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Electrical SWMS Template

Safe Work Method Statement for electrical installation, maintenance, and repair work

HRCW: Work on or near energised electrical installations or services
✓ WHS Reg compliant✓ Pre-filled hazards & controls✓ Preview free, export PDF

What This SWMS Covers

This SWMS covers all electrical work classified as High-Risk Construction Work under WHS Regulation Schedule 1, including work on or near energised electrical installations, installation of new circuits and switchboards, maintenance and fault-finding on existing systems, cable pulling and termination, and testing and commissioning. It applies to licensed electricians, electrical apprentices under supervision, and electrical contractors performing work on construction sites or in commercial/industrial premises. The SWMS must be prepared before work commences and reviewed whenever site conditions change.

Who Needs This SWMS

Licensed electricians (Class A, B, or C), electrical contractors, electrical apprentices under direct supervision, principal contractors engaging electrical subcontractors on construction sites

Key Hazards & Control Measures

HazardRisk LevelControl MeasuresHierarchy
Electric shock / electrocutionFatal / CriticalIsolation and lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, test-before-touch with approved voltage tester, use of insulated tools rated to working voltageEngineering / Administrative
Arc flash / arc blastFatal / CriticalArc flash risk assessment per AS/NZS 4836, PPE selection based on incident energy calculation, maintain safe approach distancesEngineering / PPE
Working at heights (switchboards at height)SeriousEWP or scaffold for work above 2m, fall arrest system if EWP not feasible, edge protectionEngineering
Contact with underground servicesFatalDial Before You Dig (DBYD) enquiry, use of cable locator, hand-dig within tolerance zone, pot-holingAdministrative / Engineering
Contact with overhead powerlinesFatalMaintain safe approach distances per AS/NZS 4576, use of spotter, de-energisation request to DNSP if within exclusion zoneAdministrative / Engineering
Residual current device (RCD) failureSeriousTest RCDs before each use, use portable RCDs on construction sites, daily push-button test, quarterly trip-time testEngineering / Administrative
Inadequate isolationFatalPermit-to-work system, personal danger tags and locks, prove dead at point of work, independent verificationAdministrative
Cable damage / cutsSeriousRoute cables away from traffic, use cable covers/ramps, inspect cables before energising, no damaged cables on siteEngineering / Administrative
Confined space electrical workCriticalConfined space entry permit, SELV/PELV supply only, emergency rescue plan, atmospheric monitoringAdministrative / Engineering
Manual handling (switchboards, cable drums)ModerateMechanical aids for loads >20kg, team lifts planned, cable drum handling proceduresEngineering / Administrative

PPE Requirements

●Insulated gloves Class 0 (AS/NZS 2225)
●Safety boots with electrical hazard rating (AS/NZS 2210)
●Hard hat (AS/NZS 1801)
●Safety glasses (AS/NZS 1337)
●High-visibility vest
●Arc-rated clothing where arc flash risk exists

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is a SWMS required for all electrical work?
A SWMS is legally required for electrical work that is classified as High-Risk Construction Work under WHS Regulation Schedule 1 — specifically, work on or near energised electrical installations or services. For low-risk electrical work that does not involve energised components, a SWMS is not legally mandated but is considered best practice.
Q:Who prepares the electrical SWMS?
The SWMS must be prepared by or under the direction of the person conducting the electrical work, in consultation with workers who will carry out the work. On construction sites, the principal contractor must ensure a SWMS is in place before HRCW commences.
Q:Does the SWMS need to reference Australian Standards?
Yes. An electrical SWMS should reference AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules), AS/NZS 4836 (Safe working on or near low-voltage installations), and any other applicable standards for the specific work being performed.
Q:How often should an electrical SWMS be reviewed?
The SWMS must be reviewed whenever there is a change in work conditions, a new hazard is identified, a notifiable incident occurs, or a health and safety representative requests a review. As best practice, review before each new job or site.

Build Your Electrical SWMS Now

Pre-filled hazards and controls for electrical work. Preview free, export when ready.