Telecoms Fibre Installation & Splicing SWMS

Telecoms fibre installation and splicing covers aerial lashing to existing strand, underground hauling through conduits and pits, fusion splicing in joint enclosures, and OTDR commissioning across access and backhaul networks. The work routinely exposes technicians to falls from poles and EWPs, Class 1M and Class 3R laser radiation from live fibres and OTDR ports, traffic interfaces during aerial spans over carriageways, confined-space pit entry, and proximity to energised LV and HV electrical assets co-located on shared infrastructure. Under WHS Regulation 2025 Part 6.3, fibre work meeting any High Risk Construction Work criterion — including work at heights above 2m, on or near energised electrical installations, or on a telecommunications tower — mandates a documented Safe Work Method Statement before work commences. A SWMS is also the prescribed mechanism for discharging the PCBU's consultation duty under s47 and the risk management cycle under Reg 36. This SWMS captures the laser, electrical, height, traffic, and biological hazards specific to fibre carrier and NBN-class work and is structured for sign-on at the daily pre-start.

Hazards identified

7 hazards covered, sorted by priority.

Control measures

Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.

1. 1Elimination — Where feasible, perform splicing in a ground-level splice trailer rather than at-height in EWP basket or pole platform to remove fall and laser-at-height exposure entirely.
2. 2Elimination — De-energise and lock out adjacent LV mains via the network operator's access permit before any aerial strand work within 1.0m approach distance.
3. 3Substitution — Use visual fault locator (Class 2, <1mW) for short-haul fault finding in lieu of high-power OTDR launches where trace length permits.
4. 4Substitution — Replace mechanical splices with fusion splicing in protected enclosures to eliminate ongoing exposed-fibre handling during maintenance cycles.
5. 5Engineering — Deploy fibre-optic safety interlocks and source-off verification with optical power meter at both ends before opening any cassette per AS/NZS IEC 60825.2:2011.
6. 6Engineering — Install compliant Traffic Guidance Scheme with truck-mounted attenuator, advance signage, and tapered cones per AGTTM Part 3 for all carriageway spans.
7. 7Engineering — Use mechanical cable drum stands with friction brakes and powered haulers to remove direct manual pulling forces on operators.
8. 8Administrative — Conduct daily pre-start sign-on against this SWMS, confirm AS/NZS 1891.4 height-rescue plan, and verify confined-space gas test log before pit entry.
9. 9Administrative — Restrict OTDR operation to trained technicians holding current laser-safety competency; post Class 3R warning placards at both fibre ends during testing.
10. 10PPE — Issue laser-safety eyewear rated OD4+ at 1310/1550/1625nm, cut-resistant nitrile gloves for cleaving, AS/NZS 1801 hard hat with chinstrap, AS/NZS 4602.1 hi-vis Class D/N, and AS/NZS 1891.1 full-body harness with twin lanyards.

Applicable Codes of Practice

High-Risk Construction Work triggered

Worked example

On a suburban aerial rollout connecting a new estate to an existing exchange, a two-person crew arrives at a joint-use pole carrying LV ABC mains and existing copper. The supervisor opens this SWMS at the tailgate, walks the team through the seven hazards, and confirms today's exposures: aerial strand attachment at 6.2m, OTDR commissioning from the pit at the pole base, and a single live traffic lane within 3m of the EWP outriggers. The crew identifies that Hazard 3 (energised LV proximity) applies and produces the network operator's access permit confirming the ABC bundle remains energised but outside the 1.0m approach envelope — Engineering control 2 is satisfied. Both technicians sign on against the controls register, donning OD4+ laser eyewear before the splicer is powered. Mid-task, a council bus route diversion places buses closer to the EWP than the original TGS allowed. The lead technician halts work, reopens the SWMS at Hazard 4, and the team redeploys the TMA truck and extends the taper an additional 15m per AGTTM Part 3 before resuming. The amendment, the reason, and re-sign-on are recorded on the SWMS field-change page, demonstrating the live risk management cycle required under WHS Reg 36 and providing the regulator-ready audit trail expected on inspection.

Related legislation

• WHS Act 2011 (model)
• WHS Regulation 2025
• AS/NZS 3000 — Electrical installations

Frequently asked questions