Electrical Testing Safe Work Method Statement

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

Electrical Testing Safe Work Method Statement

Electrical Testing 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 Testing 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 Testing 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 Testing Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Electrical Testing 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.

Your SWMS is now read to use, and may also be used as training materials for work related activities such as Workplace Inductions or WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

  1. Avoid overloading sockets by providing enough socket-outlets.
  2. Switch off and disconnect equipment before you clean it or make adjustments.
  3. Where possible switch off all appliances at the mains at the end of the working day.

Electrical Testing 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 Testing 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 testing project as needed, making sure that your Electrical Testing SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

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

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

  • Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Electrical Testing SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications.
  • Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to electrical testing work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the electrical testing 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 testing work being done. 
  • Any changes added to the Electrical Testing SWMS after an incident or a near miss. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

  1. All persons involved in the electrical testing work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Electrical Testing 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 Testing SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the electrical testing work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Electrical Testing SWMS.

When preparing your Electrical Testing 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 Testing.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when doing electrical testing and ensure that:

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

Electrical Testing Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Electrical Testing as well as any qualifications that may be required for various electrical testing 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 Testing SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Electrical Testing operations and electrical testing work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Electrical Testing SWMS

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

  • Prior to testing, it is necessary to carry out a visual inspection of the equipment or appliance.
  • Do not test equipment or appliance that displays damage to electrical components, or has missing or damaged controls, etc. Repair or rectify prior to testing.
  • Before carrying out tests either switch off or unplug the equipment from the source of supply.
  • Note: this does not apply when testing of operating times for RCD or residual current devices.
  • If found faulty or damaged, place a out of service tag on the equipment and rectify, repair or discard before testing.
  • AS/NZS 3760 must at least be followed for testing of all electrical equipment. However, suspected faulty or damaged equipment must be removed from service immediately, and must be inspected and retested before any further use. (Note: Manufacturer's instructions, workplace safety requirements, other standards and regulatory authorities may specify smaller intervals for inspection and testing appropriate to a particular industry or a specific typeof equipment).
  • Electrical equipment must be retested and inspected after servicing or repairs that may have affected the electrical safety of the equipment.
  • Before returning second-hand electrical equipment, it must be inspected and tested.
  • Electrical equipment for hire, must be inspected before each hire and must be tested and tagged every 3 months.
  • AS/NZS 3760 allows two weeks as acceptable tolerance for testing.
  • Equipment for testing electrical safety must be tested and verified routinely at regular intervals during its service life for ensuring there has been no degradation since its manufacture, during transport or over its service life.
  • Use all test equipment in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer.
  • All testing equipment must be checked before use.
  • Wherever applicable, the following must be included in the in-service inspection and testing Inspect the equipment externally and for connections such as supply cord.
  • Test for protective earth continuity for Class I equipment, EPODs, cord sets and extension lead.
  • Test for insulation.
  • Confirm the correct polarity of live connections in cord sets that have re-wirable connectors and plugs.
  • Equipment that has been identified as non-compliant following testing or inspection must be labelled for indicating that the equipment needs remedial action, and warning against further use, and the equipment must be withdrawn from active service.
  • Tags used to identify compliant equipment must be made of non-reusable, durable, non-metallic material and should include:
  • The name of the company or person who performed the test.
  • The date of the inspection or test, along with a re-test date.
  • Enter the details of tests into the Electrical Equipment Register, following completion of each test for ensuring accuracy of test records.
  • State and territory electrical safety regulators must be referred to for additional requirements for tags. This could include colour, wording, etc.
  • Proper records of tests and inspections must be kept in an Electrical Equipment Register that includes details of all tests and equipment, and any risk assessments.
  • All records must be retained for at least 7 years or as specified by regulations.
  • All test records must be kept in safe locations.

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.