SWMS - Ceiling Fixer Example
Example document for SWMS - Ceiling Fixer. Use this as a reference when creating your own.
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Document: SWMS - Ceiling Fixer
Example Document
Last updated 7/30/2026
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS)
Company / Project Details
Company Name: Apex Ceilings Pty Ltd ABN: 12 345 678 901 Site Address: 45 Build Road, Parramatta NSW Date of Preparation: 12/10/2023
Job / Task Description
Task Title: Suspended Ceiling Installation - Office Block Level 3 Location of Work: Level 3, West Wing Date of Work: 15/10/2023 to 20/10/2023
Description of Work: Installation of 1200mm x 600mm suspended mineral fibre ceiling tiles in office suites 301-305. Work involves fixing galvanised steel grid runners, cutting tiles to fit around ducts, and levelling the grid. Work height is approximately 2700mm from finished floor level.
Persons Responsible
Principal Contractor / PCBU: Build Co Construction Supervisor: John Smith Mobile: 0412 345 678
Step 1: Hazards and Risks
| Task / Step | Hazard | Risk | Potential Harm | H | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading materials on lift site | Overhead load falling | Crush injury | Fractures | X | ||
| Moving ceiling tiles | Manual handling | Strain | Back injury | X | ||
| Installing grid from ladder | Falls from height | Fall | Fractures / Death | X | ||
| Cutting mineral tiles | Fibre dust | Irritation | Respiratory issues | X | ||
| Using power drill | Noise | Hearing loss | Tinnitus | X |
Step 2: Control Measures
| Task / Step | Control Measures (Hierarchy of Controls) | Who | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading materials | 1. Use mechanical lift. 2. Exclude area below load. 3. Use tag lines. 4. Wear hard hat. | Dogman | Always |
| Manual handling | 1. Store trolley close to work. 2. Limit tiles carried to 2 at a time. 3. Use bent knees and straight back technique. | Installer | Always |
| Work at heights | 1. Use mobile scaffold tower ( tagged) instead of ladder. 2. Maintain 3 points of contact. 3. Ensure scaffold is on level ground and wheels locked. | Installer | Always |
| Dust control | 1. Cut tiles in well ventilated area. 2. Use sharp knife to minimise dust. 3. Wear P2 disposable mask. | Installer | Always |
| Power tools | 1. Use RCD protected box. 2. Test RCD daily. 3. Wear ear muffs Class 4. | Installer | Always |
Step 3: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Safety Helmet (Class 2)
- High Visibility Shirt
- Safety Boots
- Safety Glasses
- Gloves (not required for this specific task)
- Hearing Protection
- Dust Mask (P2)
- Safety Harness (Scaffold used instead)
Step 4: Emergency Procedures
Emergency Contact: 000 First Aid Officer: Sarah Lee - 0422 999 888 Nearest Hospital: Westmead Hospital Assembly Point: Front Car Park (Northern end)
Step 5: Worker Sign-off
| Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|
| M. Jones | [Signed] | 15/10/2023 |
| T. Nguyen | [Signed] | 15/10/2023 |
| J. Smith | [Signed] | 15/10/2023 |
Step 6: Review
No changes to work method since preparation. SWMS remains valid.
Notes
This example demonstrates a completed SWMS for a specific ceiling job. It highlights how the hierarchy of controls is applied by selecting scaffolding over ladders to reduce the risk of falls.
About this Example
Part of the SWMS - Ceiling Fixer document collection
Document Type
SWMS - Ceiling Fixer
This SWMS is required for any high-risk construction work involving fixing ceilings. It applies when working at heights over two metres, using powered mobile plant, or installing suspended ceiling systems.