Safety Information Booklet Safe Work Method Statements

Safe Work Method Statements | 1

Safety Information Booklet Safe Work Method Statements

2 | Safe Work Method Statements

Contents

Contents ...................................................................................................................................... 2

Figures ......................................................................................................................................... 2

Safe Work Method Statements ...................................................................................................... 3

What is a SWMS? ........................................................................................................................ 3

How to prepare and write a SWMS ........................................................................................... 4

What to do to put into operation a SWMS ................................................................................ 7

In summary! ................................................................................................................................ 8

Attachment 1: High-risk construction work ............................................................................ 10

Attachment 2: WorkSafe ACT’s recommended Safe Work Method Statement Template ... 13

Attachment 3: Hazard, possible cause and suggested control measure ............................... 15

Attachment 4: Hierarchy of control ......................................................................................... 19

Attachment 5: SWMS example–Changing a tyre .................................................................... 21

Figures

Figure 1: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Task steps ............................................................... 5

Figure 2: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Hazards ................................................................... 6

Figure 3: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Control measures .................................................. 7


What is a SWMS?

Purpose of a SWMS The purpose of a SWMS is to allow supervisors, workers and others to

understand the requirements developed to carryout high-risk

construction work in a healthy and safe manner.

! SWMS are only required for the 18 high-risk construction work activities.

s299(1) Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011

Attachment 1: High-risk construction work

Tasks set out in a logical sequences

The SWMS sets out the tasks in a logical sequence, and identifies the

hazards and describes the control measures. Its aim is to:

describe the task being done

identify the resources, manpower and skills required for the

task

assess and select control measures, as appropriate

logically plan the task, so it can be completed efficiently and

effectively.

WorkSafe ACT’s Safe Work Method Statements [SWMS]

Attachment 2: WorkSafe ACT’s recommended Safe Work Method Statement Template

Must be easy to read The SWMS must be easy to read by those who need to know what has

been planned to manage the risks and apply the control measures.

Those who need to know include:

the supervisor of the high-risk construction work

SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENTS

http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/sl/2011-36/default.asp

http://www.worksafe.act.gov.au/page/view/1592


the worker carrying out the high-risk construction work

the Principal Contractor (for a construction project) or the

person who has management and control over the high-risk

construction work.

Those who need to know must make sure the work is being carried out

in line with the SWMS.

Worksafe ACT and SWMS

WorkSafe ACT states the SWMS should be:

based on a risk assessment

site specific.

How to prepare and write a SWMS

Task steps Break the task down to its basic steps to complete it safely.

! Concentrate on what, not how.

Figure 1: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Task steps

The steps cannot be too broad to leave out important ones or too many

to make it complicated, but must ‘be set out in a way that is readily

accessible and understandable to persons who use it’.

s299(3)(b) Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011



Figure 1: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Task steps

What are the tasks involved?

What are the hazards and risks? (What is the problem?)

What are the control measures? (Describe the control measures and how they will be used)

Think about the workplace and each stage of the work, including preparation and clean up.

Identify the hazards and risks that may cause harm to workers or the public.

Describe what will be done to control the risk. What will you do to make the activity as safe as possible?

1. Park vehicle.

2. Get spare tire and tool kit.

3. Remove hubcap.

4. Loosen wheel nuts.

5. And so on…

Hazards and risks For each step look at all the hazards and risks, and list them.

Figure 2: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Hazards

Attachment 3: Hazard, possible cause and suggested control measure

For the SWMS to be productive all the hazards and risks need to be

listed.

! Do not forget the ‘hidden hazards’ that may be present, i.e. energy sources (electrical, mechanical, thermal and pressure), airborne contaminants, and fire and explosion.


Figure 2: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Hazards







1. Park vehicle. a) Can be hit by passing traffic.

b) Can be hit by vehicle on uneven, soft ground.

c) Vehicle may roll on driver.


a) Lifting spare may cause strain.

3. Remove hubcap.

a) Hubcap may pop off and hit the driver.


a) Wheel brace may slip and hurt the driver.

5. And so on… a) …

Control measures for identified hazards

For each hazard decide whether the risk is possible and requires

control, and then decide on control measures and how to implement

them.

Figure 3: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Control measures

The best way is to use the ‘Hierarchy of Control’, with some hazards

needing more than one control measure to lower the risk to an

acceptable level remember, the management of risk is ‘so far as is

reasonably practicable’.

s17 Work Health and Safety Act 2011

Attachment 4: Hierarchy of control

http://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/2011-35/default.asp


Figure 3: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Control measures







1. Park vehicle. a) Can be hit by passing traffic.

b) Can be hit by vehicle on uneven, soft ground.

c) Vehicle may roll on driver.

a) Drive to area well clear of traffic turn on emergency flashers.

b) Choose a firm, level area.

c) Apply the parking brake, leave transmission in gear or in PARK place blocks in front and back of the wheel diagonally opposite to the flat.


a) Lifting spare may cause strain.

a) Turn spare into upright position in the wheel well. Using your legs and standing as close as possible, lift spare out of boot and roll to flat tyre.

3. Remove hubcap.

a) Hubcap may pop off and hit the driver.

a) Remove hubcap using steady pressure.


a) Wheel brace may slip and hurt the driver.

a) Use proper wheel brace apply steady pressure slowly.

5. And so on… a) … a) …

Documentation Document the job steps, hazards and risks, and control measures on

the SWMS template.

Attachment 5: SWMS example–Changing a tyre

What to do to put into operation a SWMS

Before implementation

Before implementing the SWMS:

consult with the workers involved (to make sure everything is

covered and it makes sense)

discuss it at a toolbox talk or during the task induction

have it sign off by workers


make certain the workers understand it!

Work to be carried out in accordance with the SWMS

A PCBU conducting high-risk construction work ‘must put in place

arrangements for ensuring that high-risk construction work is carried

out in accordance with the SWMS for the work’.

s300(1) Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011

If high-risk work is NOT being carried out in accordance with the SWMS,

work must be stopped immediately.

s300(2)(a) Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011

The PCBU must have a reasonable process for checking that high-risk

work is being carried out in accordance with the SWMS.

Reviewed, available and kept

SWMS must be:

reviewed (regularly, i.e. every 12 months, after an incident or

if there are changes in legislation etc.)

available (‘readily accessible’) to any worker engaged to carry

out the high-risk construction work

kept until the work to which it applies is completed, unless a

notifiable incident occurs (then keep for 2 years)

In summary!

Other work For other work (not high-risk construction work), the same process

applies:




identify the hazards/risks

assess the hazards/risks

implement controls, if necessary [and document, but no

SWMS is required, it could be a Job Safety Analysis (JSA), or

be part of a procedure, training, policy, etc.].

SWMS overview 1. SWMS is a means to an end, not the end in itself, its primary goal is

for high-risk work to be carried out safely

2. Keep them short and to the point

3. Consult with the workers–toolbox talks and task inductions

4. Put in place a process for checking that work is being carried out as

per the SWMS.

5. What happens at the coalface where the work is being done is far

more important than the paperwork.

Contact Master Builders ACT for further information

Work Health and Safety is always at the forefront in terms of issues

within the industry and Master Builders ACT pursuit to lift standards to

ensure the safety and well-being of workers is an ongoing one.

Master Builders ACT can provide additional advice on developing and

implementing Safe Work Method Statements

For more information, contact Master Builders ACT.

http://www.mba.org.au/contact-us/


Attachment 1: High-risk construction work

High-risk construction work Examples

Work that involves a risk of a person falling more than 2m.

Installing an evaporative cooler on the roof of a house

Installing roof trusses

Installing roof tiles or roof sheeting

Working adjacent to a pit or opening with a fall height of more than 2m

Work carried out on a telecommunication tower Installing equipment on a telecommunications tower

Work that involves demolition of an element of a structure load-bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure

Knocking down a load-bearing wall in a house

Removing bracing from a wall or roof as part of a renovation

Knocking down load-bearing walls as part of a warehouse conversion

Work that involves, or is likely to involve the disturbance of asbestos

Removing floor tiles containing asbestos as part of a renovation

Cutting or drilling into an asbestos cement sheet wall

Demolishing a house that contains asbestos

Working on asbestos cement pipework

Work that involves structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse

Using props to support a ceiling where a load-bearing wall will be removed

Work carried out in or near a confined space Connecting a new sewer to a sewer main in a 3m trench

Unblocking a sewer line from within a large underground sewer pit

Work carried out in an area which may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere

Removing pipework or tank which may contain the residue of hazardous chemicals

Demolishing a petrol station and removing old tanks

Decommissioning plant

Work carried out in or near a shaft or trench with an excavated depth greater than 1.5m or is carried out in or near a tunnel

Laying or repairing pipes or conduits in a trench more than 1.5m deep

Testing drainage pipes in a trench more than 1.5m deep

Working near bored piers greater than 1.5m deep

Building a tunnel in the course of constructing an underground railway or road


High-risk construction work Examples

Work that involves the use of explosives Using explosives to breakup rock or to remove a tree stump

Blasting in preparation of construction of a building or a road

NOTE: Using explosive power tools is not considered “work that involves the use of explosives”

Work carried out on or near:

pressurised gas distribution mains or piping

chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines

energised electrical installations or services

Excavating foundations near to an existing gas supply

Drilling into a wall where live electrical wiring may be present

Working near overhead or underground power lines

“Near” in the above circumstances, means close enough that there is a risk of hitting or puncturing the mains, piping, electrical installation or service.

Electrical installations / services do not include appliances such as power leads and electrically powered tools.

Work that involves tilt-up or precast concrete Building housing units using precast panels

Installing a precast drainage pit

Work carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor in use by traffic other than pedestrians.

Using part of the road to deliver construction materials to the site

Installing drainage that involves digging up part of the road, kerb or gutter

Building an additional lane on a road

Work carried out in an area on site in which there is any movement of powered mobile plant

Working in an area of a construction site not isolated from the movement of skid steer loaders, backhoes, mobile cranes or trucks

Work carried out in an area in which there are artificial extremes of temperature.

Inside enclosed roof cavities

Construction work in an operating cool room or freezer

Construction work alongside an operating boiler

Work carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning

Installing shade sails over a swimming pool

Building a gazebo adjacent to a swimming pool

Constructing a bridge over a river or restoring a wharf

Work that involves diving work Divers undertaking structural repairs to the jetty of a waterfront home

Structural work on marinas, wharves and piers


Attachment 2: WorkSafe ACT’s recommended Safe Work Method Statement Template



Attachment 3: Hazard, possible cause and suggested control measure

Hazard Possible cause Suggested control measure

Traffic hazards Working in close proximity to roads

Use of witches hats or temporary barriers to cordon off sections of road

Closure of road

Use of safety signs

Speed restriction signs displayed and enforced

Manual handling Handling of large Items Use of lifting aids

Imposed restrictions on certain activities

Requirements for two person lifts

Training of workers

Use of heavy hand held tools, i.e. jack hammer

Use of support harness, where appropriate

Limits on duration of use

Handling of heavy objects Provide mechanical aids

Redesign object or task

Contact with heat Hot materials Provide appropriate protective clothing and training

Fire in the workplace Keep workplace clear of waste materials

Issue of Hot Work Permit

Remove flammable materials or store correctly

Provide adequate firefighting equipment

Worker firefighting training

Eliminate ignition sources from flammable atmospheres

Contact with electricity Faulty electric leads and tools Tools and leads used by contractors are inspected every 6 months as per testing and tagging requirements

No earth leakage detectors Residual current devices in all circuits

Residual current devices tested monthly

Electric leads on ground Electrical leads kept elevated and clear of work areas

Electrical leads in damp areas All electric leads kept dry and off the ground

Electric leads tied to metal rails All electric leads are kept insulated

Items of plant not isolated Ensure Permit-to-Work system followed

Lock-out and equipment tag procedure

Contact with underground or overhead cables

Location of services to be established

Services to be isolated when working in proximity

Establish safe clearance distances



Exposure to noise Plant and equipment not silenced

Fit noise suppression to noisy plant and equipment

Not wearing appropriate protection

All workers to wear appropriate PPE (hearing protectors)

Excessive exposure time to noisy areas

Regulate worker exposure to noise

Contact with high pressure

Burst air lines Air hoses in good condition and regularly inspected

Hoses becoming uncoupled All hose couplings fitted with pins or chains

Using compressed air to clean clothing

Prohibit and instruct workers on dangers

Improper handling of gas cylinders

Cylinders stored upright and secured

Defective pressure gauges All pressure gauges inspected regularly for defects

Contact with chemicals Incorrect handling procedures All workers trained in SDS requirements

Lack of information Review material SDS and assess risks

Not wearing appropriate PPE All workers provided with appropriate PPE

Incorrect storage Hazardous substances stored and labelled correctly

Elevated exposure levels Provide mechanical ventilation

All workers provided with appropriate PPE

Contact with radiation Exposure to arc welding Welding operations shielded

Not wearing appropriate PPE All workers wear appropriate PPE

Struck against Protruding objects in access routes

Protruding objects are removed or marked

Provide appropriate PPE (hard hat, safety boots)

Not wearing appropriate PPE Provide appropriate PPE & training

Workers running in the workplace

Workers exercise restraint and walk

Struck by object Objects falling from work platforms

All work platforms fitted with toe-boards

Fence off areas below to prevent access

Materials stacked securely

All workers wear appropriate PPE (hard hats)

Secure loose objects to structure

Debris from grinding operations Workers wear appropriate PPE

Shield grinding operations

Wind-blown particles All workers wear appropriate PPE



Fall from height No handrails All work platforms have secure handrails

Working outside handrails Persons wear full fall arrest type harness

Floor penetrations not covered All floor penetrations covered or barricaded

Ladders not secured All ladders secured to prevent movement

Ladders to extend at least 9mm above landings

Unsafe area Tag and fence to prevent access

Slips and falls Access routes obstructed by materials / objects

All access routes kept clear of materials and debris

Mobility impaired access provisions addressed

Leads and hoses across access routes

All leads kept clear of ground or covered

Slippery surfaces All surfaces used for access kept dry and in good condition

Safety footwear not appropriate Workers wear appropriate safety footwear

Poor visibility Provide adequate lighting

Caught between Operating plant Guarding of rotating plant and hand tools

SOP/SWMS to be followed

Provide roll over cage protection

Pre-start daily safety inspection

Moving plant Workers kept clear when operating plant

Fit reverse alarms to plant & check operation

Moving loads All workers kept clear when using cranes

Loads tipping or swinging Load slings properly secured

Materials being positioned SOP/SWMS for moving heavy loads

Overstress WLL exceeded during lifting operations

Compliance with WLL and radius charts on cranes

All lifting gear checked regularly

Sprains and strains All workers trained in manual handling techniques

Ergonomic hazards Poor work posture Work station to conform with ergonomic standards

Seating to conform with ergonomic standards

Training of workers

Provide adequate task lighting

Use of excessive force Provide mechanical aids

Modify workplace design

Repetitive movements Modify task requirements

Job rotation



Asbestos hazards Accidental disturbance or contact

Asbestos materials identified and labelled

Asbestos materials removed from workplace

SOP/SWMS developed

Biological hazards Needle stick injury Provide appropriate waste disposal containers

Provide workers with PPE

Develop SOP/SWMS and train workers

Potential exposure to HIV, Hepatitis

Develop SOP/SWMS and train workers

Immunisation program

Potential exposure to Legionella bacteria

Provide workers with PPE

Implement microbial control procedures

Emergency management / evacuation

Inadequate access / egress routes

Provide appropriate access / egress routes

Provide appropriate access / egress signage

Ensure access ways are clear

Provide emergency control organisation

Provide emergency evacuation procedures / plans

No exit signage Provide appropriate signage

Blocked access ways Ensure blocked access ways are clear

Periodical workplace inspections

Inoperable emergency equipment

Ensure fire equipment is periodically maintained

Ensure a fire equipment schedule is implemented


Attachment 4: Hierarchy of control

•The highest level of control that is reasonably practical to implement is to be utilised to control the identified risk

The hierarchy of control

•The most desirable option - If you eliminate the hazard you completely eliminate the associated risk.

1. Elimination

•You can substitute something else (a substance or process) that has less potential to cause injury.

2. Substitution

•You can make a structural change to the work environment or work process to interrupt the path between the worker and the risk.

3. Isolation

4. Engineering Controls

•You may be able to reduce risk by upgrading training, changing rosters or other administrative options.

5. Administrative Controls

The least desirable option; when you can’t reduce the risk of injury in any other

way, use personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles

etc.) as a last resort.


Attachment 5: SWMS example–Changing a tyre



MBA Group Training Ltd.

1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 | PO Box 1211, Fyshwick ACT 2609

Tel: (02) 6280 9119 Fax: (02) 6280 9118 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mba.org.au

ABN: 62 130 865 253

Master Builders Association of the ACT

1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 | PO Box 1211, Fyshwick ACT 2609

Tel: (02) 6247 2099 Fax: (02) 6249 8374 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mba.org.au

ABN: 52 853 376 568

Documents

Safety Information Booklet Safe Work Method Statements