In the UK construction industry, electrical work is a high-risk activity that demands rigorous control. Whether you’re installing a new circuit, fault-finding, or even just drilling into a wall, live electricity can pose a fatal threat if not properly isolated.
Every year, workers are injured — or worse — because someone assumed something was “dead” without confirming it. Safe isolation isn’t just best practice, it’s a legal and moral obligation.
The danger is real
According to the HSE:
- Electricity is a major cause of serious injuries and fatalities on UK construction sites.
- Contact with electricity or electrical discharge caused 9 fatal injuries in the workplace in 2022/23.
- Even non-fatal shocks can result in falls from height or cause long-term heart or nerve damage.
What is safe isolation?
Safe isolation is the process of ensuring that an electrical circuit is completely de-energised before work begins. It involves more than just turning off a switch — it requires:
- Identifying the correct circuit.
- Isolating it securely (e.g., switching off at the consumer unit or distribution board).
- Locking it off using an approved lock-off device and warning tag.
- Testing for dead using a proving unit and an approved voltage tester.
No shortcuts. No guesswork.
Why workers get caught out
Some common (and dangerous) assumptions:
- “It’s been turned off — that’s enough.”
- “I’ve worked on this circuit before, I know it’s dead.”
- “We’re only in there for a minute — it’ll be fine.”
These attitudes have led to serious injuries, site closures, and prosecutions.
Legal requirements
Under the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, employers must:
- Prevent danger from electrical systems and equipment.
- Make sure that only competent individuals carry out any work on or near electrical systems.
- Provide suitable isolation, lock-off, and verification equipment.
- Train workers in safe systems of work.
Failure to do so can lead to enforcement notices, fines, and prosecution, not to mention the risk to life.
Best practice for safe isolation
- Plan the work: Identify all circuits involved and assess risks.
- Use lock-off kits: Assign a lock and tag to each person working on the system.
- Test before you touch: Use an approved voltage tester (not a multimeter) after proving it works.
- Supervise apprentices and new starters: Don’t assume knowledge.
- Keep records: Log isolation points and test confirmations, especially on larger jobs.
Culture over convenience
Rushing electrical work is never worth the risk. Creating a culture where proper isolation is the default, not the exception, will protect everyone on site.
Encourage your team to:
- Stop work if unsure.
- Challenge unsafe practices.
- Take pride in doing the job the right way, every time.
Final Thoughts
Electricity is invisible, silent, and deadly. Safe isolation isn't bureaucracy — it's a life-saving process. Whether you’re a supervisor, electrician, or general labourer, treating electrical safety with the respect it demands is non-negotiable.
If you wouldn’t touch a live wire with your bare hands, don’t let your team work without verifying it's dead.
Call to action
Electrical safety isn’t optional – it’s a lifesaving necessity. Support your team with clear, compliant RAMS documents that highlight safe isolation procedures and reduce on-site risks. With the MyRams app, you can create them quickly and easily from your mobile device. Sign up today