Detailed SWMS for compliant installation, wiring, programming, and commissioning of building fire detection systems

Fire Alarm System Installation Safe Work Method Statement

2,000+ Australian Businesses Trust OneClickSWMS
Generate SWMS NowView Sample PDF

No credit card required • Instant access • 100% compliant in every Australian state

5 sec
Creation Time
100%
Compliant
2,000+
Companies
$3.6K
Fines Avoided

Avoid WHS penalties up to $3.6M—issue compliant SWMS to every crew before work starts.

This Safe Work Method Statement addresses the installation, wiring, programming, and commissioning of automatic fire alarm systems in Australian commercial, industrial, and multi-residential projects. Fire detection installations include running fire-rated cable, mounting control and indicating equipment (CIE), fitting detectors, manual call points, warning devices, network interfaces, battery systems, and completing acceptance testing prior to practical completion of the building. Work is regulated under the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards AS 1670 series, AS 3000, and AS 1851, and commonly involves specialist trades working alongside other construction disciplines. Without a structured SWMS, installers face elevated risks from electrical energy, working at height, hot work during penetrations, dust inhalation, and live building interfaces. This document sets out the safe systems of work that must be implemented so installers, supervisors, and building occupants remain protected while the detection system is delivered ready for certification.

Start Generating SWMSSee How It Works

Unlimited drafts • Built-in WHS compliance • Works across every Australian state

Overview

What this SWMS covers

Fire alarm system installation involves installing control and indicating equipment (CIE), field wiring, detector heads, manual call points, warning devices, network interfaces, and backup power supplies to deliver an automatic detection and occupant warning system that satisfies building code performance requirements. Projects range from new builds to refurbishments where existing systems must remain partially live while upgrades occur. Installers coordinate with builders, electricians, mechanical contractors, and certifiers to stage works against the program and ensure fire safety integrity is maintained throughout. Activities require accessing ceiling spaces, plant rooms, risers, and fire-isolated zones, drilling and fixing penetration seals, terminating fire-rated cabling, integrating smoke control interfaces, and programming cause-and-effect matrices ready for commissioning. This SWMS applies to projects delivered under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and harmonised regulations, and aligns with AS 1670.1:2018/2024, AS 3000, AS 4428, and NCC Volume One Section E requirements.

Create Custom SWMSDownload Template

Fully editable, audit-ready, and aligned to Australian WHS standards.

Why this SWMS matters

Failure to control fire alarm installation risks can lead to serious injuries from electric shock, falls, respiratory illness, and breaches of essential safety provisions that compromise occupant safety. Safe Work Australia identifies electrical work, confined ceiling spaces, and hot work as high-risk construction activities requiring documented control measures. Fire detection systems also provide essential services under NCC Part A5; defective installation or incomplete commissioning can delay occupancy permits and expose the PCBU to regulatory enforcement, contractual damages, and penalties exceeding $3.6 million. AS 1670 and AS 1851 demand traceable testing records, calibrated detection, and documentation that demonstrates all interfaces—including HVAC shutdown, fire doors, lifts, and occupant warning systems—perform to design cause-and-effect. A rigorous SWMS ensures every technician understands isolation procedures, live system management, quality benchmarks, and documentation deliverables. It also supports consultation with emergency planning committees and fire authorities so the installed system protects lives and property from day one of occupation.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Fire Alarm System Installation Safe Work Method Statement crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Working at height in ceiling spaces and on elevated work platforms

High

Installers routinely access ceiling voids, plant platforms, and high-level corridors to run cabling and mount detectors, often above live tenancies or incomplete floor slabs. Restricted access, unstable ceiling grids, and congested services increase the likelihood of falls through fragile surfaces or from EWP baskets.

Consequence: Serious injury or fatality from falls greater than two metres, falling objects striking personnel below, structural damage to ceiling systems, and project delays pending incident investigation.

Electrical shock or arc flash during isolation and termination

High

Fire alarm CIE and power supplies interface with 240 V a.c. primary circuits and 24 V d.c. distribution. In refurbishments, existing systems may remain energised for occupant safety, exposing technicians to live terminals, battery banks, and inadvertent backfeeding if isolations are incomplete or labelled incorrectly.

Consequence: Electric shock, burns, or arc flash injuries requiring hospitalisation, damage to CIE components, and activation of fire systems causing evacuation and loss of productivity.

Penetrations and hot work creating fire and respiratory risks

Medium

Drilling, coring, or soldering for cable pathways can generate sparks, heat, silica dust, and fumes within confined areas. Poor extraction or inadequate fire stopping can leave combustible debris smouldering in concealed spaces.

Consequence: Localised fire, smoke inhalation, worsening of pre-existing respiratory conditions, and non-compliance with fire-separation requirements leading to rectification works.

Manual handling of cable drums, batteries, and control cabinets

Medium

Fire alarm work involves hoisting CIE enclosures, batteries up to 30 kg, and drums of halogen-free fire-rated cable through restricted access ways. Repetitive lifting or twisting without assistance can injure the musculoskeletal system.

Consequence: Muscle strains, hernias, lost-time injuries, and diminished productivity leading to programme slippage.

Coordination clashes with other trades and building occupants

Medium

Concurrent ceiling, HVAC, sprinkler, and fit-out works create congestion, noise, and dust. Failure to coordinate isolations, access times, and commissioning sequences can lead to accidental activation, trip hazards, or damage to newly installed devices.

Consequence: Injury from slips or collisions, rework due to damaged equipment, false alarms disrupting operations, and strained stakeholder relationships.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Pre-start design verification and work authorisation

Administrative

Before mobilisation, supervisors review approved fire engineering reports, AS 1670 design drawings, cause-and-effect matrices, and builder access plans. A Safe Work Method Statement briefing confirms high-risk tasks, permits, and isolation sequences with electricians, HVAC, and sprinkler contractors.

Implementation

1. Obtain latest IFC drawings, specifications, and fire engineering brief. 2. Conduct joint site walk-through to verify access routes, ceiling condition, and penetrations. 3. Complete Safe Work Method Statement briefing and toolbox for all personnel, recording competencies and licences. 4. Lodge required permits-to-work (hot work, ceiling access, EWP) with the builder, including emergency contacts and evacuation arrangements. 5. Confirm staging plan so unaffected zones remain protected by temporary detection or fire watch where systems are isolated.

Electrical isolation and lockout for CIE and circuits

Engineering

All primary supplies, batteries, and monitored circuits are isolated, locked, and tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 4836 and the principal contractor’s electrical safety procedure. Where systems must remain live, barriers and insulation mats are used and a second person performs standby duties.

Implementation

1. Identify supply source on one-line diagrams and validate with approved electrician. 2. Test for dead using calibrated instruments before touching conductors. 3. Apply lockout devices, tags, and update isolation registers. 4. Install insulated barriers, arc-rated PPE, and warning signage when working near energised sections. 5. Re-test prior to re-energisation and record isolations in commissioning documentation.

Safe access and fall protection for elevated work

Engineering

Use compliant EWPs, podium ladders, or mobile scaffolds selected via risk assessment for each task. Ceiling spaces are certified structurally adequate and fitted with safe lighting and crawl boards. Workers wear fall-arrest systems when operating from EWPs in accordance with AS/NZS 1891.4.

Implementation

1. Inspect EWPs and ladders pre-use, confirming inspection tags and operator licences. 2. Establish exclusion zones beneath elevated work with bunting and signage. 3. Install temporary edge protection or crawl boards for ceiling access. 4. Use spotters to manage movement around live edges, plant, and public interfaces. 5. Secure tools and detectors with lanyards to prevent dropped object incidents.

Dust, fumes, and fire management for penetrations

Engineering

When drilling or soldering, use vacuum extraction, dust masks, and fire blankets. All penetrations are sealed with fire-rated materials listed in the passive fire register. Hot work permits are issued and fire extinguishers remain within 15 metres per AS 1670 requirements for hot work in occupied buildings.

Implementation

1. Assess substrates for asbestos and obtain clearance certificates where required. 2. Fit drilling attachments with dust extraction and employ wet cutting where practicable. 3. Assign a fire watch during hot works, maintaining extinguishers and thermal monitoring. 4. Record each penetration and fire stopping material in the passive fire register with photos. 5. Dispose of dust and waste in sealed bags and ventilate confined spaces prior to re-entry.

Manual handling aids and battery management

Administrative

Plan lifts for CIE cabinets, battery sets, and cable drums using mechanical aids such as trolleys, winches, and shared lifts. Adopt team lifting for loads exceeding 20 kg and follow manufacturer instructions for sealed lead-acid or lithium battery handling, charging, and spill response.

Implementation

1. Review load weights and clearances in pre-start planning. 2. Stage materials close to installation zones to minimise double handling. 3. Use lifting frames or pulley systems for riser and plantroom deliveries. 4. Store batteries upright on spill trays with ventilation per AS/NZS 5139 and manufacturer SDS. 5. Train workers in manual handling techniques and provide immediate reporting channels for discomfort or strains.

Integrated commissioning and stakeholder coordination

Administrative

Daily coordination meetings with the builder, electrician, HVAC contractor, and fire engineer ensure sequencing of interface testing, staged re-energisation, and notification of occupants or neighbours. Detailed commissioning scripts, witness testing, and documentation satisfy AS 1670 and AS 1851 requirements.

Implementation

1. Issue weekly look-ahead schedules showing isolation windows, testing times, and building impacts. 2. Conduct interface testing with relevant trades (HVAC shutdowns, lift recall, door hold-open devices) following approved scenarios. 3. Record results in commissioning sheets, tag outstanding defects, and assign responsible parties. 4. Provide audible warning to occupants before alarm testing and post signage at entry points. 5. Assemble as-built drawings, O&M manuals, and verification statements for principal certifier review.

Download complete control procedures

Personal protective equipment

Protective footwear

Requirement: AS 2210 compliant safety boots with anti-slip soles and toe protection

When: Worn at all times on the construction site and during equipment handling to prevent crush injuries and slips.

Eye and face protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 1337.1 rated safety glasses with side shields plus face shields for drilling or cutting

When: During drilling, grinding, soldering, or when exposed to airborne particulates and sparks.

Respiratory protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 1716 P2 disposable respirators or half-face respirators with P2 filters

When: In ceiling spaces, during dust-producing penetrations, or where fumes are generated.

Hand protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 2161 cut-resistant gloves with dielectric properties suitable for electrical work

When: While handling cabling, sharp metal edges, batteries, and when performing terminations.

Fall arrest harness

Requirement: AS/NZS 1891.1 compliant full-body harness and lanyard with shock absorber

When: When working from EWPs, in ceiling spaces near voids, or where fall hazards above two metres exist.

Hearing protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 1270 Class 3 earplugs or earmuffs

When: During drilling, hammering, or in plant rooms where noise levels exceed 85 dB(A).

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

  • ✓Review approved fire alarm design, cause-and-effect matrix, and commissioning plan
  • ✓Confirm technician licences, EWP permits, and product installation instructions are current
  • ✓Inspect access equipment, ladders, and EWPs with pre-start checklists
  • ✓Verify isolation permits, lockout-tagout equipment, and temporary detection arrangements
  • ✓Stage materials, cable drums, and batteries safely with spill containment and lifting aids
  • ✓Ensure MSDS/SDS available for sealants, adhesives, and cleaning agents
  • ✓Check that passive fire stopping materials are approved and onsite

During work

  • ✓Monitor ceiling space environment for structural stability, lighting, and ventilation
  • ✓Verify isolations remain in place and lockout logs are current
  • ✓Check cable routes for support spacing, segregation, and protection against damage
  • ✓Ensure detectors and call points are mounted at design heights with tamper protection
  • ✓Confirm hot work controls, fire watch, and fire stopping reinstatement
  • ✓Keep work areas free from debris, offcuts, and dropped tools
  • ✓Facilitate coordination meetings to resolve clashes or interface issues promptly

After work

  • ✓Conduct complete functional testing including alarm zoning, sound pressure levels, and interface activation
  • ✓Verify batteries are connected, float-charged, and recorded with date of install
  • ✓Complete as-built mark-ups, test records, and defect lists for client handover
  • ✓Remove lockout devices, signage, and restore normal system operation
  • ✓Undertake housekeeping to remove waste, dust, and redundant materials
  • ✓Brief building management on interim fire monitoring arrangements and emergency contacts

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready
1

Pre-start planning and consultation

Review project documentation including fire engineering reports, design drawings, interface schedules, and builder site rules. Conduct a detailed SWMS briefing, confirm competencies, and allocate specific responsibilities for isolation, EWP operation, commissioning, and documentation. Engage with the principal contractor, electrician, and mechanical contractor to align the installation sequence with other critical path activities and obtain necessary permits.

Safety considerations

Document consultation outcomes, ensure everyone understands emergency procedures, and verify that required permits and PPE are in place before mobilisation.

2

Site establishment and isolation

Mobilise to site with calibrated tools, test equipment, and materials. Establish laydown zones and secure storage for CIE, detectors, and batteries. Implement lockout-tagout procedures on mains supply, control interfaces, and existing detection loops as per isolation plan. Deploy signage and temporary detection measures where existing coverage is reduced.

Safety considerations

Confirm zero energy state using test instruments, retain isolation keys with the responsible person, and ensure alternative fire monitoring (fire watch or temporary detectors) is active while systems are offline.

3

Cable pathway preparation and penetrations

Mark cable routes, supports, and penetrations in alignment with design documents. Install tray, catenary, or conduit systems maintaining segregation from LV and mechanical services. Drill or core penetrations using dust extraction and maintain fire compartment integrity. Label pathways for future identification.

Safety considerations

Wear respiratory and eye protection, control dust, check for concealed services with scanning equipment, and reinstate fire stopping immediately using approved systems.

4

Cable installation and termination

Pull fire-rated, low-smoke zero halogen cable through pathways with rollers or feeders to prevent sheath damage. Support at prescribed intervals, avoiding sharp bends. Terminate at CIE, loop modules, detectors, call points, and warning devices per manufacturer requirements. Test continuity, insulation resistance, and polarity after each circuit is completed.

Safety considerations

Use team lifting for cable drums, maintain exclusion zones under elevated work, and verify circuits remain isolated during termination testing.

5

Device mounting and labelling

Install detectors, manual call points, warning sounders, strobes, and ancillaries at specified heights and locations. Fit protective covers until commissioning is complete. Label zone addresses, loop numbers, and device IDs using engraved labels or heat-shrink markers complying with AS 1670 documentation standards.

Safety considerations

Secure devices while working at height, prevent dropped objects, and ensure mounting hardware suits substrate load ratings.

6

System programming and functional testing

Program the CIE with device addresses, zones, and cause-and-effect logic. Load graphics, networking parameters, and remote monitoring links. Conduct point-to-point testing, verifying alarm initiation, fault monitoring, and interface operation with connected systems (HVAC, lifts, fire doors). Document results and rectify defects immediately.

Safety considerations

Notify building occupants prior to audible alarm tests, coordinate with other trades to avoid disruptions, and follow vendor lockout procedures when updating software.

7

Commissioning, documentation, and handover

Conduct formal commissioning witnessed by the principal contractor, fire engineer, or certifier. Provide completed test sheets, as-built drawings, battery calculations, and user manuals. Train the building’s responsible person in system operation, fault acknowledgement, and emergency procedures. Submit verification statements for essential safety measures.

Safety considerations

Maintain isolation controls until commissioning is complete, ensure the system is left in normal operating mode with all faults cleared, and document residual risks or outstanding defects.

Get risk assessment & procedures

Frequently asked questions

Which Australian standards govern fire alarm system installation?

Fire alarm installations must comply with AS 1670.1 for design and installation, AS 4428 for control and indicating equipment, AS 3000 for electrical safety, and AS 1851 for routine service following commissioning. The NCC Volume One Section E and Specification 20 detail performance requirements and documentation obligations.

How are isolation and temporary protection managed during upgrades?

Isolations are planned with the PCBU and electrical contractor, recorded on lockout registers, and alternative measures such as temporary wireless detectors or dedicated fire watch patrols are implemented so occupants remain protected while circuits are offline.

What training do installers require?

Technicians must hold the relevant electrical licences or fire protection qualifications for their state, EWP high-risk work licences where elevated work platforms are used, and evidence of competency in AS 1670 installation. Site-specific inductions and SWMS briefings are mandatory prior to commencing work.

What documentation must be provided at handover?

Provide as-built drawings, zone diagrams, cause-and-effect matrix, commissioning test sheets, battery calculations, equipment datasheets, maintenance schedules under AS 1851, and user manuals. These documents form part of the essential safety measures record for compliance audits.

How often should the installed system be serviced?

Routine service must follow AS 1851:2012 (or current edition) Section 6, requiring monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual inspections and testing. The SWMS handover should specify the maintenance provider and schedule.

Related SWMS documents

Browse all documents

fire-services

Fire Detection-Alarms Testing

Testing and commissioning of fire detection and alarm systems following AS 1851 procedures including detector functional tests and system verification.

View document

fire-services

Fire Door Installation Safe Work Method Statement

Comprehensive SWMS covering preparation, frame fixing, leaf hanging, hardware installation, fire sealing, and certification of fire-rated doorsets in accordance with NCC and AS 1905.1.

View document

fire-services

Fire Extinguisher Installation and Maintenance Safe Work Method Statement

Comprehensive SWMS detailing preparation, mounting, recharge, hydrostatic testing, compliance inspection, and documentation for portable fire extinguishers and hose reels in line with AS 2444 and AS 1851.

View document

fire-services

Fire Sprinkler System Installation Safe Work Method Statement

End-to-end SWMS for fire sprinkler system prefabrication, mounting, hydraulic testing, and commissioning aligned with AS 2118 and WHS legislative requirements.

View document

fire-services

Portable Hydrants, Hose Reels & Extinguishers Inspection Safe Work Method Statement

SWMS outlining routine service, flow testing, recharge, and documentation for portable hydrants, hose reels, and fire extinguishers under AS 1851.

View document

fire-services

Prescribed Burns Safe Work Method Statement

SWMS covering planning, ignition, control, and mop-up of prescribed burns and hazard reduction works in compliance with Australian fire management guidelines.

View document
Trusted by 1,500+ Australian construction teams

Fire Alarm System Installation SWMS Sample

Professional SWMS created in 5 seconds with OneClickSWMS

  • Instant PDF & shareable link
  • Auto-filled risk matrix
  • Editable Word download
  • State-specific compliance
  • Digital signature ready
  • Version history preserved
Manual creation2-3 hours
OneClickSWMS5 seconds
Save 99% of admin time and eliminate manual errors.
Generate SWMS NowView sample SWMS

No credit card required • Instant access • Unlimited drafts included in every plan

PDF Sample

Risk Rating

BeforeHigh
After ControlsLow

Key Controls

  • • Pre-start briefing covering hazards
  • • PPE: hard hats, eye protection, gloves
  • • Emergency plan communicated to crew

Signature Ready

Capture digital signatures onsite and store revisions with automatic timestamps.

Continue exploring

Hand-picked SWMS resources
Fire ServicesExplore →Fire Sprinkler System InstallationExplore →Fire Extinguisher Installation MaintenanceExplore →Electrical New InstallationExplore →Ewp Boom Cherrypicker Scissor LiftExplore →

Ready to deliver professional SWMS in minutes?

OneClickSWMS powers thousands of compliant projects every week. Join them today.

Join 2,000+ Protected CompaniesExplore Safety Guides