Free electrical work permit template

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Free electrical work permit template (PDF-ready). Covers isolation verification, test for dead, earthing, arc flash PPE and sign-off. Download free.

Last updated: 2026-05-03

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

How to use: download the PDF, print or complete digitally on any device.

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Benefits of using this electrical work permit template

• Isolation verification: the permit requires documented confirmation that the electrical system has been isolated, tested for dead and earthed before work begins.
• Arc flash safety: for energised work, the permit prompts an arc flash hazard analysis and specification of arc-rated PPE, reducing the risk of arc flash burns.
• Competent person accountability: the permit records who isolated the system, who verified isolation, and who is performing the work, creating clear accountability.
• Regulatory compliance: supports compliance with WHS electrical safety regulations, AS/NZS 4836, AS/NZS 3000 and state electrical safety legislation.
• Systematic process: the step-by-step permit process ensures no step is skipped, from risk assessment to isolation to work to re-energisation.
• Audit trail: a completed and closed-out permit provides documented evidence for electrical safety audits, incident investigations and regulatory inspections.

How to use this electrical work permit template

1. Complete the permit details, work description and personnel. Record the permit issuer, electrical worker and isolation officer. Confirm the electrical worker holds the appropriate licence.: Assign a permit number and record the date, validity period, site or facility name, and the specific switchboard or circuit identification. Describe the type of electrical work, the equipment or circuit being worked on, the reason for the work and the estimated duration. Record the permit issuer (an authorised person with authority to issue electrical permits), the electrical worker (who must hold the appropriate state or territory electrical licence) and the isolation officer. Verify the electrical worker licence is current before proceeding.
2. Complete the risk assessment. For de-energised work, document the hazards and controls. For energised work, document the justification for not de-energising, the arc flash hazard analysis and the additional controls required.: Identify all hazards associated with the electrical work, including shock risk, arc flash, arc blast, burns, falls (if working at height near electrical equipment) and adjacent live circuits. For de-energised work, document the controls including isolation, test for dead, earthing, barricades and PPE. For energised work, document the justification for not de-energising per AS/NZS 4836, the arc flash hazard analysis result (incident energy in cal/cm2), the arc flash boundary, the restricted approach boundary, the PPE category and rating, barricade and signage requirements, and the requirement for an observer.
3. Perform the isolation procedure. Identify the circuit on the single-line diagram, switch the isolator or circuit breaker to OFF, apply a personal lock and danger tag, and update the lock register.: Locate the circuit on the single-line diagram and confirm the correct isolation point. Open the circuit breaker or disconnect switch and verify it is in the fully off position. Apply a personal padlock and a "DANGER - DO NOT SWITCH" tag to the isolation device. If multiple isolation points are required (for example, a circuit fed from two sources), lock out every point. Update the site lock register with the lock number, the circuit isolated, the person who applied the lock and the date and time. Confirm that no other person can remove the lock or re-energise the circuit.
4. Conduct the test for dead. Prove the voltage tester on a known live source, test at the point of work to confirm dead, then prove the tester again on the live source. Record the tester ID and results on the permit.: Use a voltage tester appropriate for the system voltage (for example, a Cat III or Cat IV rated tester for industrial systems). First, prove the tester on a known live source to confirm it is reading correctly. Second, test at the point of work, phase to phase and phase to earth, to confirm the circuit is dead (zero voltage). Third, prove the tester again on the known live source to confirm it has not failed during the test. Record the tester make, model, serial number or ID, the prove-test-prove results and the name and licence number of the person who performed the test on the permit.
5. Apply earthing where required (e.g. high-voltage systems). Confirm PPE requirements for the type of work and voltage.: For high-voltage systems (above 1,000 V AC or 1,500 V DC), apply portable earthing devices to the isolated conductors at the point of work after the test for dead has confirmed the circuit is dead. Earthing prevents the circuit from becoming live due to backfeed, induction or capacitive coupling. For low-voltage systems, earthing is applied based on the risk assessment. Confirm the minimum PPE for de-energised work: insulated gloves rated to the system voltage, safety glasses with side shields, non-conductive footwear and long sleeves. For energised work, confirm the arc flash rated PPE matches the incident energy calculated in the arc flash hazard analysis.
6. Obtain signatures from the permit issuer, electrical worker and isolation officer to authorise the work.: The permit issuer reviews all sections of the permit, confirms the risk assessment is complete, the isolation is verified (test for dead results recorded), earthing is applied where required, and PPE is appropriate. The permit issuer signs to authorise the work. The electrical worker signs to accept the permit conditions and confirm they understand the scope, hazards and controls. The isolation officer signs to confirm the isolation was performed correctly and the lock register is updated. All signatures must include the printed name, licence or authorisation number, date and time.
7. When work is complete, confirm all personnel are clear, remove earthing, remove locks and tags per procedure, re-energise the circuit, and test for correct operation.: Before re-energising, the electrical worker confirms the work is complete, all tools and materials have been removed, all connections are secure, and all guards and covers have been replaced. Confirm all personnel are clear of the equipment and the work area. Remove earthing devices in the correct sequence. Remove personal locks and tags from the isolation points. Close the circuit breaker or reconnect the supply. Test the circuit for correct operation, including insulation resistance testing and functional checks as appropriate for the work performed.
8. Close out the permit. Verify the work, cancel the permit and sign off.: The electrical worker and permit issuer sign the close-out section of the permit, confirming the work is complete, the circuit is re-energised and tested, and the area is safe. Cancel the permit by marking it as closed with the date and time. Archive the completed permit in the site electrical safety file and upload a copy to MapTrack so the record is linked to the asset and available for audits. A closed permit cannot be re-opened; if further work is needed, a new permit must be issued.

In MapTrack, you can digitise safety inspections and compliance forms. Each submission is stored as a timestamped PDF against the asset record.

Frequently asked questions

What is an electrical work permit?

An electrical work permit is a formal written authorisation that must be obtained before any work is performed on electrical systems. It documents the isolation procedure, test for dead verification, earthing, PPE requirements and competent person sign-off. The permit ensures a systematic safety process is followed whether the work is on de-energised or energised systems. In Australia, electrical work permits form part of the permit-to-work system required under WHS Regulations and are supported by AS/NZS 4836 (Safe Working on or Near Low-Voltage Electrical Installations) and state electrical safety legislation.

What is the test for dead procedure?

The test for dead (also called proving dead) is a three-step process: first, prove the voltage tester on a known live source to confirm it is working; second, test at the point of work to confirm the circuit is dead (zero voltage); third, prove the tester again on the known live source to confirm it is still working. This procedure must be performed by a competent person using a voltage tester appropriate for the voltage level. The results must be recorded on the electrical work permit before work begins.

When is energised electrical work permitted?

Energised electrical work should only be performed when de-energising the circuit is not reasonably practicable, for example when isolation would cause a greater risk (e.g. life support systems, critical process control) or when the work involves testing, fault finding or commissioning that requires the circuit to be live. The decision must be documented with a risk assessment and justification on the permit. Additional controls are required, including arc flash hazard analysis, arc-rated PPE, restricted approach boundaries, barricades, and an observer. Australian WHS Regulations and AS/NZS 4836 require that energised work is a last resort.

What PPE is required for electrical work?

For de-energised work after the circuit has been isolated, tested and proved dead, the minimum PPE typically includes insulated gloves rated to the system voltage, safety glasses, non-conductive footwear and long sleeves. For energised work, PPE must be selected based on the arc flash hazard analysis and incident energy calculation. This typically includes arc flash rated clothing (shirt, trousers or coverall rated to the ATPV/EBT in cal/cm2), an arc flash face shield or hood, insulated gloves rated to the voltage, insulated tools and non-conductive footwear. The specific PPE category and rating must be documented on the electrical work permit.

Is this electrical work permit template free to download?

Yes. Download and use this electrical work permit template at no cost. Open the file in your browser and use Print then Save as PDF. No MapTrack account is required. If you later want digital permits linked to each electrical asset with isolation point mapping, electronic sign-off, arc flash ratings and automatic audit trails, MapTrack can help. Book a demo to see how it works.

Electrical Work Permit Template preview