This High Voltage Work (de-energised) SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers removing, installing and maintaining de-energised HV overhead equipment under isolation and access permits. It sets out 8 activities, from pre-planning to post-work handover 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
Electrical contractors working on HV networks
Overhead line and powerline contractors
Utility and asset maintenance contractors
Electrical contractors working on mine sites
Solar farm and infrastructure electrical contractors
Use it to
Hand clients and principal contractors the SWMS they ask for
Apply for tenders and new jobs with your safety paperwork ready
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and run toolbox talks on the task
What this SWMS covers
Pre-planning for skills, competency and faulty equipment
Setting up the workplace, including PPE, fitness for work and manual handling
Isolation and access permits, with clear work boundaries for the work party
Keeping to minimum approach distances
Removing, installing and maintaining de-energised overhead equipment
Testing before touching, working at height and vehicle movement
Site clean-up, including contact with live apparatus and unstable ground
Oil leaks, damaged insulation materials and waste
Post-work handover to prevent unauthorised re-energisation
Emergency response to electric shock, induced voltage, fire or serious injury
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 8 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
Licence requirements, including an electrical licence and a current HV switching and access authority
Low voltage rescue and CPR, plus working at heights and EWP competency where needed
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 de-energised high voltage work?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, and HV work often is: work near energised electrical installations or services, a fall risk of more than 2 metres from poles or EWPs, or movement of powered mobile plant. Even where the equipment you're working on is de-energised, a SWMS is a sound way to record your isolation, testing and permit controls. Network operators, clients and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it include the authorisations needed?
Yes. It lists an electrical licence for the relevant state or territory, a current high voltage switching and access authority from the network operator or asset owner, authorisation as the access permit recipient, and current low voltage rescue and CPR.
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.
