Overhead Power and External Electrical Infrastructure SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers work on overhead power and external electrical infrastructure, including planning, traffic controls, pole work, circuit connections, testing and reinstatement. It supports planning for electrical hazards, plant movement, excavation, lifting, public interaction and changing site conditions.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the work and inspect the site
• Establish traffic and public controls
• Set electrical isolation controls
• Position plant and complete pre-start checks
• Install temporary pole support
• Remove existing power poles
• Excavate pole foundations
• Lift and install new poles
• Install crossarms, conductors and street light equipment
• Terminate, connect, test and commission circuits
• Remove supports and reinstate the work area
• Respond to electrical emergencies

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out overhead power and external electrical infrastructure activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work (guidance only; confirm adoption in the relevant jurisdiction).
• Model Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace (guidance only; confirm adoption in the relevant jurisdiction).
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace (guidance only; confirm adoption in the relevant jurisdiction).
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces (guidance only; confirm adoption in the relevant jurisdiction).
• Electrical Safety Code of Practice – Working near overhead and underground electric lines: apply the hierarchy of controls, obtain electricity entity advice and maintain required approach distances.
• Relevant electricity network operator standards, access authorities, operating procedures and safe approach distances; treat lines as live unless the network operator provides written authority confirming otherwise.
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical installations (Wiring Rules); AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations—construction and demolition sites; AS/NZS 4836 Safe working on or near low-voltage electrical installations and equipment.
• AS/NZS 1418 series Cranes, hoists and winches; AS 2550 series Cranes—safe use; AS/NZS 1891 series Industrial fall-arrest systems; AS/NZS 5532 Manufactured anchor devices; AS/NZS 3019 Electrical installations—periodic verification.
• AS/NZS 4602.1 High-visibility safety garments; AS/NZS 1801 Occupational protective helmets; AS/NZS 2210.3 Safety footwear; AS/NZS 1270 Hearing protectors; AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections