COMPANY NAME/LOGO
SITE ADDRESS
Electrical Hazards Checklist for Contractors
QUESTION
1. Are switchboards properly
constructed and set up?
2. Are all circuits, portable
equipment, electrical plant
and tools protected from
earth leakage?
3. Are the right general
purpose outlets being used?
4. Are portable outlet devices
suitable?
5. Is cabling protected from
mechanical damage?
6. Are electrically powered
tools and flexible leads in a
safe condition?
7. Have Electrical Certificates
of Compliance been issued?
EXPLANATION
Ensure supply switchboards are of robust design and build. They should have:
 a tie bar to prevent strain at termination of cables/wiring
 insulated stands for the support of cables and extension leads
 a lockable door that cannot damage leads
 a way of keeping the door open for electrical installation work
 weatherproofing where outdoors or located anywhere subject to water
 a clear area of 1 m at the front
 a lockable cover over circuit breakers but not over main switches/isolating switches.
Where a meter panel and fuse assembly is fitted, make sure switchboards have an endorsed
locking device.
Check that every final sub circuit, all portable electrical equipment, electrical plant and tools are
protected.
Check that general purpose outlets with double pole switches are used for 240 volt sockets on
portable equipment.
Double adapters are not suitable for normal use on construction sites. Check that multi-plug
portable outlet devices comply with SABS 0142.
Make sure cabling has protection where there is a risk of mechanical damage. If a change
occurs that introduces a risk, provide protection. Also ensure that there is no unauthorised work
on portable buildings, such as drilling, nailing, screwing and fixing of attachments.
One way to make sure tools and leads are likely to be safe is by having them inspected, tested
and tagged by a electrician when they are first brought on site and then at regular intervals.
Keep a site register of inspections. Make sure unserviceable tools or leads are immediately
withdrawn from service until they are repaired or replaced.
Ensure that electrical Certificates of Compliance have been issued for all construction wiring,
including switchboards, before use
COMMENT
8. Have earth leakages been
tested?
9. Are portable generators
suitable?
Ensure that earth leakages are tested by operation of the test button before each use, and
tested for tripping current and time by a electrician every calendar month while used on site.
Check that portable generators are:




10. Are leads set out safely?
11. Are plant and temporary
structures a safe distance
from powerlines?
12. Is electrical installation
and repair work being done
safely?
NAME OF APPOINTED
ELECTRICAL
CONTROLLER:
fully serviceable and properly maintained
fitted with a 30 mA eartjh leakage
where supplying a fixed installation, installed by a registered electrical contractor, a
Electrical Certificate of compliance is provided and, before use, generators are
inspected by an electrician
where supplying portable tools and equipment, provided with earth and bonding
connections according to the manufacturer/supplier information displayed on the
generator.
Check that leads are not lying in mud or water or in areas where they can be damaged or
become tripping hazards. Use stable, insulated lead stands to keep them above head-height.
Do not allow leads to be wrapped around scaffolds or formwork - use S-shaped off-cuts of steel
reinforcing bar sheathed in cut-off lengths of garden hose instead.
Make sure there is always a safe distance between live powerlines and cranes, earth moving
equipment, elevating work platforms, hoists, scaffolds, formwork and portable ladders by
observing "no go zone" safe clearances.
Make sure that all electrical installation and repair work is supervised by licensed electricians
SIGNATURE OF APPOINTED ELECTRICAL CONTROLLER:
DATE: