Electrical SWMS: Cheatsheet with 20 hazard & controls (Free PDF)
Covers cabling, switchboard termination, fit-off and testing for general electrical installation work. No signup, no email required.
Hazards & controls
1. Contact with energised electrical parts
- ✓ Isolate and lock out/tag out supply before work starts
- ✓ Test before touch on every circuit, every time
- ✓ Live work only performed under permit by a licensed electrician where isolation is not possible
- ✓ Insulated tools used for all electrical work
2. Arc flash or explosion at switchboard
- ✓ Arc-rated PPE worn for switchboard work
- ✓ De-energise switchboard before opening where possible
- ✓ Access restricted during any unavoidable live testing
3. Falls from height accessing roof space or cable trays
- ✓ Compliant ladder or EWP used, not standing on structure
- ✓ Harness and anchor point for roof access above 2 metres
4. Fire risk from faulty wiring or hot work
- ✓ Correct cable sizing and circuit protection applied
- ✓ Fire extinguisher available on site
- ✓ Combustible materials kept clear of any hot work
5. Electric shock from faulty or wet test equipment
- ✓ Test equipment inspected and tagged before use
- ✓ RCD protection confirmed before use in wet areas
- ✓ Testing avoided in wet weather or standing water
- ✓ Damaged leads or equipment taken out of service immediately
6. Manual handling injury from cable drums and switchboard equipment
- ✓ Mechanical aids (drum stands, trolleys) used for heavy cable runs
- ✓ Team lift used for switchboards and distribution boards over 20kg
- ✓ Repetitive cable-pulling tasks rotated between crew members
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7. Working in confined roof spaces or ceiling cavities
- ✓ Atmosphere and heat checked before entry
- ✓ Ventilation maintained during roof space work
- ✓ Check-in schedule kept for extended roof access
- ✓ Egress path kept clear at all times
8. Cuts and lacerations from stripping and cutting tools
- ✓ Cable knives and strippers kept sharp and guarded
- ✓ Cut-resistant gloves worn for cable preparation
- ✓ Tools inspected before each use
9. Exposure to asbestos in older switchboards or ceiling insulation
- ✓ Suspect material identified and left undisturbed until tested
- ✓ Licensed asbestos removalist engaged if asbestos is confirmed
- ✓ Work stopped and area isolated if suspect material is found
10. Dust exposure from drilling, chasing or cutting for cable routes
- ✓ On-tool dust extraction used for drilling and chasing
- ✓ P2 respirator worn for extended dust-generating tasks
- ✓ Work area ventilated during and after cutting
11. Struck by mobile plant or vehicles on active construction sites
- ✓ High-visibility clothing worn at all times on site
- ✓ Site traffic management plan followed
- ✓ Spotter used when working near reversing plant
12. Noise exposure from power tools
- ✓ Hearing protection worn for high-noise tools
- ✓ Task duration near loud tools limited where practical
- ✓ Low-noise tool selection used where available
13. Falls from ladders during fit-off and testing
- ✓ Ladder rated and inspected before use
- ✓ Three points of contact maintained at all times
- ✓ Ladder set up on stable, level ground at the correct angle
14. Electric shock or burns from live testing where isolation is not possible
- ✓ Live work permit completed and authorised before starting
- ✓ Only performed by a licensed electrician using insulated tools and rated PPE
- ✓ Second person present during any live work
15. Damage to existing underground services during external cable runs
- ✓ Dial Before You Dig search completed before excavation
- ✓ Services located and marked before digging
- ✓ Hand digging used within the exclusion zone of marked services
16. Struck-by or trip hazards from other trades working nearby
- ✓ Work coordinated with the site supervisor and other trades
- ✓ Exclusion zone maintained around active electrical work
- ✓ Trailing leads and offcuts cleared from walkways
17. Heat stress working in roof spaces or outdoors in summer
- ✓ Hydration breaks scheduled during hot conditions
- ✓ Work rescheduled to cooler parts of the day where practical
- ✓ Roof space work time limited in extreme heat
18. UV exposure during outdoor installation work
- ✓ Sun-protective clothing and hat worn
- ✓ Sunscreen applied and reapplied through the day
- ✓ Shade used for breaks where available
19. Contact dermatitis or skin irritation from cable insulation and PPE
- ✓ Gloves worn when handling cable and insulation materials
- ✓ Hands washed before eating, drinking or touching the face
- ✓ Any reaction reported and reviewed before work continues
20. Working alone on isolated sections of the job
- ✓ Check-in procedure maintained with office or supervisor
- ✓ Mobile phone carried and charged at all times
- ✓ Lone work avoided for live testing or roof space entry
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Electrical SWMS Cheatsheet
All 20 hazards & controls for general electrical installation and switchboard work, laid out as a printable one-pager for your site file.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a SWMS?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legally required document for high-risk construction work. It sets out the job steps, the hazards involved, and the controls you'll use to manage them before work starts.
Do I need a SWMS for general electrical installation and switchboard work?
If the work falls into one of the 18 high-risk construction work categories under the WHS Regulations, a SWMS is mandatory before work can start. This template is pre-mapped to the categories that typically apply to electrical work of this kind.
Is this template really free?
Yes. Join with your Google account in 10 seconds, no card required, and it's saved to your account ready to customise, publish and get signed by your crew online.
Can I use this template as-is?
Treat it as a starting point, not a finished document. Every site is different — add your site-specific hazards, confirm the controls suit the actual job, and have it reviewed before workers sign it.
This template is a starting point only. Review and adapt it for your actual site conditions before use — it is not a substitute for a competent person's own risk assessment.