Electrical safety
Last checked: February 2025
Undertaking electrical work
To undertake electrical work, a person must hold a current license under the Electrical Safety Regulation 2019
Danger tags and lock-out devices
Danger tags and lock-out devices are used for isolating equipment during cleaning, servicing, repairing, or alteration, as described in Health & Safety: Isolation, lockout and tag out requirements.
The following sample illustrations are available:
An example of a danger tag.
Note: Danger tags should not be confused with out-of-service tags.
Electrical equipment
The University of Melbourne publish several guidance materials which promote the correct use and management of electrical equipment.
Uninsulated Pins on Electrical Appliance Plugs
In October 2015 the scheduled inspection and testing of portable electrical appliance plugs (arranged by Campus Services) began recording uninsulated pins identified during the inspection.
From early 2016, in addition to the electrical testing tag, a tag indicating that the lead has uninsulated pins will also be attached.
The purpose of this tag is to identify to the local area that a lead has uninsulated pins. The tag does not indicate that the portable electrical appliance is unsafe for use.
Under certain conditions the use of electrical appliances with uninsulated plug pins may increase the risk of electric shock. Therefore it is appropriate to:
- Provide information and instruction on safe use of electrical appliances;
- Assess the risks associated with continued use of electrical appliances with uninsulated plug pins to determine if any short term actions are required; and
- Plan and prioritise the eventual replacement of uninsulated plugs based on level of risk.
Out of service tags
Out-of-service tags are used to withdraw unsafe plant and equipment from service, as described in
Health & Safety: Unsafe plant and equipment requirements
Out-of-service tags printed on UV-resistant vinyl are available by contacting Health & Safety.
Note: it is not compulsory to use this particular design of out-of-service tag. You can use any design that complies with the specifications in the OHS procedure.
Note: Out-of-service tags should not be confused with Danger tags.