Switchboard Installation, Metering and Mains SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers switchboard installation, metering and mains work from planning and positioning through installation, testing, labelling and clean-up. It supports planning electrical work and managing hazards related to energised sources, arc flash, cables, service connections, lifting, drilling and access.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the work and inspect the site
• Set up access and exclusion zones
• Deliver and position the switchboard
• Mount cabinets and enclosures
• Isolate existing electrical supplies
• Install mains and submains
• Terminate mains and earths
• Install protection and control wiring
• Install metering and relays
• Connect the existing service panel
• Test and commission the installation
• Label, secure, hand over and demobilise

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out switchboard installation, metering and mains 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.
• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory electrical safety, electrical licensing, building and electricity supply laws.
• Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Safe Work Australia model Code of Practice: Construction Work, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction.
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical installations (Wiring Rules).
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations—Construction and demolition sites.
• AS/NZS 3017 Electrical installations—Verification guidelines.
• AS/NZS 4836 Safe working on or near low-voltage and extra-low voltage electrical installations and equipment.
• AS/NZS 3008.1 Electrical installations—Selection of cables.
• AS/NZS 61439 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies.
• AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
• AS/NZS 60900 Live working—Hand tools for use up to 1,000 V AC and 1,500 V DC.
• Model Codes and technical standards are guidance unless adopted, called up or otherwise made applicable in the relevant jurisdiction, contract or network requirement. The electrical-risk guidance requires effective isolation from all sources, locking/tagging and testing before work; it also identifies switchboard work near exposed live parts as a significant risk.

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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