Product Overview

This Isolation of Plant and Machinery SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to control risks when isolating, locking out and tagging plant and equipment to prevent accidental energisation, movement or release of stored energy. It provides detailed, step-by-step procedures and controls covering multiple aspects of plant isolation and WHS compliance for Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and preparation for isolation of plant and machinery prior to maintenance, cleaning, inspection or repair
• Identification of all energy sources, including electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, thermal and gravitational energy
• Application of lock out, tag out (LOTO) devices and personal locks to isolate plant and equipment
• Use of isolation registers, permits and signage to clearly communicate that plant is isolated and must not be operated
• Verification and testing that isolation is effective before work commences, including proving dead and trying to start
• Management of residual and stored energy, including bleeding pressure lines, discharging capacitors and blocking moving parts
• Safe isolation of mobile plant and vehicles, including park brakes, wheel chocks and key control
• Control of contractor access and authorisation to work on isolated plant and machinery
• Coordination of multiple isolations on complex plant, including group lock boxes and shared lockout procedures
• Reinstatement and de-isolation of plant after work, including inspections, area checks and staged recommissioning
• Emergency procedures in the event of unexpected energisation, equipment failure or near-miss incidents
• Training, competency and supervision requirements for workers performing isolation and lockout activities
• Record keeping, review and continuous improvement of isolation procedures and SWMS documentation

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for maintenance teams, electricians, fitters, mechanical trades, production operators, contractors and site supervisors responsible for isolating plant and machinery on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Guidance on controlling risks associated with plant, including isolation and lockout
• Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination – Requirements for consulting workers and contractors during isolation activities
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – Relevant where isolation involves chemical processes or pressurised systems
• AS/NZS 4024 Safety of Machinery (series) – Principles for the safe design and use of machinery, including isolation points and emergency stops
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules) – Requirements for safe electrical isolation and verification of de-energised circuits
• AS 1319 Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment – Specifications for danger, warning and information signage used during isolation
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017