This 11-page Installing New Switchboard Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides the typical safety controls and potential hazards associated with installing new switchboards in a variety of workplaces.
 
Developed by WHS experts, this pre-filled and Australian regulation-aligned template is designed to help you meet your WHS obligations, reduce workplace risks, and maintain safety across your projects. Suitable for all Australian states and territories, the SWMS is provided in an easy-to-edit Microsoft Word format, making it simple to customise with your company name, logo, and site-specific details.
 
Whether you’re installing new switchboards on construction sites, in commercial buildings, or in industrial facilities, this SWMS is an essential tool to ensure your work is completed safely and in compliance with WHS legislation.
 
Who This SWMS Is For
This SWMS is suitable for a wide range of businesses and trades, including:
Electrical contractors and switchboard installers
Building and construction companies
Commercial fit-out specialists
Industrial maintenance providers
Facilities management companies
Warehousing and logistics businesses
Property developers and project managers
 
What This SWMS Covers
This SWMS covers the step-by-step activities, hazards, and control measures associated with installing new switchboards, including:
Planning and preparation
Site-specific risk assessments and work area preparation
Confirming isolation points and reviewing electrical plans
Applying lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) and verifying de-energisation
Ensuring safe access, lighting, and clear work zones
Preparation of switchboard isolation
Managing risks of electrical shock and arc flash
Using insulated tools, multimeters, and approved test instruments
Wearing arc-rated PPE, including gloves, face shields, and protective clothing
Installing the switchboard
Safe manual handling techniques and team lifting practices
Using trolleys, dollies, or lifting aids for heavy switchboards
Establishing exclusion zones if forklifts or cranes are used
Maintaining stable footing and avoiding pinch points
Securing the switchboard
Safe drilling practices, including dust suppression for concrete
Managing respirable crystalline silica (RCS) hazards
Using RCD-protected power tools and checking cables for damage
Protecting workers with hearing protection, eye protection, and gloves
Housekeeping and environmental controls
Keeping work areas tidy and free of slip and trip hazards
Safe collection, storage, and disposal of debris and packaging
Controlling airborne dust through vacuum extraction or wet suppression methods
Emergency procedures and incident response
Site-specific emergency plans and muster points
Locations of first aid kits and firefighting equipment
Incident reporting and isolation protocols
 
What’s Included in Your Template
Comprehensive, pre-filled SWMS for installing new switchboards
HRCW Selection Table 
Detailed risk assessment guidelines and risk rating calculator
Step-by-step procedures and safety controls
List of potential hazards and corresponding control measures
PPE requirements tailored to electrical and installation work
Plant and equipment checklist
References to relevant legislation, codes, and standards
Worker sign-off page for safety acknowledgment
 
 
This SWMS template for Installing New Switchboards is an essential tool for helping ensure workplace safety and meeting your compliance obligations. Designed for quick editing and easy integration into your WHS management system, it saves you time and helps protect your workers.
 
Perfect for tenders, safety audits, and day-to-day operations, this template provides peace of mind and helps you ensure you stay aligned with legislative requirements.
 
Get your Installing New Switchboard SWMS today and start using it instantly!