ACTIVITY: Scaffolding SWMS No.

SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS) - Part 1

Company Name: Address: ABN:

Company Contact: Position: Phone No.:

Project Details
Project:

Job Address:

Job Description: Insert Photo

Relevant workers must be consulted in the development, approval and communication of this SWMS: SWMS Approved by (Project Manager)
Name: (Include names of
workers Signature: Job Title: Date: Print Name
who were consulted in relation
to the
development of this SWMS)
Signature:

Date:

Name of Principal Contractor: Principal Contractor Company Name:

Date SWMS provided to Principal Contractor: Principal Contractor Signature: Date:

Name of person responsible for ensuring compliance with

SWMS: Signature: Date:
SWMS Scope High Risk Construction Work
This SWMS cover working safely with Scaffolding. This work activity may involve the following “High Risk Construction Work”:
Covered in this SWMS are planning and preparation, pre-start inspections, - Scaffold structure may fail
operational considerations and emergency management procedures. This SWMS - Unstable surface
does not cover noise control, working near moving plant, hazardous manual tasks; - Electrocution
work with hazardous chemicals, traffic management and electrical safety in sufficient - Muscle strain - musculoskeletal disorders
detail. - Back injury
Dedicated SWMS should be developed for these tasks, and for any risks not - Tripping hazard
covered in this SWMS. - Scaffold tipping over
- Incorrect installation procedure
- Falling from Scaffold
COMMUNICATE THIS SWMS TO ALL PERSONS INVOLVED IN TASK PRIOR TO
- Incomplete Scaffolding
WORK COMMENCING
- Dropping components
- (name of person responsible) ____________________________will conduct - Structure collapses
regular inspections and observations to ensure SWMS is being complied with. - Incomplete installation
- Hold Daily Tool Box Talks to identify, control and communicate additional site - Personnel climbing up the side of the tower causing it to tip over
hazards. - Items falling off scaffold from a height
- Cease work immediately if incident or near miss occurs. Amend the SWMS in - Incorrect dismantling procedure
consultation with relevant persons. - Manual handling injuries
- (name of person responsible) ____________________________ will approve and - Falling from Scaffold
communicate amendment to all affected workers before work resumes.
- As required by CR 2014/General Administration legislation, make the SWMS
available for inspection or review.
- As required by CR 2014/General Administration legislation, keep record of SWMS
(until job is complete or for 2 years if involved in a notifiable incident).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ensure all PPE meets relevant SABS Standards. Inspect, and replace PPE as needed.

Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Chemicals

No Hazardous Chemical Substance was identified and classified as a Dangerous Good Hazardous Substance Regulation. Diesel is classified as a hazardous chemical according to the
Hazards - What can cause harm?
Job Step: Planning and General precautions
Hazards include:
- Inadequate training,
consultation, planning & improvisation. inexperience, inadequate
- Unstable scaffold due to
lack of competency in erection.
- Overload of scaffold components.
Unstable or incorrect erection of scaffold.
Planning by
principal contractor or subcontractor
Hazards include:
Live electricity too close to
scaffold erection or
completed scaffold is moved too close during use.
Erection of base frames, standards and bracing.
Hazards include:
Unsupported frames or
standards being erected at
ground level.
Risks - What can happen?
Risks include:
Task specific injuries due to
consultation or failure to
provide appropriate
equipment.
Injury due to scaffold
collapse.
Collapse causing fall from
height.
Injury due to scaffold
collapse or partial collapse. defects on every installation & dismantle. A scaffold inspection every week on continuous hire.
Risks include:
Electric shock or
electrocution.
Hazards include:
Frames or standards falls
over striking person erecting
scaffold or other person
close to the work area.
Control Measures to Reduce Risk
Sufficient skills to complete the required task correctly. Adequate consultation with relevant employees.
Competent person used for scaffold erection up to 4 metres in height. Qualified scaffolder used to erect
scaffold in excess of 4 metres in height or where complex configurations are involved.
Competent person used for scaffold erection up to 4 metres in height. Qualified scaffolder used to erect
scaffold where the working platform exceeds 4 metres in height or if the scaffold has cantilevers or
outriggers. Foundation or ground suitable for scaffold. Different scaffold systems not mixed together.
(Mix & match problems).
Appropriate type of scaffold used for the job. Light, medium or heavy duty. Scaffold components not
overloaded beyond the design limits. Different scaffold systems not mixed together. (Mix & match
problems).
Instructions provided to be clear. Scaffold maintained in good condition by supplier. Visual checks for
Earth leakage switch installed on mains supply or portable generator. No working on or moving scaffold
too close to live power lines. No scaffold components or material handled are over 4 meters in length.
No scaffold components or material contacts power lines. Tiger tails (insulation) not in place on power
lines or wet conditions make them ineffective. Be wary of strong winds that cause power lines to swing
closer to work area. No scaffold components being handled striking and shatters unprotected light bulb.
Sole boards to be correct length for soft ground. Bracing or team member used to support first frames or
standards. Base plates or screw jacks used under all frames and standards. Foundation to be level or
screw jacks to be used. Castor wheels locked and fitted correctly.
Erection of 2nd level frames, standards and bracing.
Hazards include: Hazards include:
Climbing unbraced scaffold during erection. Scaffold tips over causing fall. No climbing unbraced scaffold. 2 persons used to assist in scaffold erection. Foundation to be level or
screw jacks to be used.
Instability / collapse of
Base frames or standards not adequately braced scaffold causing fall. Scaffold to be built square with plan bracing installed. Sufficient and correctly fixed diagonal bracing.
or supported.
Scaffold topples over causing
Scaffold exceeds height to base ratio. a fall from height. General height of scaffold not to exceed 3 times the base width unless out riggers are used or the
scaffold is tied to a secure structure.

Erection of working platforms

Hazards include: Strains, sprains or injuries 2 persons used to pass materials to higher lifts.
such as back damage.
Manual handling.
Step backward off higher Working decks to be at same height.
Split (uneven) decks installed. deck causing fall from
height.

Erection of edge protection, ladder and toe boards.

Hazards include: Risks include: 2 persons to assist in scaffold erection.
Climbing on the outside of scaffold. Scaffold moves unexpectedly
or tips over
causing fall.

Movement of scaffold. Fall from unprotected Scaffold adequately braced to prevent movement whilst edge protection is fixed.
working platform.

Edge protection incomplete. Fall from the edge of the Handrail positioned not below 900mm and above 1100mm the working platform on all sides. Mid rail to
working platform. be installed.

Ladder access hatch (trap door) in working deck. Fall through ladder access Hatch to be closed whilst working on deck
hatch
Inappropriate access to working deck.
Fall whilst gaining access to No climbing up or down the outside of the scaffold. Ladder access to be installed. Ladder to be
Unsecured tools and/or equipment lying on working platform. positioned internally for scaffold more than 3 meters in height and at the appropriate angle 1:4 i.e. for
working platform. every 4 metres in height 1 metre out from the base. Ladder to be secured at the top and bottom. Ladder
to project at least 1 metre above the working platform. Ladder to access the working platform through a
trap door.
 Toe boards to be fitted to the working platform. Exclusion zone around scaffold positioned in a public or
work area. Area around base of scaffold to be barricaded off.
Use of scaffold
Hazards include: - Risks include: Scaffold not positioned too close to plant operating area. Plant not operated in a defined exclusion zone.
Vehicle or mobile plant strikes scaffold. Injury due to scaffold collapse.

Fall from scaffold or working Un-authorised removal of or interference with scaffold components. Scaffold inspected by competent
Incomplete scaffold. platform. person prior to use. Isolation system used for incomplete scaffolds e.g. barricades and signs. Complete
edge protection to working platform.

Scaffold accessed by Scaffold to be barricaded to prevent unauthorised use.

Scaffold left unattended and unsecured. inexperienced person or
scaffold falls onto person.

Dismantling and/or alteration

Hazards include: - Risks Include: No un-authorised removal of or interference with scaffold components. Scaffold to be inspected by
Scaffold incomplete or partly dismantled. Fall from scaffold. competent person prior to use. Isolation system for incomplete scaffold.

Unstable or incorrect dismantling of scaffold. Injury due to scaffold collapse. Sufficient skills to complete the required task. Qualified scaffolder used for dismantling.

Scaffold collapse or fall from

Inappropriate alterations to scaffold. scaffold. Competent person used for scaffold alteration. Qualified scaffolder used for complex alterations

Emergency Procedures / Emergency Response

Emergency Response: Call 000 immediately then administer first aid to injured Develop site-specific rescue procedures/SWMS
person/s, follow emergency plan.
Develop and implement an emergency response plan for the site. Include: Ensure all workers on-site are trained and familiar with emergency and evacuation
- Assembly points procedures.
- Communication
- Consultation methods Person/s responsible to implement and follow emergency procedures and control
- Responsible persons
- Emergency contacts - names and phone numbers measures:
- First aid equipment
- Fire Extinguishers – accessible & serviced.

Review
To ensure controls are implemented and monitored effectively: Ensure all controls are reviewed as per the following:
• Toolbox /pre-work meetings will be undertaken
• Relevant persons will be consulted on hazards and contents of SWMS, work • If controls fail to reduce risk adequately
plans and other applicable information
• Control measures will be monitored throughout works: • When changes to the workplace or work activity occur that create new /
o Spot checks different risks where controls may no longer be effective
o Consultation
o Scheduled audits • New hazards identified
• Corrective actions will be recorded and rectified in a timely manner SWMS will be
reviewed and updated accordingly (in consultation with relevant persons) • After an incident involving work activities relevant to this SWMS
• During consultation with relevant persons indicate review is needed
Person/s responsible to implement and follow monitoring and review procedures and
control measures: • A Health and Safety Representative (HSR) requests a review in line with the
requirements of the legislation.

SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT - Part 2

Formal Training, Licences required for workers undertaking this task: Duties of workers undertaking Details of Supervisory Arrangements for workers undertaking
this task: this task
Example: - Construction Induction Card Example: Example:
- Work (operating certain plant, (or (Name): Operator - Suitably qualified supervisors for job
- equipment) equivalent) (Name: Clean-up crew - Direct on-site supervision
- Scaffolding erection training - Competent in operation of (Name): Supervisor - Remote site – communication systems/ schedule
- organisation make/model of plant Etc. - Audits
- PPE - Emergency procedures – - Spot Checks, etc.
emergency response - Reporting systems
- Traffic Management Plans
Details of: regulatory permits/licenses Relevant Legislation, Codes of Practice:
Engineering Details/Certificates/Work Cover Approvals: Note: Retain only the legislation references applicable to your state of operation for this SWMS
Example:
- Local council permits 1. Only a person holding a Certificate of Competency as a Scaffolder is allowed to erect all scaffolding from
- Building Approvals which a person or an object could fall 4 m or more.
- EPA approvals/permits 2. Only a scaffolder must erect all scaffolding other than prefabricated types.
- Certain plant to be registered with State Authority 3. Implement appropriate controls to prevent unauthorised access to unattended scaffolds.
- PPE to comply with relevant SABS Standards 4. Unless a person authorised by the electricity supply authority has fitted tiger tails and insulated matting, do
Plant/Tools/Equipment: (List plant and equipment not work closer than 4 m to the electrical service lines.
to be used on the job.) 5. Never exceed the safe working load of any component of the scaffold. All scaffolds must have the SWL
marked on them.
- (Please add tools) Construction Regulation 2014, Occupational Health and Safety Act,
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT - Part 3
This SWMS has been developed in consultation and cooperation with employee/workers and relevant Employer/Persons Conducting Business or Undertaking. I have read the above
SWMS and I understand its contents. I confirm that I have the skills and training, including relevant certification to conduct the task as described. I agree to comply with safety
requirements within this SWMS including risk control measures, safe work instructions and Personal Protective Equipment described.
3
Overall Risk Rating after Controls 1 Low 2 Moderate High 4 Acute
Employee/Worker Name Job Role / Position Signature Date Time Employer/PCBU/ Supervisor

Review No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Name

Initial

Date

HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS
HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS