Product Overview

Summary: This Navigation Instrument Installation Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step‑by‑step framework for safely installing, wiring and commissioning navigation instruments in Australian workplaces. It helps organisations control electrical, working-at-heights and equipment hazards while ensuring consistent, compliant installations that support accurate and reliable navigation performance.

Navigation instruments are critical safety systems in aviation, marine and industrial environments, and any error in installation can have serious consequences for workers, assets and the public. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a controlled, repeatable process for planning, installing, wiring, mounting and testing navigation instruments, whether in aircraft, vessels, control rooms or fixed facilities. It focuses on safe work practices around low and extra‑low voltage systems, confined and elevated work areas, and integration with existing electrical and communication networks.

By implementing this SOP, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of electrical shock, equipment damage, mis‑calibration and post‑installation failures that lead to operational incidents or regulatory non‑compliance. The procedure supports Australian WHS obligations by embedding risk assessments, lock‑out/tag‑out (LOTO), verification of isolation, and structured testing and commissioning into everyday work. It also improves productivity by standardising documentation, cable management, labelling and quality checks, making it easier to train new technicians, demonstrate compliance during audits, and maintain navigation instruments over their full lifecycle.

Key Benefits

• Ensure safe, consistent installation of navigation instruments across aircraft, vessels and fixed installations.
• Reduce the risk of electrical shock, short circuits and equipment damage during installation and commissioning.
• Streamline technician training with a clear, step‑by‑step procedure aligned to Australian WHS requirements.
• Improve reliability and accuracy of navigation systems through structured testing, calibration and documentation.
• Demonstrate due diligence and compliance during internal audits, client inspections and regulator reviews.

Who is this for?

• Electrical Technicians
• Avionics Technicians
• Marine Electronics Technicians
• Instrumentation and Control Technicians
• Maintenance Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• Engineering Managers
• Project Managers – Aviation and Marine
• Fleet Maintenance Coordinators
• Quality Assurance Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Electric shock from live conductors and faulty isolation
• Arc flash and short circuits during wiring and terminations
• Falls from height when installing instruments in masts, towers, bridges or elevated work platforms
• Slips, trips and falls from poor cable routing, offcuts and tools in access ways
• Musculoskeletal injuries from awkward postures, repetitive tasks and manual handling of equipment and mounting hardware
• Eye and hand injuries from drilling, cutting, crimping and use of power tools
• Exposure to solder fumes and cleaning solvents during terminations and board work
• Incorrect instrument alignment or calibration leading to navigation errors and operational incidents
• Damage to sensitive electronic components from electrostatic discharge (ESD)

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 5.0 Pre‑Installation Planning and Risk Assessment
• 6.0 Tools, Equipment and Materials Requirements
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Isolation, Lock‑Out/Tag‑Out and Verification of De‑Energisation
• 9.0 Site Preparation, Access and Working at Heights Controls
• 10.0 Mounting and Mechanical Installation of Navigation Instruments
• 11.0 Electrical and Data Cabling – Routing, Termination and Labelling
• 12.0 Earthing, Bonding and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Considerations
• 13.0 Instrument Configuration, Alignment and Calibration
• 14.0 Testing, Verification and Commissioning Procedures
• 15.0 Documentation, As‑Built Drawings and Asset Registration
• 16.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Environmental Considerations
• 17.0 Fault‑Finding, Non‑Conformance and Rework Management
• 18.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting
• 19.0 Training, Competency and Review of this SOP

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) – Electrical safety and construction work provisions
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 4836:2011 Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment
• AS/NZS 3017:2007 Electrical installations – Verification guidelines
• AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 Risk management – Guidelines
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice