Complete electrical installation for a commercial office fit-out on Level 2 of an existing multi-storey building. Work includes distribution board installation, sub-main cabling from the building main switchboard, cable tray and conduit installation in the ceiling void, power outlet and data cabling, lighting circuit installation, and fire alarm interface. Building main switchboard remains live throughout — all new work is installed dead and connected live at final stage only.
This SWMS does not cover modifications to the building main switchboard (requires network operator coordination), UPS or generator installation, or fire alarm panel programming.
| Hazard | Inherent Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric shock Contact with live conductors at the building main switchboard (400V 3-phase) during sub-main connection, or with existing live circuits in ceiling void |
4 x 5 = 20 Extreme |
Elimination All new installation work completed dead — circuits only energised at final commissioning stage after full testing Engineering Lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) on circuits being worked on; voltage tester used to confirm dead before touching conductors Administrative Only licensed electricians to work on or near live equipment; live work risk assessment and permit for final connection at main switchboard PPE 1000V rated insulated gloves, insulated tools, and safety footwear with electrical hazard rating |
2 x 5 = 10 High |
| Arc flash Electrical arc explosion at main switchboard during live connection — temperatures exceeding 19,000 degrees C, blast pressure, and molten metal ejection |
3 x 5 = 15 High |
Elimination Where possible, arrange a planned shutdown with building management to connect sub-main dead Engineering Arc-rated switchboard with internal barriers between bus sections; use insulated tools and cable covers Administrative Arc flash risk assessment completed; exclusion zone around switchboard during live connection; only one electrician at the panel PPE Arc-rated face shield (minimum 8 cal/cm2), arc-rated clothing, and insulated gloves during live switchboard work |
1 x 5 = 5 Medium |
| Falls from height Working from ladders and mobile scaffolds to access ceiling void (~3m); risk of fall during cable tray installation and cable pulling |
4 x 4 = 16 High |
Substitution Use mobile elevating work platform (scissor lift) instead of ladders for extended ceiling void work Engineering Mobile scaffold with guardrails and locking castors for workstation-based tasks (fitting, terminating) Administrative Ladders only for brief access (under 15 minutes); 3-point contact rule; ladder inspected before each use Administrative Workers trained in MEWP operation; daily pre-start inspection of scissor lift |
2 x 4 = 8 Medium |
| Cable pulling injuries Musculoskeletal injuries from pulling heavy sub-main cables through conduit and cable tray; hand/finger crush between cable and tray edges |
4 x 3 = 12 High |
Engineering Cable winch or tugger used for sub-main cable pulls (cables over 25mm diameter); cable lubricant to reduce friction Engineering Cable rollers and guides at tray bends to prevent cable snagging Administrative Team pull with communication between puller and feeder; stop if cable resistance is excessive PPE Rigger's gloves to protect hands from cable edges and tray burrs |
2 x 3 = 6 Medium |
| Fire Electrical fault causing fire in distribution board or cabling; overloaded temporary supply during fit-out phase |
3 x 4 = 12 High |
Engineering All circuits protected by correctly rated circuit breakers and RCDs as per AS/NZS 3000; RCD testing before energisation Engineering Fire extinguisher (CO2 type — suitable for electrical fires) within 5m of distribution board Administrative All connections torqued to manufacturer specification to prevent loose connections and arcing; IR scan of DB after energisation Administrative Temporary construction power board with RCD protection for all power tools during fit-out |
1 x 4 = 4 Low |
Do not touch the person if they are in contact with the live source. Isolate the supply at the nearest switchboard or emergency stop. Call 111. Commence CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing. Use the AED from the ground floor lobby. Do not delay CPR while waiting for the AED.
If an arc flash occurs, isolate the supply immediately. Move the casualty away from the switchboard. Call 111 — request ambulance for burn injuries. Cool any burns under running water for 20 minutes. Do not remove clothing fused to skin. All arc flash incidents are notifiable to WorkSafe NZ.
All workers must read and understand this SWMS before commencing work. By signing below, each worker confirms they have been briefed on the hazards, controls, and emergency procedures, and agree to follow them.
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