Automation Safety SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers planning, isolation, programming, testing and return to service for automation work. It supports planning and managing risks from moving plant, electrical energy, stored energy, safety functions and control changes.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan automation work and define change scope
• Establish the work area and control access
• Inspect plant, guarding, safeguards and electrical equipment
• Isolate, lock out and manage stored energy
• Program PLC-controlled machinery
• Reprogram microprocessor controllers
• Update industrial controls
• Conduct controlled energised testing
• Validate safety functions and operating conditions
• Restore plant to service and complete handover records

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out automation safety activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to manage plant, electrical and commissioning risks, consult workers and prevent unauthorised plant alteration.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace (guidance only; confirm adoption and status in the relevant jurisdiction). The knowledge base identifies duties for plant risk management, commissioning, preventing unauthorised alterations, proper use and guarding.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace (guidance only; confirm adoption and status in the relevant jurisdiction). Electrical work must be performed by appropriately licensed or registered electrical workers, and danger tags do not themselves provide isolation.
• AS/NZS 4024 series Safety of machinery; AS 4024.1 safety design principles; AS 4024.1503 safety-related parts of control systems.
• AS 62061 Safety of machinery—Functional safety of safety-related control systems; AS 61508 Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems.
• AS/NZS 60204.1 Safety of machinery—Electrical equipment of machines; AS/NZS 3000 Electrical installations; AS/NZS 4836 Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment.
• AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment; AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations—Construction and demolition sites where applicable.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections