This Installing New Switchboard SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for isolating, positioning, fixing and terminating a new electrical switchboard. It covers 9 activities, from preparing the isolation to post-work inspection 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
Licensed electrical contractors and electricians
Commercial and industrial electricians
Switchboard installers and upgrade specialists
Electrical maintenance and facilities 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
Preparing and verifying isolation, with electric shock and arc flash risks from incomplete isolation
Moving and positioning the switchboard, including manual handling, crush injuries and finger entrapment
Terminating and connecting conductors, with arc flash and fire from loose or incorrect terminations
Securing the board to the floor, including drilling noise and silica dust from concrete
Eye injuries from flying debris when drilling
Housekeeping, spills and dust disposal
Tagging out equipment to stop unauthorised operation
Waste control for insulation, metal offcuts and packaging
Post-work inspection for exposed wiring, incomplete terminations and tools left behind
Emergency response to electric shock, arc flash, fire or injury
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 9 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 insulated hand tools, test equipment, RCD-protected leads and lifting aids
Materials list and daily pre-start, scheduled inspection and maintenance checks
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 installing a new switchboard?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, for example work on or near energised electrical installations or services, or in an area where powered mobile plant is moving. 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. Builders, clients and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it cover silica dust when fixing to concrete?
Yes. The activity for securing the switchboard to the floor covers respirable crystalline silica when drilling concrete floors or walls, along with noise and eye injuries from drilling.
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.
