Electrical SWMS: base template and example

When electrical work needs a SWMS

• Safe Work Australia lists construction work on or near energised electrical installations or services as high risk construction work, and a SWMS must be prepared before that work starts.
• Under the model WHS Regulations, live (energised) electrical work is generally prohibited except in limited circumstances, and where it's allowed it must be done under a SWMS. See Safe Work Australia's electrical code of practice.
• Electrical rules vary by state and territory. Queensland has its own Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2021, Victoria's rules sit under its OHS Regulations 2017, and in Western Australia electrical work itself is regulated by Building and Energy. Check your own regulator, and your principal contractor may have extra requirements.

Not sure whether your job needs a SWMS? Read what a SWMS is and when it's required.

Need to record an incident instead? Get the free incident report template.

Controls to think about

• Safe Work Australia's electrical code of practice starts with de-energising where you can: isolate, lock and tag the equipment, and treat all conductors as live until they've been tested and proven dead.
• Where exposed live parts are close to the work, the code describes controls such as insulated barriers or shrouding, insulated tools, and keeping the area controlled so only authorised workers are near the work.
• Plan the rescue: everyone knows where the isolation point is, a trained first aider is on site and the defibrillator is easy to reach. If something can't be isolated, stop and review the plan rather than improvising. Your SWMS should show which controls you'll use for each work step.

What to include in an electrical SWMS

• The high risk work: what you're working on, and what stays energised nearby
• Isolation points, the lockout process and who holds the locks
• How and with what you'll test for dead, and how nearby live parts are shielded
• The other hazards on the job, such as ladders, manual handling, dust and lighting
• The controls, equipment and PPE for each step, and who is responsible for each
• What to do if someone gets an electric shock, and sign-off from everyone on the job

Filled-in electrical SWMS example

Example only, not for use as your own SWMS. This is the base template filled in for a fictional job: replacing a distribution board while the main switchboard and the board next to it stay energised. It shows work near live parts, not live work. Click a page to enlarge it.

This example includes risk scores. They aren't legally required, and WorkSafe Victoria advises leaving risk matrices and scores out of a SWMS, so check what your regulator expects. Your own SWMS must be specific to your job and site, and prepared in consultation with the workers doing the work.

How to fill one in for electrical work

1. Fill in the project details, including which installation stays energised.
2. Tick the high risk construction work box for work on or near energised electrical installations, and every hazard that applies.
3. List your plant and equipment, such as the lockout kit, tester and insulated tools.
4. Write the job steps in order, with the controls for each step and who is responsible.
5. Talk it through with the crew, have everyone sign it before work starts, and review it whenever the job or site changes.

Build your electrical SWMS online, or get it into the app

The Shadow Forms SWMS builder is a tool on our website that guides you step by step through creating a SWMS for your job, including electrical work. It's a draft only, so have a competent person review it before use. Enter your email address and you can download it as a PDF.

The PDF is a copy only. To complete it digitally, upload it and we can add it to the app, Shadow Forms branded. If you have your own uniquely branded SWMS, or want this example adjusted to your business, we can do that too. Upload a form, or get in touch.

Need a JSA instead? Try the free JSA template.

Just need a quick check before you start? Get the free Take 5 template.