Product Overview

This Auto Electrician Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step safety, environmental, and quality controls required to perform automotive electrical work safely and in line with WHS compliance obligations. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of auto electrical installation, maintenance and repair, including diagnostics, component replacement, and system upgrades in vehicles and mobile plant.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe handling, connection and disconnection of automotive electrical connectors, plugs and terminals
• Inspection and testing of the functionality of automotive door, boot and bonnet locks, including electronic actuators and sensors
• Diagnosis and repair of faulty central locking systems, including wiring faults, relays, fuses and control modules
• Installation of vehicle sound systems, including head units, amplifiers, speakers, subwoofers and associated wiring
• Routing, securing and protecting electrical cabling through vehicle interiors, doors, dashboards and engine bays
• Installation, operation and maintenance of mobile battery systems in work vehicles, including dual battery and inverter setups
• Isolation of vehicle electrical systems, including battery disconnection, lock-out and tag-out procedures before work
• Use of test equipment such as multimeters, scan tools and test lights to fault-find electrical and electronic systems
• Management of fire and explosion risks when working around batteries, fuel systems and high-current circuits
• Manual handling of batteries, inverters, sound system components and other heavy or awkward auto electrical equipment
• Control of slip, trip and fall hazards from leads, tools and components within workshops, garages and mobile work areas
• Safe use of hand tools and powered tools (e.g. crimpers, soldering irons, drills) for auto electrical installation and repair
• Housekeeping, waste management and environmentally responsible disposal of batteries, wiring, fuses and electronic components

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for auto electricians, mobile automotive electrical service providers, vehicle accessory installers, light and heavy vehicle workshops, and site supervisors responsible for overseeing auto electrical work on vehicles and mobile plant.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on identifying and controlling electrical hazards in automotive and workshop environments
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Relevant to battery acids, solvents, cleaners and other chemicals used in auto electrical work
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment and implementation of controls within auto electrical tasks
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe workshops, garages and mobile work environments
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on first aid provisions for electrical shock, burns and chemical exposure
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Referenced for general electrical safety principles applicable to low-voltage automotive systems where relevant
• AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-service Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment: Guidance for maintaining safety of portable electrical tools and test equipment used by auto electricians