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 electrical safety hazards associated with inspection, testing, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and operation of electrical equipment and circuits in the workplace. It includes work on or near energized and de-energized equipment, isolation and lockout/tagout activities, verification of absence of voltage, use of test instruments, and selection and use of electrical PPE. The assessment applies to qualified electrical workers, supervisors, maintenance personnel, and any unqualified persons who may be present in the work area. It excludes utility transmission and distribution work, specialized high-voltage utility operations, and non-electrical hazards not directly related to electrical exposure except where they interact with electrical work, such as slips, trips, and falls caused by poor housekeeping during electrical tasks.

2. Risk Assessment Methodology

This assessment uses a task-based hazard identification approach combined with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls. Each hazard is evaluated for likelihood and severity before controls are applied, then reassessed for residual risk after controls. The preferred control strategy is to eliminate exposure by de-energizing equipment and establishing an electrically safe work condition. Where de-energizing is not feasible, additional controls are applied in order of effectiveness: substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE. The assessment also considers equipment condition, maintenance status, work boundaries, approach distances, job planning, and the need for energized work authorization.

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	Low	Low	Medium
Major	Low	Low	Low	Medium	Medium
Moderate	Low	Low	Medium	High	High
Minor	Low	Medium	High	High	Extreme
Negligible	Medium	High	High	Extreme	Extreme

4. Hazard Identification and Risk Evaluation

1. Contact with energized conductors or circuit parts during inspection, troubleshooting, opening enclosures, or maintenance activities.

Potential Consequences: Electric shock, severe burns, electrocution, involuntary muscle contraction, secondary falls, and cardiac arrest. Even low-voltage exposure can be fatal depending on current path and duration of contact.

Affected Persons: Qualified electrical workers, maintenance staff, apprentices, nearby unqualified workers, and any person entering the work area.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	Extreme

Control Measures

• Eliminate exposure by de-energizing equipment and establishing an electrically safe work condition before work begins.
• Apply a formal lockout/tagout program with verification of isolation, stored-energy release, and test-for-zero-voltage procedures.
• Use engineering controls such as barriers, insulated covers, and test boxes to prevent inadvertent contact with live parts.
• Restrict access using work boundaries, signage, and supervision of unqualified persons.
• Require voltage-rated gloves, arc-rated clothing, eye and face protection, and other PPE appropriate to the task when energized exposure cannot be eliminated.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

2. Arc flash caused by accidental contact, dropped tools, loose connections, corrosion, damaged insulation, or equipment failure while working on or near energized equipment.

Potential Consequences: Severe thermal burns, blindness, hearing damage, pressure-wave injuries, shrapnel injuries, ignition of clothing, and fatal trauma.

Affected Persons: Qualified electrical workers, apprentices, supervisors, and nearby workers within the arc flash boundary.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	Extreme

Control Measures

• Eliminate the hazard by de-energizing equipment whenever possible; this is the preferred protection against arc flash.
• Use energized work only when justified by operational necessity, testing, or troubleshooting and only under an approved live-work permit.
• Apply arc flash boundaries, barricades, warning signs, and controlled access to keep unqualified persons out of the hazard zone.
• Use properly rated arc flash PPE, including face, head, hand, body, hearing, and foot protection matched to the expected incident energy.
• Maintain equipment condition through preventive maintenance, inspection, and timely replacement of worn or damaged components.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Major	Medium

3. Failure to isolate all energy sources or improper lockout/tagout during servicing, including stored energy, induced voltage, or unexpected re-energization.

Potential Consequences: Unexpected startup, shock, arc flash, crushing or mechanical injury from moving parts, and fatal electrocution during maintenance or repair.

Affected Persons: Maintenance workers, electricians, contractors, and anyone who could be exposed to the equipment being serviced.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Catastrophic	Extreme

Control Measures

• Develop and follow machine- or equipment-specific lockout/tagout procedures for each task.
• Identify all energy sources, interrupt load current, isolate each source, apply locks and tags, and verify zero energy before work starts.
• Use individual locks for each exposed worker and maintain control of the key or combination by the person who applied the device.
• Coordinate shift changes, temporary release for testing, and return-to-service steps under a written plan.
• Train workers on hazardous energy control, verification steps, and removal of lockout/tagout devices only by the person who installed them.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Rare	Major	Low

4. Use of defective, improperly rated, or poorly maintained electrical tools, cords, test instruments, and portable equipment.

Potential Consequences: Shock, arc flash, burns, equipment damage, fire, and failure of protective devices during use.

Affected Persons: Electricians, maintenance personnel, helpers, and nearby workers.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Major	High

Control Measures

• Remove damaged tools, cords, and equipment from service immediately and replace them with approved equipment.
• Use only properly rated and tested instruments, cords, and tools suitable for the voltage and task.
• Inspect equipment before each use for damaged insulation, loose parts, overheating, corrosion, and missing grounding components.
• Use GFCI protection and grounded or double-insulated tools where applicable.
• Maintain preventive maintenance and inspection records for portable electrical equipment.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

5. Working too close to exposed live parts without respecting shock and arc flash approach boundaries.

Potential Consequences: Accidental contact, flashover, shock, burns, and injury to unqualified persons who enter the work zone.

Affected Persons: Qualified workers, unqualified workers, visitors, contractors, and supervisors in the vicinity.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Establish and enforce limited, restricted, prohibited, and arc flash boundaries as applicable to the task and voltage.
• Use barricades, signs, spotters, and controlled access to keep unqualified persons outside the hazard zone.
• Plan work so body position, tools, and materials remain outside restricted spaces whenever possible.
• Use insulated tools, non-contact test methods, and remote operation techniques to increase working distance.
• Require qualified-person supervision and documented work authorization for tasks that must cross approach boundaries.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

6. Poor housekeeping, moisture, dust, clutter, or conductive debris in electrical work areas.

Potential Consequences: Slip, trip, and fall injuries; contamination of electrical equipment; reduced insulation performance; fire; and increased likelihood of arc flash or shock.

Affected Persons: Electrical workers, maintenance staff, and anyone entering the area.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Moderate	High

Control Measures

• Maintain clean, dry, and orderly work areas around electrical equipment.
• Remove dust, clutter, liquids, and conductive debris before work begins and throughout the task.
• Protect equipment from water, condensation, and contamination; do not operate electrical equipment in standing water.
• Use housekeeping checks as part of pre-job planning and post-job restoration.
• Store tools and materials so they cannot fall into energized equipment or create conductive bridges.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Minor	Low

7. Improper PPE selection, damaged PPE, or use of flammable clothing such as synthetic fabrics during electrical work.

Potential Consequences: Severe burns, clothing ignition, increased injury severity during arc flash, and inadequate protection from shock hazards.

Affected Persons: Qualified electrical workers, apprentices, and helpers performing or assisting electrical tasks.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Possible	Major	High

Control Measures

• Select PPE based on the task, voltage, incident energy, and arc flash category or incident energy analysis.
• Use arc-rated clothing, voltage-rated gloves with leather protectors, eye and face protection, hearing protection, and appropriate footwear.
• Prohibit synthetic or highly flammable clothing that can melt or ignite and worsen burn injuries.
• Inspect PPE before each use and remove damaged or contaminated items from service.
• Provide task-specific PPE guidance in the job briefing and energized work permit, where required.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

8. Inadequate training, poor job planning, or failure to follow written procedures for energized work, testing, or switching operations.

Potential Consequences: Incorrect isolation, accidental contact, arc flash, shock, equipment damage, and exposure of unqualified persons to hazardous energy.

Affected Persons: Workers performing the task, nearby personnel, and supervisors responsible for the work.

Initial Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Likely	Major	High

Control Measures

• Require task-specific training for qualified workers and awareness training for affected workers.
• Use job hazard analysis, pre-task briefings, and written step-by-step procedures for complex or first-time tasks.
• Implement a live-work permit system for energized work with documented justification, hazard analysis, PPE, and access control.
• Review equipment drawings, manufacturer instructions, and maintenance history before starting work.
• Stop work when conditions change or when the task cannot be performed safely as planned.

Residual Risk Assessment

Likelihood	Severity	Risk Rating
Unlikely	Moderate	Low

5. General Control Measures

• Establish and maintain an electrically safe work condition as the default control for all electrical tasks.

De-energize equipment whenever possible, isolate all sources, apply lockout/tagout, verify absence of voltage, and control stored or induced energy before work begins.

• Implement a written electrical safety program with task-specific procedures and authorization requirements.

Include energized work criteria, live-work permits, switching procedures, inspection requirements, emergency response actions, and responsibilities for qualified supervision.

• Maintain equipment in safe operating condition through preventive maintenance and inspection.

Inspect for damaged insulation, loose connections, corrosion, overheating, moisture, and wear; repair or replace defective components promptly.

• Control access to electrical hazards using barriers, signage, boundaries, and supervision.

Keep unqualified persons outside restricted areas, post warning signs, and use barricades or guards where exposed energized parts are present.

• Require appropriate PPE and ensure it is selected, fitted, inspected, and used correctly.

Match PPE to the hazard level and task, and remove from service any PPE that is damaged, contaminated, or no longer rated for the work.

6. Emergency Preparedness

• Develop and communicate an electrical emergency response procedure that covers shock, arc flash burns, fire, and equipment failure. The procedure should include immediate isolation of power where safe, emergency notification, area evacuation, and access control to prevent secondary injuries.
• Ensure workers know the location and operation of disconnects, breakers, and emergency shutoff devices so power can be removed quickly during an incident.
• Provide first aid and CPR response capability for electrical shock incidents, including rapid activation of emergency medical services and rescue only by trained personnel using safe methods.
• Prepare for arc flash events by maintaining suitable fire extinguishers, burn response supplies, and clear egress routes from electrical rooms and work areas.
• After any electrical incident, secure the scene, preserve equipment for investigation, and do not re-energize until the cause has been identified and corrected.

7. Training Requirements

• Electrical Hazard Recognition: Train workers to recognize shock, arc flash, electrocution, burn, and arc blast hazards, including the warning signs of damaged insulation, loose connections, overheating, moisture, corrosion, and exposed energized parts.
  • Recognize when equipment must be treated as energized.
  • Identify common causes of electrical incidents and unsafe conditions.
  • Understand the difference between qualified and unqualified persons.
• Lockout/Tagout and Hazardous Energy Control: Train affected and qualified employees on isolation, lock application, tag requirements, verification of de-energization, stored-energy release, shift-change procedures, and return-to-service steps.
  • Apply personal locks and tags correctly.
  • Verify zero energy with an adequately rated tester.
  • Remove lockout/tagout devices only according to procedure.
• Energized Work and Approach Boundaries: Train qualified workers on shock and arc flash boundaries, live-work permit requirements, safe approach distances, and the conditions under which energized work may be justified.
  • Use barricades and controlled access.
  • Maintain body position and tool control outside restricted spaces.
  • Obtain authorization before crossing prohibited or restricted boundaries.
• Electrical PPE Selection and Use: Train workers to select, inspect, wear, and maintain arc-rated and shock-protective PPE appropriate to the task and incident energy level.
  • Understand PPE limitations.
  • Inspect gloves, clothing, face shields, and footwear before use.
  • Remove damaged or contaminated PPE from service.
• Inspection and Safe Use of Electrical Equipment: Train workers to inspect cords, plugs, tools, test instruments, and portable equipment before use and to remove defective items from service immediately.
  • Use only properly rated equipment.
  • Recognize signs of wear, overheating, and grounding defects.
  • Follow manufacturer instructions and site procedures.

8. Monitoring and Review

Review Frequency: Annually and after any electrical incident, near miss, equipment change, or significant change in work methods, equipment condition, or applicable regulations.

Monitoring Type	Frequency	Responsible Party	Description
Pre-Use Inspection	Before each use	Individual worker and immediate supervisor	Inspect tools, cords, plugs, test instruments, PPE, and work area conditions for damage, contamination, moisture, missing guards, and other unsafe conditions before electrical work begins.
Lockout/Tagout Verification	Each time equipment is isolated and before work starts	Qualified electrical worker or authorized supervisor	Verify all energy sources are identified, isolated, locked, tagged, and tested for absence of voltage. Confirm stored energy has been released or controlled before contact with conductors or parts.
Work Area and Boundary Checks	Continuously during work and at job briefing	Qualified supervisor or lead worker	Confirm barricades, signs, access control, and approach boundaries remain in place and effective. Stop work if unqualified persons enter the area or if conditions change.
Preventive Maintenance Review	Per manufacturer instructions or site maintenance schedule	Maintenance manager or electrical supervisor	Review inspection and testing records for breakers, relays, cords, panels, and protective devices. Track defects, repairs, and replacements to ensure equipment remains in safe condition.
Program Audit	Annually and after any serious incident or near miss	Safety manager with electrical supervision	Audit electrical safety procedures, energized work permits, training records, PPE compliance, and incident trends to verify the program remains effective and aligned with current regulations and standards.

9. Special Circumstances

• Wet, damp, or condensation-prone conditions increase shock and arc flash risk. Electrical work should be postponed or additional controls applied when moisture, standing water, or wet equipment is present.
• Night work or reduced visibility requires enhanced lighting, stricter supervision, and additional verification of labels, boundaries, and tool control.
• Lone work increases response time in an emergency and should be avoided for energized tasks or high-risk switching operations unless a specific risk review and communication plan are in place.
• Hot weather, cold weather, and severe weather can affect PPE performance, worker fatigue, insulation condition, and access to emergency support. Work should be adjusted accordingly.
• Work in confined electrical rooms, elevated locations, or areas with overhead power lines requires additional controls for falls, access, and equipment movement.

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 and after any electrical incident, near miss, equipment change, or significant change in work methods, equipment condition, or applicable regulations. or when significant changes occur.

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