Working on or near live electrical systems is prohibited on UK construction sites except in extremely limited circumstances where it is unreasonable to isolate the supply. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 require that all electrical work is carried out dead wherever possible. Live working is a last resort that requires specific risk assessment, competent persons, and additional safety measures.
Key Hazards
Fatal electrocution from contact with live conductors during work
Arc flash burns causing severe facial and hand injuries
Secondary injuries from involuntary muscle contraction near live parts
Fire from short circuits created during work on live equipment
Control Measures
Isolate the supply and prove dead before starting any electrical work as the default procedure.
Permit live working only when it is unreasonable to work dead and a specific risk assessment is approved.
Ensure only authorised, competent electricians carry out any work near live conductors.
Use insulated tools, insulating matting, and arc-rated PPE for all permitted live working.
Erect barriers and warning signs around the live work area to prevent unauthorised approach.
Ensure a second competent person is present as a safety observer during live working.
Remove all conductive items including watches, rings, and chains before approaching live parts.
Use voltage-rated test instruments to prove dead and lock off before the main work begins.
Record all live working activities with the justification, risk assessment, and persons involved.
Emergency / Rescue
If someone receives an electric shock from a live system, do not touch them. Isolate the supply immediately using the nearest switch or circuit breaker. Call 999. Begin CPR if they are not breathing once the circuit is confirmed dead.
Remember
The default rule is always isolate, prove dead, and lock off before starting electrical work
Live working is only permitted when isolation is genuinely unreasonable and formally risk assessed
Only authorised, competent electricians may carry out work on or near live conductors
Use insulated tools, arc-rated PPE, and a safety observer during any permitted live work
Remove all conductive items from your person before approaching live electrical parts
Applicable Legislation: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (Regulation 14) · HSG85 (Electricity at Work: Safe Working Practices) · Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974