SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS)

Company/Business Name: [COMPANY NAME] ABN: [ABN] Site Address/Location: [SITE ADDRESS] Date of Issue: [DATE]

1. JOB DETAILS

Project Title: [PROJECT NAME] Job/Task Description: Erection, alteration and dismantling of [TYPE OF SCAFFOLD, e.g., tube and coupler, system] scaffolding to a maximum height of [MAX HEIGHT] metres. Specific SWMS No: [SWMS NUMBER]

Principal Contractor: [PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR NAME] PCBU (Self-employed): [PCBU NAME]

2. PERSONS RESPONSIBLE

Position/Role: [MANAGER/SUPERVISOR] Signature: ____________________ Date: __________

3. TASK BREAKDOWN & STEPS

List the steps for carrying out the work:

1. [Pre-start site inspection and setup]
2. [Foundation preparation and base plates/jacks installation]
3. [Erecting standards and ledger]
4. [Installing bracing]
5. [Installing planks and working platforms]
6. [Installing guardrails and toe boards]
7. [Access ladder installation]
8. [Scaffold inspection and tagging]
9. [Scaffolding alterations (if required)]
10. [Dismantling the scaffold]
11. [Waste removal and site cleanup]

4. HAZARDS, RISKS & CONTROL MEASURES

| Step / Task | Hazard / Risk | Risk Rating (Before) | Control Measures (Hierarchy of Controls) | Risk Rating (After) | | :--- | :--- | :---: | :--- | :---:: | | 1. Pre-start | Contact with underground services (electrical, gas) | M | 1. Obtain current diagrams/dial before you dig plans. 2. Use service locators. 3. Use non-conductive digging tools near services. | L | | 2. Foundations | Ground instability/collapse | H | 1. Assess ground bearing capacity. 2. Use sole boards/base plates on soft ground. 3. Ensure scaffolding is plumb and level. | L | | 3. Erecting Standards | Manual handling injury (strains/sprains) | M | 1. Keep loads close to body. 2. Use mechanical aids or team lifting for heavy loads > 15kg. 3. Minimise working above shoulder height. | L | | 4. Installing Bracing | Fall from height < 4m (during erection) | H | 1. Install guardrails as work progresses. 2. Use fall arrest use where guardrails not practicable. 3. Maintain 3 points of contact on ladders. | L | | 4. Installing Bracing | Structural collapse (incomplete bracing) | H | 1. Follow manufacturer/supplier instructions. 2. Install longitudinal and cross bracing immediately. 3. Do not load scaffold until complete. | L | | 5. Planks | Falling objects (tools, materials) | H | 1. Secure planks (prevent displacement). 2. Use toe boards on all open sides. 3. Use containment screens or debris netting. 4. Exclusion zone below scaffold. | L | | 6. Guardrails | Fall from height | H | 1. Install top rail at 900mm-1100mm. 2. Install mid rail. 3. Do not remove guardrails unless necessary. | L | | 9. Alterations | Unauthorised alteration compromising integrity | H | 1. Only licensed scaffolder to alter. 2. Re-inspect and re-tag after alteration. 3. Communicate changes to all users. | L | | 10. Dismantling | Collapse of structure | H | 1. Do not remove braces or supports needed for stability. 2. Lower materials safely (do not throw). 3. Maintain exclusion zone. | L |

Legend: H = High, M = Medium, L = Low

5. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

All workers must wear:

• Safety Helmet (AS/NZS 1801)
• High Visibility Clothing (Class D/N)
• Safety Boots (Steel cap/composite toe, non-slip)
• Cut resistant gloves (handling steel/tube)
• Eye Protection (safety glasses)
• High visibility vest (if required)
• Safety Use (for fall arrest)
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

6. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

• Scaffolding components (checked and tagged)
• Ladders (industrial grade, rated > 120kg)
• Ratchet spanners, spirit levels, tape measure
• Tagging system (Green/Yellow/Red)
• Rope and pulley for hoisting materials
• Mobile phone/radio for communication

7. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

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

Fire Emergency:

1. Raise the alarm.
2. Evacuate via nearest exit.
3. Assemble at Assembly Point: [ASSEMBLY POINT].

Accident/Incident:

1. Secure the scene (do not disturb unless necessary for safety).
2. Administer First Aid.
3. Notify Site Supervisor immediately.
4. Complete Incident Report Form.

8. TRAINING AND LICENCES

All workers must have:

• General Construction Induction Training (White Card).
• High Risk Work Licence (Class SI, SB etc.) relevant to the task.
• Task specific training in the type of scaffolding being used.
• Read and understood this SWMS.

9. SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT REVIEW

This SWMS is to be reviewed:

• If there is a change to the work practices.
• If there is an incident or near miss.
• If new hazards are identified.
• At regular intervals not exceeding [TIMEFRAME].

10. SIGN OFF

I have read and understood the contents of this SWMS. I agree to adhere to the control measures listed above.

Worker Name	Signature	Date	Position
[WORKER 1 NAME]	__________________	_____	Scaffolder
[WORKER 2 NAME]	__________________	_____	Scaffolder
[WORKER 3 NAME]	__________________	_____	Labourer
[SUPERVISOR NAME]	__________________	_____	Supervisor

Principal Contractor / PCBU Representative: Name: ___________________________ Signature: _______________________ Date: ___________________________