Electrical cabinets are a common feature in workplaces, yet many businesses are unsure whether they should be locked or freely accessible. While Australian work health and safety (WHS) laws do not explicitly require electrical cabinets to be locked, organisations do have legal duties to manage electrical risks and prevent unauthorised access to electrical equipment.

 

Safety of electrical equipment

Business owners and other persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure that electrical equipment is regularly inspected and tested by a competent person if the equipment is of the type supplied with electricity through an electrical socket outlet (“plug in” equipment), and used in an environment that exposes the equipment to operating conditions likely to result in damage to the equipment or a reduction in its expected lifespan.

These conditions may include:

  • exposure to moisture 

  • heat

  • vibration

  • mechanical damage

  • corrosive chemicals or dust.

Whether vacuum cleaners, kitchen appliances and bathroom hand driers should be inspected and tested depends on the type of workplace environment and the operating conditions in which they are used. In conditions of heavy use, with prolonged and frequent exposure to moisture, heat and the risk of mechanical damage, it would be advisable to regularly inspect and test such equipment. 

If, on the other hand, the equipment is used in an environment that is unlikely to damage the equipment or reduce its expected lifespan, such as a typical office environment, regular testing and tagging would not be necessary. 

It is the responsibility of people at workplaces to consider the working environment in which such appliances are used, think about whether the environment and conditions of use are likely to damage the equipment, and decide on that basis whether testing is appropriate.

Whatever decision is made, regular visual inspection for damage to electrical equipment (e.g. frayed power cords) is always advisable.

 

Final Recommendations

  • Conduct a formal risk assessment to determine whether electrical cabinet access should be restricted.

  • Use lockable cabinets or other access‑control methods where there is any reasonable risk of electrical harm.

  • Ensure regular inspection and testing of electrical equipment in higher‑risk environments.

  • Always perform visual checks and remove unsafe equipment from service until repaired by a competent person.

  • Implement isolation and locking‑off procedures during electrical work.

By following these steps, organisations meet their WHS obligations and significantly reduce the likelihood of electrical incidents.