Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, step-by-step process for the safe installation of hydrokinetic energy devices in Australian waterways. It helps organisations control high-risk activities around moving water, electrical systems, lifting operations and marine traffic, while demonstrating due diligence under WHS legislation and environmental approvals.

Hydrokinetic energy devices are typically installed in rivers, tidal channels and other high-flow waterways where installation work is exposed to a unique mix of hazards: fast-moving water, submerged structures, electrical systems, lifting operations and interaction with marine vessels and the public. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, WHS-aligned method for planning and executing installation activities so that every stage—from site assessment and pre-start checks to device positioning, electrical connection and commissioning—is carried out safely and consistently.

Developed for the Australian regulatory environment, the SOP helps organisations bridge the gap between innovative renewable technology and traditional marine construction controls. It addresses challenges such as working around tides and currents, coordinating barge or vessel-based lifts, managing isolation of electrical systems in wet environments, and protecting ecologically sensitive areas. By implementing this procedure, businesses can reduce incident risk, support compliance with WHS and environmental obligations, and provide installers and contractors with clear, defensible instructions that stand up to client, regulator and insurer scrutiny.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, WHS-compliant approach to hydrokinetic device installation across all projects and sites.
• Reduce the risk of drowning, entanglement, electrical shock and lifting incidents in dynamic marine and freshwater environments.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and insurers through documented, risk-based installation controls.
• Streamline project planning, permits and coordination with maritime, environmental and land-based stakeholders.
• Improve training, onboarding and contractor management with a clear, step-by-step installation framework.

Who is this for?

• Project Managers – Renewable Energy
• Marine Construction Supervisors
• Hydrokinetic Device Installers and Technicians
• Electrical Engineers and HV/LV Electricians
• WHS Managers and Safety Advisors
• Environmental Managers
• Operations and Maintenance Managers
• Marine Vessel Masters and Skippers
• Civil and Structural Engineers
• Principal Contractors and Site Controllers

Hazards Addressed

• Drowning and immersion in fast-flowing or deep water
• Slips, trips and falls on wet, uneven or unstable surfaces (banks, pontoons, barges)
• Falls into water from vessels, jetties, scaffolds or temporary platforms
• Entanglement or impact with rotating components and mooring lines during installation
• Crush injuries from suspended loads, cranes or vessel-based lifting operations
• Electrical shock, arc flash or electrocution during cabling, terminations and commissioning in wet environments
• Struck-by incidents involving marine vessels, workboats or passing traffic
• Adverse weather and environmental conditions (tides, currents, flooding, storms)
• Manual handling strains from handling heavy or awkward device components and anchors
• Exposure to cold, heat, UV and fatigue during extended outdoor and on-water work
• Environmental contamination from spills, leaks or improper handling of fuels, oils and hydraulic fluids

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope – Application to hydrokinetic energy device installation projects
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology – Hydrokinetic devices, moorings, balance-of-plant and marine terms
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Regulatory, Environmental and Permit Requirements
• 5.0 Pre-Installation Planning and Risk Assessment (SWMS/JSA)
• 6.0 Site Assessment – Hydrology, access, bathymetry and environmental constraints
• 7.0 Plant, Vessels, Tools and Equipment Requirements
• 8.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Required Safety Gear (including PFDs and fall protection)
• 9.0 Water Safety, Vessel Operations and Traffic Management Controls
• 10.0 Lifting, Rigging and Mooring Installation Procedures
• 11.0 Device Handling, Positioning and Securing Steps
• 12.0 Electrical Installation, Isolation, Testing and Commissioning
• 13.0 Environmental Protection Measures and Spill Response
• 14.0 Communication Protocols and Coordination with Stakeholders
• 15.0 Emergency Preparedness and Rescue Procedures (man overboard, electrical incident, severe weather)
• 16.0 Inspection, Handover, Documentation and Sign-off
• 17.0 Training, Induction and Competency Verification
• 18.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and relevant state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS/NZS 3000: Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules
• AS/NZS 3017: Electrical installations – Verification guidelines
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still commonly referenced)
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS 1891 series: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices
• AS 4991: Lifting devices
• Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012 and Marine Orders (where commercial vessels are used)
• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and relevant state environmental legislation (for works in waterways)