Safe Work Method Statement

Use of Master Builders Generic Safe Work Method Statements

Disclaimer:
The Master Builders Association of Victoria expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person in respect of anything, and of consequence of anything done or
omitted to be done by any or such person in reliance, whether wholly or partially on this generic safe work method statement.
Rules for the use of Master Builders generic SWMS
1. This generic SWMS is provided as a sample. It is not to be used by a builder or subcontractor for the purpose of managing safety on their
projects. It can be used as a template to enable builders and subcontractors to produce their own SWMS. Master Builders have carbon copy
pads available for sale to enable builders/subcontractors to produce their own SWMS.
2. Employers intending to use this SWMS as a template for their own SWMS must ensure they consult with their employees, includin g their
Health and Safety Representatives, prior to its introduction.
3. Builders and subcontractors must ensure that their SWMS is relevant to the project at hand. Generic SWMS should not be used unless
precautions have been taken to ensure that the document adequately addresses the hazards and risks relevant to each particula r project.
4. Builders and subcontractors intending to use this sample SWMS as a template for their own generic SWMS, without making any changes to
the detail, must ensure that they adhere to and implement all of the relevant risk controls.
5. The range of generic SWMS provided by Master Builders are not sufficiently broad enough to cover all hazards or risks encountered by
builders and subcontractors. It does not cover the full list of requirements for which SWMS are specifically required under t he OHS
Construction Regulations. It is important that the builder or subcontractor undertake their own hazard identification and risk control process
relevant for each particular task.
It is highly recommended that persons who are responsible for preparing and reviewing SWMS undertake training so as to understand the process of
identifying and controlling risks in the workplace.

Remember: Each Safe Work Method Statement should be site specific. Include all workers in the development of the Safe Work Method Statement.
All workers should sign off to verify that they understand all the requirements of this Safe Work Method Statement.

Safe Work Method Statement

Company Name

Safe Work Method 92

Site Name

No ______ Page
Contractor

Activity

of

Permit to Work Requirement

Demolition by hand

Yes

No

Tasks

Hazards and Risks

Risk control measures

Who is responsible?

List the tasks required to

perform the activity in the
sequence they are carried
out.

What can harm you - Hazards?

What can happen - Risks?

List the control measures required to eliminate or reduce the

risk of injury and detail how the control measures will be put in
place.

Write the name of the person responsible

(supervisor or above) to implement the
control measures identified.

Demolition and
removal of
materials by hand

A poorly planned job can introduce many

hazards and risks as detailed below.

Prior to the commencement of any

demolition work the contractor should
develop and document a demolition work
plan for the job. This demolition plan
should include this SWMS which covers
the identification and assessment of
hazards and the control measures to be
implemented to address these hazards.
Guidance on developing a demolition
work plan can be found in Australian
Standard 2601:The Demolition of
Structures and WorkSafes Code of
Practice for Demolition. Ensure all
demolition workers are competent and
are trained in the safe operating
procedures for the equipment they use.

Remember: Each Safe Work Method Statement should be site specific. Include all workers in the development of the Safe Work Method Statement.
All workers should sign off to verify that they understand all the requirements of this Safe Work Method Statement.

Safe Work Method Statement

Electrocution from contact with live wires.
Severe burns, possible fatality.

Overhead materials falling onto workersmusculoskeletal injuries

Structural Collapse -Severe injuries possible
fatality

Demolition and
removal of
materials by hand

Fall from heights - severe injuries possible

fatality

Ensure all power to the building is

Disconnected/ Isolated. Certificate of
electrical safety to be issued by
electrician.
Workers to wear safety helmets.
Establish a No Go Zone below
overhead works
The sequence in which a building is
demolished can significantly impact on its
structural stability and is critical to the
safety of the workers and the general
public.
When in doubt, or if you are dealing with
an unusual structure or structures
incorporating pre-stressed concrete
reinforced members, get expert advice
from a specialist such as experienced
demolition rigger or a structural engineer.
When implement safe propping
procedures seek structural engineers
approval in writing.
Safe use of ladders. Avoid using ladders,
use mobile scaffolds / scissor lifts / catch
platforms as required.
Temporary guard railing as required.
Securely cover or barricade all floor or
roof penetrations, lift shaft entrances and
doorways where staircases are to be
removed.

Remember: Each Safe Work Method Statement should be site specific. Include all workers in the development of the Safe Work Method Statement.
All workers should sign off to verify that they understand all the requirements of this Safe Work Method Statement.

Safe Work Method Statement

Workers falling over salvaged materials or
spiked by nails.

Manual Handling-Musculoskeletal injuries

Musculoskeletal injuries from poorly maintained

equipment

Systematic safe removal of materials.

Workers wear safety boots and gloves,
de-nail all timbers. Ensure trained 1st
Aider on site with 1st Aid Kit.
Use appropriate lifting equipment and/or
trolleys. Minimise physical exertion
during process. Work in pairs. Use
mechanical aids if possible. Follow Code
of Practice for Manual Handling
Check that compressors, jackhammers
and other pneumatic tools are properly
maintained and fully serviceable.
Make sure all air-hose connections are
secured with safety pins to prevent
dangerous blowouts.

Noise - hearing loss

Do not use petrol or diesel-driven

compressors or equipment in cellars or
any badly ventilated areas.
Check that concrete cutting equipment is
the right sort for the tasks.
Operators try to minimise noise. Hearing
protection is to be used in noisy
environments, - earmuffs / earplugs.
Signage.

Remember: Each Safe Work Method Statement should be site specific. Include all workers in the development of the Safe Work Method Statement.
All workers should sign off to verify that they understand all the requirements of this Safe Work Method Statement.

Safe Work Method Statement

Demolition and
removal of
materials by hand

Dust respiratory diseases, eye injuries.

The risk posed from biological hazards should
also be investigated and can include the old
internal plumbing and waste systems, damp
areas with fungi or moulds, animals and birds
and their droppings. Diseases from these
sources can be fatal.
Previously unidentified Asbestos - lung cancer,
asbestosis & mesothelioma.

Syringes - contracting contagious diseases

Gas services - explosion

Look for and identify any septic or underground

storage tanks and verify their structural condition
and contents.

Seek evaluation from a Hygienist if dust is

suspected of being contaminated in any
way. Ensure good ventilation, use
extraction fans if necessary. Use face
masks (P1/P2), safety goggles, gloves.
Do not touch any suspicious materials.
Isolate the area immediately, display
suitable signage. Seek evaluation from a
Hygienist - if positive result refer to
SWMS for asbestos removal
First Aider to remove syringes from site,
must wear gloves, must use tongs or ezy
hold mechanical hand. Syringes to be
placed in sharps container. Suitable
warning signs to be displayed.
Make sure you have located all electric
power lines and cables, gas lines,
telecommunication lines, water, waste
and sewerage pipes. Use dial before you
dig. Obtain Safe to Proceed certification
from licenced Plumber.
Don't rely on original site plans or
drawings; obtain expert help from a
suitably qualified person or the local
utilities supply and distribution
companies.

Remember: Each Safe Work Method Statement should be site specific. Include all workers in the development of the Safe Work Method Statement.
All workers should sign off to verify that they understand all the requirements of this Safe Work Method Statement.

Safe Work Method Statement

Oxy cutting

Risk of fire when hot works are conducted.

Where fire services exist, keep lines and

hoses in place for as long as possible and
only progressively remove those services
as necessary. Adequate temporary fire
services must be provided at all times.
Where necessary get advice from your
local fire brigade and observe local fire
restrictions.

Risk of fire when hot works are conducted.

Check that oxy cutting equipment is in

good condition, properly secured and
when in use that fire extinguishers are
readily available.
Make sure workers are using the right
personal protective equipment for the job
such as non-flammable clothing,
breathing masks, protective glasses or
head shields, leather gloves to prevent
burns.
Approved by

Workers name

Signature

Workers name

Signature

Remember: Each Safe Work Method Statement should be site specific. Include all workers in the development of the Safe Work Method Statement.
All workers should sign off to verify that they understand all the requirements of this Safe Work Method Statement.