Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured, step-by-step approach to safely carrying out switchboard installation, metering and mains works on Australian worksites, helping you maintain WHS compliance and meet principal contractor requirements. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of switchboard installation, metering and mains electrical work, from preparation and isolation through to energisation and commissioning.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Commissioning of new electrical installations, including verification testing and safe energisation procedures
• Connection of cables to control panels and switchboards, including correct terminations, segregation and tightening torques
• Safe connection of systems to power supplies, including isolation, lockout/tagout and confirmation of correct phasing
• Installation and connection of electrical meters for accurate power system metering and billing
• Connection to a home’s main service panel, including main switch upgrades and load assessment
• Safe connection of installations to the electrical grid in coordination with the supply authority
• Installation of electrical mains cabling, including route selection, support systems and mechanical protection
• Installation of electrical racks, cabinets and enclosures for switchboards, control panels and metering equipment
• Installation of electrical submains, including cable sizing, identification and protection against overload and fault currents
• Set-up and management of temporary electrical connections on construction sites, including RCD protection and tagging
• Energising and commissioning of electrical installations following completion of testing and inspection
• Fitting and testing of earth leakage circuit breakers (RCDs) to minimise electric shock and fire risks
• Relocation of fuse boxes and existing switchboards, including de-energisation, removal and reinstallation in new locations
• Power system metering and relaying, including CT/VT wiring, protection relays and functional checks
• Switchboard and control wiring activities, including control circuits, interlocks, labelling and functional testing

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for electrical contractors, switchboard builders, metering technicians, Level 2 ASPs, commercial and residential electricians, and site supervisors overseeing switchboard installation, metering and mains works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on identifying and controlling electrical risks
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice: Requirements for planning and managing construction work, including electrical activities
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Relevant where access to switchboards and mains involves work at height
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Fundamental safety principles for design, construction and verification of electrical installations
• AS/NZS 3012:2019 Electrical Installations – Construction and Demolition Sites: Requirements for temporary electrical installations on construction sites
• AS/NZS 61439 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies: Requirements for the design, construction and verification of switchboards
• AS/NZS 3439 (where still referenced by legacy installations): Earlier standard for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
• AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment: Guidance for ongoing inspection and testing of portable and fixed equipment associated with temporary supplies