Product Overview

This HVAC Maintenance Mechanical and Electrical Service Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective control measures for the safe servicing, repair, and installation of HVAC systems. It is a comprehensive document covering mechanical, electrical, and rooftop activities associated with HVAC maintenance to support WHS compliance and robust risk management on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Air balancing works, including adjustment of dampers and diffusers to achieve specified airflow while maintaining safe access to ceiling spaces and ductwork
• Repair and maintenance of air conditioners, including cleaning coils, replacing filters, and checking refrigerant levels
• Axial and centrifugal fan maintenance, including isolation, removal of guards, cleaning, lubrication, and reassembly
• Operation and maintenance of heat exchangers, including inspection for leaks, corrosion, and safe flushing or cleaning procedures
• Installation and maintenance of complete HVAC systems, including ductwork, pipework, supports, and associated controls
• Maintaining temperature-controlled environments, including safe entry to plant rooms and cool spaces and management of condensation and slip hazards
• Managing temperature and humidity settings to protect equipment, stock, and personnel without compromising electrical or mechanical safety
• Performing routine cooling system maintenance, including pumps, chillers, condensers, and evaporators
• Carrying out electrical checks on HVAC units, including testing, fault-finding, lockout/tagout, and verification of supply isolation
• Safe replacement, calibration, and commissioning of thermostats and associated control devices
• Repair of roof-mounted HVAC units, including safe roof access, working at heights, and weather exposure controls
• Servicing of rooftop package units, including panel removal, component inspection, and safe handling of heavy or awkward parts
• Under-ceiling split system servicing, including use of ladders or mobile platforms and management of condensate drainage
• Selection and use of appropriate tools, test instruments, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for HVAC mechanical and electrical servicing
• Manual handling and lifting techniques for moving compressors, motors, coils, and other heavy HVAC components

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for HVAC technicians, refrigeration mechanics, electricians, mechanical services contractors, and site supervisors responsible for HVAC maintenance and servicing activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures for HVAC work
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Requirements for safe access and work on roofs and at heights for rooftop units
• Code of Practice: Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace – Controls for electrical testing, isolation, and fault-finding on HVAC equipment
• Code of Practice: Confined Spaces – Applicable where HVAC plant rooms or ceiling spaces may meet confined space criteria
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Guidance on reducing risks from lifting and handling HVAC components
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Relevant to noisy plant rooms and fan systems
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules) – Requirements for electrical work associated with HVAC systems
• AS/NZS 5149 (Refrigerating systems and heat pumps – Safety and environmental requirements) – Guidance for safe operation and maintenance of refrigerating and heat pump systems
• AS 1668.1 & AS 1668.2 (The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings) – Requirements for mechanical ventilation and airconditioning systems
• AS/NZS 3666 (Air-handling and water systems of buildings – Microbial control) – Relevant to maintenance of HVAC systems to control health risks
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017