Electrical safety and LOTO checklist

Site: ______________________ Date: ____________ Checked by: ______________________

01People and paperwork

Name and contact of the appointed LEW posted on site. EMA licensing
Electrical repair and maintenance done only by a Licensed Electrical Worker. EMA licensing
Written lock-out procedure available for the equipment being worked on. WSH (GP) Regs, reg 16
Every worker on the job briefed on the lock-out procedure before starting. WSH (GP) Regs, reg 16
Latest LEW inspection report for the installation on file.

02Tools and cables

Each portable tool visually checked today: no cut sheath, cracked casing or scorch marks.
No taped joints on cables or extension leads.
Socket outlets not overloaded with multi-way adaptors.
Cables kept off wet ground and out of walkways, or protected by covers.
Damaged equipment tagged 'Do not use' and removed from the work area.

03Supply and work area

Temporary supply protected by an RCD, and the RCD test button pressed today.
Distribution boards closed, labelled and locked against unauthorised access.
Work area dry. Wet areas use battery or low-voltage tools.
Equipment earthed where required, and voltage rating matches the supply.

04Lock-out/tag-out

Users told the equipment is being shut down.
All energy sources identified, including stored energy in capacitors, springs, air and hydraulics.
Each isolator off and fitted with a personal lock for every worker.
Tag on each lock shows name, reason and expected finish date.
Try-start done: start button pressed, nothing moved, control returned to off.
Exposed conductors proved dead with a tested voltage tester.
Cord-and-plug equipment secured in a plug lockout box.

05Return to service

Tools and materials cleared and guards refitted.
All workers accounted for before any lock comes off.
Each lock removed by the person who fitted it.
Equipment tested and handed back to its users.

Legal requirement

In Singapore, the occupier must keep electrical installations and equipment safe and free from defects. The occupier must also set up lock-out procedures for maintenance work. Workers must be fully instructed on those procedures before they start (WSH (General Provisions) Regulations, regs 14 and 16). Under EMA rules, only a Licensed Electrical Worker may carry out electrical work on a licensed installation.

Sources and further reading

Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations (copy hosted by NUS), Ministry of Manpower (via NUS).
Electrical Safety, WSH Council.
WSH Insights: Working Safely with Machines: Strengthening Lockout Tagout Practices (April 2026), WSH Council.
Safe Electrical Maintenance Work checklist, WSH Council.
Handbook for Application of Electrical Installation Licence, Energy Market Authority.

This is practical guidance, not legal advice. Laws and codes of practice change; always check the current official text and your site's own procedures.

Electrical safety and LOTO checklist

01People and paperwork

02Tools and cables

03Supply and work area

04Lock-out/tag-out

05Return to service

Sources and further reading

Related reading

Electrical safety and lock-out/tag-out: what supervisors need to know

Portable generator safety checklist

Power tools pre-use checklist