Product Overview

Summary: This Lighting System Repair Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, safe and compliant method for diagnosing and repairing lighting systems in Australian workplaces. It helps organisations control electrical and working-at-heights risks while ensuring critical lighting is restored quickly, safely and with minimal disruption to operations.

Reliable lighting is essential for both productivity and safety, yet repairing lighting systems exposes workers to significant electrical and access risks if not managed correctly. This Lighting System Repair Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step-by-step method for safely isolating, inspecting, repairing and reinstating lighting circuits and fittings in commercial, industrial and public facilities across Australia. It addresses common scenarios such as failed luminaires, damaged light fittings, faulty control gear, and emergency and exit lighting repairs, while embedding robust WHS controls at every stage.

The procedure is designed to help businesses demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation by standardising how lighting repairs are requested, approved, carried out, tested and documented. It supports safe work on both low-voltage and extra-low-voltage lighting systems, integrates lock out–tag out (LOTO) practices, and provides guidance on working at height using ladders, EWP or access equipment. By implementing this SOP, organisations can reduce the risk of electrical shock, falls, fire and property damage, while improving response times, reducing rework and extending the life of lighting assets.

Key Benefits

• Ensure lighting repairs are completed in accordance with Australian WHS legislation and electrical safety requirements.
• Reduce the risk of electrical shock, arc flash and fire during fault finding and repair activities.
• Improve consistency and quality of lighting repairs through a clear, repeatable workflow.
• Streamline communication between requestors, maintenance teams and supervisors with defined roles and documentation.
• Strengthen evidence of due diligence for audits, incident investigations and insurance purposes.

Who is this for?

• Maintenance Electricians
• Facility Managers
• Property and Asset Managers
• WHS Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Building Services Coordinators
• School and Campus Maintenance Teams
• Retail and Warehouse Operations Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Electric shock from exposed live parts or incorrect isolation of lighting circuits
• Arc flash and short-circuit events during testing or reconnection
• Falls from height when accessing ceiling-mounted or high-bay luminaires
• Musculoskeletal injuries from awkward postures, overhead work and manual handling of fittings or access equipment
• Slips, trips and falls due to temporary loss of lighting or poorly managed work areas
• Fire risk from incorrect wiring, overloading, or installation of incompatible components
• Contact with asbestos-containing materials or other hazardous substances in older ceiling spaces
• Eye strain and glare issues arising from incorrect replacement or misalignment of luminaires

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Competency and Licensing Requirements for Electrical Work
• 5.0 Tools, Test Instruments and Materials
• 6.0 Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 7.0 Pre-Work Planning and Risk Assessment (including SWMS/JSA)
• 8.0 Isolation, Lock Out–Tag Out (LOTO) and Verification of De-energisation
• 9.0 Working at Heights and Access Equipment Requirements
• 10.0 Step-by-Step Lighting System Repair Procedure
• 11.0 Testing, Verification and Commissioning of Repaired Lighting
• 12.0 Emergency and Exit Lighting Repair and Testing Considerations
• 13.0 Housekeeping, Site Restoration and Waste Disposal
• 14.0 Documentation, Records and Reporting Requirements
• 15.0 Incident, Near-Miss and Defect Reporting
• 16.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 3017:2007 Electrical installations – Verification guidelines
• AS/NZS 60598 series: Luminaires
• AS/NZS 2293 series: Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings
• AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still referenced in many systems)
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use