Electrical safety

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 1 August 2003
  • Generated on 14 June 2026
  • 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.

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IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.

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