Product Overview

This High-Voltage Switching Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify, control, and minimise the risks associated with high-voltage electrical switching operations on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that supports WHS compliance and provides end-to-end coverage of planning, isolation, testing, and restoration activities for high-voltage systems.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and authorisation of high-voltage switching programs, including permits, isolation plans, and switching schedules
• Identification, assessment, and verification of high-voltage equipment, switchgear, transformers, and associated control systems
• Isolation, lock-out, and tag-out (LOTO) procedures for high-voltage circuits, feeders, and substations
• Testing for de-energised status using approved high-voltage test instruments and proving units
• Application, inspection, and removal of portable earths, bonds, and short-circuiting devices
• Safe operation of high-voltage switchgear, circuit breakers, isolators, and ring main units (RMUs)
• Management of arc flash, electric shock, and step-and-touch potential risks in high-voltage environments
• Selection, inspection, and use of appropriate PPE and arc-rated clothing for high-voltage switching
• Control of access to substations, switch rooms, and high-voltage compounds, including signage and barriers
• Coordination and communication between switching operators, system controllers, and site supervisors
• Emergency response procedures for high-voltage incidents, including electric shock and arc flash events
• Environmental and equipment protection measures during switching, including weather and contamination controls
• Documentation, recording, and review of switching operations, incidents, and near misses

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for high-voltage electricians, electrical fitters, network operators, substation technicians, facilities managers, and site supervisors responsible for planning or conducting high-voltage switching operations.

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 managing electrical hazards, including high-voltage systems.
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice: Requirements for managing risks associated with construction-related electrical work.
• Safe Work Australia – Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice: Expectations for communication and consultation during high-risk activities such as high-voltage switching.
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Fundamental safety principles for electrical installations and work on electrical systems.
• AS 2067: Substations and high-voltage installations exceeding 1 kV a.c.: Requirements for the design and operation of high-voltage substations and installations.
• AS/NZS 4836: Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment: Referenced for complementary safe work practices and electrical risk controls.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017