High-Voltage Switching SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers high-voltage switching work, from reviewing the scope and authorisations through to isolation, access, restoration and records. It supports work planning and risk management by addressing switching sequence, energisation, arc flash, stored electrical energy, equipment condition and communication hazards.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the switching scope and authorisations
• Establish and control the work area
• Inspect switchgear and personal protective equipment
• Confirm the network operating state
• Conduct pre-switching checks
• Perform the switching sequence
• Isolate and lock out equipment
• Prove the de-energised condition
• Apply earths and issue access
• Monitor work conditions and communication
• Cancel access and remove earths
• Restore supply, verify the outcome and complete records

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out authorised high-voltage switching activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to manage electrical risks, provide safe systems of work, consultation, competency, emergency arrangements and PPE.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace — use as guidance where adopted or otherwise applicable; it states that HV work after switching, isolation, short-circuiting and earthing is specialised work for competent workers with appropriate HV training.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace — use as guidance for HV installation safety management plans, single-line diagrams, site operating rules, competency requirements and network isolation procedures.
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks — use as guidance for applying the hierarchy of controls.
• Model Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace — use as guidance for electrical emergency and first-aid arrangements.
• AS 2067, Substations and high voltage installations exceeding 1 kV a.c.; AS/NZS 3000, Electrical installations; AS/NZS 4836, Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment, where LV interfaces are present; AS/NZS 3012 for construction and demolition electrical installations where applicable.
• Relevant electricity network operator electrical safety rules, HV access authority system, operating procedures, arc-flash assessment and equipment manufacturer instructions.
• Australian Energy Council Electric Arc Flash Hazard Management Guideline, as relevant to arc-flash assessment, boundaries, labelling, PPE and switching procedures.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections