This Electrical Isolation, Testing & Tagging Out SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers isolating, testing and tagging out electrical equipment and circuits before work on or near them. It covers identifying every supply source including solar, generators, UPS and batteries, locking the isolation point, test before, test on, test after with a proving unit, personal danger tags, and restoring power safely. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Electrical contractors
Maintenance electricians in manufacturing and facilities
Mining and processing sites
Solar and battery installers
Councils, hospitals and large facilities
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Contact with parts believed isolated but still live
Arc flash when switching or opening a circuit under load
Someone else re-energising the circuit during work
Backfeed from generators, solar PV, UPS or battery storage
Assuming a circuit is dead without testing
A faulty or wrongly rated proving unit giving a false dead reading
Residual energy in charged capacitors
Working on the wrong circuit due to incomplete identification
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from licence and isolation training to identifying every supply source, circuit diagrams and proving unit ratings
A 12-step isolation procedure covering switching off, personal locks and tags, test before, test on and test after, second-person checks and capacitors
Isolation and energy control throughout, including load breaking, backfeed and authorised lock removal
8 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for electric shock, electrical rescue, arc flash, fire and explosion
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Air Conditioning & Refrigeration SOP Bundle and Ultimate Electrical, HVAC & Solar SOP Bundle. Each bundle is $197, which works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover test and tag of portable equipment?
No. Periodic compliance testing and tagging of portable electrical equipment is covered by a separate SOP. This one is about isolating circuits and equipment before work.
Is an out of service tag enough?
No. Each worker applies their own padlock and personal danger tag. An out of service tag marks faulty equipment and isn't a substitute.
Who can remove a lock?
Only the person who applied it, or through your authorised lock removal process if they're unavailable. Workers never cut or remove another person's lock on their own initiative.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
