Product Overview

This Electrical Appliances Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a site-ready safety document designed to identify hazards and implement controls for the installation, use, testing, and repair of electrical appliances and equipment. It is a comprehensive, pre-filled template that supports WHS compliance and effective management of risks associated with electrical work on appliances across Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Inspection and testing of electrical appliances and portable equipment prior to use
• Safe isolation, lockout and tagging procedures before commencing electrical appliance repairs
• Appliance and equipment electrical repair, including replacement of cords, plugs, fuses, and minor internal components
• Selection and use of appropriate test instruments for fault finding and verification of electrical safety
• Use of residual current devices (RCDs) and portable safety switches with electrical appliances
• Management of damaged, non-compliant, or untagged electrical appliances on site
• Control of electrical risks in wet areas, outdoors, and other higher-risk environments
• Safe use of extension leads, power boards, and adaptors with appliances and equipment
• Housekeeping controls to prevent trip hazards, cable damage, and overloading of circuits
• Use, inspection, and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) for electrical work
• Emergency response procedures for electrical shock, burns, and appliance-related incidents
• Training, competency, and supervision requirements for workers undertaking electrical appliance work

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for electricians, appliance repair technicians, maintenance teams, facility managers, test-and-tag providers, and site supervisors responsible for managing electrical appliance safety on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on identifying and controlling electrical hazards associated with appliances and equipment.
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for risk management applied to electrical appliance tasks.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe work environments where electrical appliances are used.
• AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment: Guidance for inspection, testing, and tagging of electrical appliances and equipment.
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Fundamental safety principles for electrical installations that interface with appliances and equipment.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017