Product Overview

This Electrical Maintenance, Fault Finding and Renovations Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and document effective controls for electrical work on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document that covers multiple aspects of electrical maintenance, repairs, upgrades and renovations to support WHS compliance and safe management of electrical high risk construction work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and carrying out electrical installations and reparations in new and existing structures
• Undertaking electrical renovations during fit-outs, refurbishments and building alterations
• Expansion of existing electrical systems, including additional circuits, boards and sub-mains
• Diagnosing and fixing switchboard problems, including tripping circuits, overheating and damaged components
• High-rise electrical servicing, including safe access, material handling and working around other trades
• Identifying and safely isolating faulty electrical equipment prior to repair or replacement
• Low voltage electrical installation isolation and access, including lock-out/tag-out procedures
• Low voltage electrical repairs and installations, including lighting, power and appliance circuits
• Modifying electrical connections, terminations and junctions in compliance with current standards
• Re-routing wiring for automatic systems, control circuits and building automation upgrades
• Relocating power outlets, switches and GPOs while managing live services and concealed services
• Locating, fault finding and repairing electrical faults in residential, commercial and industrial settings
• Rewiring a house, including removal of old cabling, installation of new circuits and verification testing
• Upgrading existing electrical systems to meet increased load demands and current regulatory requirements
• Use of test instruments, verification of de-energised status, and confirmation of safe re-energisation

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for electricians, electrical contractors, maintenance technicians, renovation and fit-out specialists, and site supervisors responsible for overseeing electrical works on Australian construction and maintenance sites.

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 installation, maintenance and fault finding
• Construction Work Code of Practice: Requirements for managing risks associated with construction and renovation activities
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Controls for electrical work performed at heights or on elevated platforms
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Electrical Workers: Practical guidance for safe electrical maintenance and repair practices
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 – Electrical Installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules): Fundamental safety principles for design, installation and verification of electrical installations
• AS/NZS 3017 – Electrical Installations – Verification Guidelines: Procedures for testing and verification of new and altered electrical installations
• AS/NZS 4836 – Safe Working on or Near Low-Voltage Electrical Installations and Equipment: Requirements for safe isolation, testing and work on low-voltage systems
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017