Construction Regulation 24(a): Identify and Guard Against Electrical Hazards Before and During Construction
Before you break ground or touch a tool, you must:
- Survey the site for electrical hazards like underground power cables, overhead lines, or exposed electrical apparatus.
- Implement protective measures such as barricading, insulation, or rerouting if cables pose a risk.
- These steps aren’t optional, they’re a legal requirement and could save lives.
Example: If you’re installing scaffolding under power lines or excavating where buried cables run, your site must be assessed and clearly marked to avoid accidental contact.
Construction Regulation 24(b): Use the Right Gear for the Job
All electrical equipment and installations used on site must:
- Be durable and strong enough to handle harsh working conditions, such as moisture, dust, vibration, and rough handling.
- Be rated for construction site environments, that means no household-grade extension cords or unprotected fittings.
The goal? Ensure your electrical setup can handle the real-world conditions of a construction site without becoming a hazard.
Construction Regulation 24(c): Appoint a Competent Person to Control Electrical Installations
Every construction site must have a competent person appointed in writing to:
- Oversee temporary electrical installations,
- Ensure compliance with safety standards,
- And respond quickly to faults or non-compliance.
This person must be knowledgeable in both the design and maintenance of construction site electrical systems.
Construction Regulation 24(d): Weekly Inspections of Temporary Installations
Temporary electrical systems must be:
- Inspected at least once a week by a competent person.
- Inspections must be recorded in a site register, which should be:
- Kept on site at all times,
- Available to the client, safety agent, or inspector upon request.
This ensures that temporary systems are regularly assessed for hazards like damaged cables, exposed wiring, water ingress, or overloads.
Construction Regulation 24(e): Daily Checks of Electrical Machinery
Before using any electrical machinery (e.g., grinders, drills, pumps, saws), the authorized user must:
- Conduct a daily inspection using a relevant checklist,
- Record their findings in a register on site.
This helps to catch wear-and-tear issues early and reduce the risk of shock, fire, or mechanical failure.
Why Electrical Compliance Matters
Ignoring the requirements of Construction Regulation 24 could result in serious injury, fire, site shutdowns, or even criminal charges. Ensuring all inspections, records, and appointments are in place isn’t just paperwork; it’s how you create a culture of proactive safety on site.
Key Takeaways
- Appoint competent persons in writing for electrical control and inspections.
- Inspect temporary electrical installations weekly, and electrical machinery daily.
- Maintain clear registers on site at all times.
- Use equipment that’s fit for construction purposes—not just what’s available.
- Stay compliant with Electrical Installation Regulations (2009) and Electrical Machinery Regulations (1988).
ZSC helps you integrate safety into your project design, ensuring that all regulatory requirements are met, and your project proceeds without safety concerns. Contact us to learn how we can make your project safer and compliant from start to finish on 021 010 0209 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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