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APPENDIX  C:  SAFE  WORK  METHOD  STATEMENTS  –  TEMPLATE  AND  EXAMPLE  

SWMS  Template  

Safe work method statement

This SWMS is a site-specific statement that must be prepared before any high-risk construction work is commenced.

Person responsible for ensuring compliance with this SWMS:

Date:

High-risk job: Location:

What are the tasks involved? What are the hazards and risks? How will hazards and risks be controlled? (describe the control measures and how they will be used)

Think about the worksite and each stage of the project, including preparation and clean-up.

Drafting Note: The following is a version of the WorkSafe Victoria SWMS template for the development of council specific Safe Work Method Statements.

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Steps for filling out

1. Discuss with relevant employees, contractors and HSRs what work will be high-risk, the tasks, and associated hazards, risks and controls.

2. In the ‘What are the tasks involved?’ column, list the work tasks in sequence to how they will be carried out.

3. In the ‘What are the hazards and risks?’ column, list the hazards and risks for each work task.

4. In the ‘How will the hazards and risks be controlled?’ column, select the hazard or risk and then work through the control levels 1 – 4 from top to bottom. Choose a control measure (and how it is to be used) that is as close to level 1 as is reasonably practicable.

Control levels

1. Eliminate any risk to health or safety associated with construction work. 2. Reduce the risk to health or safety by any one or any combination of the following:

• Substituting a new activity, procedure, plant, process or substance • Isolating persons from the hazard, such as barricading, fencing or guardrailing, or • Using engineering controls, such as mechanical or electrical devices.

3. Use administrative controls, such as changing the way the work is done. 4. Provide appropriate personal protective equipment.

5. Brief each team member on this SWMS before commencing work. Ensure team knows that work is to immediately stop if the SWMS is not being followed.

6. Observe work being carried out. If controls are not adequate, stop the work, review the SWMS, adjust as required and re-brief the team.

7. Retain this SWMS for the duration of the high-risk construction work.

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SWMS  Example  

SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT FORM Corangamite Shire Council Series - 100 F/09/868 -D/13/10406

OPERATION OF RIDE ON MOWER

Date Issued 26/03/2013

Date for review 2016

SWMS No SWMS - 101

Vers Ed1/Rev0 Page 1 of 2

Purpose

This SWMS outlines the safe procedure for operating a ride on mower in the Corangamite Shire.

Scope

As a result of a Job Safety Analysis being performed on this procedure by an elected group of council employees, a SWMS was determined to be the most effective control measure to minimise the risk of injury to those performing the task.

This procedure is performed on a regular basis within the Corangamite Shire and the information provided below is to be strictly adhered to by employees and management so as to ensure that all identified hazards are addressed correctly.

Responsibility CEO Manager Works Employees

This SWMS has been provided to satisfy the Risk Management provision outlined in section 20 of the OHS Act 2004

This SWMS will be provided to all employees and contractors that are involved with this procedure

All employees and contractors at Corangamite Shire Council must work in accordance with Council’s OH&S Management System.

Endorsement Signed Date Signed Date Signed Date

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Training requirements OH & S General Induction Training for Construction Workers

Instruction under the supervision of an experienced employee

All employees are only to carry out tasks only after they have received appropriate training

References and Guidelines

Operators Instructions Manual

Refer to CSC Hazard Information Sheets- 2002

Heavy Plant Fleet Policy & Procedures

Maintenance checks for this procedure PPE and other equipment required for this procedure Pre-start check using manufacturers instruction Manual

Pre-start check using Council’s Daily Maintenance Checklist

Programmed Plant Maintenance

Report immediately all plant defects to Immediate Supervisor

Fully maintained mower in safe working order

PPE as prescribed & issued – Ref: CSC Hazard Information Sheets- 2002

Beacons operating where fitted

Machinery access procedures

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SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT FORM Corangamite Shire Council Series - 100 F/09/868 -D/13/10406

OPERATION OF RIDE ON MOWER

Date Issued 26/03/2013 Date for review 2016 SWMS No. SWMS - 101

Vers Ed1/Rev0 Page 2 of 2

Critical Step in procedure Potential Hazards Safety Control measure 1. Pre-start check on Ride on Mower New Employee or Contractor

No pre-start check performed

Induct all new drivers in plant pre-start checks as per the Manufacturer’s Instructions

Complete Daily Maintenance Record

Start mower and arrive at worksite

Noise

Collision with other vehicle/plant /person

Use low decibel rating plant when available

Wear PPE

Drive to weather / road/ traffic conditions

Keep lookout for vehicles/pedestrians at all times

Obey road rules

Conduct risk assessment of worksite

Traffic Hazard

Adverse environmental/weather conditions

Unstable/ uneven ground i.e. rollover

Contact with objects/persons/vehicles

Visual inspection of worksite to identify potential hazards

Determine and install appropriate signage as required

Do not work in adverse weather conditions

Assess stability and slope of the ground

Wear seatbelt

Ensure reversing alarm / flashing lights working

Ensure work area clear of objects/vehicles/ persons

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Commence mower operations Mower striking object/

plant/person

Flying objects thrown by mower striking vehicle/person i.e. stones

Plant rollover

Manual handling

Noise

Dust

Use only a competent plant operator

Ensure work area clear of vehicle/ persons

Persons to remain clear of mower whilst in operation

Keep lookout for vehicle/pedestrians at all times

Reversing alarms & flashing lights operational

Drive to suit weather and terrain conditions

Wear seatbelt

Carry out litter collection of area prior to mowing

Regular rest breaks / job rotation

Wear PPE

Maintenance of mower after use Dust

Manual Handling

High pressured air/water

Mower striking object / plant

Wear PPE

Persons to remain clear of plant when using high pressure air/water to clean

Forward drive into park and allow sufficient space between parked vehicles

Persons required remaining clear of mower whilst in operation.

Store mower away in dry/ safe location Contact with vehicles/persons

Robbery Ensure all persons clear when moving mower

Ensure mower is locked away and ignition keys removed and held in a secure place

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Refuelling Allow machine to cool down;

Wipe dirt from around fuel filler cap;

As an added precaution keep the fuel clean by using a funnel with a fine strainer

Never refuel near an open flame , with a mobile phone on, whilst smoking or while the engine is running;

Always refuel in a well-ventilated area and clear of other flammable materials;

When refuelling in the field take care not to spill or overfill the fuel tank;