High Voltage Electrical Installations Safe Work Method Statement

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

High Voltage Electrical Installations Safe Work Method Statement

High Voltage Electrical Installations 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 big contract or government tender - the High Voltage Electrical Installations Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and 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 High Pressure Gas 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 on site conditions
  4. Set up work area
  5. Temporary Traffic Control (TMP)
  6. Delivery of materials and equipment
  7. Handling of gas cylinders
  8. Use of High Pressure Gas
  9. Emergency procedures
  10. On completion

The High Voltage Electrical Installations Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your High Voltage Electrical Installations 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. Make sure you have a Self-Inspection Electrical Safety Checklist.
  2. Never assume a circuit is safe just because the power is off.
  3. Test voltage test indicators immediately and regularly.

High Voltage Electrical Installations 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 High Voltage Electrical Installations 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 high voltage electrical installations project as needed, making sure that your High Voltage Electrical Installations SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe High Voltage Electrical Installations SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own high voltage electrical installations SWMS.

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

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

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

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

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

Your High Voltage Electrical Installations Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as:

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

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

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

When preparing your High Voltage Electrical Installations 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 High Voltage Electrical Installations.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

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

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

High Voltage Electrical Installations Training and Worker Qualifications 

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

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

  • Make sure appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment is provided to and is worn by all persons working on or near high voltage electrical installations.
  • Ensure first aid lit and rescue equipment is readily available always.
  • Ensure equipment and tools are non-conductive or insulated suitably for high voltages.
  • Wearing head, eye and foot protection, gloves and full-length clothing is recommended.
  • Ensure all persons are competent in rescue procedures, first aid and CPR.
  • Only people appropriately trained and authorised for the work must be allowed to work on or near high voltage electrical appliances.
  • Courses approved for training should comply with the National Electrical Supply Industry competency standards.
  • All participants must be assessed for attitude, skills and knowledge.
  • Make sure working persons are fit for work and not impaired by fatigue, drugs or alcohol.
  • Assess the competency of authorised persons every 3 years.
  • Ensure proper instructions for persons for their duties and precautions.
  • Ensure adequate breaks between works.
  • In addition to the use of instructed or authorised persons, specific organizational procedures and work instructions must be provided and followed.
  • Ensure identification of all necessary controls and risk assessment of all work is carried out.
  • Ensure provision of safe approach distances for preventing hand-held objects or machinery coming into contact with live equipment, installations and conductors.
  • Before starting work on high voltage, plan the work, ensuring identification of hazards, assessment of risks and implementation o frisk controls along with appropriate safe work methods.
  • Ensure no person encroaches within the safe approach distances of the live installations.
  • Refer to table.
  • Make sure no equipment or tool used by a person can encroach safe distances.
  • Sway or sag of conductors or cables must be allowed for in safe approach distances.
  • Mobile plants must be fitted with an approved earthing system, if the plant may contact live parts.
  • When working near live conductors, etc., use insulated mobile plants such as EWP, etc.
  • Make sure that uninsulated or partly insulated plants are marked suitably.
  • While working in close proximity to electrical apparatus, provide safety observer.
  • Test insulated plants for electrical safety at specified intervals.
  • Ensure safe approach distances are observed.
  • Unless isolated and earthed, all high voltage equipment should be regarded as live.
  • Ensure isolation of secondary and low voltage circuits also.
  • If earthing cannot be applied, record this on the access permit, take appropriate precautions, and keep the operator informed.
  • Appropriate barriers and signs must be provided for preventing unauthorised access to work area, and for identification of any live apparatus and equipment covered by the work authority.
  • As long as the electrical access permit is current, integrity of isolation must be ensured.
  • Make sure that isolation is maintained.
  • See 7. Earthing.
  • For warning of electrical hazards, DANGER signs conforming to AS 1319 must be used.
  • Switching and other associated duties on high voltage apparatus must be carried out only by operators who are authorised and trained in the use of specific apparatus or working under the instruction or direct supervision of the appropriate operating authority.
  • In emergency involving serious risk to person or property, switching may be carried out by any person.
  • Before commencing work on the installation, an authorised person must apply and place approved earthing devices to follow a safe to earth confirmation.
  • Earthing devices must always be connected to earth before attaching to conductors.
  • An earthing device must be applied and attached by the use of an approved device only; never use hands for this.
  • For situations where earth must be removed or applied by hand, make sure that all phases are discharged, and a second earth is held in position with an approved device, before the hand-applied earth is being removed or attached.
  • All active connections on capacitors including neutral must be earthed, and each capacitor individually discharged before being touched.
  • The earthing devices must be applied after confirmation of de-energisation of conductors.
  • Removal of devices must follow a reverse order.
  • Apply the earthing such that the conductors are effectively earthed in case of any conductor being energised.
  • Earths must be placed at work site wherever possible.
  • Before carrying out work on high voltage electrical installations, Electrical Access Permits or appropriate safe work systems must be issued.
  • Only an authorised electrical operator must issue or cancelElectrical Access Permits and coordinate multiple permits.
  • Make sure that all safety provisions of the permit are followed always.
  • Before testing of the installation is carried out, make sure the permits are cancelled.
  • Before it can be placed into service, high voltage electrical equipment must be cleared for service.
  • Before re-energising, make sure all persons are in the clear and all work has been completed.

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.