Electrical safety Toolbox Talk
Electricity can cause fatal shock, burns and fire without warning. Use the correct supply, protect cables and isolate before any intervention.
Key points
- Use battery or reduced-voltage equipment where reasonably practicable.
- Inspect plugs, cables, connectors and casings before use.
- Protect supplies with suitable RCDs and test them as instructed.
- Route and protect cables from water, sharp edges, heat and vehicles.
- Isolate, lock off and prove dead before electrical work.
- Keep distribution equipment closed, dry and accessible.
- Only competent and authorised people may repair or alter electrical systems.
Do
- Remove damaged equipment from service.
- Use weather-suitable connectors.
- Follow the isolation procedure.
Don't
- Do not tape over damaged cables as a repair.
- Do not overload adaptors or reels.
- Do not work live unless a competent assessment meets the strict legal conditions.
Questions to ask the group
- Where is the isolation point?
- How will dead be proved?
- What protects this circuit?
References: Electricity at Work Regulations 1989; HSE HSG85 Electricity at work: Safe working practices