This Lock Out Tag Out SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for isolating electrical services, plant and stored energy with locks and tags before work starts. It covers 10 activities, from the pre-start check of equipment to maintaining isolation 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
Electricians and electrical contractors
Maintenance fitters and mechanical trades
Manufacturing and processing plants
Facilities and building maintenance crews
Refrigeration and air conditioning technicians
It also works as a written task risk assessment for any business where workers isolate plant or electrical services, the same way you'd use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
 
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
Identifying changing site conditions and hazards during isolation
Securing the work area from the public
Pre-start check of test equipment
Isolating services with locks and tags to prevent electrocution
Manual handling of heavy or awkward isolation devices
Releasing or isolating stored hydraulic, pneumatic and gravity-loaded energy
Maintaining isolation and stopping unauthorised removal of locks or tags
Completing work without electrocution, equipment damage or electrical fire
Cleaning spray waste, oil leaks and packaging
Post-work checks for locks or tags left on and unsecured panels
Emergency response to electric shock, arc flash, fire or crush injuries
 
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 lockout devices, padlocks, hasps, tags, a multimeter and an LV rescue kit
Daily pre-start checks and electrical testing, plus induction and work activity training
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 lock out tag out?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, for example isolating and working on or near energised electrical installations or services on a construction site. Outside those situations a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks of stored energy and unexpected start-up, 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 stored energy?
Yes. It has a separate activity for releasing or isolating stored energy, covering sudden release of hydraulic, pneumatic or gravity-loaded energy and equipment moving or collapsing.
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.