RCD Testing Safe Work Method Statement

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

RCD Testing Safe Work Method Statement

RCD Testing Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Looking to start work on site? Or maybe you're just looking to make your workplace safer, or possibly you're going for that next Government Tender - Either way, the RCD Testing Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is comprehensive, easy to understand and is designed to be implemented into your business with as little fuss as possible.

Look, we understand business can be hard enough as it is without all the red tape, often written in language only a martian would understand. That's why every Safe Work Method Statement Template is written in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you on site, save you loads of time and are easy to use. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.


The RCD 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. General precautions
  8. Testing procedures
  9. Personal protection
  10. Tools and equipment
  11. Removal and replacement of switchboard covers
  12. Testing of RCDs
  13. On completion

The RCD Testing Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your RCD 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.

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

RCD Testing Safe Work Method Statement

  • High quality and ready to use RCD Testing Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Instant Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement Template.
  • Easy to use - no fuss customisation.
  • Referenced to AS/NZS (Standards) and Legislation. 
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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 RCD 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 RCD testing project as needed, making sure that your RCD Testing SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your RCD 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 RCD Testing. 

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

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

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

RCD Testing Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Suitable sign and barricades must be provided for preventing unauthorised entry in the areas where live electrical installations will be accessed.
  • In the areas to be inspected, make sure there is adequate illumination.
  • To allow persons to work in safety, make sure there is adequate clear space available for working.
  • Make sure the area is secure before opening switch board doors and covers.
  • Provide a torch as a backup.
  • Work areas must be kept clear always.
  • All testing should conform to AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules andAS/NZS 3019 Electrical installations - Periodic verification.
  • Only a licensed electrician must carry out testing of fixedRCDs.
  • Prior to commencement, carry out risk assessment of all jobs, for identification of specific hazards applicable to the particular location or installation.
  • In close vicinity of live electrical equipment, persons must not wear metal objects such as jewellery, rings, watches, etc.
  • All persons who will be testing must wear appropriate PPE and clothing.
  • Make provisions for first aid and rescue in the working procedures.
  • Wearing of eye and foot protection is recommended.
  • Wearing appropriate work clothing is recommended for protecting body from possible flash.
  • All tools and equipment with faulty or damaged insulation must be discarded. All other unserviceable or otherwise faulty tools and equipment must be replaced or rectified before use.
  • Make sure all equipment is designed for the voltages present and they are electrically safe.
  • Only licensed persons are allowed to remove and replace covers. Unlicensed persons can only assist with heavy panels and removing/replacing retaining covers.
  • Covers and escutcheons must be removed from top to bottom; replacement is to be done in the reverse order.
  • For accessing covers above chest high, avoid risk of strain by providing safe access.
  • Safe lifting procedures must be observed.
  • Wearing or eye protection with side shields is recommended.
  • Only non-conductive equipment is to be used.
  • Make sure that any appliance plugged into sockets on circuit under test is switched off.
  • Sockets to be tested must have clear access, be careful in restricted areas.
  • If found to be safe after testing, return the RCD to normal operation as soon as possible.
  • RCDs that fail on testing must be switched off and fitted with a tag Out of Service.
  • Be careful when removing furniture.
  • For moving heavy items, obtain assistance.
  • For replacement of faulty RCD, isolate the switchboard.

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.