Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides a clear, end-to-end framework for planning, installing and maintaining electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Australian workplaces and facilities. It integrates WHS requirements, technical standards and practical project controls to help organisations roll out EV infrastructure safely, compliantly and with minimal disruption to operations.

As electric vehicles rapidly become part of Australian fleets, businesses are under pressure to provide reliable, safe and compliant charging infrastructure across depots, car parks and workplaces. Without a structured approach, organisations can face electrical safety risks, network overload, fire hazards, poor user interfaces, and costly rework when installations fail to meet Australian Standards or WHS obligations. This Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Development Safe Operating Procedure gives you a practical, step-by-step method for managing EV charging projects from initial feasibility through to commissioning, handover and ongoing operation.

The SOP translates complex regulatory and technical requirements into clear, actionable procedures tailored to Australian conditions. It covers site assessment, electrical capacity checks, coordination with DNSPs (Distribution Network Service Providers), selection of charger types, safe construction and installation practices, traffic and pedestrian safety around charging bays, and lock‑out/tag‑out controls during electrical works. It also sets out how to manage contractor safety, integrate EV infrastructure into your existing WHS management system, and establish inspection, testing and maintenance routines to keep chargers safe and operational over the long term. By implementing this SOP, your organisation can confidently expand EV infrastructure while protecting workers, contractors, visitors and assets, and demonstrating due diligence under WHS law.

Key Benefits

• Ensure EV charging infrastructure is designed, installed and operated in line with Australian WHS legislation and key electrical standards.
• Reduce the risk of electrical shock, arc flash, fire and vehicle impact incidents associated with charging equipment and associated works.
• Streamline project delivery by providing a repeatable, documented process for planning, approvals, installation and commissioning.
• Improve coordination between WHS, facilities, electrical contractors and network providers, reducing delays and costly design changes.
• Support long-term reliability through structured inspection, testing, preventative maintenance and incident reporting procedures.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Electrical Engineers
• Project Managers – Infrastructure
• Fleet Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Property and Asset Managers
• Sustainability Managers
• Electrical Contractors
• Council and Government Infrastructure Officers

Hazards Addressed

• Electric shock and arc flash during installation, commissioning and maintenance of EV chargers and associated switchboards
• Fire and thermal events arising from faulty wiring, overloading, damaged cables or non-compliant equipment
• Vehicle and pedestrian collision risks in and around charging bays, cable routes and work areas
• Trip hazards from charging leads, conduits and temporary barriers in car parks and loading areas
• Exposure to live parts due to inadequate isolation, lock-out/tag-out or unauthorised access to electrical enclosures
• Manual handling injuries from moving chargers, distribution boards, cable reels and protective bollards
• Excavation and underground service strike risks when installing cabling and foundations
• Working at height risks when routing cables on building facades, canopies or multistorey car parks

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Objectives
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations (EV, EVSE, DNSP, OCPP, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, WHS, Facilities, Contractors)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Project Planning and Feasibility Assessment
• 6.0 Site Assessment and Electrical Capacity Review
• 7.0 Risk Assessment and WHS Planning for EV Infrastructure Works
• 8.0 Design Requirements for EV Charging Infrastructure
• 9.0 Selection of Chargers, Ancillary Equipment and Protective Devices
• 10.0 Traffic, Pedestrian and Parking Layout Safety Controls
• 11.0 Contractor Management and Permit-to-Work Requirements
• 12.0 Isolation, Lock-Out/Tag-Out and Electrical Safety Procedures
• 13.0 Civil Works, Excavation and Underground Services Management
• 14.0 Installation Procedures for EV Chargers and Associated Equipment
• 15.0 Commissioning, Testing and Verification
• 16.0 Integration with Building Management and Energy Systems
• 17.0 Signage, Line Marking and User Information Requirements
• 18.0 Emergency Response, Incident Management and Fire Safety
• 19.0 Inspection, Testing, Maintenance and Fault Reporting
• 20.0 Training and Competency Requirements for Workers and Contractors
• 21.0 Documentation, Records, As-Built Drawings and Handover
• 22.0 Continuous Improvement and Periodic Review of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and relevant state and territory WHS Acts and Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2017 Electrical installations – Selection of cables
• AS/NZS 4777 (series): Grid connection of energy systems via inverters (where EV infrastructure interfaces with embedded generation)
• AS 2067:2016 Substations and high voltage installations exceeding 1 kV a.c.
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems
• AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment
• National Construction Code (NCC) – relevant building and fire safety provisions for car parks and electrical rooms
• State and territory Service and Installation Rules issued by Distribution Network Service Providers (DNSPs)