This Temporary Power Distribution & RCD Testing SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) shows audio visual and event crews how to set up a temporary distribution board or spider box, run and protect cables, connect equipment loads without overloading circuits, and carry out the push-button RCD trip test before energising. It also covers isolating the supply before any connection is made or broken. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Audio visual and production companies
Event and festival crews
Staging and lighting hire businesses
Venue technical and operations teams
Exhibition and conference set-up crews
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
Electric shock from energised conductors, damaged leads or faulty equipment
Electrical fire from overloaded circuits, power boards or damaged leads
Arc flash and burns from short circuits or equipment faults
Trips from cables across walkways, stages and public areas
Water ingress where leads, boards or connections are exposed
Damage to leads and plugs from vehicles, foot traffic or pinch points
Injury from lifting distribution boards, cable reels and heavy leads
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from supply point approval and RCD protection to test tags and cable route planning
An 11-step operating procedure covering connecting the board, the RCD trip test, cable runs, cable protection and load checks
Isolation and energy control for making and breaking connections, faults and lock-off at the supply point
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for electric shock, damaged or sparking cables and electrical fires
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 Audio Visual SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover periodic test and tag?
No. It covers the pre-use push-button trip test on portable RCDs. Scheduled test and tag of portable electrical equipment is covered by a separate procedure.
Can crew open the distribution board or alter wiring?
No. Crew work is limited to plug and socket connections, visual checks and the push-button RCD test. Any work at terminals or changes to the supply are for a licensed electrical worker.
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.
