Best Practices for Conducting an Electrical Risk Assessment

What is Electrical Risk Assessment?

Electrical risk assessment is a systematic process that identifies, evaluates, and controls risks associated with electrical systems and equipment in the workplace. By evaluating the potential consequences of hazards such as electrical shocks, arc flashes, equipment malfunctions, and fires,  the organization can reduce the likelihood of their occurrence and implement appropriate safety measures.

Importance and Benefits of Electrical Risk Assessment

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, electricity is in the top ten leading causes of occupational injury in the United States, with approximately 4,000 injuries every year and one fatality per day. This electrical safety statistic proves the importance of conducting risk assessments for electrical work. On top of enhancing safety in the workplace, companies that include this in their safety management processes can gain the following:

• Improved worker morale and productivity – A safe working environment fosters a culture of trust and confidence among employees. Workers who feel protected from electrical hazards can accomplish their tasks efficiently and contribute to the company’s goals.

• Increased operational efficiency – Proactively identifying and mitigating risks reduce downtimes caused by accidents or equipment failures. Subsequently, they can also save significant costs resulting from work interruptions and expensive repairs.

• Ensured regulatory compliance – Agencies such as the USA’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommend annual electrical hazard risk assessments. Organizations that adhere to local and international guidelines can confidently affirm their commitment to safety.

Steps in an Electrical Risk Assessment

A comprehensive electrical hazards risk assessment involves several critical steps to address all potential hazards. Strictly following this guide enables companies to uphold safety and compliance:

Steps in an Electrical Risk Assessment

Step 1: Plan and prepare for the task.

This step involves setting clear objectives, understanding the scope of the electrical works risk assessment, producing the necessary documents (e.g., electrical diagrams, equipment manuals, and previous assessment reports), and assembling a team of professionals to carry out the task. Here are a few best practices:

• Develop a detailed assessment plan that includes timelines, roles, and specific goals.

• Ensure assessors are trained and familiar with the facility, equipment, and the fundamental electrical safety rules and standards.

• Conduct a preliminary meeting with stakeholders to align goals and expectations.

Step 2:  Identify hazards.

Determine all potential electrical hazards that could harm personnel, damage equipment, or disrupt operations. Here are some electrical risk assessment examples to look out for:

• Potential contact with exposed live parts (e.g., live conductor or part of an electrical circuit)

• Damaged or worn insulation on wires, faulty switches, and overloaded circuits

• Arc flashes or a sudden and violent explosion caused by a short circuit

• Improper grounding

• Faulty wiring that could come in contact with flammable materials

While identifying hazards, it’s best to consider doing these:

• Utilize National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) safety, ISO 45001, and OSHA guidelines checklists to include all possible hazards.

• Employ diagnostic tools such as thermal imaging and insulation testers.

• Pay attention to environmental factors like moisture, dust, or temperature. These can exacerbate electrical risks.

Step 3: Evaluate the risks.

Assessing risks based on their potential severity and the likelihood of occurrence helps prioritize the risks that need immediate attention and informs resource allocation. Since the goal is to prioritize the most dangerous hazards, take note of these best practices:

• Follow guidelines from credible agencies when conducting electrical work and risk assessments:

• NFPA 70E

• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

• ISO 45001 for risk assessments

• OSHA’s electrical safety standards

• Consider direct and indirect consequences of hazards, such as secondary injuries, downtime, and reputational damages.

• Make the process more efficient by utilizing digital electrical risk assessment sample templates.

Step 4: Implement control measures.

Control measures are actions that eliminate, reduce, or manage the identified and evaluated risks. Implementing these reduces the risk of accidents and injuries and enhances the organization’s safety culture. Here are some examples of what can be done based on the hierarchy of controls:

• Elimination – De-energize equipment before maintenance or inspection and decommission electrical equipment that poses significant risks.

• Substitution – Replace high-voltage tools with low-voltage or battery-operated alternatives.

• Engineering controls – Install circuit protection devices (e.g., circuit breakers and ground fault circuit interrupters) to prevent overloads. Insulation barriers around live wires and electrical panels can prevent accidental contact.

• Administrative controls – Provide comprehensive electrical safety training for employees that includes hazard recognition and emergency procedures.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Use safety gear such as insulated tools, electrical gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, and flame-resistant clothing when working with or near electrical hazards.

Once the team has outlined the most viable control measures, ensure that employees understand the rationale behind them for proper use.

Step 5: Document and report.

Detailed records of the entire risk assessment process demonstrate accountability and transparency. The report, complete with identified hazards, evaluated risks, implemented controls, and any corrective actions taken, will be shared with relevant stakeholders, especially regulatory agencies.

• Use standardized forms and templates to ensure consistency and data accuracy.

• Store documentation in a secure, centralized repository. Regularly update this as part of the safety management system.

Step 6: Monitor, review, and update.

Continuous monitoring helps verify that control measures are effective and remain relevant throughout changes in the work environment. Updates are necessary to address new hazards and evolving safety standards.

• Regularly review the risk assessment. Conduct this annually or when there are significant changes in equipment and processes.

• Use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as incident rates, near-miss reports, or equipment failure data to monitor the effectiveness of the controls.

• Encourage employee feedback to identify gaps or issues with the current control measures.