Product Overview

Summary: This Thermographic Inspection Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, repeatable method for using infrared thermography to detect electrical, mechanical and building defects before they become safety incidents. It supports Australian businesses to proactively manage fire risk, equipment failure and energy loss while demonstrating due diligence under WHS legislation.

Thermographic inspection is a powerful, non‑destructive technique for identifying hotspots, loose connections and abnormal heat patterns in electrical, mechanical and building systems. When applied systematically, it allows organisations to intervene before faults escalate into fires, arc flash events, equipment failures or unplanned outages. This Thermographic Inspection Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step framework for planning, conducting and documenting infrared inspections in line with Australian WHS expectations and industry best practice.

The procedure covers the full inspection lifecycle, from pre‑inspection risk assessment, equipment selection and camera setup, through to image capture, interpretation, risk rating and corrective action tracking. It clarifies who can perform inspections, how to work safely around energised equipment, and how results must be recorded to stand up to internal audits and regulator scrutiny. By embedding this SOP, Australian businesses can integrate thermography into their preventative maintenance and risk management programs, reduce the likelihood of catastrophic failures, and extend the life of critical assets while maintaining a strong safety culture.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of electrical fires and equipment failures by identifying thermal anomalies before they lead to incidents.
• Ensure thermographic inspections are conducted consistently and safely around energised electrical and rotating equipment.
• Demonstrate due diligence and WHS compliance through structured inspection records, risk ratings and corrective action tracking.
• Optimise maintenance planning by prioritising repairs based on thermal severity and business criticality.
• Standardise training and competency expectations for thermography personnel across sites and contractors.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Electrical Engineers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• Reliability Engineers
• Asset Managers
• HV/LV Electricians
• Building Services Managers
• Risk and Compliance Managers
• Thermography Technicians (Level 1–3)

Hazards Addressed

• Electrical shock and arc flash when inspecting live switchboards and distribution equipment
• Electrical fires resulting from loose connections, overloaded circuits and deteriorated insulation
• Mechanical failures and potential struck‑by incidents due to overheated bearings, couplings and rotating equipment
• Burns from contact with hot surfaces or components during close‑range inspections
• Slips, trips and falls when accessing elevated or restricted areas for inspection
• Exposure to live parts due to removal of covers, panels or guards for imaging
• Eye strain or misinterpretation hazards from incorrect camera settings or environmental conditions

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (including thermal severity classifications)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Equipment and Resources (Infrared Cameras, Lenses and Accessories)
• 6.0 Pre‑Inspection Planning and Risk Assessment
• 7.0 Site Preparation and Access Controls
• 8.0 Safe Work Practices Around Energised Equipment
• 9.0 Thermographic Inspection Methodology – Electrical Systems
• 10.0 Thermographic Inspection Methodology – Mechanical and Building Systems
• 11.0 Camera Setup, Calibration and Environmental Considerations
• 12.0 Image Capture Protocols and Naming Conventions
• 13.0 Interpretation of Thermal Images and Temperature Differentials
• 14.0 Risk Rating, Prioritisation and Recommended Actions
• 15.0 Documentation, Reporting and Record Keeping Requirements
• 16.0 Integration with Preventative Maintenance and WHS Risk Registers
• 17.0 Non‑Conformance Management and Corrective Actions
• 18.0 Training, Competency and Refresher Requirements
• 19.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of the Procedure

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the risk of plant in the workplace
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 3019:2007 Electrical installations – Periodic verification
• AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 Risk management – Guidelines
• AS/NZS 3760:2022 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment (contextual reference)
• NFPA 70B Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance (used as a recognised good practice reference where adopted by the organisation)