical guidance on identifying electrical hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective control measures.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.