Sharon has 21+ years of experience as a qualified Emergency Care Nurse registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) and 12+ years as a First Aid Trainer.
She takes pride in FirstAidPro making first aid training available, comprehensive and affordable to everybody.
Low voltage rescue (LVR) refers to the emergency procedures and equipment used to safely remove someone from contact with energised electrical equipment operating at low voltage (up to 1000V AC or 1500V DC).
When someone suffers an electric shock, every second counts. Having the right LVR kit on hand and staff trained in UETDRRF004 Perform Rescue From A Live LV Panel can mean the difference between life and death.
Key Takeaways
- LVR kits must contain essential insulated equipment for safely removing victims from live electrical contact.
- Training in UETDRRF004 Perform Rescue From A Live LV Panel is legally required for electrical workers in Australia.
- LVR CPR combines specialised rescue techniques with life-saving CPR skills.
- Regular inspection and maintenance of LVR equipment is mandated by Australian standards.
- Creating a safety-first workplace culture dramatically reduces the risk of electrical accidents
The Importance Of LVR Kits
In Australian workplaces where electrical hazards exist, being prepared for emergencies isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for survival. According to Safe Work Australia, over the past 10 years, 44 electricians died from traumatic injuries at work, with 23 as a result of electrocution.
Each year, approximately 9 Australians die from electrical accidents, with hundreds more suffering serious injuries that could have been prevented with proper rescue equipment and training.
Australian regulations require that workplaces with electrical hazards maintain proper rescue equipment and have personnel trained in low voltage rescue procedures. This isn’t just about ticking boxes for compliance—it’s about ensuring everyone goes home safely at the end of each day.
Don’t wait for an accident to happen
Enrol in a Perform Rescue From A Live LV Panel training course with First Aid Pro today to ensure your workplace is prepared for electrical emergencies.
Understanding Low Voltage Rescue
Low voltage rescue involves safely removing someone from contact with live electrical equipment operating at voltages up to 1000V AC or 1500V DC. Despite the name “low voltage,” these electrical sources can still cause serious injury or death, particularly in wet or confined environments common in many Australian workplaces.
The most common situations requiring low voltage rescue include:
Low voltage rescue and CPR training (LVR CPR) prepares workers to respond quickly and effectively in these emergency situations. The training covers risk assessment, safe approach techniques, proper use of insulated rescue equipment, and the application of CPR if the victim is unresponsive.
Time is absolutely critical during an electrical incident. When someone suffers an electric shock, their muscles may contract involuntarily, preventing them from releasing their grip on the electrical source. This prolonged contact increases the severity of injuries. Additionally, electrical shocks can cause cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory arrest, making immediate and appropriate first aid training essential for survival.
Essential Components of an LVR Kit
Every workplace with electrical hazards must maintain a properly equipped LVR kit. These kits must be readily accessible and regularly inspected to ensure all components are in good working condition. The essential components include:
- Insulated rescue hooks/crooks: These non-conductive tools allow rescuers to safely pull a victim away from an electrical source without putting themselves at risk. They must be rated for the appropriate voltage level and regularly tested for integrity.
- Insulated mats: Made from rubber or other non-conductive materials, these mats provide a safe standing surface for rescuers when performing a rescue near electrical equipment.
- Insulating gloves with proper storage: These specialised gloves must be rated for electrical work and stored in protective cases to prevent damage. Australian standards require regular inspection and electrical testing of these gloves.
- Face shields/barriers for CPR: These provide protection during rescue breathing, an important consideration given that the victim may have suffered burns or other injuries.
- Emergency contact information: Cards listing emergency numbers, including the nearest hospital with burn treatment facilities.
- Visual inspection tags: Documentation showing when equipment was last inspected and by whom.
- Maintenance logs: Records of testing and replacement of components as required.
LVR kits must be stored in clearly marked, easily accessible locations. They should be kept in a protective case to prevent damage and contamination. Australian standards require monthly visual inspections of all components, with formal testing of insulated equipment on a six-monthly basis.
LVR Procedures - Step by Step
When an electrical incident occurs, following the correct procedure is vital for both victim and rescuer safety:
- Assess the scene: Before approaching, check for other hazards such as fire, fallen wires, or water. Never rush in without first ensuring your own safety.
- Shut off power: If possible, turn off the power at the source—switch off circuit breakers, unplug equipment, or activate emergency stop buttons. If the power cannot be turned off safely, proceed with using insulated rescue equipment.
- Use proper rescue equipment: Using the insulated hook or crook from the LVR kit, carefully separate the victim from the electrical source. Always stand on an insulated mat and wear insulating gloves if available.
- Assess the victim: Once the victim is clear of the electrical source, check for responsiveness, breathing, and pulse.
- Begin LVR CPR if necessary: If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin CPR immediately. Call triple zero (000) for emergency assistance or have someone else call while you begin resuscitation efforts.
- Continue care until help arrives: Maintain CPR if needed, monitor the victim’s condition, and treat for shock by keeping them warm and comfortable.
Ensure your team knows exactly what to do in an electrical emergency. Book your  Low Voltage Rescue Course with First Aid Pro and gain practical skills that save lives.
Training Requirements
In Australia, specific training is required for anyone who may need to perform a low voltage rescue such as an electrician, maintenance worker, site supervisor or safety officer. The nationally recognised unit of competency, UETDRRF004 Perform Rescue From A Live LV Panel, covers the skills and knowledge needed to safely carry out a rescue from a live LV panel.
Low voltage rescue and CPR training courses typically cover:
The certification process involves both theoretical knowledge assessment and practical demonstrations of rescue techniques. Participants must demonstrate competency in all aspects of the rescue procedure to achieve certification.
Under Australian regulations, refresher training is required every 12 months to maintain currency in these critical skills. This reflects the importance of keeping skills sharp for emergency situations that, while rare, require immediate and correct action.
Accredited training providers can be found through the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) or state-based training authorities. Always ensure your training provider is registered and authorised to deliver the UETDRRF004 unit of competency.
Legal Requirements and Workplace Compliance
Australian workplaces are governed by strict electrical safety standards, including:
- AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules)
- Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011
- Specific state-based electrical safety regulations
These standards mandate that workplaces with electrical hazards must:
- Provide and maintain appropriate LVR equipment
- Ensure adequate numbers of workers are trained in low voltage rescue and CPR
- Keep records of training and equipment maintenance
- Conduct regular inspections of safety equipment
- Update procedures as regulations change
Documentation requirements include:
- Records of worker training and certification
- Equipment inspection logs
- Incident reports and follow-up actions
- Risk assessments for electrical work
LVR kits must be inspected regularly, with dated inspection tags attached to verify compliance. Insulated rescue equipment requires electrical testing every six months to ensure it remains safe for use.
Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, including fines up to $1.5 million for corporations and $300,000 plus possible imprisonment for individuals in cases of serious negligence. More importantly, failure to comply puts workers’ lives at unnecessary risk.
Beyond the Basics - Creating a Safety-First Culture
While having the right equipment and training is essential, creating a work environment where safety is truly valued makes all the difference in preventing electrical accidents.
Effective safety-first workplaces typically:
Regular drills help workers remember the correct procedures under pressure. These should be realistic but controlled, allowing workers to practice using rescue equipment and performing CPR on training mannequins.
Encouraging the reporting of near-misses provides valuable information about potential hazards before someone gets hurt. Creating a blame-free reporting culture helps ensure these important warning signs aren’t hidden.
Staying up-to-date with industry developments ensures your workplace benefits from new safety innovations and improved practices. Membership in industry associations and regular review of safety bulletins helps keep safety procedures current (pun intended).
The Vital Importance of a Low Voltage Rescue Kit
Effective low-voltage rescue requires three key elements: proper equipment, thorough training, and a workplace culture that prioritises safety. LVR kits with all the essential components must be readily accessible in any workplace where electrical hazards exist. Workers must be trained in UETDRRF004 Perform Rescue From A Live LV Panel and maintain their skills through regular refresher courses.
The importance of LVR CPR training cannot be overstated. In the critical minutes following an electrical accident, the actions of trained colleagues often determine whether someone survives—and with what quality of life. While we hope these skills are never needed, being prepared is non-negotiable in workplaces with electrical hazards.
Compliance with Australian standards for electrical safety isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about ensuring everyone returns home safely to their families each day. By investing in proper equipment, training, and a safety-first culture, workplaces demonstrate their commitment to their most valuable asset: their people.
Protect your workplace and comply with Australian regulations. Contact First Aid Pro today to schedule your team’s Corporate Perform Rescue From A Live LV Panel training and ensure everyone knows exactly what to do when seconds count.
Additional Resources
- Safe Work Australia – Electrical Safety: www.safeworkaustralia.gov.auÂ
- Energy Safe Victoria: www.esv.vic.gov.auÂ
- NSW Fair Trading – Electrical Safety: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.auÂ
- Queensland Electrical Safety Office: www.worksafe.qld.gov.au
- Standards Australia (for purchasing relevant standards): www.standards.org.au
- A downloadable LVR kit checklist and monthly inspection form is available by contacting your state’s workplace safety authority or industry association.
