There are many serious risks associated with working with electricity. This is of particular importance when working with lighting, audio and vision, as well as using power tools during set construction.

When working with electricity you must allows ensure the cables:

• have a current tag

• are of industrial quality and insulated

• are not twisted, crushed, kinked, frayed or have any wiring exposed

• not create any trip hazards, taping them down or using a cable tray is useful 

• are protected from the weather.

Testing and tagging is a vital process undertaken in schools. When working to provide technical support for assemblies or arts productions you must ensure all equipment used has been tested and tagged. The tag indicates that the equipment was safe for use at the time of testing. Colour coding and/or date stamping/crimping is used to show when the testing was done.  Testing and tagging must be done every 12 months.

Watch the video (right) to learn some more about tesing and tagging.

There are some additional complications because electricity cannot be seen;  electric shock can be received by direct and indirect contact, by unintentionally energised (live) equipment, misuse or incorrect operation of equipment, or by not following established safe work procedures.

The risk of injury from electricity is strongly linked to where and how it is used.  The risks are greater when working in outdoor or in wet environments, with portable equipment, with custom made equipment and props, or with equipment that can be damaged through high frequency use and movement.

An electrical hazard can cause death (electrocution), electric shock, burns, and nervous and muscular system injuries.  Electrical hazards can also result in arcing, explosion, and fire.

Electrical hazards can lead to blackouts, creating flow-on health and safety risks to workers and patrons.

You looked at this earlier in the term but take the time to have another look at the fact sheet on Electrical Risks at the Workplace.

ACTIVITY

Create a one page, digital poster that summarises what you have learnt about electrical risks so that we can place it up on the wall for future reference.

When working with electricity you must allows ensure the cables:

• have a current tag

• are of industrial quality and insulated

• are not twisted, crushed, kinked, frayed or have any wiring exposed

• are properly places and do not create any trip hazards - taping them down or using a cable tray is useful

• are protected from the weather

• are sorted correctly when not in use.

Imagine that you are a stage hand for a large music concert. In a Google Doc, identify all the electrical haards that you would encounter in this job and what measures could be put into place to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.