Risk Assessment for Electrical Works

The Uk Health and Safety Executive  states that A voltage as low as 50 volts applied between two parts of the human body causes a current to flow that can block the electrical signals between the brain and the muscles. This may have a number of effects including:

  • Stopping the heart beating properly
  • Preventing the person from breathing
  • Causing muscle spasms

Therefore a Risk Assessment must be carried out before carrying out electrical work, there are a number of risk areas and to reduce them the basic requirements are:-

  1. Adherence to any company health & safety Policy.
  2. Use of PPE at all times.
  3. Adherence to good house keeping practices.
  4. Ensure training of all staff is carried out.
  5. All electrical work to be carried out by qualified and certified staff only.

The main risks are:

Electric Shock:-

  • Isolation Points are correctly identified.
  • Permit to Work System.
  • Isolate power at DB board and use of switch-disconnector is advised.
  • Full training to be carried out and arranged by management.

Fire:-

  • Remove any existing flammable items from the work area.
  • Fire Extinguishers to be available at the work area.
  • Training all staff in good housekeeping practices.

Slips, Trips and Falls:     

  • Ensure that general housekeeping is carried out, trailing cables tidied.
  • Ensure that the correct foot ware is worn.
  • Warning signs set up where required especially on non-removable trip hazards.
  • Toolbox talks to be carried out.

Falling From Height:   (Scaffolding and Scaffold Towers)

  • Inspecting Scaffolding before use.
  • Ensuring Handrails are secure.
  • Airbags and netting where practicable.
  • Continual Toolbox talks to workers telling them NOT to interfere or miss use scaffolding.

Falls from mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPS)

  • Tools/materials falling from MEWPS or scaffolding
  • Fall arrest systems used where required.
  • Workers trained to not over-reach.
  • Toe Boards installed on Scaffolding.
  • Tools secured by rope to MEWPS
  • Good Housekeeping to ensure clear paths and work areas.

Falls from Ladders

  • Ladders to be a last resort, and to be used for short durations only.
  • Correct ladders used at all times.
  • Ensure ladders are secured and at correct angle.
  • Continual inspection of ladders before and after use.

(A full 3 page Risk Assessment is available HERE for purchase and instant download)

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