HAZARDS

Electrical Safety
in Aged Care
Electricity presents a significant health and such as burns, musculoskeletal injuries if the worker
safety hazard in aged care facilities. Even is physically thrown by the shock, and psychological
trauma. A regular inspection, testing and tagging
the briefest contact with electricity via a
program could reduce the risk of this type of injury.
shock from a faulty appliance can cause
serious injury. Electricity is also a contributing Kitchens and laundries are busy places in an aged
factor in other incidents such as falls and is a care facility. Commercial equipment such as electric
cooking equipment, ovens and dishwashers can pose a
common cause of fire.
serious electrocution risk if they are faulty or damaged.
Workers in the aged care sector are at risk of harm from Regular inspections and testing is essential. A quick
numerous electrical hazards present in their everyday visual inspection will identify any obvious damage
work environment. The dangers include electrocution or wear including frayed cords, broken switches or
and electric shock along with fire or explosion burns. damaged plugs. Testing will detect electrical faults
The key to electrical safety is ensuring that workers and deterioration not apparent to the naked eye.
have access to the right equipment, that the equipment Manufacturers recommendations will indicate how
is in good working order and that they use it correctly. frequently testing should be conducted. This work
In order to comply with the regulations and codes of should be carried out by a registered electrical
practice applicable in their state or territory and to contractor or a suitably qualified maintenance worker.
manage the risks, aged care facilities should ensure:
Electrical equipment is inspected, tested and
tagged regularly.
Faulty or ageing equipment is replaced.
Electrical equipment is correctly installed and
maintained by people who are competent and
qualified.
Safety switches, surge diverters and circuit breakers
are installed.
Sockets and power boards are not overloaded.
Electrical cables do not create slip and trip hazards.
Regular thermographic surveys of electrical
switchboards are conducted.

When might this hazard occur?

Electrical beds and lifting aids such as hoists are
frequently used in aged care facilities to help with
resident care. A faulty bed or hoist could give a worker
an electric shock potentially causing serious injuries
Any electrical switchboard or distribution board could Consider what you are currently doing to manage
be a potential ignition source for a fire, regardless of electrical risk (also known as controls).
age. A faulty switchboard will emit some heat and
potentially noise when something is wrong, however Consult with workers, volunteers and Health and
this is imperceptible in the majority of cases without the Safety Representatives to develop policies and
proper equipment. A faulty switchboard in an aged care procedures around electrical safety.
facility could go completely unnoticed until it causes a Provide appropriate training for all workers,
fire leading to serious and costly damage to property including contractors and volunteers.
and a risk of injury to residents and workers. The most
Develop and implement any new controls necessary.
effective way to prevent this is to have a thermographic
scan conducted by a qualified electrician.
Legislation and Guidelines
What do I need to do? AS3760:2010
Under work health and safety legislation, aged care
Practical Help
facilities have a duty to provide a safe and healthy
workplace and to comply with the regulations and Safe Work Australia
codes of practice applicable in their state or territory. In WorkCover NSW
order to meet these obligations and their duty of care to
Victorian WorkCover Authority
residents, an aged care facility must have robust policies
in place in relation to electrical hazards. The facility SafeWork SA
must also provide adequate training and know how to WorkSafe NT
respond and investigate incidents. WorkSafe WA
Review the requirements in your state or territory in WorkSafe Tasmania
relation to electrical safety. WorkCover QLD
Identify the risks associated with electrical risks in WorkSafe ACT
your workplace. Ask yourself these questions:
• What might happen?
• Where might it happen?
• When might it happen?
• Why might it happen?
• What could cause this to happen?
(there may be multiple causes)
• What has happened in the past?

If you would like further information about

Electrical Safety in Aged Care please
1300 660 827
contact the risksupport Helpdesk on: helpdesk@risksupport.org.au
www.risksupport.org.au

www.risksupport.org.au Important Notice: This publication is intended to provide a summary

and general information only to clients of Catholic Church Insurance
Catholic Church Insurance Limited Limited. It does not constitute, and should not be relied on as advice or
ABN 76 000 005 210, AFSL no. 235415 considered as a comprehensive coverage of the topics discussed. You
GPO Box 180 Melbourne 3001 should seek professional advice tailored to your own circumstances.

CCI RM310 1214