This Battery Test and Charge SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for removing, testing and charging lead acid vehicle batteries in a workshop. It covers 10 activities, from removing the battery from the vehicle to disposing of spent batteries and emergency response, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Automotive mechanics and service centres
Auto electricians and battery specialists
Fleet, transport and plant maintenance workshops
Farm and machinery workshops
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Many workshops use one as the written risk assessment for a task, the same way others use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Show clients, insurers and auditors how you manage the risks
Apply for tenders, contracts and supplier panels
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and train them in the task
What this SWMS covers
Briefing workers on hazards in other work areas
Removing the battery from the vehicle, including explosive gas, acid burns and back strain
Carrying and testing the battery at the charging station
Preparing the charging area for ventilation, charger condition and correct setup
Charging the battery, including explosive gas and incorrect charge times
Disconnecting the battery from the charger
Storing and disposing of defective or spent batteries to prevent acid leaks and fire
Housekeeping around the charging area
Tagging out faulty equipment to stop unauthorised use
Emergency response to electric shock, acid spills, fire or explosion
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 10 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Plant and equipment list, including a battery charger, load tester, lifting aid, eyewash station and spill neutraliser
Materials such as battery electrolyte (sulfuric acid), plus maintenance checks for chargers and testers
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for testing and charging batteries?
No. Battery testing and charging in a workshop isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS isn't a legal requirement. You still have to manage the risks, including explosive gas and acid burns, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover lithium batteries?
No. It's written for lead acid batteries and battery electrolyte (sulfuric acid). If your workers handle lithium batteries, you'd need to edit it to cover those hazards.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
