AS/NZS 3012 is a joint standard for Australia and New Zealand. It defines the safety requirements that should be put in place for electrical installations on construction and demolition sites. It strives to ensure that electrical systems on construction and demolition sites are installed, maintained, and used in a manner that would protect the workers and others from electrical hazards, which are usually increased due to the temporary and dynamic nature of these sites.

AS/NZS 3012 Applies To:

• Electrical installations on construction and demolition sites.
• Temporary electrical systems used during construction, including systems for lighting, equipment, and power tools.
• Portable and transportable electrical appliances used on-site.
• Electrical distribution systems installed to facilitate construction or demolition activities.
• Electrical safety equipment such as circuit protection devices, RCDs, and isolation systems.

2003 First Edition

• Managing risk.
• Earthing and grounding of the electrical system in an appropriate manner.
• The use of RCDs or residual current devices.
• Secure installation and protection for electrical appliances.
• Precautions when testing and maintaining temporary power installations.

2010 Amendment

• RCD: The standards regarding RCD were tougher, and due regard to protection against electrocution necessitated the installation of RCD in all circuits.
• Periodic Inspection and Testing: It clearly specified what the inspection and testing procedure regarding electrical installation is while keeping the safe standards intact.
• Emergency and Lockout: It laid down more explicit instructions for handling the electrical equipment in case of maintenance by emphasizing isolation and lockout/tagout procedures.
• This update aimed to address the increasing complexity of electrical installations on construction sites, especially with the use of high-powered machinery and tools, which introduced new risks for electrical safety.

2019 Update

• More detailed requirements for temporary installations and portable electrical equipment, with specific details on installation and maintenance.
• Increased use of RCDs throughout all circuits powering electrical tools and appliances, particularly in high-risk environments.
• Routine testing and tagging of all portable electrical appliances for safety purposes.
• More detailed information on protecting electrical installations from environmental influences, such as moisture, dust, and exposure to the elements.
• New inspection procedures to ensure safety during changes or evolution in construction activities.

2021 Edition

• Increased use of RCDs to further protect workers from electrical shock.
• More stringent testing and maintenance requirements for electrical systems to make them more reliable.
• Enhanced scope of electrical apparatus on construction sites with new rules related to high-power equipment and advanced electrical technology.
• Focus on emerging risks introduced by the use of advanced tools, equipment, and technologies.

AS/NZS 3012 is an extremely important document to ensure the electrical safety of any construction or demolition site in Australia and New Zealand. Since each edition was issued from 2003 until the latest in 2021, the standard changed with changes in construction practice, technological advancement, and emerging risk. Compliance with this standard’s requirements can help employers and workers reduce electrical risks at the workplace, thereby avoiding electrical installation-related accidents that cause injuries or even death on construction sites.