Electrical Safety Management Plan

For Employees and Contractors – February 2023

Contents
Amendments .......................................................................................................... 1
Record of Issues .................................................................................................... 1
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 2
Overview .................................................................................................................. 2
Objectives of Electrical Safety Management Plan ......................................................... 2
ADG Commitment to Electrical Safety ......................................................................... 2
Legal Requirements ............................................................................................... 3
Legislation................................................................................................................. 3
Australian Standards .................................................................................................. 3
Reference Documents ................................................................................................ 3
Electrical Safety ..................................................................................................... 4
Safe System of Work.................................................................................................. 4
Adherence to Health & Safety Policy ............................................................................ 4
Basic Electrical Safety Principle ................................................................................... 4
Incident Reporting ..................................................................................................... 5
Risk Assessments....................................................................................................... 5
Controlling the Risks .................................................................................................. 6
Supervision ............................................................................................................ 7
Requirements for Electrical Workers ............................................................................ 7
Electrical Workers Supervision .................................................................................... 7
Requirements for Electrical Supervisors ....................................................................... 7
Contractor Supervision ............................................................................................... 8
Apprentice Supervision ............................................................................................... 8
Low Voltage Electrical work ................................................................................. 11
General ....................................................................................................................11
Low Voltage Access Permit ........................................................................................11
ADG Employed Electrical Workers Requirements ..........................................................11
Isolation Principles ....................................................................................................12
Identification .........................................................................................................12
Isolation ...............................................................................................................12
Securing the isolation – Locking off .........................................................................12
Tagging ................................................................................................................13
Testing .................................................................................................................13
Low Voltage Energised Electrical Work ................................................................ 14
General ....................................................................................................................14

Electrical Safety Management Plan

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 Risk Assessments......................................................................................................14
Low Voltage Access Permits .......................................................................................14
Preliminary Steps ......................................................................................................14
Safety Observer ........................................................................................................15
Work Position ...........................................................................................................15
Specific hazards and control measures ................................................................ 16
Inspection and Testing Portable Electrical Equipment ...................................................16
Residual Current Devices ...........................................................................................16
Unsafe Electrical Equipment .......................................................................................17
Unsafe Electrical Installations.....................................................................................17
Personal Protective Equipment ...................................................................................18
Electrical Instrumentation ..........................................................................................18
Hazardous Areas.......................................................................................................19
Working Near Overhead Services ...............................................................................19
Working Near Underground Services ..........................................................................19
High Voltage Electrical Work ......................................................................................20
Aeronautical Ground Lighting .....................................................................................20
Solar Generation .......................................................................................................21
Batteries ..................................................................................................................21
Work on Cables (including cutting cables) ...................................................................22
Quality Control ..................................................................................................... 23
Testing of Electrical Work ..........................................................................................23
Site Inspection Before Leaving ...................................................................................23
Certificate of Test/Compliance ...................................................................................23
Audits ......................................................................................................................23
Control of Documents ...............................................................................................23
Control of Records ....................................................................................................24
Electrical Employee Training and Assessment ..................................................... 25
ESMP Training ..........................................................................................................25
Training Requirements ..............................................................................................25
Employees Electrical Licence Renewals .......................................................................25
Definitions............................................................................................................ 26

2 Electrical Safety Management Plan

Amendments
Contact for Inquiries
If you have any questions regarding this document contact:
The “Document Owner”
Name: Ian Pask
Designation: Head of Electrical
Airport Development Group
PO Box 40996, Casuarina
Northern Territory 0811
Email: ian.pask@adgnt.com.au

Record of Issues

Issue Date Nature of Amendment

Dec 2020 Draft

Jan 2021 Original issue by AR

7 Feb 2023 Updated Contact & general review by SDC

Responsibilities

Document Approver Head of Electrical

Document Owner Head of Electrical

ADG Health & Safety Manager

Consultation before change Electrical Project Manager
Technical Services Officers

Others informed of changes Electrical Contractors

Electrical Safety Management Plan 1

Introduction
Overview
This plan has been produced following a review of:
Northern Territory Electricity Reform Act 2000 and Regulations 2000 and
NT Work Health & Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act & Regulations 2011.
Airport Development Group (ADG) has a legal obligation under NT safety legislation
to manage risks to health and safety associated with electrical risks in the work
place.
The Electrical Safety Management Plan (ESMP) applies to all Electrical Work. Electrical work
means;
• The actual physical work of installing, maintaining, repairing, altering,
removing or adding to an electrical installation or the supervising of that
work.
Electrical Workers are defined as ADG employees and/or Electrical Contractors and
Sub Contractors who are NT licensed Electrical Workers.

Objectives of Electrical Safety Management Plan

The ESMP specifies the minimum requirements for managing electrical risks for
ADG employees and their contractors.

ADG Commitment to Electrical Safety

ADG is committed to:
• Ensuring that all work is tested and electrically safe.
• Maintaining a safe environment when Electrical Work is being conducted.
• Using only Electrical Workers who hold relevant and current licences and
who are competent in carrying out the works.
• Maintaining the competency and skill of Electrical Workers at a high level.
• Ensuring that Electrical Workers have appropriate electrical safety
equipment and resources to work safely.
• Monitoring and evaluating the work of Electrical Workers to ensure
compliance with ADG standards and procedures.
• Auditing the ESMP to ensure continuous improvement.

2 Electrical Safety Management Plan

Legal Requirements
Legislation
The following is a list of references that detail legal requirements for safely working on
electrical equipment and installations in the Northern Territory.

NT Electricity Reform Act 2000

Electricity Reform Act

Electricity Reform Safety and Technical Regulations 2000

Electricity Reform Safety and Technical Regulations

Electrical Workers and Contractors Act 1978

Electrical Workers and Contractors Act

Electrical Workers and Contractors Regulations 1984

Electrical Workers and Contractors Regulations

Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations 2011

Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Regulations

Australian Standards
All Electrical Work shall be carried out in accordance with Australian Standard
AS/NZS 3000 and any other Australian Standard called up by AS 3000.
Electrical installations or electrical equipment shall not be connected to supply with
any known defect.

Reference Documents
All Electrical Workers must have ready access to the ADG Standards,
Electrical Legislation, Codes of Practice and Australian Standards.
Typically, the most relevant Australian Standards are:
• AS3000 - Wiring Rules.
• AS3008 - Electrical Installations - Selection of Cables.
• AS3012 – Electrical Installations – Construction and Demolition Sites
• AS3017 - Electrical Installations – Verification Guidelines.
• AS3760 - In-Service Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment.
• AS4836 - Safe Working on or near LV Electrical Installations & Equipment.
• AS2067 – Substations & High Voltage Installations.
• AS61439 – LV Switchgear & Control Gear Assemblies.

Electrical Safety Management Plan 3

Electrical Safety
Safe System of Work
In order to minimise potentially fatal risks, Electrical Workers on ADG worksites shall adhere
to the ESMP, project specific Work Health Management Plans, related ADG OHS
management system and Northern Territory Electrical Legislation, Codes of Practice and
Australian Standards.

Adherence to Health & Safety Policy

All Electrical Workers must comply with the ADG Health and Safety Policies & procedures. To
achieve this ADG will:

• Develop an ESMP which incorporates an Electrical Safe System of Work.

• Provide appropriate training to ensure all work is electrically safe.
• Ensure Electrical Workers are appropriately licenced.
• Ensure appropriate electrical supervision of all Electrical Workers. This will be
achieved by ensuring each Electrical Worker has a nominated Electrical Supervisor
for their Electrical Work.
• Energised electrical work is generally prohibited unless one or more of the exceptions
under the WHS Regulations applies.
• Ensure all tools and safety equipment are regularly tested and examined to enable all
work to be completed in a safe manner.
• Records of all tested and examined tools and safety equipment undertaken will be
maintained.
• Provide and instruct Electrical Workers in the correct use and maintenance of
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Report all notifiable incidents to NT WorkSafe.

Basic Electrical Safety Principle

A person engaging or preparing to engage in on or near electricity infrastructure or an
electrical installation must treat exposed conductors as live until they are –
• Isolated from all sources of electricity supply and proven to be de-energized
• If they are high voltage conductors, they must also be earthed.
A person shall not supervise or perform electrical work unless they are the holder of a
current NT electrical licence appropriate for the work they are performing.

4 Electrical Safety Management Plan

Incident Reporting
An electrical incident means an accident:
• that results from a sudden discharge of electricity or that otherwise has, or is likely
to have, an electrical origin; and
• that causes, or is likely to cause, danger to life, a shock or injury to a person or loss
of or damage to property.
Therefore, electrical incidents include electric shocks, electrical injuries, fatalities, incidents
that cause danger to life or loss or damage to property (for example damage due to fire or
over/under voltage).

All electrical incidents shall be reported to;

• Workers direct supervisor and then escalated through the chain of command.
• ADG Health & Safety Manager
• All electrical shocks and injuries from electrical work are notifiable incidents and shall
be reported to NT WorkSafe through the ADG Health & Safety Manager.

All persons who have experienced any form of electric shock shall be reviewed by an
ambulance paramedic or attend a Medical Practitioner immediately after the incident.

The injured person shall be accompanied at all times to the medical practitioner, by a
Workplace First Aid Officer when available or the injured person’s Manager or their
representative.

An electric shock shall be reported to the Electrical Worker’s Manager immediately and,
where applicable, the area isolated and made safe as far as practicable to allow incident
investigation.

Risk Assessments
All Electrical Workers associated with and who perform Electrical Work must be provided
with Risk Assessment training.
A Risk Assessment is to be conducted for all electrical works – installation, maintenance and
defect repair. This is a mandatory Northern Territory WHS legislative requirement.
The Risk Assessment process will adhere to all relevant Northern Territory Codes of Practice,
Relevant Standards and Legislation and can also be used for maintenance or repair work.
The Risk Assessment may identify the need for a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for
high-risk tasks. An existing SWMS may be used, but it must be reviewed to ensure it is
appropriate for the work. Where there is no formal SWMS available that is appropriate for
the Electrical Work being undertaken, a written safe work procedure shall be followed to
identify the basic logical sequence of the tasks, associated hazards, level of risk, and
appropriate control measures to be implemented prior to commencement of work, and will
be monitored for effectiveness.
The Risk Assessment process shall be conducted in accordance with Australian Standard
AS/NZS 4836 Safe Working on Low Voltage Electrical Installations.

Electrical Safety Management Plan 5

Controlling the Risks
The application of control measures is the process of considering each hazard and by using
the Hierarchy of Controls as per the following table. The aim is to eliminate or reduce the
potential hazard. The hierarchy ranks control measures from the highest level of protection
and reliability to the lowest.

Table 1 Hierarchy of Controls

Hierarchy of Controls Meaning

Elimination Remove the hazard
Substitution Use an alternative
Isolation Isolate people from the hazard
Engineering Adapt tools and equipment to reduce
the risk
Administration Change work practice
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Gloves, glasses, hearing protection etc.

You must always aim to eliminate the risk. For example, you can eliminate significant
electrical risks by designing-in or designing-out certain features to eliminate hazards and
working de-energised rather than energised. That is why the WHS Regulations prohibit
energised electrical work subject to certain exceptions.

If eliminating the hazards and associated risks is not reasonably practicable, you must
minimise the risk by one or more of the following:

• Substitution—minimise the risk by substituting or replacing a hazard or hazardous

work practice with something that gives rise to a lesser risk. For example, it may be
reasonably practicable to use extra-low voltage electrical equipment such as a
battery-operated tool rather than a tool that is plugged in to mains electricity.
• Isolation—minimise the risk by isolating or separating the hazard or hazardous work
practice from any person exposed to it. For example, it may not be reasonably
practicable to eliminate energised electrical work altogether; however, even if it is
necessary (for one of the legally permissible reasons) to work on an energised
electrical part, it may be possible to de-energise the surrounding parts.
• Engineering controls—engineering controls are physical control measures to minimise
risk. For example, insulation, guarding, and installing RCDs to prevent electric shock.
If risk remains, it must be minimised by implementing administrative controls, so far as is
reasonably practicable. Administrative controls involve the use of safe work practices to
control the risk, for example by providing suitable and adequate training; establishing
exclusion zones; and use of permits and warning signs.
Any remaining risk must be minimised with suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), for
example protective eyewear, insulated gloves, hard hats, aprons and breathing protection.
The PPE should be rated for the work to be done. If working on energised equipment, the
PPE must be able to protect the user from the maximum expected energy available at the
work site.

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Supervision
Requirements for Electrical Workers
Electrical Workers shall fulfil their obligations under the Northern Territory’s current
legislation by:

• All Electrical Workers must hold a current NT Electrical Licence.

• All Electrical Workers must be inducted prior to commencement of work on ADG
precincts. Details of the induction process are available on ADG websites.
• Complying with ADG instructions and ensuring that all Electrical Work is electrically
safe.
• Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), instruments, tools and safety equipment
to complete all work in a safe manner and in compliance with legislative
requirements.
• Adopting a “test before touch” approach and treating all conductors and equipment
as live until proven otherwise.
• Not wilfully interfering or misusing anything that may create an unsafe situation for
themselves and others.
• Reporting all incidents to their supervisor and the ADG Health & Safety Manager.

Electrical Workers Supervision

All ADG Electrical Workers shall, for all Electrical Work, report to a nominated Electrical
Supervisor.

Electrical Workers will only be supervised by persons who have at least the same level of
Electrical Licence. A nominated Electrical Supervisor must be:

• A qualified and NT licensed Electrical Worker, or

• An Electrical Engineer supervising electrical work as part of practising their
profession, or
• An Electrical nominee or NT Electrical Contractors licence holder.

Requirements for Electrical Supervisors

The Electrical Supervisor is to ensure that Electrical Workers in their charge are performing
their duties in a safe manner.
It is the responsibility of the Electrical Supervisor to ensure that all Electrical Workers in their
charge comply with the ESMP by ensuring that:

• Electrical Workers are licensed and competent to carry out their allocated duties.

Electrical Safety Management Plan 7

• All work is carried out in an electrically safe manner and that a risk assessment or
SWMS has been completed for all Electrical Work and reviewed by all persons.
• All electrical work is authorised and relevant ADG permits are submitted and
approved by an authorised ADG employee before work commences.
• Work complies with the appropriate standards, and the correct electrical tests have
been performed and documented.
• Where appropriate that compliance testing has been completed and a Certificate of
Compliance has been issued.
• That compliance test results are attached to the Certificate of Compliance as proof of
testing.
• Mandatory tests can include earth continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, RCD
testing and correct circuit connections.

Contractor Supervision
ADG Contract Managers/Supervisors, Project Managers/Supervisors, Site Supervisors and/or
Team Leaders must not directly supervise Electrical Work, unless they have the necessary
and appropriate qualification as an Electrical Supervisor.

All contract managers, supervisors, project managers, site supervisors and/or team leaders
who manage or administer electrical contractors, shall ensure that all electrical contractors in
their charge comply with this ESMP, by ensuring that:

• The electrical contractor and their electrical workers are familiar with, and comply
with, all aspects of this ESMP so they are able to carry out electrical work in the
required manner including all required documentation.
• The electrical contractor verifies through documented and signed inspection & test
plans (ITP’s) that all electrical work is carried out in an electrically safe manner.
• All ITP are reviewed by an ADG Electrical Supervisor or Electrical Engineer.
• Certificates of Compliance are submitted at the completion of the electrical work.

Apprentice Supervision
ADG will comply with The Electrical Workers and Contractors Act requirements for
supervision of apprentices who are performing Electrical work.

All ADG contractors who employ apprentices that work on ADG sites must be able to
demonstrate their compliance with the Act.

All Apprentices, regardless of standard of training or trade, must be under the direct control
of a nominated Electrical Supervisor or nominated Electrical Worker whilst performing

8 Electrical Safety Management Plan

Electrical Work. Direct control means knowledge of the person, where they are and what
activity they are performing.

The level of supervision is dependent on the type of work and the level of experience of the
apprentice. Table 2 below lists the level of supervision required and extracted from the Act.

For the purpose of apprentice supervision, the following is defined;

• Direct supervision in relation to electrical work, means the constant personal

oversight of the work by a person licensed to perform the work himself without
supervision.
• General supervision means the oversight or superintendence of electrical work by a
person licensed to perform the work himself, without supervision, and according to
the nature of the work and the competence of the person undertaking it, sufficient to
ensure safe and satisfactory workmanship.

Electrical Safety Management Plan 9

Table 2 Apprentice Supervision Requirements

Type of work Apprentice/trainee year Supervision required

1st Direct
New installations
(not connected to electricity supply) 2nd Direct / General
3rd General
4th or final General
1st Direct
Alternations and Additions
(existing installations) 2nd Direct
3rd Direct
4th or final General
1st Direct
Maintenance of Installations and
Equipment 2nd Direct
3rd General (under isolation
permit system)
4th or final General
1st Direct
Workshop Tasks
2nd General
3rd General
4th or final General
1st NOT permitted
Live Work
2nd NOT permitted
3rd NOT permitted
4th or final Direct
1st NOT permitted
Isolation of
Installations and Equipment 2nd NOT permitted
3rd Direct
4th or final General

10 Electrical Safety Management Plan

Low Voltage Electrical work
General
A person engaging or preparing to engage work on or near electricity infrastructure or an
electrical installation must treat exposed conductors as live until they are –

• Isolated from all sources of electricity supply, proven to be de-energized and all
isolation points are tagged as “Do Not Operate” and locked out where practical.
• Approved permit is issued to the work party.

Energised electrical work is generally prohibited unless one or more of the exceptions under
the WHS Regulations applies.

Low Voltage Access Permit

All contractors are required to submit a Low Voltage Electrical Access/Isolation Permit for
review and approval to gain authorisation to perform any LV electrical works on ADG
premises. The permit must be approved by an ADG Authorised Electrical person.

Permits and relevant procedures are available on the DIA website.

The Low Voltage Access permit requires the following information;

• Location of works
• Tennant/building owner if applicable
• Description of planned works
• Drawing or sketch of the works
• Isolation/equipment details

A risk assessment for the work shall be submitted for review.

ADG Employed Electrical Workers Requirements

ADG employed electrical workers regularly maintain and repair electrical installations and
have callout responsibilities to ensure safe and reliable operation of ADG assets. ADG staff
are not required to submit a Low Voltage Access permit for electrical works unless the works
involve the following;

• Isolation of an MSB main switch greater than or equal to 800A.

• The electrical installation has more than one supply connection.
• Energised Electrical work.
• Where works will affect safety systems or aerodrome operations.

Isolation principles shall apply for all works.

Electrical Safety Management Plan 11

Isolation Principles
Work on de-energised equipment, which may involve work near adjacent energised
conductors can only proceed if that part of the installation to be worked on is isolated and
any exposed conductors in the immediate work area are either:

(a) de-energised and isolated

(b) separated by design or segregated and protected with insulated barricades or
insulated shrouding or insulated material to prevent against inadvertent or direct
contact.

Do not assume that electrical equipment is de-energised after isolation. Testing must be
done prior to work commencing.

The following isolation principles apply to all electrical work.

Identification
It is necessary to clearly identify the electrical equipment to be worked on and the
appropriate point of supply. Identification should include labelling that is both consistent and
clear at the equipment to be worked on and at all points of possible isolation, for example at
the control isolator and main point of supply.

Isolation
The electrical equipment to be worked on must be isolated from all sources of supply.
Where isolation is achieved by a removable or rack out circuit breaker or combined fuse
switch, if practicable it must be racked out or removed, then locked open and tagged.

Verification of the isolation is the responsibility of the electrical worker carrying out the
work. When returning after being absent from the immediate work area, it is imperative that
checks and tests are carried out to ensure that the electrical equipment being worked on is
still isolated when you return, to safeguard against inadvertent reconnection by another
person.

Securing the isolation – Locking off

All circuit breakers, switches and combined fuse switch units shall be locked off where
possible by the electrical worker in charge of the works.

A wide range of devices are available for locking off electrical equipment. These include
switches with a built-in lock, and lockouts for switches, circuit breakers, fuses and other
types of electrical equipment. Also available are safety lockout jaws (sometimes called
hasps) accommodating a number of padlocks. Only devices that incorporate a lock or can
accommodate one or more padlocks are suitable lockout devices.

Where locking off facilities are not fitted, other control measures that prevent energisation
of the electrical installation or equipment must be used. The control measures must be able
to withstand any disrupting environment, for example, not becoming ineffective due to
vibration.

12 Electrical Safety Management Plan

Alternative controls may include:
• an additional component, such as a clip, screw, bolt or pin that will prevent the
switch from being operated and used in conjunction with additional control measures
such as danger tags, or permit system
• other means approved by ADG. i.e. Isolation may be secured by removing and tying
back connections.

Tagging
A tag does not perform the isolation function but acts as a means of providing information
to others at the workplace that the isolating device to which it is attached has been
operated for a purpose.
Tags normally used are:
• Danger Tags/Do Not Operate: Danger tags are applied by electrical workers who will
be working on electrical equipment. A danger tag on an isolating device is a warning
that operation of that device may endanger the electrical worker who attached the
tag.
• Out of Service Tags: An out of service tag is a notice that distinguishes electrical
equipment out of operation for repairs or alteration, or electrical plant that is still
being installed or commissioned. While an out of service tag is attached to electrical
plant or equipment, it must not be operated.
Where practicable, appropriate tags should be placed at all points of isolation used to de-
energise the equipment from all sources of supply, and the information provided thereon
should be clearly understandable as to the purpose of the tag and include warnings for any
abnormal hazards, for example, multiple points of supply.
Tags should be dated and signed by the electrical worker in charge of the works.
Tags should only be removed by the signatories or with the permission of all the signatories
to the tags or, if this is not possible, by the signatories’ immediate supervisor. In this
circumstance, a thorough investigation of the worksite must be carried to verify all workers
are safe before any tags are removed.

Testing
After the electrical circuits and equipment have been isolated, locked off and tagged, the
circuits or equipment must be tested to verify all supply has been removed. Verification is
carried out using approved test instruments before any electrical worker attempts to start
work on the electrical circuit or equipment. All electrical circuits and equipment should be
treated as energised (including the neutral conductor) unless proven to be de-energised.
Any voltage tests should be conducted between all conductors and between all conductors
and earth.
Test equipment must be “in test” date and be tested for correct operation immediately
before use, and again after use, to confirm that the instrument is still working.

Electrical Safety Management Plan 13

Low Voltage Energised Electrical Work
General
Energised electrical work or working live is electrical work where part of the electrical
equipment being worked on is connected to electricity or energised.

Energised electrical work is prohibited unless;

• it is necessary in the interests of health and safety that the electrical work is carried
out while the equipment is energised (for example, it may be necessary for life-
saving equipment to remain energised and operating while electrical work is carried
out on the equipment), or
• fault finding where it is necessary that the electrical equipment to be worked on is
energised in order for the work to be carried out properly, or
• it is necessary for the purposes of testing to ensure the equipment is de-energised,
or
• there is no reasonable alternative means of carrying out the work.

Risk Assessments
Energised electrical work is a high-risk construction activity. A Safe Work Method Statement
(SWMS) shall be completed prior to the commencement of energised electrical work.

Low Voltage Access Permits

All Energised Electrical Work, other than testing and fault finding, performed by Electrical
Workers will be in accordance with the LV Access Permit and that the permit must be
completed and approved before the work commences.
Approval for energised electrical work will only be granted where there is no reasonable
alternative.

Preliminary Steps
Access to Energised terminals, for the purpose of Energised Electrical Work, will be
permitted only when:
• A Risk Assessment is conducted and approved by an ADG authorised person.
• Where required by risk assessment, a Safety observer is trained, and competent in
CPR and LV rescue.
• A LV rescue kit is available, and all equipment is in ‘in-test’ date.
• The appropriate test equipment is tested and is in ‘in-test’ date.
• The appropriate PPE and Electrical Safety Equipment is used and is ‘in-test’ date. i.e.
insulating gloves, and mats.
• No uninsulated hand tools or power tools are used.
• There is no direct contact with, or movement of, Energised conductors.

14 Electrical Safety Management Plan

Safety Observer
A competent safety observer must be present when work is carried out on energised
electrical equipment, unless the work consists only of testing and a risk assessment shows
that there is no serious risk associated with the proposed work.
The role of the safety observer should be clearly communicated and understood. The safety
observer must:
• be competent to implement the control measures in an emergency, and
• be competent to rescue and resuscitate the worker who is carrying out the work if
necessary, and
• must have been assessed in the previous 12 months as competent to rescue and
resuscitate a person.
The safety observer should:
• not carry out any other work or function that compromises their role, for example
they should not be required to observe more than one task at a time
• be able to communicate quickly and effectively with the electrical worker(s) carrying
out the work
• not have any known temporary or permanent disabilities that would adversely affect
their role and performance.

Work Position
While electrical work is being carried out on energised electrical equipment, all persons are
prevented from inadvertently contacting an exposed energised component of the
equipment. Electrical work should be carried out from a position that minimises the risk of
inadvertent contact with exposed energised parts and the risk of an electric shock path
being created. For example, safe work method statements should require, so far as is
reasonably practicable, that electrical workers position themselves so that:
• an involuntary action like sneezing would not cause them to touch exposed
energised parts.
• no electric shock path can be created due to working in an awkward position, for
example, testing components towards the rear of a washing machine via the front
panel.

Electrical Safety Management Plan 15

Specific hazards and control measures
Inspection and Testing Portable Electrical Equipment
All portable electrical equipment requires testing to ensure the item is electrically safe. All
tested electrical equipment must be fitted with a Test Tag that complies with Australian
Standard AS 3760:2010 and details of the testing shall be recorded in the Electrical
Equipment Register. The test tag and register should record;

• the name of the person who carried out the testing

• the date of the testing
• the outcome of the testing, and
• the date on which the next testing must be carried out.

Portable electrical equipment shall be inspected and tested at intervals based on the
equipment environment and use (Table 4 AS3760:2010);

• 12 months - Environments where the equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to

flexing in normal use OR is open to abuse i.e. Public areas, portable hand tools and
extension leads.
• 5 years – Environments where the equipment or supply cord is NOT subject to
flexing in normal use and is not open to abuse i.e computer and office equipment

Inspection and testing of electrical equipment must be carried out by a competent person. A
competent person includes;

• a licensed electrician, or
• a person who has successfully completed a structured training course and been
deemed competent in the use of a pass–fail type portable appliance tester and the
visual inspection of electrical equipment.

Residual Current Devices

With the release of AS3000:2018 non portable/fixed Residual Current Devices (RCD) with a
minimum residual current of 30 mA are required for final sub circuits, rated 32 A or less,
that are supplying;

• socket-outlets,
• lighting,
• direct-connected hand-held equipment, and
• direct-connected equipment that presents increased risk of electric shock.

16 Electrical Safety Management Plan

ADG final sub circuits installed prior to 2018 may not have RCD protection installed. If the
circuit is altered, repaired or the switch board is replaced an RCD shall be installed.
Fixed Residual Current Devices shall be inspected and tested at the following intervals (table
4 AS3760:2010);

• 6 monthly push button test.

• 12 monthly operating time and push button test - Environments where the
equipment or supply flexible cord is subject to flexing in normal use OR is open to
abuse i.e. Public areas, portable hand tools and extension leads.
• 2 yearly operating time and push button test - Environments where the equipment or
supply cord is NOT subject to flexing in normal use and is not open to abuse i.e
computer and office equipment.

Unsafe Electrical Equipment

It is the responsibility of every Electrical Worker to regularly examine all items of Electrical
Safety Equipment that they are using, to ensure the equipment is ‘in-test’ date and is in an
electrically safe condition for the work being carried out.

Electrical equipment is unsafe if there are reasonable grounds for believing it to be unsafe.
Unsafe electrical equipment should be labelled with an “Out of Service” tag indicating it is
unsafe and must not be used. This is to prevent inadvertent use before the electrical
equipment has been tested, repaired or replaced.

All issued Electrical Safety Equipment must be recorded on the Electrical Equipment
Register.

All Electrical Safety Equipment, including insulating gloves, crooks/rescue hooks and mats,
must be tested at least annually or as per manufacturer guidelines. The next test date must
be marked on each item.

Unsafe Electrical Installations

If an unsafe situation is discovered in an electrical installation the defect shall be reported
and made electrically safe.

For tenancies the ADG property manager and the tenant shall be notified of the defect.
Responsibility of the defect will be determined, and the defect will be made electrically safe.

If a defect cannot be made electrically safe, then the ADG Electrical Coordinator shall be
notified to ensure appropriate action is taken to make the installation safe. Appropriate
actions may include isolation/disconnection, barricading and/or signage.

All electrical defects that result in an electric shock or injury shall be reported to the ADG
Safety advisor and NT Worksafe.

Electrical Safety Management Plan 17

Personal Protective Equipment
All Electrical Workers will ensure that appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is
selected, used and maintained in accordance with current NT workplace safety legislation
and Australian Standards.

Contractors and Sub-Contractors are to ensure their Electrical Workers have the appropriate
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the task performed and that the PPE is used and
maintained in accordance with current NT workplace safety legislation and Australian
Standards.

PPE for Electrical Workers will include a full length, ankle to wrist, uniform made of 100%
cotton or flame-resistant material with no metal components when working on the following;

• Energised LV work,
• Work on electrical installations that are connected to a source of supply,
• HV switching, installation and maintenance works,
• Testing and fault-finding electrical installations.

It is the responsibility of every Electrical Worker to regularly examine their PPE to ensure it
is in a satisfactory condition so that their work tasks can be safely completed.

Electrical Instrumentation
It is the responsibility of every Electrical Worker to regularly examine all items of Electrical
Instrumentation they are using to ensure the Electrical Instrumentation is in-test date and is
appropriate, being aware of High Fault Currents and in an Electrically Safe condition for the
work being carried out. There are four categories of test equipment, however, for ADG, only
Categories 3 and 4 are to be used.

Categories are:

Installation Category 3: Relates to the distribution level, main switchboards etc. This
category of instrument may be used on a sub/board or a main switchboard that is not
supplied directly from a transformer (Usually suitable for restricted class electrical licence
holders).

Installation Category 4: Relates to the primary supply level and this is the only category
of instrument that is to be used to identify voltage on a main switchboard supplied directly
by a transformer (Minimum requirement for all electrical fitter mechanics, or open class
electricians).

Electrical Instrumentation that is used for compliance testing, i.e., Certificates of Test (CoT)
or Certificates of Compliance (CoC) must be tested and calibrated at minimum 12 monthly or
as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. The next test date shall be marked on each
item.

ADG contractors shall provide calibration certificates if requested.

18 Electrical Safety Management Plan

Hazardous Areas
Hazardous areas are areas where there may be a fire or explosion risk due to the possible
presence of flammable gases, vapours and mists. Electrical equipment within the hazardous
area must be suitably rated and effectively earthed to ensure risks are adequately
controlled.

Wherever flammable liquids, vapours, gases and combustible dusts are used, stored,
handled or generated, a hazardous area classification is required to assess the risk of fire
and explosion. Where electrical equipment is located within a hazardous area classification
zone, specific requirements are mandated in AS/NZS 60079.14 (Explosive atmospheres
Design selection, erection and initial inspection) for the selection and installation of the
electrical equipment.

Suitably trained and licenced personnel shall design and install electrical equipment in a
hazardous area in accordance with relevant Northern Territory legislation and Australian
Standards.

Working Near Overhead Services

ADG has overhead power lines at varying high voltage levels in a few locations. The
overhead electrical services may be owned by Power Water Corporation or ADG. The
following safe approach distances must be maintained for mobile plant and persons while
working near overhead electrical services.

TABLE 3 Safe Approach Distances

Nominal Phase to Phase voltage Safe Approach Distances - Mobile plant

and persons

Above 1kV & up to & including 33kV 3000mm

Above 33kV & up to & including 66kV 4000mm

A written Risk Assessment must be submitted to ADG for approval before working near
overhead services. If safe approach distances cannot be maintained, then ADG Engineering
should be contact to risk assess the works and determine additional controls. If the
overhead service is owned by Power Water Corporation the person responsible for the works
will be directed to contact the Power Water Corporation to request authority to work in the
vicinity of the apparatus.

Working Near Underground Services

ADG have low voltage, high voltage, communications, water, sewerage and drainage
underground infrastructure. All excavation works at ADG require an excavation permit to be
approved before works proceed.

ADG underground services are not registered with Dial before you Dig. The ADG Engineer
shall be contacted for underground services plans/drawings.

Permits and relevant procedures are available on the DIA website.

Electrical Safety Management Plan 19

The applicant must complete a written Risk Assessment before any excavation work is
approved. The Risk Assessment must include information from appropriate sources such as
ADG drawings and Underground Service Locating Sub-Contractors. This information should
include the following:

• What underground electrical services are at or near excavation works.

• Location of electrical services.
• Type and depth of service.
• Whether it is live, i.e. energised.

If works are within 2m of High Voltage services a High Voltage Access/Isolation permit must
also be submitted for approval. The ADG Engineer will risk assess the works and apply
additional controls if required.

High Voltage Electrical Work

All High Voltage work, including switching, maintenance, testing and installation or
disconnection to a source of supply shall be carried out by suitably trained electrical workers
that have been authorised by ADG. To be authorised to work on ADG High Voltage networks
an electrical workers high voltage qualifications and/or statement of experience must be
submitted to the ADG Engineer for review.

A register of authorised high voltage electrical workers will be maintained by the ADG
Engineer.

An approved High Voltage access/isolation permit is required for all electrical works within
3m of exposed/bare high voltage conductors. If works are within 1m of exposed/bare
conductors then the high voltage asset must be isolated, proven de-energised and earthed.

Permits and relevant procedures are available on the DIA website.

All high voltage installation and maintenance works shall have an approved inspection and
test plan approved by ADG. The test results must be reviewed and approved by the ADG
Engineer before a high voltage asset is commissioned or returned to service.

Aeronautical Ground Lighting

Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) is the generic term used to describe the various lighting
systems that are provided at an aerodrome for the guidance of pilots operating aircraft both
at night and in low visibility conditions.

AGL installations are critical systems required for safe operation of an aerodrome. Only ADG
authorised staff and contractors are permitted to perform maintenance, troubleshooting,
and repair tasks. Basic Airfield Ground Lighting Course is mandatory for staff.

AGL primary circuits are powered by constant current regulators (CCR) to control the
brightness of the airfield lights. AGL installations are high voltage circuits, the voltage will
vary due to circuit length, brightness setting and condition of the circuit. All work on AGL

20 Electrical Safety Management Plan

circuits shall be completed with the CCR isolated and workers shall verify that the circuits
are deenergised and discharged.

Installation, maintenance and repairs of the Darwin International Airport AGL system shall
be compliant with the Department of Defence Aeronautical Ground Lighting Configuration
Manual (AGLCM) – RAAF Base Darwin.

Solar Generation
ADG has multiple solar generation sites. A risk assessment and relevant LV Access permits
must be completed for all maintenance and repair works on solar generation systems. The
following hazards should be assessed and controlled for work on solar generation systems;

• High Direct Current (DC) voltages can be present on solar array circuits, up to 850V
DC, during daylight hours. DC circuits current flow should be stopped at the inverter
before isolating a circuit via an isolator/switch. Solar arrays will still supply an open
circuit voltage and should be treated as live.
• Solar inverters have AC and DC connections and energy storage elements. Electrical
work on inverters requires isolation of all voltage supplies and confirmation that
capacitors are discharged, refer to specific manufacturer inverter model manuals for
discharge times.
• Working at heights for roof top systems.

Batteries
A variety of ADG electrical installations have batteries, these are typically encountered in
multiples of 12V cells. Larger battery systems are present in generators and UPS equipment.
The following hazards should be assessed for work on battery systems;

• Battery systems often have exposed live terminals and can generate large currents if
shorted. Where practical battery systems should be installed with insulation covers or
within enclosures to prevent inadvertent short circuits.
• Many batteries generate hydrogen gas when being charged. Ventilation should be
provided for large battery systems installed in enclosed spaces. There is a risk of
explosion if not properly vented.
• Overcurrent protection – HRC fuses or double pole circuit breaker and battery cables
must be rated for a fault current capacity equal to or exceeding the fault current of
the battery system.
• Batteries used for starting diesel generators or other similar high current applications
can explode when used. Personnel operating such equipment shall maintain a safe
distance and wear suitable PPE as required.

Electrical Safety Management Plan 21

Work on Cables (including cutting cables)
Work on cables, including cutting, the cables shall be isolated from supply and relevant LV
Access or HV access permits in place.

Cables should only be cut by hand tools if the cable can be confirmed it is disconnected from
supply. For LV cables the disconnection can be traced from the supply connection to the
location of the cut.

Where a cable cannot be confirmed it is disconnected from supply, the cable shall be cut
using a remotely operated hydraulic device or equivalent.

22 Electrical Safety Management Plan

Quality Control
Testing of Electrical Work
All Electrical Work shall be tested to ensure it complies with legislative requirements and is
electrically safe. Electrical testing shall be in accordance with Section 8 of Australian
Standards AS/NZS 3000:2018 -Wiring Rules and AS/NZS 3017:2007 - Electrical Installations
-Verification Guidelines.

Electrical test results shall be recorded on a separate Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) test
record. Test results shall be attached to the Certificate of Compliance and/or the work
request. The Electrical Worker who carried out testing and details of the test equipment
used must be recorded with the test results.

Site Inspection Before Leaving

Before leaving the site, a visual inspection shall be conducted to ensure all cables have been
correctly terminated and the installation and/or equipment and ancillaries are electrically
safe.

All completed Electrical Work must comply with relevant standards and be in accordance
with the tenant’s and ADG’s requirements.

Certificate of Test/Compliance
The Certificate of Test/Compliance must be issued to the tenant and the ADG Electrical
coordinator following all Electrical Work. Where appropriate, photographic evidence showing
workmanship, shall be attached.

The Certificate of Test/Compliance must be issued to ADG as the network operator, in

accordance with the relevant Territory legislative requirements.

Audits
Audits will be conducted on a regular basis to ensure that the Electrical Work completed has
been conducted in accordance with all relevant legislative and Australian Standards
requirements.

The relevant Electrical Supervisor, Contract or Project Managers/Supervisors, Site Supervisor

and or Team Leaders will be responsible to ensure ESMP compliance audits are conducted.
Completed ESMP audits will be retained in the site ADG contract file.

The auditor must be a person who is electrically qualified, competent to assess the accuracy
and relevance of company procedures and is familiar with electrical safety requirements.
The auditor will understand the responsibilities of electrical contractors in accordance with
current Territory Electrical Safety Legislation.

Control of Documents
All recommended changes to the ESMP and associated documentation will be reviewed
through consultation with appropriately qualified personnel.

Electrical Safety Management Plan 23

Control of Records
The following documents shall be retained as required:

• Certificate of test/compliance issued to the tenant and ADG

• ITP and electrical test result work orders/project file
• Record of tests on testing instruments
• Record of tests on safety equipment
• Safety, Competency and Procedure Audit Schedule
• Training records

24 Electrical Safety Management Plan

Electrical Employee Training and Assessment
ESMP Training
ESMP training is provided to all Electrical Workers directly employed by ADG.

ESMP training is required for ADG Supervisors and Managers who have Electrical Workers or
Electrical Contractors reporting to them.

Electrical Contractors are required to attend ESMP training within three months of
commencement and are required to demonstrate compliance with the ESMP.

Training Requirements
Electrical Employee training requirements will be assessed annually and will include, as a
minimum the following;

• ESMP training.
• Annual CPR refresher.
• Annual LV rescue.
• Basic airfield lighting course
• High Voltage operator training

Internal and external training will be made available to Electrical Employees to improve
technical competencies and as required by any legislative changes.

Employees Electrical Licence Renewals

An Electrical worker is required to provide evidence of skills maintenance as part of an
electrical licence renewal. If the employee is unable to supply enough evidence, such as
Certificates of Compliance that meets the requirements of the NT Electrical Workers and
Contractors Licensing Board, the employee shall attend a Board approved refresher course
by a Board approved Registered Training Organisation.

Electrical Safety Management Plan 25

Definitions
Approval
Agreement is reached and must be documented.

Competent Person
A person, who has acquired, through training, qualification or experience or a combination
of these, the knowledge and skill enabling that person to perform the required task
correctly. Having acquired through training, qualifications and experience or a combination
of these, the knowledge and skills to correctly perform the task required. (AS/NZS 4836,
Section 1.6.3)

De-energized
Separated from all sources of supply, but not necessarily isolated, earthed or out of
commission.

Direct supervision
In relation to electrical work, means the constant personal oversight of the work by a person
licensed to perform the work himself without supervision.

Disconnected
Physically separated from any source of electrical energy, and where necessary insulated or
secured in a position clear of any electrical equipment that is capable of being energized.

Electrical Supervisor
An agreed and nominated licensed Electrical Worker. This person assists in ensuring that the
legislative electrical compliance obligations are being met.

Electrical Worker
A person engaged in the installation, maintenance, repair, alteration, testing or fault finding
an electrical installation or the supervision of that work.

Energized
Connected to a source of electrical supply or subject to hazardous induced or capacitive
voltages. (AS/NZS 4836, Section 1.6.11)

Exposed Conductors
A conductive part of electrical equipment that-
a) Can be touched with the standard test finger as specified in AS/NZS 3100; and
b) Is not a live part but can become live if basic insulation fails.

Extra Low Voltage (ELV)

voltage not exceeding 50 volts AC or 120 volts DC.

Fault Finding
The process of making measurements or carrying out tests on equipment to locate faults. It
may also include the process of connecting testing instruments or devices to various parts of
the equipment to determine how the equipment is operating. (AS/NZS 4836, Section 1.6.14)

26 Electrical Safety Management Plan

General supervision
Means the oversight or superintendence of electrical work by a person licensed to perform
the work himself, without supervision, and according to the nature of the work and the
competence of the person undertaking it, sufficient to ensure safe and satisfactory
workmanship.

Hazardous Area
An area in which an explosive atmosphere is present or may be expected to be present, in
quantities that require special precautions, when working on electrical installations and
equipment or using test equipment.

High Voltage (HV)

Voltage that exceeds 1000 volts AC or 1500 volts DC.

Incident
An actual or an apparently imminent occurrence of an event that endangers or threatens to
endanger the safety or health of any person, or which destroys or damages or threatens to
destroy or damage any property, or any other event or alarm that results in a response by
the reporting authority.

Isolated (electrically)
Separated from all possible sources of electrical energy and rendered incapable of being
energized unintentionally.

Live Work
Electrical Work performed in circumstances in which some or all the electrical equipment the
subject of the Electrical Work is energized. This includes testing, however, a safety observer
is not required for testing, unless a risk assessment finds that one is required.
Live work includes testing, tightening live or energized terminals, tracing cables through a
live switchboard, vacuuming a switchboard, component removal or replacement or drilling a
hole into a live or energized switchboard.

Low Voltage (LV)

Voltage that exceeds extra-low voltage (ELV), but not exceeding 1000V AC or 1500V DC.

On or Near
A situation where an electrical worker is working on or near exposed energized conductors
or live conductive parts and there is a reasonable possibility that the electrical worker’s
body, or any conductive medium the electrical worker may be carrying or touching during
the course of the work, may come closer to the exposed energised conductors or live
conductive part than 500mm.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safety clothing and equipment for specified circumstances or areas, where the nature of the
work involved or the conditions under which people are working, requires its wearing or use
for their personal protection to minimize risk.

Safe System of Work

For Live Work on a low voltage electrical installation, includes, but is not limited to a system
of work that complies with the provisions of AS/NZS 4836 (Safe Working on Low Voltage
Electrical Installations) about ensuring the safety of persons while performing Live Work.

Electrical Safety Management Plan 27

Safety Observer
A person whose has been specifically assigned the responsibility of observing and warning
against the unsafe approach to electrical equipment, exposed energized conductors or live
conductive parts and other potential risks.

Testing
The use of logical methodology or test instruments, or test equipment by a competent
person. (AS/NZS 4836, Section 1.5.25)

28 Electrical Safety Management Plan