Do I need a SWMS if I'm working de-energised?

Usually yes. The category covers work on or near energised installations — and 'near' matters: an isolated circuit next to a live busbar is still within the category. The SWMS is also where you document the isolation procedure itself, which is your evidence the work was actually de-energised.

Does a domestic switchboard upgrade need a SWMS?

If the work is construction work and involves the energised-electrical category, yes. A straight like-for-like repair in an occupied home may fall outside 'construction work', but a switchboard upgrade as part of renovation work is squarely in it. When in doubt, write one — it takes minutes and removes the argument.

Can my apprentice sign the same SWMS?

Yes — every worker doing the task must be consulted on the SWMS and sign on to it, apprentices included. Supervision arrangements for the apprentice should appear in the document as an administrative control.

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Electrical installation SWMS template

General electrical installation work in residential and commercial buildings.

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Almost every electrical installation job on a construction site is high risk construction work, because work on or near energised electrical installations is one of the 18 categories that legally require a SWMS. Even when the plan is to work de-energised, the isolation itself — proving dead, locking out, controlling who can re-energise — is what the SWMS has to demonstrate you have under control.

This template covers general installation work in residential and commercial buildings: running cables, installing accessories, terminating at the switchboard, and testing. It assumes a licensed electrical worker is doing the work and builds the document around the two hazards that actually kill electricians: contact with energised parts and falls from ladders or platforms.

What this SWMS covers

The typical scope of work the document describes, step by step. The builder lets you add, remove and reword steps so the sequence matches your actual job.

1Arrive and conduct site induction
2Isolate and prove de-energised
3Set up work area and exclusion zone
4Run cables and install accessories
5Terminate at switchboard
6Testing and commissioning
7Reinstate power and hand over

Hazards and example controls

The controls below are starting points ordered by the hierarchy of control — the builder helps you adapt them to the site and add your own.

Electric shock from energised parts

Isolate, lock out and tag out the supply before work starts
Test before touch with a rated tester, on every conductor, every time
Only licensed electrical workers to perform electrical tasks

Arc flash at the switchboard

Confirm fault levels and use insulated tools rated for the work
Wear arc-rated PPE when working in or near a live board
Keep the board area clear of other trades while terminating

Fall from ladder or platform while cabling

Inspect ladders before use and secure at top and bottom
Use a platform ladder or EWP for sustained overhead work
Maintain three points of contact; never overreach from a ladder

Manual handling of cable drums and equipment

Use cable rollers and mechanical aids where practicable
Two-person lift for switchboards and heavy drums

High risk construction work

Work near energised electrical installations
Risk of falling more than 2 metres

Electrical installation triggers the 'work on or near energised electrical installations' category whenever the installation cannot be positively isolated, and the 'risk of falling more than 2 metres' category when cabling or fit-off happens from ladders, scaffolds or ceiling spaces above that height. Both must be named in the SWMS with their specific controls.

All 18 high-risk categories explained

Common questions

Do I need a SWMS if I'm working de-energised?: Usually yes. The category covers work on or near energised installations — and 'near' matters: an isolated circuit next to a live busbar is still within the category. The SWMS is also where you document the isolation procedure itself, which is your evidence the work was actually de-energised.
Does a domestic switchboard upgrade need a SWMS?: If the work is construction work and involves the energised-electrical category, yes. A straight like-for-like repair in an occupied home may fall outside 'construction work', but a switchboard upgrade as part of renovation work is squarely in it. When in doubt, write one — it takes minutes and removes the argument.
Can my apprentice sign the same SWMS?: Yes — every worker doing the task must be consulted on the SWMS and sign on to it, apprentices included. Supervision arrangements for the apprentice should appear in the document as an administrative control.

Build your electrical SWMS now

Start from this template and answer a few questions about the job — state, site, crew, method. Preview the whole document free; pay only when you download the PDF.

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Before you start

Users are responsible for reviewing and adapting the SWMS to the actual worksite, work methods and applicable regulatory requirements before work begins.