Electrical Work SWMS

A comprehensive, adaptable SWMS for managing the risks associated with electrical installation, testing and maintenance.

Meet your legal obligations and keep your worksites safe with a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS).

Safe Work Method Statements are a legal requirement for all high risk construction work under Australian WHS laws. A SWMS is required for electrical installation, testing and maintenance when work is carried out on or near energised electrical equipment, as defined in the WHS Regulations. Whether you are a principal contractor, subcontractor, or preparing documents for a tender, all electrical businesses must prepare SWMS before starting this type of work.

This Electrical Work SWMS is designed for tasks involving electrical systems, equipment and services where there is a risk of electric shock, arc flash, fire or explosion. It helps you identify electrical hazards and apply practical controls before work starts.

Who is the Electrical Work SWMS for?

This SWMS is suitable for electrical contractors, maintenance providers, construction businesses and trades that carry out electrical installation, testing and maintenance work, including work on or near energised electrical equipment.

When is it used?

You must prepare this SWMS before starting high risk construction work involving electrical installation, testing or maintenance on or near energised electrical equipment. You should also review it whenever site conditions, equipment, work methods or personnel change.

What’s included?

This SWMS covers a wide range of electrical hazards and work activities. You can keep only the sections that apply to your job:

• Planning and preparation
• Training and competency
• Assessing site conditions
• Setting up the work area
• Selecting tools, equipment, clothing and PPE
• Maintaining separation from earth
• Isolation and lock-out/tag-out (LOTO)
• Restoring power
• Completing work
• Additional task-specific sections include:
  • Working in areas with environmental hazards (e.g. wildlife, biological hazards)
  • Fault finding and testing
  • Working on switchboards in areas of reduced mobility
  • Working in trafficable areas
  • Cutting and removing electrical equipment
  • Working near overhead services
  • Working near underground services
  • Working near live electrical equipment
  • Working on live electrical equipment
  • Working with a safety observer

This SWMS also includes definitions explaining what constitutes working ‘on or near’ energised electrical equipment, and the limited circumstances where energised electrical work is permitted under the WHS Regulations.

All Acacia Safety Consulting SWMS also include:

• Definitions of high risk construction work
• Risk matrix and explanation of risk ratings
• PPE requirements
• General control measures applicable to most work activities
• Space for project or site-specific information
• SWMS sign-off page
• SWMS review page

Meeting your legal requirements

Under Australian WHS legislation, businesses must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement for all high risk construction work to identify hazards and outline how risks will be controlled. This SWMS supports compliance with Australian WHS Regulations for work involving electrical work on or near energised equipment. It assists with hazard identification, risk assessment and implementation of appropriate control measures before work commences.

Looking for something else?

For enquiries, customisations, or tailored SWMS solutions, do not hesitate to contact us.