This Code is intended to be read by a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU).

It provides practical guidance to PCBUs on managing electrical risks in the workplace.

It applies to all workplaces where a PCBU:

− has management or control of electrical equipment, including electrical installations, or
− carries out electrical work on or near energised electrical equipment, including electrical installations.

This Code may be a useful reference for other persons interested in the duties under the WHS Act and WHS Regulations.

This Code applies to construction and demolition sites, except if a requirement of the Code is dealt with in AS/NZS 3012:2010:

Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites. In that case you must comply with AS/NZS 3012:2010. Further information about construction work can be found in the Code of Practice: Construction work.

This Code does not apply to:

− electrical work on extra-low voltage electrical equipment, including extra-low voltage electrical installations
− electrical work on high voltage equipment after switching, isolation, short circuiting and earthing, subject to summary guidance in Chapter 9 of this Code
− the manufacture of electrical equipment
− automotive electrical work
− work that is not electrical work carried out on telephone, communication and data systems
− work carried out by or on behalf of an electricity supply authority on the electrical equipment controlled or operated by the authority to generate, transform, transmit or supply electricity, and
− repair of consumer electrical equipment when unplugged from any electrical socket outlet.

‘Extra-low voltage’ means voltage that does not exceed 50 volts alternating current (50 V a.c.) or 120 volts ripple-free direct current (120 V ripple free d.c.).