Product Overview

This Electrical and Diagnostics Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step safety, environmental and quality controls required to carry out vehicle electrical and diagnostic work safely and in line with Australian WHS compliance obligations. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of electrical diagnostics, testing and repair for light and heavy vehicles in workshop and mobile environments.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe removal, isolation and refitting of airbag modules and associated Supplementary Restraint Systems (SRS)
• Working with live airbag systems, including de-energising, handling, storage and disposal of deployed or faulty units
• Setting up and operating an engine dynamometer for controlled engine testing and performance diagnostics
• Setting up and operating a chassis dynamometer, including vehicle securing, ventilation and noise management
• Managing risks associated with dynamometer testing, including heat, fumes, rotating components and emergency shutdown
• Hooking up a vehicle to computer diagnostic equipment and On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) interfaces safely
• Using diagnostic software, scan tools and laptops, including cable management, electrical safety and data security
• Ignition system diagnostics and repair, including coils, leads, spark plugs and electronic ignition components
• Performing diesel engine diagnostics, including injector testing, glow plug circuits and high-pressure fuel systems
• General vehicle diagnostics, fault-finding and confirmation testing prior to and following repairs
• Reading, interpreting and clearing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from various vehicle control modules
• Testing, diagnosing and adjusting alternator output, voltage regulation and charging system performance
• Inspection, diagnosis and repair of vehicle heating systems, including blower motors and heater cores
• Replacement and testing of directional indicators, lamps, fuses, relays and associated wiring
• General electrical safety when working around batteries, high-current circuits and electronic control units (ECUs)

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for automotive electricians, motor mechanics, diesel fitters, performance tuning specialists, dyno operators and workshop supervisors responsible for managing electrical and diagnostic tasks on vehicles.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace – Guidance on identifying and controlling electrical hazards during diagnostic and repair work
• Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace – Application to dynamometers, lifting equipment and other workshop plant
• Code of Practice: Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work – Relevant to engine and chassis dynamometer operation and workshop noise
• Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks – Controls for lifting, carrying and positioning components such as batteries and starters
• Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities – Ventilation, lighting and layout for safe diagnostic and testing areas
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical Installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules) – Reference for safe electrical installation and maintenance practices in workshops
• AS/NZS 3760: In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment – Testing and tagging of diagnostic tools and electrical workshop equipment
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017