Electrical Safety Risk Assessment

Assessment Date: [DATE]

Assessor: [ASSESSOR NAME]

Department/Area: [DEPARTMENT/AREA]

Review Date: [REVIEW DATE]

1. Assessment Scope

This risk assessment covers all electrical work activities performed by employees, contractors, and visitors at the facility. It includes work on electrical systems and equipment operating at 50 volts or greater. Excluded from this assessment are low-voltage systems below 50 volts, such as communication and data cabling, unless these systems are located in proximity to higher voltage electrical hazards.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This risk assessment uses a 5x5 risk matrix to determine risk levels. The matrix considers likelihood and severity to assign a risk rating of Low, Medium, High, or Extreme. Control measures are selected based on the hierarchy of controls: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The risk assessment process involves hazard identification, risk analysis (initial risk rating), implementation of control measures, and reassessment of risk (residual risk rating).

3. Risk Matrix Reference

The following matrix is used to evaluate risk levels based on likelihood and severity:

		Likelihood
Rare	Unlikely	Possible	Likely	Almost Certain
Severity	Catastrophic	Low	Low	Medium	Medium	High
Major	Low	Medium	Medium	High	High
Moderate	Medium	Medium	High	High	Extreme
Minor	Medium	High	High	Extreme	Extreme
Negligible	High	High	Extreme	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts

Potential Consequences: Electrocution, electrical shock, burns, cardiac arrest, or death

Affected Persons: Electricians, technicians, operators, maintenance personnel, and any personnel working near exposed electrical equipment

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	High

Control Measures

• De-energize electrical equipment before starting work using lockout/tagout procedures
• Use insulated tools and equipment
• Maintain safe distances from exposed live parts
• Provide electrical safety training to all personnel
• Use appropriate PPE, including insulated gloves, sleeves, and arc-rated clothing

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

2. Arc flash

Potential Consequences: Severe burns, blindness, hearing loss, blast injuries, or death [2] [5] [5]

Affected Persons: Electricians, technicians, operators, and any personnel working on or near energized electrical equipment

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	High

Control Measures

• De-energize electrical equipment before starting work using lockout/tagout procedures
• Use arc-rated PPE, including face shields, clothing, and gloves
• Increase working distance from energized equipment
• Use remote operation techniques where possible
• Ensure proper maintenance and inspection of electrical equipment

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

3. Electrical shock

Potential Consequences: Electrical shock can result in burns, systemic shock, neurological damage, and ventricular fibrillation in the heart. [4]

Affected Persons: Electricians, technicians, operators, and any personnel working on or near electrical equipment

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• De-energize electrical equipment before starting work using lockout/tagout procedures
• Use insulated tools and equipment
• Maintain safe distances from exposed live parts
• Provide electrical safety training to all personnel
• Use appropriate PPE, including insulated gloves, sleeves, and arc-rated clothing
• Ensure proper grounding of electrical systems and equipment

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

4. Equipment failure due to poor maintenance

Potential Consequences: Electrical shock, arc flash, equipment damage, fire [1]

Affected Persons: Electricians, technicians, operators, maintenance personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Implement a preventive maintenance program for electrical equipment
• Conduct regular inspections of electrical equipment
• Replace worn or damaged components
• Ensure proper lubrication of moving parts
• Keep electrical drawings current

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

5. Improper use of extension cords

Potential Consequences: Electrical shock, fire, trips, and falls

Affected Persons: All personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Inspect extension cords for damage before each use
• Do not use damaged extension cords
• Use extension cords that are appropriate for the environment (e.g., heavy-duty for construction sites)
• Do not overload extension cords
• Do not run extension cords through doorways or across walkways
• Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) with extension cords in wet or damp locations

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

6. Working with Defective Power Tools

Potential Consequences: Electrical shock, burns, cuts, abrasions

Affected Persons: Electricians, technicians, maintenance personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Inspect power tools for damage before each use
• Do not use damaged power tools
• Ensure power tools are properly grounded or double-insulated
• Use power tools that are appropriate for the task
• Wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses and gloves

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

7. Falls from ladders or scaffolds due to electrical shock or arc blast

Potential Consequences: Fractures, sprains, strains, head injuries, or death [6]

Affected Persons: Electricians, technicians, maintenance personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

Control Measures

• Use fall protection equipment when working at heights
• Ensure ladders and scaffolds are properly erected and maintained
• Maintain three points of contact when climbing ladders
• Do not work on ladders or scaffolds in windy conditions
• De-energize electrical equipment before starting work at heights whenever possible

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Moderate	Low

8. Dust and condensation on insulating materials

Potential Consequences: Flashovers that create an arc discharge [2]

Affected Persons: Electricians, technicians, maintenance personnel

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Medium

Control Measures

• Regularly clean and inspect insulating materials
• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent condensation
• Apply coatings to protect insulating materials from dust and moisture

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Minor	Low

9. Contact with Overhead Power lines

Potential Consequences: Electrocution, burns, fire

Affected Persons: All personnel working outdoors

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Catastrophic	High

Control Measures

• Maintain safe distances from overhead power lines
• Use spotters to monitor proximity to power lines
• De-energize power lines before starting work nearby
• Use insulated tools and equipment
• Provide training on the hazards of overhead power lines

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Medium

5. General Control Measures

• Implement a Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program to de-energize electrical equipment before starting work.

Follow established LOTO procedures to isolate electrical energy sources and prevent accidental energization during maintenance or repair. [1] [3]

• Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working on or near electrical equipment.

PPE includes, but is not limited to, insulated gloves, arc-rated clothing, safety glasses, and face shields. Ensure PPE is regularly inspected and properly maintained. [1] [3]

• Maintain a safe work area and implement housekeeping procedures.

Keep work areas clear of clutter, debris, and other hazards that could increase the risk of electrical accidents. [7]

• Provide regular electrical safety training to all employees.

Training should cover topics such as electrical hazards, safe work practices, lockout/tagout procedures, and the proper use of PPE. [3]

• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of electrical equipment.

Implement a preventive maintenance program to identify and correct potential electrical hazards before they cause an accident. [1]

6. Emergency Preparedness

• In the event of an electrical shock, immediately de-energize the circuit if safe to do so. If not, use a non-conductive object to separate the victim from the electrical source. Call emergency services (911) and administer first aid/CPR until help arrives.
• For arc flash incidents, evacuate the area immediately and call emergency services (911). Provide first aid for burns and other injuries. Ensure the affected equipment is de-energized and inspected by a qualified electrician before returning to service.
• In case of an electrical fire, use a Class C fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Do not use water or other conductive materials. De-energize the circuit if possible before attempting to extinguish the fire. Call emergency services (911) to report the fire.

7. Training Requirements

• Electrical Safety Training: All employees who work on or near electrical equipment must receive comprehensive electrical safety training. This training should cover topics such as electrical hazards, safe work practices, lockout/tagout procedures, and the proper use of PPE. [3]
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Training: Employees who perform maintenance or repair on electrical equipment must be trained in lockout/tagout procedures. This training should cover the steps involved in de-energizing equipment, applying lockout/tagout devices, and verifying that the equipment is de-energized.
• Arc Flash Awareness Training: Employees who work on or near energized electrical equipment must receive arc flash awareness training. This training should cover the hazards of arc flash, the proper use of arc-rated PPE, and safe work practices to minimize the risk of arc flash injuries.
• Qualified Electrical Worker Training: Qualified Electrical Workers (QEW) require specialized training that covers the safety requirements contained in NFPA 70E. Training must be task specific and cover safe work practices, hazard assessment, use of PPE, and emergency response.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) Training: All employees who use or may be exposed to electrical equipment connected to GFCI circuits should receive training on the purpose, function, and testing of GFCIs.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually, or after any incident involving electrical hazards

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Regular Inspection	Monthly	Safety Manager/Designated Electrical Safety Personnel	Conduct regular inspections of electrical equipment, extension cords, and work areas to identify and correct potential electrical hazards.
Performance Indicator	Quarterly	Safety Manager	Track the number of electrical incidents (shocks, arc flashes, etc.) and near misses to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Audit	Annually	External Safety Consultant	Conduct an annual audit of the electrical safety program to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and industry best practices.
Equipment Testing	As per manufacturer's recommendations	Qualified Electrician	Regularly test electrical equipment, including portable tools and appliances, to ensure proper functioning and safety.
Review of Procedures	Annually	Safety Committee	Review and update electrical safety procedures and policies to reflect changes in regulations, technology, and best practices.

9. Special Circumstances

• Increased risk of electrical shock in wet or damp conditions. Ensure proper grounding and use of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).
• Working at night or in low-light conditions increases the risk of electrical accidents. Provide adequate lighting and use reflective PPE.
• Lone workers are at higher risk of injury in the event of an electrical accident. Implement a buddy system or provide lone workers with a communication device and regular check-ins.

Approval and Sign-off

This risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by:

Assessor: _________________________ Date: __________

Manager/Supervisor: _________________________ Date: __________

Safety Representative: _________________________ Date: __________

This risk assessment must be reviewed annually, or after any incident involving electrical hazards or when significant changes occur.

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