This Installation and Cabling Work in Ceiling Space SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers running cables and installing equipment in roof and ceiling spaces. It sets out 17 activities, from site induction to 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
Electricians and electrical contractors
Data, communications and security cablers
Solar installers running cables through ceilings
Antenna, audio-visual and smart home installers
Insulation and air conditioning installers
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
Site induction and briefing on new or introduced hazards
Selecting and wearing the right PPE
Moving on stairs and uneven, steep or slippery surfaces
Manual handling of cables, ladders and tools
Getting into and moving around the ceiling without falling through the lining or a manhole
Working at height, including falling objects
Cramped ceiling spaces with low clearance, noise, dust and awkward positions
Asbestos, lead dust, dead insulation and animal droppings
Heat stress, fatigue and dehydration in hot roof spaces
Contact with existing wiring and downlights, and inspecting test equipment
End of day pack-up, waste and post-work handover
Emergency response to electric shock, fire, a fall or injury in the ceiling space
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 17 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 ladders, cable pulling tools, portable lighting and leads with RCD
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and AS/NZS 4836
Training requirements, including confined spaces training and a General Construction Induction Card
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 cabling work in a ceiling space?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, for example work near energised electrical installations or services, work likely to involve disturbing asbestos, or where someone could fall more than 2 metres. Outside those situations a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients, head contractors and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it cover asbestos in the ceiling?
Yes. It covers inhaling asbestos fibres from disturbed asbestos containing material, long-term respiratory disease from ceiling dust, dead insulation and animal droppings, and lead dust in older buildings.
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.
