Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-level procedures, risk controls and safety measures for general electrical installation, wiring and switchboard work on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that consolidates multiple electrical activities into one easy-to-use resource to support WHS compliance and consistent risk management across your projects.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Application of protective coatings to electrical conductors, cables and wires to minimise corrosion, damage and short-circuit risks
• Bonding and grounding of metallic enclosures, cable trays, equipment frames and structures to maintain safe fault paths
• Grounding operations and verification of earthing integrity for new and existing installations
• Changing and maintaining power factor correction capacitors within switchboards and control panels
• Safe methods to avoid contact with live wires while drilling, cutting or fixing into walls, ceilings and floors
• Identification and correction of faulty wiring, including insulation defects, loose terminations and incorrect connections
• Assessment and correction of overloaded circuits, including load balancing and circuit protection upgrades
• Disconnection and isolation of electrical installations prior to demolition, modification or maintenance work
• Disconnecting and reconnecting electrical hardware, appliances and equipment in accordance with regulatory requirements
• Electrical demolition activities, including removal of redundant cabling, conduits, fittings and switchboards
• Management of exposed electrical wiring in wet or damp environments, including use of RCDs and IP-rated equipment
• Grounding the system for new transformers, switchboards and distribution equipment
• Safe handling, changeover and isolation of backup power supply systems, including generators and UPS units
• Installation of lightning protection systems, surge protection devices and associated earthing arrangements
• Installing new transformers, including lifting, positioning, connection and commissioning risk controls
• Lockout/tagout, testing for dead and verification of isolation prior to commencing electrical work
• Use of test instruments, tools and equipment suitable for live verification and fault finding

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for electrical contractors, industrial and commercial electricians, maintenance teams, data and communications installers, and site supervisors responsible for managing electrical installation, wiring and switchboard works.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling risks associated with electrical work and electrical equipment.
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice: Requirements for planning and carrying out construction-related electrical activities safely.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Relevant to working at heights while installing cabling, conduits and switchboards.
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Fundamental safety principles for the design, installation and verification of electrical installations.
• AS/NZS 3012:2019 Electrical Installations – Construction and Demolition Sites: Requirements for temporary electrical installations on building and demolition sites.
• AS/NZS 4836:2011 Safe Working on or Near Low-Voltage Electrical Installations and Equipment: Procedures and PPE for working on or near energised low-voltage systems.
• AS/NZS 1768:2021 Lightning Protection: Requirements for the design and installation of lightning protection systems.
• AS/NZS 3008.1.1:2017 Electrical Installations – Selection of Cables: Guidance on cable sizing and current-carrying capacity for safe wiring design.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017