Electrical Fault Finding and Live Testing — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for testing and fault finding on low voltage electrical installations where conductors may be energised, including voltage, current and loop impedance measurements, tracing nuisance tripping and locating faults on circuits and equipment.
Download this template
The model WHS Regulations prohibit energised electrical work except in limited circumstances, and testing is one of them. Fault finding often needs measurements on live conductors: confirming voltage, measuring current or loop impedance, or watching a circuit trip under load. Because the work is on or near energised electrical installations it is high risk construction work, and the regulations also require a risk assessment, a written SWMS and, in most cases, a safety observer before energised work is carried out. Testing is the main exception, and only where a risk assessment shows there is no serious risk.
The hazards are shock and arc flash. Most electrical deaths during testing come from a few repeat causes: a meter on the wrong function or with damaged leads, a meter not rated for the category of the circuit, a probe slipping and bridging two phases, and a worker assuming a circuit is dead because the fault has tripped. Arc flash at main switchboards can cause severe burns from several metres away and the available fault current there is much higher than at a final subcircuit. Fault finding also creates pressure to restore power quickly, which is when short cuts are taken.
Work must be done by a licensed electrician holding the licence required in your state or territory, competent in the test equipment and in safe work on low voltage installations (AS/NZS 4836). Test instruments must be rated for the measurement category and voltage (CAT III for distribution boards and final subcircuits, CAT IV at the origin of the installation), in calibration, and proved on a known source before and after each test.
Your SWMS must set out when live testing is justified, the test sequence, barriers and insulating mats, the safety observer's role, and the point at which testing stops and the circuit is isolated before any repair.
Customise this template with the installation and boards involved, the prospective fault current or arc flash rating where known, the instruments used with their category ratings and calibration dates, the safety observer's name and rescue training, and the isolation points for repairs.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Work on or near energised electrical installations or services
Risk Assessment
1.Assess the fault and decide whether live testing is needed
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unnecessary energised work exposing the electrician to shock and arc flash | High | Gather the fault history from the client and inspect visually first. Use de-energised tests (insulation resistance, continuity) wherever they can find the fault. Do live testing only where a measurement must be taken energised, and document the reason in the SWMS or a job risk assessment before starting. | Moderate | Licensed Electrician |
| Pressure to restore supply leading to short cuts | Moderate | Agree with the client up front that the circuit stays off until the fault is found and repaired. Provide temporary supply for critical loads from a separate source if needed rather than working on the faulty circuit live. | Low | Licensed Electrician / Client |
2.Prepare test equipment and the work area
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meter failure or wrong rating causing arc flash in the hand | Catastrophic | Use a multimeter or tester rated CAT III or CAT IV for the voltage and location, in calibration, with fused leads, shrouded probes and minimal exposed tips. Inspect leads for damage before use. Prove the tester on a known live source or proving unit before and after each test. Set the function before applying probes. | Low | Licensed Electrician |
| Bystanders contacting exposed live parts while covers are off | High | Barricade the switchboard or equipment with barrier tape or screens and a 'Live testing in progress' sign. Keep doors to switch rooms closed. Only the electrician and safety observer within the barrier. | Low | Licensed Electrician |
| Contact with adjacent live parts in a crowded board | High | Fit insulating shrouds or covers over adjacent live parts not being tested. Stand on an insulating mat. Remove jewellery and use insulated tools only. | Low | Licensed Electrician |
3.Live testing and measurement
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric shock from contact with live conductors during measurement | Catastrophic | Wear insulating gloves and arc-rated PPE suited to the board. Use one hand where practicable and keep the other clear of earthed metal. Clip one lead on where possible rather than holding two probes. A safety observer, trained in low voltage rescue and CPR and able to isolate supply, stands outside the barrier watching throughout, unless the risk assessment shows testing poses no serious risk. | Moderate | Licensed Electrician / Safety Observer |
| Arc flash from a probe slipping between phases or onto earth | Catastrophic | Test at the point with the lowest fault current that gives the reading needed (final subcircuit terminals rather than main bus bars). Use probe tips no longer than needed and test points where fitted. Keep face out of line with the test point and wear a face shield or hood rated for the board. | Moderate | Licensed Electrician |
4.Isolate and repair the fault
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shock from assuming a tripped circuit is dead | Catastrophic | Once the fault is located, stop live work. Isolate at the protective device, lock and tag, and test for dead at the point of work with a proven tester before touching conductors. A tripped breaker or blown fuse is not an isolation. | Low | Licensed Electrician |
| Backfeed from solar, battery, generator or UPS | High | Check for alternative supplies on site before testing and before repair, and isolate each one. Look for multiple-supply warning labels at the board but do not rely on them; test every conductor. | Low | Licensed Electrician |
5.Verify the repair and re-energise
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Re-energising onto an unresolved fault causing arc or fire | High | Complete insulation resistance, continuity and polarity tests on the repaired circuit before removing locks. Close all covers and shrouds, confirm everyone is clear, then energise and confirm correct operation and RCD trip time where fitted. | Low | Licensed Electrician |
| Incident not recorded or reported | Moderate | Record test results and the repair on the certificate required in your state. Any electric shock, even a minor one, is reported to the supervisor, and serious electrical incidents are notified to the regulator. Anyone who has had a shock is sent for medical assessment. | Low | Licensed Electrician / Supervisor |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.