safety information booklet safe work method statements
TRANSCRIPT
Safe Work Method Statements | 1
Safety Information Booklet Safe Work Method Statements
2 | Safe Work Method Statements
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Figures ......................................................................................................................................... 2
Safe Work Method Statements ...................................................................................................... 3
What is a SWMS? ........................................................................................................................ 3
How to prepare and write a SWMS ........................................................................................... 4
What to do to put into operation a SWMS ................................................................................ 7
In summary! ................................................................................................................................ 8
Attachment 1: High-risk construction work ............................................................................ 10
Attachment 2: WorkSafe ACT’s recommended Safe Work Method Statement Template ... 13
Attachment 3: Hazard, possible cause and suggested control measure ............................... 15
Attachment 4: Hierarchy of control ......................................................................................... 19
Attachment 5: SWMS example–Changing a tyre .................................................................... 21
Figures
Figure 1: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Task steps ............................................................... 5
Figure 2: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Hazards ................................................................... 6
Figure 3: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Control measures .................................................. 7
Safe Work Method Statements | 3
What is a SWMS?
Purpose of a SWMS The purpose of a SWMS is to allow supervisors, workers and others to
understand the requirements developed to carryout high-risk
construction work in a healthy and safe manner.
! SWMS are only required for the 18 high-risk construction work activities.
s299(1) Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
Attachment 1: High-risk construction work
Tasks set out in a logical sequences
The SWMS sets out the tasks in a logical sequence, and identifies the
hazards and describes the control measures. Its aim is to:
describe the task being done
identify the resources, manpower and skills required for the
task
assess and select control measures, as appropriate
logically plan the task, so it can be completed efficiently and
effectively.
WorkSafe ACT’s Safe Work Method Statements [SWMS]
Attachment 2: WorkSafe ACT’s recommended Safe Work Method Statement Template
Must be easy to read The SWMS must be easy to read by those who need to know what has
been planned to manage the risks and apply the control measures.
Those who need to know include:
the supervisor of the high-risk construction work
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENTS
4 | Safe Work Method Statements
the worker carrying out the high-risk construction work
the Principal Contractor (for a construction project) or the
person who has management and control over the high-risk
construction work.
Those who need to know must make sure the work is being carried out
in line with the SWMS.
Worksafe ACT and SWMS
WorkSafe ACT states the SWMS should be:
based on a risk assessment
site specific.
How to prepare and write a SWMS
Task steps Break the task down to its basic steps to complete it safely.
! Concentrate on what, not how.
Figure 1: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Task steps
The steps cannot be too broad to leave out important ones or too many
to make it complicated, but must ‘be set out in a way that is readily
accessible and understandable to persons who use it’.
s299(3)(b) Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
Safe Work Method Statements | 5
Figure 1: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Task steps
What are the tasks involved?
What are the hazards and risks? (What is the problem?)
What are the control measures? (Describe the control measures and how they will be used)
Think about the workplace and each stage of the work, including preparation and clean up.
Identify the hazards and risks that may cause harm to workers or the public.
Describe what will be done to control the risk. What will you do to make the activity as safe as possible?
1. Park vehicle.
2. Get spare tire and tool kit.
3. Remove hubcap.
4. Loosen wheel nuts.
5. And so on…
Hazards and risks For each step look at all the hazards and risks, and list them.
Figure 2: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Hazards
Attachment 3: Hazard, possible cause and suggested control measure
For the SWMS to be productive all the hazards and risks need to be
listed.
! Do not forget the ‘hidden hazards’ that may be present, i.e. energy sources (electrical, mechanical, thermal and pressure), airborne contaminants, and fire and explosion.
6 | Safe Work Method Statements
Figure 2: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Hazards
What are the tasks involved?
What are the hazards and risks? (What is the problem?)
What are the control measures? (Describe the control measures and how they will be used)
Think about the workplace and each stage of the work, including preparation and clean up.
Identify the hazards and risks that may cause harm to workers or the public.
Describe what will be done to control the risk. What will you do to make the activity as safe as possible?
1. Park vehicle. a) Can be hit by passing traffic.
b) Can be hit by vehicle on uneven, soft ground.
c) Vehicle may roll on driver.
2. Get spare tire and tool kit.
a) Lifting spare may cause strain.
3. Remove hubcap.
a) Hubcap may pop off and hit the driver.
4. Loosen wheel nuts.
a) Wheel brace may slip and hurt the driver.
5. And so on… a) …
Control measures for identified hazards
For each hazard decide whether the risk is possible and requires
control, and then decide on control measures and how to implement
them.
Figure 3: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Control measures
The best way is to use the ‘Hierarchy of Control’, with some hazards
needing more than one control measure to lower the risk to an
acceptable level remember, the management of risk is ‘so far as is
reasonably practicable’.
s17 Work Health and Safety Act 2011
Attachment 4: Hierarchy of control
Safe Work Method Statements | 7
Figure 3: SWMS example: Changing a tyre—Control measures
What are the tasks involved?
What are the hazards and risks? (What is the problem?)
What are the control measures? (Describe the control measures and how they will be used)
Think about the workplace and each stage of the work, including preparation and clean up.
Identify the hazards and risks that may cause harm to workers or the public.
Describe what will be done to control the risk. What will you do to make the activity as safe as possible?
1. Park vehicle. a) Can be hit by passing traffic.
b) Can be hit by vehicle on uneven, soft ground.
c) Vehicle may roll on driver.
a) Drive to area well clear of traffic turn on emergency flashers.
b) Choose a firm, level area.
c) Apply the parking brake, leave transmission in gear or in PARK place blocks in front and back of the wheel diagonally opposite to the flat.
2. Get spare tire and tool kit.
a) Lifting spare may cause strain.
a) Turn spare into upright position in the wheel well. Using your legs and standing as close as possible, lift spare out of boot and roll to flat tyre.
3. Remove hubcap.
a) Hubcap may pop off and hit the driver.
a) Remove hubcap using steady pressure.
4. Loosen wheel nuts.
a) Wheel brace may slip and hurt the driver.
a) Use proper wheel brace apply steady pressure slowly.
5. And so on… a) … a) …
Documentation Document the job steps, hazards and risks, and control measures on
the SWMS template.
Attachment 5: SWMS example–Changing a tyre
What to do to put into operation a SWMS
Before implementation
Before implementing the SWMS:
consult with the workers involved (to make sure everything is
covered and it makes sense)
discuss it at a toolbox talk or during the task induction
have it sign off by workers
8 | Safe Work Method Statements
make certain the workers understand it!
Work to be carried out in accordance with the SWMS
A PCBU conducting high-risk construction work ‘must put in place
arrangements for ensuring that high-risk construction work is carried
out in accordance with the SWMS for the work’.
s300(1) Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
If high-risk work is NOT being carried out in accordance with the SWMS,
work must be stopped immediately.
s300(2)(a) Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011
The PCBU must have a reasonable process for checking that high-risk
work is being carried out in accordance with the SWMS.
Reviewed, available and kept
SWMS must be:
reviewed (regularly, i.e. every 12 months, after an incident or
if there are changes in legislation etc.)
available (‘readily accessible’) to any worker engaged to carry
out the high-risk construction work
kept until the work to which it applies is completed, unless a
notifiable incident occurs (then keep for 2 years)
In summary!
Other work For other work (not high-risk construction work), the same process
applies:
Safe Work Method Statements | 9
identify the hazards/risks
assess the hazards/risks
implement controls, if necessary [and document, but no
SWMS is required, it could be a Job Safety Analysis (JSA), or
be part of a procedure, training, policy, etc.].
SWMS overview 1. SWMS is a means to an end, not the end in itself, its primary goal is
for high-risk work to be carried out safely
2. Keep them short and to the point
3. Consult with the workers–toolbox talks and task inductions
4. Put in place a process for checking that work is being carried out as
per the SWMS.
5. What happens at the coalface where the work is being done is far
more important than the paperwork.
Contact Master Builders ACT for further information
Work Health and Safety is always at the forefront in terms of issues
within the industry and Master Builders ACT pursuit to lift standards to
ensure the safety and well-being of workers is an ongoing one.
Master Builders ACT can provide additional advice on developing and
implementing Safe Work Method Statements
For more information, contact Master Builders ACT.
10 | Safe Work Method Statements
Attachment 1: High-risk construction work
High-risk construction work Examples
Work that involves a risk of a person falling more than 2m.
Installing an evaporative cooler on the roof of a house
Installing roof trusses
Installing roof tiles or roof sheeting
Working adjacent to a pit or opening with a fall height of more than 2m
Work carried out on a telecommunication tower Installing equipment on a telecommunications tower
Work that involves demolition of an element of a structure load-bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure
Knocking down a load-bearing wall in a house
Removing bracing from a wall or roof as part of a renovation
Knocking down load-bearing walls as part of a warehouse conversion
Work that involves, or is likely to involve the disturbance of asbestos
Removing floor tiles containing asbestos as part of a renovation
Cutting or drilling into an asbestos cement sheet wall
Demolishing a house that contains asbestos
Working on asbestos cement pipework
Work that involves structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse
Using props to support a ceiling where a load-bearing wall will be removed
Work carried out in or near a confined space Connecting a new sewer to a sewer main in a 3m trench
Unblocking a sewer line from within a large underground sewer pit
Work carried out in an area which may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
Removing pipework or tank which may contain the residue of hazardous chemicals
Demolishing a petrol station and removing old tanks
Decommissioning plant
Work carried out in or near a shaft or trench with an excavated depth greater than 1.5m or is carried out in or near a tunnel
Laying or repairing pipes or conduits in a trench more than 1.5m deep
Testing drainage pipes in a trench more than 1.5m deep
Working near bored piers greater than 1.5m deep
Building a tunnel in the course of constructing an underground railway or road
Safe Work Method Statements | 11
High-risk construction work Examples
Work that involves the use of explosives Using explosives to breakup rock or to remove a tree stump
Blasting in preparation of construction of a building or a road
NOTE: Using explosive power tools is not considered “work that involves the use of explosives”
Work carried out on or near:
pressurised gas distribution mains or piping
chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines
energised electrical installations or services
Excavating foundations near to an existing gas supply
Drilling into a wall where live electrical wiring may be present
Working near overhead or underground power lines
“Near” in the above circumstances, means close enough that there is a risk of hitting or puncturing the mains, piping, electrical installation or service.
Electrical installations / services do not include appliances such as power leads and electrically powered tools.
Work that involves tilt-up or precast concrete Building housing units using precast panels
Installing a precast drainage pit
Work carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor in use by traffic other than pedestrians.
Using part of the road to deliver construction materials to the site
Installing drainage that involves digging up part of the road, kerb or gutter
Building an additional lane on a road
Work carried out in an area on site in which there is any movement of powered mobile plant
Working in an area of a construction site not isolated from the movement of skid steer loaders, backhoes, mobile cranes or trucks
Work carried out in an area in which there are artificial extremes of temperature.
Inside enclosed roof cavities
Construction work in an operating cool room or freezer
Construction work alongside an operating boiler
Work carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning
Installing shade sails over a swimming pool
Building a gazebo adjacent to a swimming pool
Constructing a bridge over a river or restoring a wharf
Work that involves diving work Divers undertaking structural repairs to the jetty of a waterfront home
Structural work on marinas, wharves and piers
Safe Work Method Statements | 13
Attachment 2: WorkSafe ACT’s recommended Safe Work Method Statement Template
14 | Safe Work Method Statements
Safe Work Method Statements | 15
Attachment 3: Hazard, possible cause and suggested control measure
Hazard Possible cause Suggested control measure
Traffic hazards Working in close proximity to roads
Use of witches hats or temporary barriers to cordon off sections of road
Closure of road
Use of safety signs
Speed restriction signs displayed and enforced
Manual handling Handling of large Items Use of lifting aids
Imposed restrictions on certain activities
Requirements for two person lifts
Training of workers
Use of heavy hand held tools, i.e. jack hammer
Use of support harness, where appropriate
Limits on duration of use
Handling of heavy objects Provide mechanical aids
Redesign object or task
Contact with heat Hot materials Provide appropriate protective clothing and training
Fire in the workplace Keep workplace clear of waste materials
Issue of Hot Work Permit
Remove flammable materials or store correctly
Provide adequate firefighting equipment
Worker firefighting training
Eliminate ignition sources from flammable atmospheres
Contact with electricity Faulty electric leads and tools Tools and leads used by contractors are inspected every 6 months as per testing and tagging requirements
No earth leakage detectors Residual current devices in all circuits
Residual current devices tested monthly
Electric leads on ground Electrical leads kept elevated and clear of work areas
Electrical leads in damp areas All electric leads kept dry and off the ground
Electric leads tied to metal rails All electric leads are kept insulated
Items of plant not isolated Ensure Permit-to-Work system followed
Lock-out and equipment tag procedure
Contact with underground or overhead cables
Location of services to be established
Services to be isolated when working in proximity
Establish safe clearance distances
16 | Safe Work Method Statements
Hazard Possible cause Suggested control measure
Exposure to noise Plant and equipment not silenced
Fit noise suppression to noisy plant and equipment
Not wearing appropriate protection
All workers to wear appropriate PPE (hearing protectors)
Excessive exposure time to noisy areas
Regulate worker exposure to noise
Contact with high pressure
Burst air lines Air hoses in good condition and regularly inspected
Hoses becoming uncoupled All hose couplings fitted with pins or chains
Using compressed air to clean clothing
Prohibit and instruct workers on dangers
Improper handling of gas cylinders
Cylinders stored upright and secured
Defective pressure gauges All pressure gauges inspected regularly for defects
Contact with chemicals Incorrect handling procedures All workers trained in SDS requirements
Lack of information Review material SDS and assess risks
Not wearing appropriate PPE All workers provided with appropriate PPE
Incorrect storage Hazardous substances stored and labelled correctly
Elevated exposure levels Provide mechanical ventilation
All workers provided with appropriate PPE
Contact with radiation Exposure to arc welding Welding operations shielded
Not wearing appropriate PPE All workers wear appropriate PPE
Struck against Protruding objects in access routes
Protruding objects are removed or marked
Provide appropriate PPE (hard hat, safety boots)
Not wearing appropriate PPE Provide appropriate PPE & training
Workers running in the workplace
Workers exercise restraint and walk
Struck by object Objects falling from work platforms
All work platforms fitted with toe-boards
Fence off areas below to prevent access
Materials stacked securely
All workers wear appropriate PPE (hard hats)
Secure loose objects to structure
Debris from grinding operations Workers wear appropriate PPE
Shield grinding operations
Wind-blown particles All workers wear appropriate PPE
Safe Work Method Statements | 17
Hazard Possible cause Suggested control measure
Fall from height No handrails All work platforms have secure handrails
Working outside handrails Persons wear full fall arrest type harness
Floor penetrations not covered All floor penetrations covered or barricaded
Ladders not secured All ladders secured to prevent movement
Ladders to extend at least 9mm above landings
Unsafe area Tag and fence to prevent access
Slips and falls Access routes obstructed by materials / objects
All access routes kept clear of materials and debris
Mobility impaired access provisions addressed
Leads and hoses across access routes
All leads kept clear of ground or covered
Slippery surfaces All surfaces used for access kept dry and in good condition
Safety footwear not appropriate Workers wear appropriate safety footwear
Poor visibility Provide adequate lighting
Caught between Operating plant Guarding of rotating plant and hand tools
SOP/SWMS to be followed
Provide roll over cage protection
Pre-start daily safety inspection
Moving plant Workers kept clear when operating plant
Fit reverse alarms to plant & check operation
Moving loads All workers kept clear when using cranes
Loads tipping or swinging Load slings properly secured
Materials being positioned SOP/SWMS for moving heavy loads
Overstress WLL exceeded during lifting operations
Compliance with WLL and radius charts on cranes
All lifting gear checked regularly
Sprains and strains All workers trained in manual handling techniques
Ergonomic hazards Poor work posture Work station to conform with ergonomic standards
Seating to conform with ergonomic standards
Training of workers
Provide adequate task lighting
Use of excessive force Provide mechanical aids
Modify workplace design
Repetitive movements Modify task requirements
Job rotation
18 | Safe Work Method Statements
Hazard Possible cause Suggested control measure
Asbestos hazards Accidental disturbance or contact
Asbestos materials identified and labelled
Asbestos materials removed from workplace
SOP/SWMS developed
Biological hazards Needle stick injury Provide appropriate waste disposal containers
Provide workers with PPE
Develop SOP/SWMS and train workers
Potential exposure to HIV, Hepatitis
Develop SOP/SWMS and train workers
Immunisation program
Potential exposure to Legionella bacteria
Provide workers with PPE
Implement microbial control procedures
Emergency management / evacuation
Inadequate access / egress routes
Provide appropriate access / egress routes
Provide appropriate access / egress signage
Ensure access ways are clear
Provide emergency control organisation
Provide emergency evacuation procedures / plans
No exit signage Provide appropriate signage
Blocked access ways Ensure blocked access ways are clear
Periodical workplace inspections
Inoperable emergency equipment
Ensure fire equipment is periodically maintained
Ensure a fire equipment schedule is implemented
Safe Work Method Statements | 19
Attachment 4: Hierarchy of control
•The highest level of control that is reasonably practical to implement is to be utilised to control the identified risk
The hierarchy of control
•The most desirable option - If you eliminate the hazard you completely eliminate the associated risk.
1. Elimination
•You can substitute something else (a substance or process) that has less potential to cause injury.
2. Substitution
•You can make a structural change to the work environment or work process to interrupt the path between the worker and the risk.
3. Isolation
4. Engineering Controls
•You may be able to reduce risk by upgrading training, changing rosters or other administrative options.
5. Administrative Controls
The least desirable option; when you can’t reduce the risk of injury in any other
way, use personal protective equipment (gloves, goggles
etc.) as a last resort.
Safe Work Method Statements | 21
Attachment 5: SWMS example–Changing a tyre
22 | Safe Work Method Statements
24 | Safe Work Method Statements
MBA Group Training Ltd.
1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 | PO Box 1211, Fyshwick ACT 2609
Tel: (02) 6280 9119 Fax: (02) 6280 9118 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mba.org.au
ABN: 62 130 865 253
Master Builders Association of the ACT
1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 | PO Box 1211, Fyshwick ACT 2609
Tel: (02) 6247 2099 Fax: (02) 6249 8374 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mba.org.au
ABN: 52 853 376 568