Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for complying with Australian national standards for electric vehicles across workplaces, depots, and service facilities. It helps organisations safely plan, install, operate, and maintain EVs and related infrastructure while meeting WHS duties and technical regulatory requirements.

As electric vehicles (EVs) become standard across Australian fleets, workplaces are facing new technical, safety and compliance obligations. This SOP translates complex national EV standards, electrical requirements and WHS duties into a practical, step‑by‑step procedure that can be applied in real operations. It covers the full lifecycle of EV implementation in the workplace, from risk assessment and infrastructure planning through to day‑to‑day use, maintenance, incident response and periodic compliance review.

The document is designed for organisations introducing or expanding EV fleets, installing charging infrastructure, or operating workshops, depots, and car parks where EVs are present. It helps you manage hazards such as high‑voltage systems, battery thermal events, electrical faults, vehicle‑to‑grid interfaces, and interaction with existing plant and traffic flows. By standardising how your business interprets and applies relevant Australian Standards, network requirements and WHS legislation, this SOP reduces ambiguity, supports defensible decision‑making, and provides a consistent framework for training, contractor management and audits.

Developed specifically for the Australian regulatory environment, the SOP aligns EV operations with WHS duties of care, electrical safety laws and emerging EV‑related guidance. It enables organisations to demonstrate due diligence, provide clear instructions to workers and contractors, and integrate EV considerations into broader safety management systems, environmental initiatives and fleet strategies.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent compliance with Australian EV and electrical safety standards across all sites and operations.
• Reduce the risk of electrical shock, arc flash, and battery‑related incidents involving EVs and charging infrastructure.
• Streamline planning, installation and commissioning of EV chargers and associated electrical works in line with WHS and regulatory requirements.
• Support defensible WHS due diligence by documenting clear roles, responsibilities, risk controls and verification activities.
• Improve worker competence and confidence in operating, maintaining and working around EVs through structured procedures and training guidance.

Who is this for?

• Fleet Managers
• WHS Managers
• Electrical Engineers
• EV Infrastructure Project Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Auto Electricians
• Workshop Supervisors
• Sustainability and ESG Managers
• Transport Operations Managers
• Council Asset Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to high‑voltage EV systems and components
• Electric shock and arc flash during charging, maintenance or emergency response
• Battery thermal runaway, fire and toxic smoke release
• Faulty or non‑compliant EV charging installations and cabling
• Interaction of EVs with existing traffic management and pedestrian routes
• Inadequate isolation and lockout procedures during inspection or repair
• Trip hazards and impact risks associated with charging leads and parking layouts
• Environmental and health risks from damaged or end‑of‑life batteries
• Contractor and third‑party work on EV infrastructure without appropriate controls

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Objectives
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations (EV, BEV, PHEV, V2G, charger types, etc.)
• 3.0 Legislative and Standards Framework for EV Compliance in Australia
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 5.0 Planning and Design of EV Integration and Charging Infrastructure
• 6.0 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment for EV Operations
• 7.0 Electrical and High‑Voltage Safety Controls for EVs and Chargers
• 8.0 Installation, Commissioning and Verification of EV Charging Equipment
• 9.0 Safe Operation of Electric Vehicles in the Workplace
• 10.0 Workshop, Maintenance and Repair Procedures for EVs
• 11.0 Traffic Management and Parking Controls for EV and Charging Bays
• 12.0 Battery Management, Storage, Handling and End‑of‑Life Disposal
• 13.0 Contractor Management and Third‑Party Access to EV Infrastructure
• 14.0 Emergency Response, Isolation and Incident Management for EV‑Related Events
• 15.0 Inspection, Testing, Maintenance and Recordkeeping Requirements
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Communication Arrangements
• 17.0 Audit, Review and Continuous Improvement of EV Compliance
• 18.0 Document Control, References and Supporting Forms/Checklists

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (as implemented in relevant Australian jurisdictions)
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 3008.1.1: Electrical installations – Selection of cables
• AS/NZS 4777 series: Grid connection of energy systems via inverters (for vehicle‑to‑grid/vehicle‑to‑home interfaces where applicable)
• AS/NZS 3760: In‑service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• AS 5732: Electric vehicle operations – Maintenance and repair (or successor/related EV service standards where applicable)
• State and territory Electrical Safety Acts and Regulations
• Local electricity distributor/network service provider requirements for EV charging connections