Save Work Method Of Statement

Safe Work Method Statements: General Guidelines HIA have developed some sample Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and have included them in this appendix for members’ use. SWMS numbers 1 to 7 and 11 are intended for an employer/employee situation and will provide documentation for a ‘safe system of work’ as well as a script or guide for an employer to deliver ‘work activity induction’. SWMS 8, 9 & 10 are typical of what a subcontractor (ie. a framing carpenter) should provide to the principal contractor. They all describe one method of doing a job and must be modified (where necessary) to outline an individual tradesman’s preferred method of work. Things that could cause significant harm must be identified and a procedure outlined so that no one (either doing the work or others on site) will be harmed. Signing the SWMS without modification will mean that the person doing the work agrees with its contents and is happy to follow the procedures prescribed.

Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) Guidelines OH&S Regulation 2001 requires SWMS to be provided for all “High Risk” activities on any site, regardless of the cost of the project. On sites where the head contract is more than $250,000, SWMS are required for all “High Risk” activities and for all other activities assessed as having safety risks that could cause a “high degree of harm”. This also applies to construction sites where the work involves, regardless of the cost, demolition or asbestos removal and a licence is required. The Regulation requires the principal contractor to obtain the SWMS from the sub-contractor before the work commences.

“High Risk” activities a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h.

work involving structural alterations that require structural support and work at a height above three metres and work involving excavation to a depth greater than 1.5 metres and demolition work for which a demolition licence is not required and construction work in tunnels work near traffic or mobile plant and work in or around gas or electrical installations construction work over or adjacent to water where there is a risk of drowning

Safe work method statement (SWMS) is a statement that lists the step-by-step procedures of a specific work activity or task, to document a safe work method. This involves identifying and assessing hazards with a potential to cause a “high degree of harm” and recording procedures to minimize, the risk to health and safety.

Assessment: What is a “high degree of harm”? The identified hazard is considered “high degree of harm” if it is assessed that it could kill, cause permanent disability, long term illness or serious injury that could temporarily disable you and therefore, should be included in the SWMS. When assessing hazards you should ask the question: While doing this job what could cause injury or sickness, either now or some time in the future as a result of continual exposure? Consider – • Noise, sunburn, high or low temperatures. • Electricity or gas. • Slips, trips or falls from height. • Moving or falling objects. • What could go wrong while doing this job • How suitable are the things being used for the task. • How do people use equipment and materials, is there a safer way. • How could people be affected or hurt by noise, fumes, equipment, machinery or tools etc. The Regulation requires the SWMS to include: 1. a step by step description of how work is to be carried out, and 2. identification of the safety risks involved with each step that have a potential to cause a “high degree of harm”, and 3. a description of the control measures that will be applied to the work activities, and 4. a description of the equipment used in the work, the standards or codes to be complied with, and 5. a description of the qualifications required for the personnel to do the work

© Housing Industry Association Ltd. February 2004.

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A generic (not specific to any site) SWMS will list commonly used procedures and associated hazards. Methods to control hazards will be described. Controls adopted must be adequate for the purpose. The SWMS will demonstrate understanding of the general risks involved in the work and proposed controls. The generic SWMS can be used on all jobs but must be modified, as required, to include any site specific hazard. A site specific SWMS must be established prior to commencement of work activity on site. The principal contractor, or a representative, in conjunction with the sub-contractor employee, will review the generic SWMS. Where site conditions are such that the procedures listed require amendment, hazards are to be identified and controls added to the generic SWMS. A “Site Specific SWMS” will then have been created to reflect the way the job will actually be done on the specific site. If there are no additional hazards, the SWMS should be noted accordingly and signed by the principal’s representative and the subcontractor or employee doing the work. The SWMS provides a guide to be followed and a record to demonstrate compliance to Occupational Health and Safety Legislation. The Sub-contractor or employee carring out the work is responsible for implementing a particular action, as nominated on the SWMS. The Principal contractor must provide supervision, to the extent necessary, to ensure that the SWMS is being followed. Controls should be applied, as practicality allows, in the following priority order. 1. Remove the hazard completely: • eg. remove risk of electrocution by using power tools rated below 32 volts. 2. Separate people from the hazard: • eg. use effective barriers & edge protection, • eg. guards on power tools, • eg. relocate or enclose noisy machinery.

BEST CONTROL

3. Use an engineered control: • eg. use earth leakage device (RCD) on electrical power source. • eg. use a machine to lift heavy objects or request assistance. • eg. use scaffolding rather than ladders to reduce risk of falls. 4. Change work practices: • eg. training in manual handling & lifting techniques. • eg. monitor, review, improve & develop safe work procedures (SWMS). 5. Provide personal protection equipment (PPE): • eg. eyes, ears, head, respiratory, hands, skin, foot protection

WORST CONTROL

NOTE: PPE is the last resort to protect people from injury or illness.

Use of the SWMS: The SWMS will be reviewed and signed by the Principal Contractor or representative (supervisor) on the project and the person who is going to do the work. The person doing the work must be appropriately qualified and competent in the work activity to be undertaken. Signing of the SWMS, signifies that all persons involved in the work activity have read and understood the SWMS and will follow the procedures and controls listed when carrying out the work. Work should not proceed until the people involved in the work have signed the document.

© Housing Industry Association Ltd. February 2004.

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Safe Work Method Statement Work Activity/Task: Codes/Standards applicable:

Project Name/No: Principal Contractor: Representative: Sub-contractor: DFT Licence No:

Prepared by: Signature: Date:

Responsibility: The sub-contractor doing the work is responsible for carrying out a particular action, as listed in this SWMS. The supervisor is responsible to ensure that the subcontractor is competent and satisfied with the procedures listed. The supervisor is required to provide supervision, to the extent necessary, to make sure the SWMS is being followed and to take immediate corrective action if it is not.

Item

Job Step Break the job down into steps.

Identified Hazard and Assessment

Controls What you are going to do to make this step as safe as possible, include equipment to be used where appropriate.

What can cause a high degree of harm?

© Housing Industry Association Ltd. February 2004

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Before this or any SWMS is used it must be checked and adjusted to suit a person’s individual work method, as long as hazards are identified and controlled. Additional steps will need to be added to suit particular circumstances. A main function of the SWMS is to identify unsafe conditions and work practices and nominate adequate controls. If required for a specific site, detail the method of control for any additional hazards. Attach additional pages if space is insufficient

Reviewed by:_______________________________________ Principal Contractor or Representative

Position

Accepted by:_______________________________________ Person doing the work

___________________________ ___________________________ Position

© Housing Industry Association Ltd. February 2004

_________________________ Signature

_________________________ Signature

___/___/__ Date

___/___/__ Date page 2 of 2

Safe Work Method Statement – No 010 Work Activity/Task: Erection of Roof Trusses Codes/Standards applicable: AS 1576-Scaffolding; COP Manual Handling; AS6001 – Working Platforms for Domestic Construction; WorkCover Safety Guide 4503, ‘Portable Ladders’; OHS Reg. 2001 cl 56 ‘Working at Heights’ Prepared by: Signature: Date:

Project Name/No: Principal Contractor: Representative: Sub-contractor: DFT Licence No:

Responsibility: The sub-contractor or person doing the work is responsible for carrying out a particular action, as listed in this SWMS. The supervisor is responsible to ensure that the sub-contractor or person doing the work is competent and satisfied with the procedures listed. The supervisor is required to provide supervision, to the extent necessary, to make sure the SWMS is being followed and to take immediate corrective action if it is not. Item

Job Step Break the job down into steps.

Identified Hazard and Assessment What can cause a high degree of harm? Slips, trips, falls, sprains, strains, structural collapse, falling objects.

1.

Plan the work

2.

Erect work platforms

Falls from heights, slips, trips, sprains, strains

3.

Mark position of trusses on top plates Load trusses on to wall frames

Falls from height

4.

Falls, slips, trips sprains strains

Controls What you are going to do to make this step as safe as possible, include equipment to be used where appropriate.

Ensure that: 1. Floor sheeting is complete and covers all areas below roofing activities, including stair voids, and is clear of all off cuts, debris etc. Note: If stair void is not covered with floor sheeting, other arrangements must be made to arrest potential falls from the truss erection activities into the void 2. All wall frames are secured and fully nailed off and adequately braced with permanent and temporary bracing to take all loads imposed during truss erection, including stockpiling trusses on top of walls. 3. Access to and from the floor area below the roof is clear of all debris and materials. Where ladders or ramps are used they must be properly set up and secured. 4. Barricades and signage are positioned to delineate ‘no-go-zones’ below the truss installation activities, warning of potential falling objects and prohibiting access during installation activities. Platforms may be erected on trestles or scaffolding or other systems complying with AS6001or AS1576. 1. erect work platform inside of perimeter truss bearing walls, two planks wide (min 450mm) and 1200mm below top plate (height may be adjusted to provide a suitable working position for the truss/plate connection and allow comfortable “ducking under” bottom chord of trusses) 2. Erect work platforms at mid span (or below panel points on top chord). Ensure that height is adequate to allow installer to work at top chord to position longitudinal ties near the top chord panel points. Height of mid span platforms should be 1950 mm (must not exceed 2000 mm from top of plank to floor). Platform should be two planks wide (min 450 mm) and be supported at approx. 1800mm to minimise ‘bounce’. Working from platform at load bearing perimeter walls, mark position of all trusses. Trusses should be stock piled by cranage onto the top plates which have been additionally braced to carry the extra temporary load. Work should be planned so that trusses are arranged in sequence (as required by the manufacturer’s instructions) to minimise manual handling during the truss standing process. © Housing Industry Association Ltd. February 2004

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5.

Standing trusses

Falls, slips, trips, sprains, strains and structural collapse

Trusses should be taken from the stock pile and carried to their positions by each of the installers working from their respective work platforms. The standing process should proceed from the furthest point on the roof working back towards the stock pile. This will minimise ‘ducking under’ trusses which have already been erected. The first truss must be securely braced, straight and plumb at the panel points on the top and bottom chords. The accuracy and security of the placement of the first truss will govern the accuracy and security of the subsequent trusses. Manufacturer’s tolerance requirements for straightness must be complied with. The standing operation should proceed ensuring each truss is securely fixed in position with fixings secured at each panel point on the top and bottom chords. The temporary fixings may consist of temporary or permanent longitudinal ties or proprietary brand spacers. Where apex of trusses cannot be reached from existing work platforms, another platform (2 planks – min 450mm wide) must be erected approx. 1200mm below the apex. (or a suitable working height from the apex) to allow a longitudinal tie to be fixed along the full run of trusses at the apex. The platform may be erected by securing a bearer to web members at approx. 1800mm centres. Work for this platform must be done from a temporary platform erected on the bottom chord of the installed and secured trusses. As the platform below the apex will be more than 2000mm above the floor, the longitudinal tie being attached will act as an effective guardrail. This platform and the previously constructed platforms must be used for the installation of speed bracing.

6.

Install ancillary items

Falls from the roof

7.

Remove work platforms

Sprains, strains, slips, trips, falls

Note: the longitudinal tie at the apex should be solid timber to provide adequate compressive strength to give full effect to the function of the diagonal speed bracing. If truss erection includes roof battens, the roof battens will provide this strength. Otherwise, the roof must be made adequate to withstand wind loads and future construction loads of following trades. Install all ties, noggings, trimming, framing brackets and tie-downs. All work in this operation must be carried out from the working platforms or off step ladders from the floor. Remove work platforms in the reverse order that they were erected, working from step ladders from the floor below.

Before this or any SWMS is used it must be checked and adjusted to suit a person’s individual work method, as long as hazards are identified and controlled. Additional steps will need to be added or modified to suit particular circumstances. A main function of the SWMS is to identify unsafe conditions and work practices and nominate adequate controls. If required for a specific site, detail the method of control for any additional hazards. Attach additional pages if space is insufficient

Reviewed by:_______________________________________ Principal Contractor or Representative

Position

Accepted by:_______________________________________ Person doing the work

___________________________ ___________________________ Position

© Housing Industry Association Ltd. February 2004

_________________________ Signature

_________________________ Signature

___/___/__ Date

___/___/__ Date

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Safe Work Method Statement – No 009 Work Activity/Task: Installation of Upper Floor Wall Frames Codes/Standards applicable: AS 1684 User Guide No. 2, Temporary Bracing; COP Manual Handling; WorkCover Safety Guide 4503, ‘Portable Ladders’ OHS Regulation 2001, cl 56, Working at heights

Prepared by: Signature: Date:

Project Name/No:

Principal Contractor: Representative: Sub-contractor: DFT Licence No:

Responsibility: The sub-contractor doing the work is responsible for carrying out a particular action, as listed in this SWMS. The supervisor is responsible to ensure that the subcontractor is competent and satisfied with the procedures listed. The supervisor is required to provide supervision, to the extent necessary, to make sure the SWMS is being followed and to take immediate corrective action if it is not.

Item

Job Step Break the job down into steps.

Identified Hazard and Assessment What can cause a high degree of harm? Slips, trips, falls, unsecured/unstable ladders/steps or ramps

1.

Assess access and upper floor level area

2.

Unstrap frames from bundle

Crushing, falling objects, cuts from straps

3.

Carry frames to upper floor level

Slips, trips, sprains and strains

2 March 2004

Controls What you are going to do to make this step as safe as possible, include equipment to be used where appropriate.

1.

Before ascending to the first floor level ensure fall protection at floor perimeter and stair void is in place, all ground floor temporary bracing is adequate and secured to take the additional loads and that ‘no-go zones’ are in place in areas where objects could fall from the 1st floor deck. 2. Secure ladder access to first floor ensuring that ladders are secured at the top and bottom (refer to WorkCover Safety Guide 4503 ‘Portable Ladders’) 3. Clear/secure items that have potential for slips/trips etc. and remove items that may obstruct erection of frames 1. Ensure frames will not slide or fall when straps are cut (note: use tin snips or strap cutters for task) 2. Straps should be cut so that they are prevented from striking the body when tension is suddenly released. Straps should be placed in waste enclosure immediately 1. Assess the path (clear rubble, fill or bridge holes). Use original platform that was used for the installation of floor sheeting. Adjust edge protection to provide sufficient access to allow frames to be passed up to the floor deck. Note: Edge protection must be reinstated after wall frames have been passed up 2. Assess the weight of frames (there is a high risk where a lifted weight exceeds 20 kg. per person). A 2.4m high wall frame of radiata pine weighs approximately 11 kg. per lineal metre. If frames are too heavy for manual handling deploy mechanical means of lifting (ie. crane) 3. If frames can be safely handled manually, persons handling the frames should lift frames using correct lifting techniques (keeping back straight). Frames should be carried by the studs so that the frames will be in the correct position (plates at top and bottom) when placed against the side of the house. 4. Hand frames up to persons above on upper floor level. 5. Persons on top deck must stay 500mm back from edge as those on ground lift and tilt frames towards them. 6. Persons on the upper floor level must hold the top section of the frames, pull them back towards the centre of the upper floor and lay them flat. Copyright HIA Limited

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4.

Carrying and standing frames

Persons and objects falling, frames over-balancing, sprains and strains, slips and trips

5.

Junction of wall sections at top plates

Persons and unsecured frames falling

6.

On completion

Persons and unsecured frames falling

1.

Allocate one person to attend to the temporary braces which should be ready before standing commences (there must be two braces per frame). Allocate duties (minimum 3 persons per section of frame, 2 persons to carry and stand, the other to attend the temporary braces). 2. Stand frame part way to a vertical position and hold until a temporary brace is attached 3. The person attending the brace should continue to hold the brace while the frame is being raised to its vertical position. The person should be prepared to take the weight of the frame to prevent it from falling while it is being finally positioned and plumbed. The brace can then be nailed off and other braces attached as necessary. Note: It is important to fit sufficient temporary bracing to hold the frame stable and secure. All straps, connectors and nailing to the top plate must be carried out using step ladders (or similar) that are selfsupporting and not lent against an unsecured frame. All other nailing at junction of frames can be carried out while working from the floor deck. Check that all framing sections, nail plates, strapping, connectors etc. are nailed off. Also check that all temporary bracing is adequate as required by AS 1684 as well as any additional bracing that may be required for temporary loading that may be applied (ie. temporary stacking of roof trusses).

Before this or any SWMS is used it must be checked and adjusted to suit a person’s individual work method, as long as hazards are identified and controlled. Additional steps will need to be added to suit particular circumstances. A main function of the SWMS is to identify unsafe conditions and work practices and nominate adequate controls. If required for a specific site, detail the method of control for any additional hazards. Attach additional pages if space is insufficient

Reviewed by:_______________________________________ Principal Contractor or Representative

Accepted by:_______________________________________ Person doing the work

2 March 2004

___________________________ Position

___________________________ Position

Copyright HIA Limited

_________________________ Signature

_________________________ Signature

___/___/__ Date

___/___/__ Date

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Safe Work Method Statement – No 008 Work Activity/Task:

Installation of Upper Floor Sheet Flooring for Joist Spacing up to 600mm Codes/Standards applicable: AS 1576-Scaffolding; COP Manual Handling; WorkCover Safety Guide 4503, ‘Portable Ladders’; OHS Regulation 2001 cl 56 ‘Working at Heights’ Prepared by: Signature: Date:

Project Name/No:

Principal Contractor: Representative: Sub-contractor: DFT Licence No:

Responsibility: The sub-contractor doing the work is responsible for carrying out a particular action, as listed in this SWMS. The supervisor is responsible to ensure that the subcontractor is competent and satisfied with the procedures listed. The supervisor is required to provide supervision, to the extent necessary, to make sure the SWMS is being followed and to take immediate corrective action if it is not.

Item

Job Step Break the job down into steps.

Identified Hazard and Assessment What can cause a high degree of harm? Slips, trips, falls, unsecured/unstable ladders/steps or ramps

1.

Erect work platform

2.

Install floor perimeter fall protection

Falls from the edge of floor perimeter and internal stair void

3.

Set up ladder access

4.

Establish ‘no-go-zones’ Cut floor sheets

Falls, unsecured/unstable ladders Falling objects, head injuries

5.

Falls and falling objects

Controls What you are going to do to make this step as safe as possible, include equipment to be used where appropriate.

1. 2.

Determine lowest point from floor to ground level Platform should be two planks wide (minimum 450mm) and located 1.2m below upper floor level. Platform should be erected so that it is parallel to the length of the floor sheets to be laid. It can be erected on trestles, stud brackets or tube and coupling. Scaffolding must comply with AS 1576 3. Where fall height from the platform reaches 2m, handrail and toe boards must be installed. If the fall height reaches 4m, scaffolding must be certified by a competent person before use. A competent person is one who has a ‘certificate of competency’ (scaffolder’s ticket) issued under Chapter 9 of OHS Regulation 2001(NSW). 4. If ground is uneven, the choice of scaffold must reflect the circumstances. For example there must be adequate adjustment on the legs of the scaffold for sites with severe sloping ground levels. Note: Where chosen method of stair void protection can be installed before the floor sheeting operation, it must be installed at the same time as the floor perimeter protection. With the exception of the perimeter at the working platform, install chosen method of fall protection around the remaining floor perimeters and stair void. Stair void protection may consist of balustrade or temporary flooring. All work must be performed from ground level using ladders or trestles. Set up and secure ladder access from the ground to the platform. Ladders must be secured at top and bottom to prevent dislodgement – refer to WorkCover Safety Guide 4503 ‘Portable ladders Position signage and barricades to delineate ‘no-go-zones below the flooring activities and warning of potential falling objects. Cut sheets to length at ground level to begin coursing for laying. Cutting sheets on the floor deck should be avoided until sufficient area has been laid to reposition saw stools to the floor deck.

Copyright HIA Limited

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6.

Pass sheet up to work platform

Sprains, strains, slips, trips, falls

7.

Install first row of sheets Install edge protection at working platform

Falls from and through floor joists Falls from floor perimeter

9.

Install second row of floor sheeting

Sprains and strains, falls through floor joists, trips and slips

10.

Install third and subsequent rows of floor sheeting

Sprains and strains, falls through floor joists, trips and slips

11.

Where stair void protection is installed after floor sheeting Finishing off

Falls into stair void

8.

12.

Falling objects, dust in eyes, slips and trips

1. 2. 3.

Ensure access from sheet stack to platform is clear of hazards underfoot Full size particle board sheets must be carried by two persons. Ensure correct lifting and carrying techniques are used at all times. Refer to HIA SWMS 004 – ‘General lifting and carrying’ Install first row of sheeting working only from the platform. Tongue of floor sheet should face direction of laying 1. 2. 3.

Install perimeter fall protection along the remaining perimeter of the floor deck at the working platform Leave access opening to pass flooring sheets to working area The original working platform can be reduced in size to allow sufficient platform to provide a stage to pass floor sheets from ground to floor deck Note: When handling floor sheets, correct lifting /carrying techniques must be used at all times. 1. Set up and secure ladder access from the stage to the floor deck. Using remaining stage of original working platform, pass sheets to installer on the floor deck as needed. 2. Using the first row of sheeting as a working platform, proceed to lay the second and subsequent rows by: a. Applying the flooring adhesive along the exposed joist edges. Note: During this operation, installers must maintain an awareness of potential falls between the joists. In the event that someone should fall onto the joists, with spacing up to 600mm, joists are close enough to be “grabbed” to prevent falling through. b. Place the grooved edge of the sheet for the second row in an upright position on the joists and against the tongue edge of the sheet of the first row. c. Slowly lower the second row sheet (which has been properly positioned) onto the adhesive on the exposed joist. Note: to effectively lower the sheet onto the adhesive, a purpose made tool will need to be used such as a hook with an extended handle long enough (approx 1m) to allow the installer to remain upright without having to lean in the direction of the open joists. d. Bump sheet into position and nail off Note: Once sufficient area has been laid, saw stools can be repositioned to the floor deck. Off cuts must be stored for disposal at a later stage, Off cuts must not be thrown from the floor deck 1. The remaining stage of the original working platform should be used for the process of passing up sheets to the floor deck 2. The installed floor area con be used to stack and distribute the remaining floor sheets 3. Sheeting should continue to be laid, working forward, towards the open joists As soon as the floor sheeting reaches the stair void perimeter, floor laying must concentrate on laying sheets around the stair void followed by immediate installation of railed floor protection. Once fall protection around void is complete, flooring can continue as in step 10 above. On completion clean up all off cuts and any other debris and remove it from the deck. All debris, materials, tools and equipment must be lowered, not thrown, from the deck. Eye protection must be worn to protect from dust

Before this or any SWMS is used it must be checked and adjusted to suit a person’s individual work method, as long as hazards are identified and controlled. Additional steps will need to be added to suit particular circumstances. A main function of the SWMS is to identify unsafe conditions and work practices and nominate adequate controls. If required for a specific site, detail the method of control for any additional hazards. Attach additional pages if space is insufficient

Reviewed by:_______________________________________ Principal Contractor or Representative

Accepted by:_______________________________________ Person doing the work

___________________________ Position

___________________________ Position Copyright HIA Limited

_________________________ Signature

_________________________ Signature

___/___/__ Date

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