Electrical risks in ceiling spaces prompt warning

In February 2022, an electrical worker died in a home ceiling space; while investigations into the incident are ongoing, it is understood he was working on the air conditioning system at the time. There are risks of serious injury or fatality when working in ceiling spaces — it’s important to understand and manage the risks before entering a ceiling space. In most buildings, much of the electrical wiring for lights, socket outlets, air-conditioning and other electrical equipment runs through the ceiling space. Anyone who enters the space is at risk of electric shock. Working in ceiling spaces also presents other risks, such as falling from height, excessive heat, dust, and biological hazards such as vermin, insects and moulds.

Taking steps to manage risks is a condition of doing business in Queensland; if an incident occurs, business owners and PCBUs will have to show the regulator that they have used an effective risk management process. This responsibility is covered by the primary duty of care in both the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, depending on the associated risk. PCBUs are advised to use the hierarchy of controls to help decide how to eliminate and reduce risks in the workplace.

The hierarchy of controls ranks types of control methods from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest, for a step-by-step approach to eliminating or reducing risks. PCBUs must work through the hierarchy of controls when managing risks, with the aim of eliminating the hazard. Employers and business owners must manage electrical risks, as outlined in the Work Health and Safety legislation. Workers must also take reasonable care for their own electrical safety and not adversely affect the electrical safety of others. Workers must comply with any reasonable instruction and cooperate with any reasonable policy relating to electrical safety at their place of work. If their employer provides equipment to carry out a job, workers must use it in accordance with the information, instruction and training provided on its use.

Effective control measures for work in ceiling spaces comprise a combination of controls. A safe system of work for managing the risk of working in ceiling spaces includes turning the power off before entering a ceiling space. Workers are advised to turn the power off at the main switchboard and either tape or label it to stop it being turned back on by someone else while they’re in the ceiling. Some electrical equipment such as hot water systems or stoves may have a separate switch; it’s safest to turn off all switches and circuit breakers at the main switchboard.

A pre-work risk assessment of the roof cavity must also be carried out, to identify any hazards that may pose risks, such as high temperatures, asbestos, type of insulation material, accessibility to the work area (like cramped and awkward positions), location of electrical cables (along with fittings, equipment, and water or gas piping), and the possible presence of dangerous wildlife such as snakes. Even with the power off, contact with electrical cables and equipment must be avoided, as some cables, such as consumer service lines, may still be live. Workers are advised to check for solar PV systems, which may have DC supply cables that are live during daylight.

When performing work activities in ceiling spaces, workers must ensure that someone is aware of where they are and maintain contact with them until work is completed. Workers must ensure that a rescue plan is in place and that the safety observer is aware of it. Heat and humidity may cause workers to experience heat stress; as a result, they are advised to ensure their fluid intake is sufficient and to consider doing the work during cooler times of the day. Workers must also have access to additional lighting (such as a torch) to better help them navigate dark ceiling spaces, taking care to avoid tripping over debris, material and the ceiling trusses. Workers must step carefully on ceiling joists or other beams — not the ceiling material (Gyprock sheeting) — to avoid the risk of falling or injury. Use of appropriate tools is also encouraged (preferably manual or battery-operated tools).

Workers must be aware of the location of electrical cables, fittings and equipment and avoid contact with them, while ensuring they do not damage any electrical cables or electrical equipment. Workers must be equipped with appropriate, well maintained and correctly fitted personal protective equipment when working in dusty ceiling spaces. This includes a half-face (class P1 or P2) disposable particulate respirator, in accordance with AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection (use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment); a head-covering and goggles to avoid eye irritation; long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothing and gloves to minimise skin contact with insulation material; and appropriate footwear. Employers and workers are also advised to keep their work areas clean and clear of fibres and dust, by placing waste in appropriate plastic bags.

When work in a ceiling is finished, workers are advised to replace any insulation material that may have been moved during work (ensuring it’s clear of any electrical fittings or equipment, especially downlights). Waste and debris must be disposed of appropriately, with hands, face, neck and hair washed with soap and water after work is completed.

PCBUs are advised to consult with workers and others involved in the work to share information about health and safety, and obtain feedback on work processes and safe work procedures. PCBUs are encouraged to identify that young workers have a unique risk profile that can impact on their health and safety at work.

Control measures should be regularly reviewed. If necessary, PCBUs should revise their measures so they work as planned and are as effective as possible. The aim is to maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a work environment that is without risks to health and safety.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/artursfoto