Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Company/Business Name: Apex Decks Pty Ltd ABN: 12 345 678 901 Job Title: Elevated Timber Deck Construction Location of Works: 42 Harbour View Rd, Mosman NSW Date Prepared: 12/10/2023 Date of Review: 12/04/2024

1. Details of High-Risk Construction Work

Is this High-Risk Construction Work? YES Note: Work involves a fall risk of 3.5 metres.

Description of Work: Construction of a 6m x 4m elevated timber deck at the rear of the residence. The deck is 3.5m above ground level on a sloping block. Materials are treated pine and merbau decking. Access is via a side pathway 1.2m wide.

Site Specifics:

• Ground Conditions: Steep grassed slope, clay soil.
• Public Access: Rear boundary adjoins a public park pathway.
• Overhead Hazards: None.
• Underground Services: Ref #12345 (Telstra cable found 1.5m left of stump hole A).

2. Persons Responsible

Principal Contractor: John Smith Site Supervisor: Sarah Jones Emergency Contact: John Smith - 0412 345 678

3. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Job Step / Task	Potential Hazards	Risks (H/M/L)	Existing Controls	Initial Risk Rating (H/M/L)
Excavation	services hit, slips on slope	electrocution, fractures	POCKETS, safe access track	L
Setting Stumps	manual handling, concrete splash	back injury, burns	2 person lift, PPE	M
Bearers & Joists	fall from height, drop object	fatality, head injury	Mobile scaffold, hard hats	H
Nailing Deck	recoil, eye injury	puncture, blindness	sequential trigger, glasses	M

4. Control Measures

Hierarchy of Controls

1. Elimination: Pre-cut timber lengths to reduce work at height.

2. Substitution: Use 90x45mm joists instead of 140x45mm where possible to reduce weight.

3. Engineering:

• Use 2.5m mobile scaffold towers with outriggers for bearer installation.
• Install temporary edge protection (timber pickets and plastic mesh) along the bearers before laying joists.

4. Administrative:

• Toolbox talk at 7:00am daily.
• No work alone on the site.
• Keep gate to public park locked during deliveries.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Type 1 Safety Helmet, Orange Hi-Vis Shirt, Steel Cap Boots, Safety Glasses, Class 5 Ear Muffs, Sunscreen.

5. Safe Work Method Sequence

Step 1: Site Setup

1. Place warning signs at front gate.
2. Lock side gate leading to park.
3. Set up mobile scaffolds on level pads (using rubber mats).

Step 2: Bearers

1. Two workers to lift bearer onto scaffolding.
2. Secure bearer to posts using structural screws while standing on scaffold deck.

Step 3: Joists

1. Lift joists individually.
2. Fix joist hangers from scaffold.
3. Install temp edge protection to outer joist immediately.

Step 4: Decking

1. Work from the scaffold deck or from the already laid decking area.
2. Never stand on bare joists without fall protection.
3. Use pneumatic nailer with single shot trigger.

6. Emergency Procedures

Fire: Water hydrant located at front nature strip. Assembly at mailbox. First Aid: Kit located in site van. Serious Injury: Call 000. Ambulance entry via front driveway.

9. Sign-Off

Worker Name	Signature	Date
Sarah Jones	S.Jones	12/10/23
Mike Brown	M.Brown	12/10/23

Principal Contractor: Name: John Smith Signature: J.Smith Date: 12/10/23