Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured, step-by-step approach to safely managing all aspects of lighting installation, inspection, and maintenance on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple facets of Lighting Installation and Maintenance to support strong WHS compliance and effective risk control for work at height and electrical hazards.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Changing light bulbs in high ceilings using ladders, EWP or scaffold with appropriate fall-prevention measures
• Inspection, testing, and maintenance of lighting in hazardous zones and classified areas to minimise ignition risks
• High-level work for light fittings, including access, positioning, and securing work areas at height
• Routine and reactive light fitting maintenance, including tightening, cleaning, and component replacement
• Lighting fixture maintenance involving disconnection, inspection, repair, and safe reconnection to electrical supply
• Systematic lighting checks and replacement of bulbs, tubes, and lamps to maintain adequate illumination levels
• Fault-finding and repair of lighting systems, including control gear, drivers, and associated wiring
• Replacing lights in high places using elevated work platforms, mobile scaffolds, or specialised access equipment
• Working safely near light fixtures, diffusers, and ceiling panels to avoid damage, falls, and electrical contact
• Selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for electrical and working-at-height tasks
• Isolation, lockout/tagout, and verification of electrical circuits prior to lighting installation or maintenance work
• Manual handling of lighting fixtures, lamps, and equipment to reduce strain, crush, and drop hazards
• Management of glass breakage, disposal of lamps (including fluorescent and other hazardous components), and housekeeping

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for electricians, maintenance technicians, facility managers, HVAC and building services contractors, and site supervisors responsible for lighting installation and maintenance activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling electrical risks during lighting installation and maintenance tasks
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Requirements for working at height when accessing high ceilings and elevated light fittings
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling risks associated with lighting work
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Safe use of elevated work platforms, mobile plant, and tools used for high-level lighting tasks
• Hazardous Chemicals (including Hazardous Atmospheres) related Codes of Practice: Guidance for working on lighting in hazardous zones and managing hazardous lamp components
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical Installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules): Requirements for electrical safety, installation, and connection of lighting systems
• AS/NZS 1680: Interior and Workplace Lighting: Recommendations for lighting levels and performance in workplaces
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017