SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS)

Company / Project Details

Company Name: [ENTER COMPANY NAME] ABN: [ENTER ABN] Project / Site Address: [ENTER ADDRESS] Date of Preparation: [ENTER DATE]

High-Risk Construction Work Details

Activity: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Installation and Maintenance Specific High-Risk Tasks: [SELECT ALL THAT APPLY - e.g., Work at heights >2m, Electrical work, Use of hazardous chemicals, Confined spaces]

Job Steps / Task Breakdown

1. Pre-start Inspection and Site Induction
2. Manual Handling (Unloading plant and equipment)
3. Install Scaffolding or Access Equipment (if required)
4. Mounting Outdoor Condensing Units (Work at Heights)
5. Installation of Indoor Fan Coil Units (Ceiling/Wall)
6. Pipe Brazing and Soldering (Use of Oxy-Acetylene/LPG)
7. Electrical Connections and Testing
8. Refrigerant Charging and Commissioning
9. De-installation / Refrigerant Recovery
10. Clean Up and Demobilization

Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Measures

Step / Task	Hazard Identification	Potential Harm	Risk Rating (Before Controls)	Control Measures (Hierarchy of Controls)	Risk Rating (After Controls)
1. Pre-start	Uneven ground, hidden services, site traffic	Sprains, cuts, electrocution	M	1. Inspect site for hazards. <br> 2. Obtain underground service plans (Dial Before You Dig). <br> 3. Wear Hi-Vis clothing. <br> 4. Implement traffic management plan.	L
2. Manual Handling	Lifting heavy units (Compressors/Cassettes)	Back injury, crush injury	H	1. Assess weight of load. <br> 2. Use mechanical aids (trolley, hoist, forklift). <br> 3. Use team lifting techniques for loads over 15kg. <br> 4. Keep load close to body.	M
3. Work at Heights	Falling from ladders, scaffolding, roof	Death, serious fracture	E	1. Use scaffold with edge protection as primary control. <br> 2. If scaffold not practicable, use Elevating Work Platform (EWP). <br> 3. Use Travel Restraint system. <br> 4. Fall arrest use only as last resort. <br> 5. Inspect ladders/tag them.	L
4. Electrical Work	Exposed live parts, damaged cables	Electrocution, death	E	1. Isolate power supply at the main board (Lock Out / Tag Out). <br> 2. Test for dead using approved voltage tester. <br> 3. Use Residual Current Devices (RCDs) on portable tools. <br> 4. Only licensed electricians perform hard-wiring.	L
5. Brazing/Soldering	Flashback, burns, fire, fumes	Burns, eye damage, respiratory issues	H	1. Check for flammable materials before lighting. <br> 2. Ensure flashback arrestors fitted to torches. <br> 3. Use correct PPE (safety glasses, leather gloves). <br> 4. Ensure adequate ventilation. <br> 5. Have fire extinguisher nearby.	L
6. Refrigerant Handling	High pressure gas release, chemical exposure	Skin freeze, asphyxiation, frostbite	H	1. Wear safety glasses and gloves. <br> 2. Check cylinder dates and condition. <br> 3. Do not overfill cylinders. <br> 4. Use leak detector. <br> 5. Recover refrigerant using recovery machine (do not vent).	M
7. Confined Spaces	Lack of oxygen, engulfment	Unconsciousness, death	E	1. Obtain confined space entry permit if required. <br> 2. Test atmosphere (Oxygen levels, LEL). <br> 3. Ensure ventilation. <br> 4. Standby person present.	L

Risk Key: E = Extreme, H = High, M = Medium, L = Low

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Safety Helmet (Hard Hat)
• High Visibility Vest / Clothing
• Safety Boots (Steel Cap)
• Safety Glasses / Goggles
• Cut Resistant Gloves
• Hearing Protection
• Use (if work at heights)
• Respiratory Protection (if brazing in confined areas)

Emergency Procedures

• Fire: Raise alarm, call 000, use extinguisher if safe to do so.
• Injury: Administer First Aid, call 000 if serious.
• Gas Leak: Isolate area, ventilate, do not use ignition sources.
• Nearest Hospital: [ENTER HOSPITAL NAME AND ADDRESS]
• Emergency Assembly Point: [ENTER LOCATION]

Training and Competency

• White Card: [ ] Verified
• Refrigeration License (ARC): [ ] Verified
• Electrical License: [ ] Verified (if applicable)
• Working at Heights Training: [ ] Verified
• EWP License: [ ] Verified (if applicable)
• SWMS Induction: All workers have read and understood this SWMS.

Sign Off

I acknowledge that I have read and understood the contents of this SWMS and agree to abide by the control measures listed.

Worker Name	Signature	Date
[WORKER 1]	[SIGN]	[DATE]
[WORKER 2]	[SIGN]	[DATE]
[WORKER 3]	[SIGN]	[DATE]

PCBU / Principal Contractor Representative:

Name: [NAME] ______________________ Signature: [SIGN] ______________________ Date: [DATE] ______________________