SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS)

1. COMPANY & PROJECT DETAILS

Company Name: [COMPANY NAME] ABN: [ABN] Site Address: [SITE ADDRESS] Project Title: [PROJECT TITLE] Date Prepared: [DATE]

2. JOB DESCRIPTION

Task: Roof Plumbing Works Specific Activities: [LIST ACTIVITIES, e.g., Installing metal roof decking, fixing flashings, installing gutters, replacing damaged sheets] Location of Work: [SPECIFIC LOCATION ON SITE, e.g., Main roof, Level 2] Date of Work: [START DATE] to [END DATE]

3. PERSONS INVOLVED

Principal Contractor / PCBU: [NAME] Supervisor: [NAME] Number of Workers: [NUMBER] Signature of Supervisor: ___________________ Date: _______

4. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION & RISK ASSESSMENT

Step / Task	Hazard(s)	Potential Harm	Risk Rating (Before Controls)	Control Measures (Hierarchy of Controls)	Risk Rating (After Controls)
1. Site Set Up & Access	Uneven ground, trip hazards	Sprains, fractures	Medium	1. Inspect area for hazards. 2. Use barricades. 3. Keep area clean.	Low
2. Accessing Roof (Ladder/Scaff)	Ladder instability, fall from height	Serious injury, death	High	1. Use scaffold if practicable. 2. Ladder tied off at top/bottom. 3. Maintain 3 points of contact.	Low
3. Working on Roof Edge	Falling over edge	Death	High	1. Install edge protection/scaffolding. 2. Use travel restraint system. 3. Do not work within 2m of edge without controls.	Low
4. Handling Materials	Heavy lifting, awkward grips	Back injury	Medium	1. Use mechanical aids (e.g., hoist). 2. Team lift for heavy items. 3. Store materials close to work area.	Low
5. Using Power Tools	Cuts, electric shock, noise	Lacerations, hearing loss	Medium	1. Use residual current devices (RCD). 2. Inspect cords for damage. 3. Wear hearing protection and safety glasses.	Low
6. Working on Fragile Roof	Falling through roof	Death	High	1. Identify fragile areas (skylights, asbestos). 2. Install safety mesh/walkways. 3. Use fall arrest use with anchor.	Medium
7. Manual Handling Sheets	Wind lifting sheets, dropping objects	Crushing, fractures	High	1. Check weather conditions (no high winds). 2. Secure sheets immediately. 3. Do not work alone.	Low
8. Hot Works / Soldering	Burns, fire	Burns, property damage	Medium	1. Clear flammable materials. 2. Have fire extinguisher nearby. 3. Wear heat resistant gloves.	Low

5. HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS

This SWMS applies the hierarchy of controls to manage risks:

1. Elimination: Can the work be done from the ground (e.g., using long-handled tools)?
2. Substitution: Can we use lighter materials or pre-fabricated sections?
3. Engineering: Using scaffolding, edge protection, safety mesh, or guard rails.
4. Administrative: Using warning signs, limiting work time, SWMS induction, supervision.
5. PPE: Using usees, helmets, boots, glasses as a last line of defense.

6. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

All workers engaged in this task MUST wear:

• Safety Helmet (AS/NZS 1801)
• High Visibility Clothing (Class D or N)
• Safety Footwear (Non-slip, steel cap)
• Eye Protection (Safety glasses)
• Hearing Protection (Class 5)
• Sun Protection (Hat, sunscreen, long sleeves)
• Safety Use (if required for fall arrest/restraint)
• Cut Resistant Gloves (when handling metal)

7. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

First Aid: Located at [LOCATION]. First Aid Officer: [NAME] Emergency Services: 000 Nearest Hospital: [HOSPITAL NAME AND ADDRESS] Emergency Assembly Point: [LOCATION]

Incident Response:

1. Ensure immediate safety of the area.
2. Administer first aid if trained.
3. Call emergency services if required.
4. Notify Supervisor/PCBU immediately.
5. Secure the scene to help investigation.

8. TRAINING & COMPETENCY

Workers must hold the following competencies:

• General Construction Induction Card (White Card)
• Working at Heights (RIIWHS204D or equivalent)
• Asbestos Awareness (if applicable)
• Tool specific training

Worker Sign-off (Acknowledgement of Training):

Name	Signature	Date
[WORKER 1]
[WORKER 2]
[WORKER 3]

9. SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT REVIEW

This SWMS must be reviewed:

• When there is a change to the work practices.
• When a new hazard is identified.
• If an incident occurs.
• At least every 2 years.

Review Date: [DATE] Reviewed By: [NAME] [SIGNATURE]

10. WORKER ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have read and understood the contents of this SWMS. I agree to follow all control measures and use the PPE provided. I will report any hazards immediately to my supervisor.

Worker Name	Signature	Date