Electrical Risk Assessment Template 2026
OHSA-compliant hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) for electrical work. Covers Electric shock, Arc flash, Burns from hot equipment, and more.
Instant Generation
AI creates your complete electrical HIRA in under 2 minutes.
OHSA Compliant
Meets Construction Regulations 2014 requirements for risk assessments.
Risk Matrix Included
Automated risk scoring with likelihood × severity calculations.
Electrical HIRA Categories
Hazard Categories Covered
- Electrical Hazards
- Working at Heights
- Manual Handling
- Fire Risks
- Confined Space Entry
Specific Hazards Addressed
- Electric shock
- Arc flash
- Burns from hot equipment
- Falls from height (working on elevated installations)
- Fire from faulty wiring
- Explosion in hazardous areas
- Musculoskeletal injuries from cable pulling
Risk Matrix Methodology
Our electrical HIRA uses a 5×5 risk matrix combining likelihood and severity to calculate risk scores. The AI automatically applies hierarchy of controls to reduce residual risk.
High Risk (15-25)
Work cannot proceed. Immediate controls required.
Medium Risk (8-14)
Additional controls needed before work starts.
Low Risk (1-7)
Work may proceed with standard precautions.
Key Electrical Risks & Controls
Electrocution from live conductors
Our AI applies hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Burns from electrical arcs
Our AI applies hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Fire due to overloaded circuits
Our AI applies hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Equipment damage from incorrect installation
Our AI applies hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Required PPE for Electrical Work
Electrical Risk Assessment Requirements in South Africa
Electrical work on South African construction sites is governed by the Electrical Installation Regulations (EIR) under the OHSA and SANS 10142 series. Every installation must be signed off by a registered electrician and accompanied by a Certificate of Compliance (CoC). Contractors bidding on government tenders must demonstrate competence in isolation procedures, live-work protocols, and arc flash protection. CIDB classes EP and EB cover electrical engineering works, and grading determines the maximum contract value your firm can take on. Common tender requirements include a detailed method statement, a hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) specific to electrical work, and proof that all personnel hold valid wireman's licences.
Key Risk Assessment Focus Areas for Electrical
Focus 1: Arc flash risk: calculate incident energy levels for each panel as per SANS 724 and specify appropriate PPE category
Focus 2: Working at heights during cable tray and conduit installation — specify fall arrest systems for work above 2m
Focus 3: Stored energy in capacitor banks and UPS systems — detail de-energisation wait periods
Focus 4: Fire risk from overloaded circuits during temporary construction power — specify RCBO protection
Focus 5: Musculoskeletal injury from pulling heavy cables in confined risers — detail mechanical aids required
Common Mistakes in Electrical Risk Assessments
Submitting a generic method statement that doesn't mention SANS 10142 or EIR — immediate red flag for assessors
Failing to include wireman's licence numbers for each electrician listed on the project
Not specifying arc flash PPE category per panel — required for HIRA compliance
Using old colour codes (red/black) in documentation when SANS 10142-1:2017 requires brown/blue
Omitting the CoC process — without this, the installation cannot be legally energised
Key Legislation for Electrical Risk Assessments
| Regulation / Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| SANS 10142-1:2017 | Wiring of premises — sets rules for conductor sizing, protection, earthing, testing, and CoC requirements. Updated 2017 to align with IEC colour codes. |
| Electrical Installation Regulations (EIR) | Under OHSA — requires all installations to be done by registered persons, inspected, and certified with a CoC before energisation. |
| OHSA Construction Regulations 2014, Reg 24 | Electrical installations on construction sites must be inspected weekly by a competent person. Temporary supplies need earth leakage protection. |
| SANS 10142-2 | Low-voltage installations exceeding 100A — additional requirements for industrial and commercial installations common in government tenders. |
Electrical Risk Assessment FAQ
Do I need a CoC for construction-phase temporary electrical installations?
What CIDB grading do I need for electrical tender work?
Is arc flash PPE mandatory for all electrical work?
How long is a wireman's licence valid?
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