Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Electrical Work

Switchboard Work — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for installation, maintenance, testing, and fault-finding on low voltage (LV) and high voltage (HV) switchboards in commercial, industrial, and residential settings by licensed electricians.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Arc flash rated PPE (minimum 4 cal/cm² for LV switchboard work) — Nomex or arc-rated face shield, jacket, and glovesClass 0 or Class 1 insulating rubber gloves with leather protectorsSafety glassesHard hat (if overhead work or construction environment)Non-conductive safety footwearHigh-visibility vest (in construction environment)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work on or near energised electrical installations

Risk Assessment

1.Isolation and lockout/tagout (LOTO)

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Contact with live electrical conductors due to inadequate isolation	Catastrophic	Implement a formal Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure in accordance with the site electrical safety management plan and AS/NZS 3000. Identify all energy sources (including parallel feeds, UPS, and standby generators) for the circuit. Isolate at the source using a lockable isolation switch or fuse withdrawal. Apply a personal lockout device (hasp and padlock) and an 'OUT OF SERVICE — DO NOT OPERATE' danger tag with the worker's name, contact details, and date. Use a calibrated test instrument (CAT IV, voltage rated) to verify isolation — test known live, test isolated, test known live (Test-Prove-Test method). Work must never commence until isolation is verified.	Low	Licensed Electrician / Electrical Supervisor
Inadvertent re-energisation by a third party	Catastrophic	Use a multi-lock hasp so each worker working on the isolated circuit has their own padlock on the isolation point. Do not remove your lock until your own work is complete and you have personally confirmed the circuit is safe. Communicate isolation to building services, facilities management, and the site supervisor. Post a notice at the main switchboard and at the point of isolation describing the isolated circuit and work in progress. Where remote isolation (e.g. SCADA) is possible, notify the control room and obtain a written permit before commencing work.	Low	Licensed Electrician

2.Live electrical work (where permitted by emergency procedures)

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Arc flash and electrocution during live work	Catastrophic	Live electrical work is only permitted in strict accordance with state electrical safety legislation where isolation is not reasonably practicable (e.g. testing, fault-finding, or where supply cannot be interrupted). Live work requires a written permit signed by the electrical supervisor. Workers must wear full arc flash PPE rated to the calculated incident energy level (minimum 8 cal/cm² for LV switchboards with available fault current >10 kA). Use insulated tools rated to 1000V AC. Maintain maximum distance from live conductors at all times — use a voltage tester rather than probing with hands. A second qualified person must be present and acting as a safety observer during all live work.	Moderate	Licensed Electrician / Electrical Supervisor

3.Switchboard installation and cable termination

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Incorrect cable termination causing fire or equipment damage	High	Verify cable sizing, type, and rating against the circuit schedule and electrical drawings before termination. Use a calibrated torque screwdriver or wrench and tighten all connections to manufacturer-specified torque values (record values in the test report). Conduct continuity tests and insulation resistance tests (minimum 1 MΩ per circuit) on all new cables before energisation. Verify phase rotation with a phase rotation meter before connecting three-phase loads. Prepare and submit a Test and Verification Compliance Report (Form 5 or equivalent) for the installed switchboard as required by the relevant state electrical safety legislation.	Low	Licensed Electrician
Manual handling injury when manoeuvring heavy switchboard	Moderate	Obtain switchboard weight from the manufacturer before planning installation. Switchboards exceeding 25 kg require mechanical lifting assistance (pallet jack, crane, or forklift). For switchboards between 15–25 kg, use a two-person team lift with coordinated signals. Ensure switchboard room floor has sufficient capacity for the switchboard weight. Use trolleys or skates to transport switchboards into position. Clear the path of obstructions before moving. Workers must not attempt to lift switchboards in awkward positions in confined spaces — use mechanical aids.	Low	Licensed Electrician / Site Supervisor

4.Testing and commissioning of switchboard

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Electric shock or arc flash during energisation testing	High	Before applying power to a newly installed or modified switchboard, conduct a final inspection checklist confirming: all covers installed, no exposed live conductors, correct fuse/MCB ratings, all connections torqued, all bus bar shrouding installed. Stand to the side of the switchboard (not in front of the door) when closing the main switch for initial energisation. Wear full arc flash PPE. Have a second qualified person present. Test each circuit individually with a load on, then off, to confirm correct operation. Check surface temperatures with a thermal imaging camera after 30 minutes of operation under load.	Moderate	Licensed Electrician / Commissioning Engineer

5.Switchboard fault-finding and maintenance

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Contact with stored energy from capacitors in switchboard	High	After isolation, allow minimum 5 minutes before opening switchboards containing capacitor banks, UPS, or variable speed drives. Use discharge resistors or discharge procedure as specified by the equipment manufacturer before touching any internal components. Measure residual voltage with a CAT IV voltmeter before touching capacitor terminals. Display discharge time requirements on the switchboard door. Brief all workers on capacitor discharge hazard during pre-task briefing. Do not reach into the back of the switchboard until all stored energy is confirmed discharged.	Low	Licensed Electrician

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________