Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-level procedures, risk controls, and emergency responses required for safe live electrical work, testing, and fault finding on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of live electrical operations, ensuring robust WHS compliance and effective risk management for both low and high-voltage environments.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Accessing and working on live switchboards, including approach boundaries and safe isolation where practicable
• Adjustment and testing of high tension circuits with appropriate tools, PPE, and exclusion zones
• Identification, assessment, and control of arc flash hazards, including arc-rated PPE and safe work distances
• Managing arc flashing risks during switching, racking, and fault-finding activities
• Attending to electrical faults, including systematic fault-finding procedures and escalation protocols
• Preventing contact with electricity through lockout/tagout, barriers, insulated tools, and safe work practices
• Dealing with exposed live conductors and damaged cables, including temporary protection and isolation
• Safe discharge of static electricity in high-risk environments to minimise ignition and shock hazards
• Conducting pre-start electrical safety checks on test instruments, leads, RCDs, and portable equipment
• Managing exposure to live electrics during testing, commissioning, and verification activities
• Entry to and work within high-voltage switchyards, including permits, access control, and supervision
• Identifying live electrical wire risks in ceilings, wall cavities, pits, and underground services
• Managing situations where workers may be unable to accurately assess electric shock risk, including stop-work triggers and consultation
• Installing and maintaining overhead power lines, including working at heights and exclusion zones around plant and traffic
• Low voltage rescue (LVR) operations, including rescue procedures, equipment, and CPR readiness
• Selection and inspection of test equipment, voltage detectors, and proving units for live work
• Emergency response planning for electric shock, burns, arc flash incidents, and fire

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for electricians, electrical contractors, linesmen, HV technicians, maintenance teams, and site supervisors responsible for managing or performing live electrical work, testing, and fault finding.

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 controlling electrical risks arising from work activities.
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice: Requirements for electrical work undertaken as part of construction and refurbishment projects.
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls.
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for first aid arrangements, including electric shock and burns.
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Fundamental safety principles for electrical installations and live work limitations.
• AS/NZS 4836:2011 Safe Working on or near Low-Voltage Electrical Installations and Equipment: Specific guidance for live LV work, testing, and fault finding.
• AS 2067:2016 Substations and High Voltage Installations Exceeding 1 kV a.c.: Requirements for safe design and operation of high-voltage switchyards and substations.
• AS/NZS 3012:2019 Electrical Installations – Construction and Demolition Sites: Requirements for electrical safety on construction sites, including temporary supplies.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017