This document discusses common insulation hazards, risks, and controls for insulation installers. It identifies electrical hazards, asbestos, working at heights, confined spaces, dust and fibres, temperature extremes, and safe work practices as common hazards. It provides details on electrical hazards, controlling risks through isolating, locking out, and tagging equipment, using personal protective equipment, and ensuring worker competence. The document emphasizes following standards and developing safe work method statements to safely manage electrical and other risks.

1. WHS common insulation
hazards, risks and controls

2. Introduction
• Common hazards for insulation
installers
• How to identify these
• How are the risks controlled
• Safe work practices
WHS common
insulation hazards,
risks and controls

3. Common insulation hazards
• Electrical hazards and risks
• Asbestos containing materials (ACM)
• Working at heights and falls from heights
• Confined spaces / restricted access areas
• Synthetic mineral fibres, dust, vermin / pests
• Hot and cold working environments
• Safe work practices
WHS common
insulation hazards,
risks and controls

4. Electrical hazards
• ACT Gov video Electrical safety
https://vimeo.com/195364915

5. Electrical hazards and risks
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/system/files/documents/1705/mcop-managing-electrical-risks_in_the_workplace-
v1.pdf
Electrical risks are risks of death, electric shock or other
injury caused directly or indirectly by electricity.
The most common electrical risks and causes of injury are:
• electric shock causing injury or death. The electric shock
may be received by direct or indirect contact. For
example, electric shock may result from indirect contact
where a conductive part that is not normally energised
becomes energised due to a fault (e.g. foil insulation,
metal tools)
• toxic gases causing illness or death. Burning and arcing
associated with electrical equipment may release various
gases and contaminants
• fire resulting from an electrical fault. Electrical hazards and
risks

6. General electrical safety at work
Sources of electrical risks in the workplace and working
environment include;
• incorrectly rated fuses or circuit breakers in
switchboards
• wet weather conditions
• in and around trenches, pits and underground ducts
• ladders, scaffolds, portable platforms, and elevating
work platforms
• confined spaces
• ability to safely rescue persons
• the competence of people carrying out the work
Electrical hazards and risks

7. Tools and equipment around electrical work
Metallic or wire reinforced ladders and scaffolds are conductive and
may create an electric shock path some examples are;
• ladders slipping while work is being carried out on them could cause a
worker on the ladder to touch exposed energised parts, for example
grabbing a mains box
• gusts of wind blowing an extension ladder into nearby overhead power lines
or onto live switch boards
• portable scaffolds may damage wiring insulation when moved if the scaffold
strikes conductors or leads.
Consideration should be given to eliminating the use of
metallic, wire reinforced or otherwise conductive ladders;
these items should not be used in close proximity to
equipment where an electrical hazard may result from their
use.
These types of ladders should be avoided for any kind of
electrical work.

8. Tools and equipment around electrical work
• When using scaffolding or EWPs – check for overhead powerlines and
do not run over leads
• Lead protection - avoid running leads across the floor or ground,
through doorways and over sharp edges, and use lead stands or
insulated cable hangers to keep leads off the ground
• Don’t use leads and tools in damp or wet conditions unless they are
specially designed for those conditions.
• Use RCDs and ensure they are maintained, tested and tagged
• Physically inspect tools and equipment before use – especially
insulated tools
• All electrical equipment must be tested and tagged, earthed properly,
and unplugged when changing blades and fittings
• Take out of service and tag defective tools
Electrical hazards and risks

9. Out of Service or Caution tags
Out of service or caution tags are used to identify electrical equipment that is
not safe to use or not fit for purpose.
The out of service or caution tag should:
• be durable and securely attached
• clearly state the nature of the defect or reason why the electrical equipment is
unsafe
• be attached on a prominent position on each isolation point
• only be removed by a competent person after fixing or rectifying the defect
and making the electrical equipment safe or replacing with a danger tag in
preparation to work on the equipment. Electrical hazards and risks

10. Electrical concerns for installers
• Ceilings contain a myriad of cables, wiring,
downlights, exhaust fans and other electrical items
• Cables can have existing damage – wiring prior to
1989 must be inspected
• Risks can include cutting wires or cables, touching
live or faulty wires, or fire
• An electrical risk assessment must be performed
prior to commencing any insulation installation
• Live electrical equipment must never be worked on
until de-energised and/or physically isolated by a
qualified person (shut down, locked out and tagged)
Electrical hazards and risks

11. Hazards indirectly caused by electricity –
Conductive materials
Indirect exposure to electrical risks, including risks of electric shock, arcing and explosion,
occurs when energised parts come in contact with conductive material.
Other conductive materials can provide current paths for the electric shock and/ or fault
currents
Conductive materials are metals, concrete, timber with a high moisture content or water.
For example, ladders that are damp or dirty may become conductive and create a potential
hazard.
All materials should be regarded as conductive unless proved otherwise.
Particular care should be taken when exposed energised parts are near earthed situations.
Tools and equipment used should be non-conductive or insulated.
Metal objects worn on or close to the body increase the risk of electric shock. Electrical
burns can be more serious because these objects retain heat and provide contact points for
current to flow. Examples of metallic personal items include jewellery, body piercings and
metal spectacle frames.
Electrical hazards and risks

12. Safe work practices and procedures for working
around electricity
• Correct selection, inspection and use of tools and equipment
(previously discussed)
• Risk assessment and SWMS
• Isolate, lock out, tag and test procedure
• Worker competence
• PPE
Requirements for installing insulation around or near electrical cabling,
heat generating appliances and recessed lighting are addressed in AS 3999
in the following sections:
• Section 2: Pre-Installation considerations and inspections
• Section 4.3: Electrical safety requirements
• Appendix A: Recessed Luminaries.

13. Australian Standards
Requirements for installing insulation around or
near electrical cabling, heat generating appliances
and recessed lighting are addressed in AS 3999 in
the following sections:
• Section 2: Pre-Installation considerations and inspections
• Section 4.3: Electrical safety requirements
• Appendix A: Recessed Luminaries.

14. Safe work method statements
(SWMS) for electrical work
Safe work method statements document a process for identifying and controlling health
and safety hazards and risks.
They may also incorporate a risk assessment.
Safe work method statements must be developed in consultation with relevant workers.
Safe work method statements must:
• Identify the electrical work
• specify the hazards associated with that electrical work and risks associated with those
hazards
• describe the measures to be implemented to control the risks
• describe how the risk control measures are to be implemented, monitored and
reviewed, and may include the risk assessment prepared for the relevant work.
• must be written in a way that makes them readily understandable by the workers who
are to use them.
• be readily accessible to any worker who is to carry out the electrical work covered by
the statement.
• must be kept up-to-date. They must, for example, be revised if a decision is made to
change relevant safe work procedures at the workplace.
If the electrical work falls within the description of ‘high risk construction work’ then the
construction regulations in the WHS Regulations will also apply. For more information see
the Code of Practice: Construction Work.
Safe work procedures - Electrical hazards
and risks

15. Video
• Managing electrical hazards around wiring and
recessed lighting
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erWIxlyA5rk
&feature=youtu.be

16. LV Isolation and access
These isolation procedures must be documented in the SWMS
Working de-energised on low voltage electrical equipment or circuits requires the electrical equipment
or circuits to be effectively isolated from all relevant sources of electricity supply. This may be done
using opening switches, removing fuses or links, opening circuit breakers or removing circuit
connections
1. Consultation - consulting with the person with management or control of the workplace (e.g. in
relation to the timing of the work) and notifying any other affected persons as appropriate
2. Isolation - identifying the circuit(s) requiring isolation - noting there may be multiple sources and
stand-by systems/ generators/photovoltaic systems as well as auxiliary supplies from other boards
if a removable or rack out circuit breaker or combined fuse switch is used it should, if reasonably
practicable, be racked out or removed then locked open and danger tagged
3. Securing the isolation - locking the isolating switch(es) where practicable or removing and tying back
relevant conductors to protect the person(s) carrying out the electrical work
4. Tagging – Attach DANGER – DO NOT OPERATE tag
5. Testing - testing to confirm the relevant circuits (powerpoints and lights) have been de-energised
6. Re-testing as necessary - for example, if the person carrying out the work temporarily leaves the
immediate area, checks and tests must be carried out on their return to ensure that the electrical
equipment being worked on is still isolated to safeguard against inadvertent reconnection by another
person
See video
Safe work procedures - Electrical hazards
and risks

17. Danger Tags at switch boards
Danger tags are used for the duration of the electrical work to
warn persons at the workplace that:
• the electrical equipment is isolated or out of service
• the electricity supply must not be switched back on or
reconnected
• reconnecting electricity may endanger the life of the
electrical worker(s) working on the equipment.
The danger tag should:
• be durable and securely fixed to the isolator
• clearly state the warning, including any warning about specific hazards relating to
the isolation (for example, multiple points of supply)
• be dated and signed by the worker or workers involved in carrying out the work or,
where appropriate, by the supervisor in charge of the workers
• be attached in a prominent position on each isolation point (i.e. the point or one of
many points used to isolate electrical parts) or device
• only be removed by the signatories to the tag.
• Measures must be put in place to manage risks associated with removing the lock or
tag (e.g. thorough investigation to ensure all workers and others at the workplace
are safe). Safe work procedures - Electrical hazards
and risks

18. Testing for Dead
The safe work procedure ‘TEST FOR ‘DEAD’ BEFORE YOU TOUCH’
must be applied at all times.
Even if the electricity supply is believed to have been isolated, it
must be assumed that all conductors and electrical components are
energised until they have been proven deenergised.
Testing for ‘dead’ must be undertaken as appropriate for the
duration of the electrical work.
Testing is undertaken prior to touching, taking into account all
relevant factors including the nature of the conductor, nature of the
isolation, nature of work, if there has been a change or the area has
been left idle (unattended) for a period.
The testing procedure should be written in the SWMS
Safe work procedures - Electrical hazards
and risks

19. Restoring power
• Notify all workers working on the electrical
equipment and other affected workers at the
workplace that electricity is to be restored
• take precautions to ensure that other electrical
equipment is not inadvertently energised
• follow procedures for removing any locks (or other
control mechanisms), tags, notices and safety signs
• carry out a visual inspection to ensure that all tools,
surplus material and waste has been removed from
the workplace.
Safe work procedures - Electrical hazards
and risks

20. Watch the video
• QUIZ 15 DRAFT Electrical isolation
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09foLaadXd
U&feature=youtu.be

21. Workers competence
Workers must be worker experienced in, or have been
properly trained for the job and the working conditions
• Is the worker physically fit for the proposed work, for
example are they able to climb and work at heights
• Are they mentally alert and not fatigued?
• Does the worker have a visual or hearing impairment
that need to be taken into consideration?
• Does the worker take any medication that may increase
their vulnerability to work in electrical environments?
• Is the worker working excessively long hours?
• Does the worker suffer from claustrophobia?
Safe work procedures - Electrical hazards
and risks

22. PPE and electrical hazards
Personal protective equipment (PPE) PPE used around electrical hazards must be
suitable for the work, properly tested and maintained in good working order.
Training must be provided in how to select and fit the correct type of equipment,
as well as training on the use and care of the equipment so that it works
effectively.
Depending on the type of work and the risks involved, the following PPE should
be considered:
• Eye Protection—metal spectacle frames should not be worn.
• Gloves—use gloves insulated to the highest potential voltage expected for
the work being undertaken. Leather work gloves may be considered for de-
energised electrical work.
• Clothing—use non-synthetic clothing of non-fusible material and flame
resistant. Clothing made from conductive material or containing metal
threads should not be worn.
• Footwear—use non-conductive footwear, for example steel toe capped boots
or shoes manufactured to a suitable standard.
• Safety Belt/Harness—safety belts and harnesses should be checked and
inspected each time before use with particular attention being paid to
buckles, rings, hooks, clips and webbing.
Safe work procedures - Electrical hazards
and risks

23. Glossary for electrical work
• Competent person: a person who has acquired through training,
qualification or experience and the knowledge and skills to carry
out the task
• De-energised means separated from all sources of supply but
not necessarily isolated, earthed, discharged or out of
commission
• Isolated means disconnected from all possible sources of
electricity supply and rendered incapable of being made
energised without premeditated and deliberate action.
• Residual current device (RCD) means a device intended to
isolate supply to protected circuits, socket outlets or electrical
equipment in the event of a current flow to earth that exceeds a
predetermined value. The RCD may be fixed or portable

24. Remember your duty of care
WHS Act section 28
Duties of workers
Workers have a duty to take reasonable care for
their own health and safety and to not adversely
affect the health and safety of other persons.
Workers must comply with reasonable instructions,
as far as they are reasonably able, and cooperate
with reasonable health and safety policies or
procedures that have been notified to worker.