Product Overview

This Air Conditioner Decommissioning Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls when isolating, degassing, dismantling and removing air conditioning systems. It is a comprehensive, task-specific document that supports WHS compliance and safe management of all stages of air conditioner decommissioning on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and preparation for air conditioner decommissioning, including site assessment and consultation with the principal contractor
• Verification of isolation, lock-out and tag-out of electrical supplies to air conditioning units
• Safe recovery, evacuation and handling of refrigerant gases by appropriately licensed personnel
• Use of appropriate tools, gauges and hoses for connecting to and disconnecting from refrigerant circuits
• Management of residual pressure in pipework and components to prevent sudden release of refrigerant or oil
• Manual handling and team lifting techniques for removal of indoor and outdoor units, condensers and associated components
• Use of ladders, platforms or EWP for accessing roof-mounted or high-level air conditioning units
• Isolation and capping of pipework, cables and drains to prevent leaks, contamination or trip hazards
• Segregation, labelling and temporary storage of recovered refrigerants, oils and other hazardous substances
• Environmental controls for preventing release of refrigerant gases and contamination of soil, stormwater or drains
• Disconnection and safe management of electrical cabling, control wiring and associated switchgear
• Housekeeping, waste management and disposal of decommissioned plant and components in accordance with regulatory requirements
• Emergency response procedures for gas exposure, electrical incidents, falls and other foreseeable emergencies

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for HVAC technicians, refrigeration mechanics, air conditioning contractors, electricians, maintenance teams and site supervisors responsible for the safe decommissioning of air conditioning systems.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on safe handling, storage and disposal of refrigerants and associated substances.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for isolation, lock-out and safe electrical work during decommissioning.
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment and control implementation.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Controls for working at height when accessing roof-mounted or elevated air conditioning units.
• Safe Work Australia – Confined Spaces Code of Practice: Guidance where decommissioning occurs in plant rooms or restricted areas that may meet confined space criteria.
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Requirements for electrical disconnection, isolation and verification.
• AS/NZS 5149 Refrigerating Systems and Heat Pumps – Safety and Environmental Requirements: Guidance for safe handling and environmental management of refrigerants.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017