Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to managing risks associated with the use of electrical appliances, power tools and leads on Australian worksites, helping you maintain strong WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of electrical tool and extension lead safety, from setup and operation through to inspection, maintenance and emergency response.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Correct placement and routing of extension cords to prevent damage, trip hazards and contact with heat, water or sharp edges
• Managing electric shock risks associated with powered stapling guns, including isolation, guarding and operator training
• Safe selection, inspection and use of portable electrical appliances in construction and maintenance environments
• Electrical safety requirements for drilling equipment, including cable management, guarding and correct drill bit selection
• General electricity and power tool safety, including isolation procedures, tagging, and use of appropriate PPE
• Extension cord safety, including load ratings, avoiding overloading, and ensuring cords are free from cuts, kinks and exposed conductors
• Safe management of intersecting power plugs and sockets to avoid daisy-chaining, overloading and incompatible connections
• Procedures for safely plugging in and unplugging high-power devices, including lock-out, switch-off and cool-down controls
• Selection, testing and use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) for protection against electric shock and earth leakage faults
• Safe running of electrical cords across floors, scaffolds and work areas, including the use of cable covers, hooks and overhead supports
• Use of extension leads in temporary and permanent work areas, including protection from vehicle traffic and crushing
• Controls for the use of electrical tools in wet or damp conditions, including extra-low voltage tools and IP-rated equipment
• Use and testing of portable electrical safety switches, including push-button testing and inspection intervals
• Routine inspection, test and tag requirements for electrical tools, leads and portable RCDs
• Emergency response procedures for electrical incidents, including electric shock, fire and equipment failure

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for electricians, construction and maintenance workers, carpenters, plumbers, facility managers, and site supervisors responsible for the safe use of electrical appliances, power tools and extension leads on site.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance for identifying and controlling electrical risks at work
• Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction Code of Practice: Referenced where electrical tools are used at height on residential sites
• Construction Work Code of Practice: Requirements for managing risks associated with construction activities involving electrical equipment
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment and control implementation
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Referenced for powered tools and equipment that generate hazardous noise levels
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Referenced for general electrical safety principles and installation requirements
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical Installations – Construction and Demolition Sites: Specific requirements for electrical equipment, RCDs and leads on construction sites
• AS/NZS 3760 In-service Safety Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment: Guidance for test and tag regimes for portable tools, appliances and leads
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017