Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured, step-by-step approach to safely conducting fault finding diagnostics and system testing in a wide range of plant and equipment. It is a comprehensive document that consolidates multiple diagnostic, repair, and verification activities to support robust WHS compliance and effective risk management on site.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Fault finding and repair of electrical, mechanical, and control systems in operational workplaces
• Systematic fault finding on existing installations while minimising disruption to normal operations
• Identification and rectification of faults in engineered systems, including control panels and automation systems
• Monitoring deterioration of equipment components to detect early signs of wear, fatigue, or failure
• Conducting operational tests after repair to confirm safe and compliant return to service
• Performing system diagnostics using test instruments, software tools, and manufacturer procedures
• Troubleshooting underperforming machines to identify root causes of reduced efficiency or output
• Verifying system performance against design specifications, commissioning criteria, and client requirements
• Carrying out vibration analyses of main engines and auxiliary equipment to identify imbalance, misalignment, or bearing issues
• Isolation, lockout and tagout (LOTO) procedures prior to diagnostics, testing, and fault rectification
• Safe use of diagnostic tools and test equipment, including multimeters, analysers, laptops, and specialised sensors
• Managing live testing conditions where de-energisation is not reasonably practicable, with appropriate controls and authorisations
• Documentation of test results, fault reports, and repair records to support traceability and ongoing maintenance planning

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for electricians, maintenance technicians, mechanical and electrical engineers, HVAC and automation specialists, marine and plant fitters, and site supervisors responsible for diagnostic and testing activities on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – guidance on the safe use, inspection, testing, and maintenance of plant and machinery
• Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace – requirements for safe electrical work, testing, and fault finding
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – risk management framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards during diagnostics and testing
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – controls for noisy diagnostic and testing activities around machinery
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules) – key requirements for inspecting, testing, and verifying electrical installations
• AS/NZS 3760:2010 In-service Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment – guidance for ongoing testing regimes of electrical equipment
• AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management – Guidelines – principles for systematic risk management in diagnostic and testing operations
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017