Electrical Safety Safe Work Method Statement

Electrical Safety Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Electrical Safety Safe Work Method Statement

Electrical Safety Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to get on site to start work, looking to create a safe work environment or pitching for that next government tender - the Electrical Safety Safe Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and easy to integrate into your current Safety Management System. If you don't have a Safety Management System, we need to talk, seriously, you don't need to be carrying that level of risk exposure in your business - we can help.

Look, we understand that business should be rewarding and not consumed by tedious red tape. The Safe Work Method Statement Template we create is in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality documents in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you onsite, save you loads of time and are very user-friendly. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.

The Electrical Safety Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the following Job Steps, including potential hazards, control measures and risk ratings:

  1. Planning and preparation
  2. Training and capabilities
  3. Assess onsite conditions
  4. Set up work area
  5. Temporary Traffic Control (TMP)
  6. Delivery of materials and equipment
  7. Electrical installations
  8. Power tools, leads, safety switches and power boards
  9. Testing of electrical equipment and tools, etc.
  10. Installations in buildings, etc.
  11. Underground services
  12. Work near overhead catenary wiring
  13. On completion

The Electrical Safety Safe Work Method Statement Includes


Risk Assessment Matrix | Hierarchy of Controls | PPE | Emergency Response

Your Electrical Safety Safe Work Method Statement is ready to be used in three easy steps:

  1. Add your company logo and details to the SWMS Template.
  2. Identify site specific risks.
  3. Address any site specific risks and add them to your SWMS Template.

Now that your Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is ready for use, you can also make the SWMS document available as a training resource for activities such as WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks or Workplace Inductions.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

  1. Understand your switchboard and don't overload power points.
  2. Always repair damaged chords and replace damaged plugs.
  3. Avoid Using Electrical Items In Wet Areas.

Electrical Safety Safe Work Method Statement

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View a Safe Work Method Statement Example

See an example of a Safe Work Method Statement Template below. All our SWMS Template documents are comprehensive in nature, easy to use, and are a huge time saver. Our Safe Work Method Statement Templates are quick and easy to customise to your specific business or operation and are perfectly suited for every day use, for larger contracts and tenders right through to qualifying for contractor management platforms such as CM3.

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A SWMS is a document that outlines the high-risk construction work activities that will be performed at a workplace, the hazards that will be present as a result of these activities, and the controls that will be implemented to mitigate the risks.

A single SWMS can be utilised for numerous high-risk construction work activities, such as employing powered mobile plant, working at heights of more than 2 metres, and working near to a road that is used by traffic other than pedestrians.

A SWMS is an administrative control that is used to support higher-order controls, such as engineering controls, that are designed to remove or reduce hazards to health and safety.

A SWMS differs from other documentation such as a Job Safety Analysis or a Safe Operating Procedure in that it focuses on specific jobs or processes. A SWMS isn't meant to be a procedure; rather, it's a tool for supervisors and workers to check and monitor the workplace control measures. For high-risk work activities, a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)  must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) or check that one has been prepared before starting work. It is important to note that before any work process has started, a SWMS must be prepared.

A PCBU, on the other hand, also must manage health and safety hazards by eliminating or reducing them as much as possible. Before beginning any work on a project, the principal contractor must also obtain a copy of the SWMS.

What information does a Safe Work Method Statement need to contain?

A Safe Work Method Statement should identify high-risk work and any specify hazards related to high-risk construction work as well as any health and safety risks. The SWMS should describe the risk-control measures to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed and also should describe how the risk-control measures will be effective at reducing or eliminating the risk, and how they will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

A Safe Work Method Statement should be concise and focus on outlining the specific risks identified for the high-risk work to be performed, as well as the control measures to be implemented to ensure that the work is completed safely.

A long and overly complex Safe Work Method Statement which could be difficult to comprehend, implement and monitor or review may be confusing for workers to mentally digest and therefore is not ideal in helping to reduce or eliminate risks in the workplace. It is imperative that workers, and especially those who do not speak English, are able to understand the Safe Work Method Statement. Consider having pictures or diagrams added to the SWMS as a more effective way of presenting information contained within the SWMS.

The SWMS should also contain other regulatory requirements to protect health and safety of all personnel, such as controlling noise exposure and manual job risks. Also, keep in mind that evidence of a completed risk assessment may be required by the regulator or for auditing reasons if the Safe Work Method Statement is based on a workplace-specific risk assessment.

Who's Responsible for creating the Safe Work Method Statement?

In collaboration with workers who will be directly engaged in the activity, the person responsible for carrying out the work is usually best equipped to prepare the SWMS document. In most cases, this means that a Safe Work Method Statement is created by the builder for his or her employees, or by the subcontractor for their employees.

To establish who is in the best position to prepare the Safe Work Method Statement, the principle contractor, builder, and/or subcontractors should decide who will take responsibility for the SWMS.

It's also a requirement that all managers, contractors, supervisors, and workers be involved in the creation of a Safe Work Method Statement. Workers must be consulted so that they understand the SWMS in depth and what they must do to establish and maintain risks and implement control measures to manage the risk. Sharing information and utilising workers' knowledge and experience may also aid in ensuring that the task is completed in accordance with the SWMS.

If your workplace has a Health and Safety Representative, they should also be contacted while creating a Safe Work Method Statement.

What does the principal contractor's responsibility entail?

Before beginning work, a principal contractor must take all reasonable steps to obtain a SWMS from any contractor performing high-risk work. If no SWMS exists, the principal contractor must arrange for one to be created, for example by the contractor or subcontractor.

A general contractor should establish plans to ensure that high-risk work is carried out safely and in compliance with the Safe Work Method Statement. This can be done by keeping an eye on how the SWMS is being implemented on the ground.

The principal contractors' WHS management plan must also include detailed arrangements for collecting, assessing, monitoring, and reviewing the SWMS, according to the WHS Regulations.

How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Electrical Safety Safe Work Method Statement, the first step is to create the document as a Safe Work Method Statement Template. This way, you can use the same SWMS Template and then adjust the document for each different electrical safety project as needed, making sure that your Electrical Safety SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Electrical Safety SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own electrical safety SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Electrical Safety SWMS such as: 

  • Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Electrical Safety SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications.
  • Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to electrical safety work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the electrical safety work is being conducted, secondly, communicate the risks and hazards and then take steps to eliminate or control each hazard in relation to the electrical safety work being done. 
  • Any changes added to the Electrical Safety SWMS after an incident or a near miss. 

Note: The Electrical Safety SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the electrical safety work is completed. Where the Electrical Safety SWMS is revised, all versions of theSWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Electrical Safety Safe Work Method Statement, the Electrical Safety SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Electrical Safety Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as:

  • Does the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS involve a risk of a person falling more than 2 meters?
  • Is the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping?
  • Is the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS carried out on a telecommunication tower?
  • Is the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
  • Does the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing?
  • Is the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
  • Does the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS involve demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure?
  • Is the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
  • Does the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS involve, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos?
  • Does the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
  • Does the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse?
  • Is the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor?
  • Is the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS carried out in or near a confined space?
  • Is the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant?
  • Is the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m or tunnel involving use of explosives?
  • Is the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature?
  • Is the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
  • Does the electrical safety work outlined in the Electrical Safety SWMS involve diving work? 

Your Electrical Safety Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the worksite, such as:

Your Electrical Safety SWMS should also list any Personal Protective Equipment such as: 

  • Foot Protection - Boots or closed in shoes
  • Hand Protection - Gloves
  • Head Protection - Hard hat or helmet
  • Hearing Protection - Ear plugs or ear muffs
  • Eye Protection - Safety glasses, goggles or face shields
  • Respiratory Protection - Face masks etc
  • Face Protection - Face shield, welding mask etc
  • High Visual Clothing
  • Protective Clothing - Overalls etc
  • Fall Protection - Safety harness, edge protection etc
  • Sun Protection - Sunscreen, hat etc
  • Hair and Jewellery Secured - Hair Net, etc 

The Electrical Safety SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Electrical Safety SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to electrical safety work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Electrical Safety and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.

When the Electrical Safety SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:  

  1. All persons involved in the electrical safety work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Electrical Safety SWMS;
  2. Persons who will need to change a work procedure or system as a result of the review are advised of the changes in a way that will enable them to implement their duties consistently with the revised Electrical Safety SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the electrical safety work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Electrical Safety SWMS.

When preparing your Electrical Safety SWMS, here are some topics you might want to also include to ensure you have covered as many risks and hazards as possible.

Planning and Preparation When Working With and Around Electrical Safety. 

When writing your Electrical Safety SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Electrical Safety in consultation with the Principal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish:

  • Health and Safety guidelines for electrical safety work
  • Emergency plans and evacuation procedures for the Electrical Safety SWMS
  • Worker inductions for Electrical Safety
  • Toolbox talks (safety meetings) added to the Electrical Safety SWMS
  • Outline details of supervision of the site and workers on the Electrical Safety SWMS
  • Check all workers qualifications, permits and competencies for Electrical Safety operations
  • Ensure the Electrical Safety and any related equipment is functioning correctly
  • Hazard reporting procedures in place and added to the Electrical Safety SWMS
  • Incident reporting procedures in place and added to the Electrical Safety SWMS
  • Exclusion zones when conducting electrical safety work
  • Risk Assessment for TASK completed and noted on the Electrical Safety SWMS
  • Electrical NO GO ZONES identified, discussed and documented. 

Assessment of Site Conditions 

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with electrical safety and ensure that:

  1. A risk assessment of the electrical safety work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct electrical safety work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting electrical safety work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Electrical Safety SWMS details
  5. If conducting Electrical Safety at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for electrical safety work 

Electrical Safety Training and Worker Qualifications 

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Electrical Safety as well as any qualifications that may be required for various electrical safety projects before starting work. If White Cards are required, retain copies of all cards, licenses and qualifications of personnel.

All personnel must:

  1. Be trained and/or have received instructions on the Electrical Safety SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Electrical Safety operations and electrical safety work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Electrical Safety SWMS 

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Electrical Safety Safe Work Method Statement Template: 

  • Live parts of electrical installations such as open fuses, switchboards, etc. must be prevented from unauthorised access by fencing or enclosing.
  • All installations, fittings, switches and power points must comply with Australian Standard AS3000: Wiring rules.
  • Regularly check all light fittings, switches, and power points for any damage and faults; all operation must be safe and easy.
  • Place warning signs on installations to prevent access.
  • Never use fittings that are not compliant or not approved.
  • Before use, check visually for any faults or damages to all leads and tools, etc.
  • Inspection tag must be fitted to the plug end of all power tools, leads, etc.
  • Use only industrial type extension boards that have shrouded sockets.
  • Never overload power outlets and power boards.
  • All equipment must be protected by fixed or portable safety switches.
  • Never use any faulty equipment.
  • Never use any out-of-test equipment.
  • Never use domestic leads, etc.
  • Total load must not exceed the rated capacity of outlet or board.
  • All portable electrical equipment must be inspected at least every three months.
  • All fixed safety switches must be tested at least monthly and inspected annually.
  • All portable safety switches must be tested immediately after connection, daily before use, and inspected every 3 months by a competent person.
  • Log all details of test and enter all test results in a record book.
  • All double insulated equipment must be inspected at least every 12 months.
  • All not double insulated equipment must be inspected every 6 months and must be connected to a safety switch.
  • All fixed safety switches must be tested at least monthly and inspected annually.
  • All portable safety switches must be tested immediately after connection, daily before use, and inspected every 3 months by a competent person.
  • Log all details of test and enter all test results in a record book.
  • Inspect all equipment in hostile environment every 12 months OR use safety switch.
  • All fixed safety switches must be tested every 6 months and operation tested annually.
  • All portable safety switches must be tested daily before use, and inspected every 2 years.
  • Log all details of test and enter all test results in a record book.
  • Inspect all equipment in hostile environment every 5 years OR use safety switch.
  • All fixed safety switches must be tested every 6 months and operation tested annually.
  • All portable safety switches must be tested daily before use, and inspected every 2 years.
  • Log all details of test and enter all test results in a record book.
  • Only a competent person must carry out the inspections.
  • Safety switches must be tested using the inbuilt test buttons.
  • Only a competent person must carry out the inspections.
  • Safety switches must be tested using the inbuilt test buttons.
  • Inspection must be carried out by a competent person.
  • Safety switches must be tested using the inbuilt test buttons.
  • Inspection must be carried out by a competent person.
  • Safety switches must be tested using the inbuilt test buttons.
  • Only a licensed electrician should be allowed to work on electrical circuits.
  • Building circuits which supply power to plant, machinery or appliances must be protected using inbuilt safety switches at the switchboard.
  • Tools and appliances that are used on-site, and where the power source is not protected, must have portable safety switches, or use in-built safety switch.
  • Allow only authorised people to carry out electrical work.
  • Use safety switches that are approved for the application.
  • Before digging or excavating, locate all underground electrical services in the vicinity of the services.
  • Be aware that trench above conduits may have marker tape and cables may have bricks placed above them. Oil-filled cables can leak oil on contact with cable casing. Any damage must be reported immediately.
  • Never apply force on cables or conduits.
  • Any defects, damage or faults must be reported immediately to the electricity authorities
  • Never backfill over damaged sections or faults unless ordered to do so by the authority.
  • Never start excavation until all services are located.
  • Area around cables and conduits must be excavated by hand.
  • Area around cables must be backfilled with clean sand for preventing damage to the cable.
  • Do not work near damaged sections of the cable.
  • Safe approach distance for low voltage overhead catenary wiring to be followed for not experienced electrical workers -
  • Using hand held tools - 0.5m.
  • Operation of crane or mobile plant - 3.0m.
  • Handling metal materials such as scaffolding, pipes, guttering, etc. - 4.0m.
  • Handling non-conductive material such as timber, PVC, ply, etc. - 1.5m.
  • Driving or operating a vehicle - 0.6m.
  • If work can only be carried out by intruding within the safe approach distances, contact the electrical authority for determining a safe method of carrying out the work, which may include isolation of the circuit.
  • Use height warning bars in places where plant and vehicles are required to pass under catenary wires with a risk of the plant or vehicle contacting the wires.
  • If work is expected to be of a longer duration, a physical protection such as a gantry or similar construction under the wires must be considered for preventing the plant and vehicles from contacting the wires.
  • Power lines, which people may come in contact during the work, should be covered with insulating mats.
  • For determining possible encroachment when working near power lines, use an observer.
  • When fitting tiger tails, remember they are for visual warning only. Tiger tails will not protect from shock or electrocution in case of contact with wires.

National: View the Model Codes of Practice for Excavation Work on Safe Work Australia's website here.
Victoria: Victoria's Code of Practice for Excavation Work may be viewed on Work Safe Victoria's website here.