Electrical safety
- Safety Flash
- Published on 1 August 2003
- Generated on 18 September 2025
- IMCA SF 09/03
- 1 minute read
It has been reported to IMCA that there have been several incidents lately relating to electrical safety.
Essentially:
- Working on electrical equipment can be a highly hazardous job
- The identification of the risks involved can be hidden and taken for granted
Risks associated with working on energised equipment include:
- Electrical shock/electrocution to personnel
- Electrical arcing or flash burns
- Electrical fires
Recommendations:
To prevent electrical injuries while working with electrical equipment, ensuring the following safety work practices are followed:
- Ensure all applicable ‘permits to work’ and stored energy lock-out/tag-out steps are taken.
- Prior to performing any work a job safety assessment/toolbox talk must be performed to determine the appropriate safeguards and personal protective equipment.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.