Electrical Safety Awareness

Contact with electricity is one of the top causes of fatal accidents on UK construction sites.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require all electrical systems to be safe and properly maintained.
Mains voltage at 230 volts can kill — even lower voltages can cause serious burns and cardiac arrest.
All portable tools on site should be 110 volt supplied through a centre-tapped earth transformer.
Overhead power lines and underground cables are major hazards during excavation and lifting operations.
Only competent, qualified persons are permitted to carry out electrical work on construction sites.
Residual current devices protect against earth faults but do not prevent all types of electric shock.
Damaged cables, overloaded sockets, and poor connections cause electrical fires on site regularly.
Wet conditions significantly increase the risk of electric shock from faulty equipment or exposed wiring.
All portable electrical equipment must be regularly inspected and PAT tested at required intervals.

Prevent electrocution	Electric shock kills instantly or causes cardiac arrest — there is no margin for error with live electricity.
Prevent fires	Faulty wiring and overloaded circuits are a leading cause of construction site fires, putting everyone at risk.
Legal compliance	The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 impose strict duties; breaches carry unlimited fines and custodial sentences.
Protect others nearby	An electrical incident can affect multiple people in the area through arcing, fire spread, or secondary contact.

Do

Don't

Use 110 volt tools and equipment on site wherever possible.
Visually inspect all leads, plugs, and equipment before every use.
Ensure all temporary electrical installations are set up by a qualified electrician.
Use RCDs on all 230 volt supplies and test them daily before use.
Report any damaged cables, broken plugs, or scorched sockets immediately.
Keep electrical equipment dry and never handle plugs or tools with wet hands.
Confirm isolation and prove dead before working on any electrical system.
Identify overhead power lines before using cranes, MEWPs, or tall plant nearby.
Check PAT test labels are current on all portable equipment before use.
Follow the permit to work procedure for all electrical isolation activities.

DON'T use 230 volt tools on site unless no 110 volt alternative exists.
DON'T use equipment with damaged leads, cracked casings, or missing guards.
DON'T carry out any electrical work unless you are a qualified electrician.
DON'T bypass, remove, or bridge RCDs or other safety protection devices.
DON'T ignore sparking, burning smells, or tripping circuits — investigate immediately.
DON'T use electrical equipment in rain or standing water without proper protection.
DON'T assume a circuit is dead — always test with a proving unit before touching.
DON'T raise plant, ladders, or scaffolding near overhead power lines without a plan.
DON'T daisy-chain extension leads or overload socket outlets on site.
DON'T attempt to repair electrical faults yourself — report and isolate the supply.

See also: Overhead Power Lines | Isolation & Safe Systems of Work

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