AS/NZS 4801 OHS20309
SAI Global
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS)
February 2013
A SWMS must be completed for tasks that involve:
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working from height
working with plant
working with hazardous substances
Working on or near live electricity
Demolition
Excavation
Manual Handling
Restricted Space i.e. tunnels
All tasks that have inherent hazards or risks involved
Generic SWMS can be used for routine tasks but must be reviewed if there is a change to the process or
procedure.
SWMS
A SWMS is a site specific statement that must be prepared before any task is commenced. This is to
ensure that any hazards or risks identified are appropriately controlled minimized or eliminated that
would cause harm to the worker/s and others within the vicinity of the works.
TASKS
Identification of tasks at each stage of the project including preparation and clean up must be addressed.
HAZARD AND RISK CONTROL
Controlling the identified hazards & risks is the most important section that must be completed on the
form. The aim is to adopt the best control measure to either eliminate or minimize the risk at source.
Control levels:
1.
Eliminate any risk to health or safety associated with construction work
2.
3.
Reduce the risk to health or safety by one or any combination of the following:
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Substituting a new activity, procedure, plant process or substance
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Using engineering controls, such as mechanical or electrical devices
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Isolating persons from the hazard, such as barricading, fencing or guard railing
Use administrative controls, such as changing the way the work is done, training & signage
4.
Provide appropriate personal protective equipment
Safe Work Method Statement, v2
Date of first issue: August 2004
Responsible Officer: Manager, OH&S
Date of last review: February 2013
For the latest version of this document please go to: http://www.monash.edu.au/ohs/
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Date of next review: 2016
1/02/13
Safe Work Method Statement
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Job description:
Person/s responsible
for undertaking works
Date:
Location description:
Building, Room No,
Grounds, area etc.
Permit to work requirement:
BEIMS No:
(if applicable)
Yes
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No:

Type of Permit
Excavation Confined Space Roof Access Hot Work
Area where works are to be undertaken has been notified
Yes
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N/A
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Tasks
Think about the worksite and each stage of the project, and how
the tasks are carried out. Include preparation & cleanup tasks
Permit Number:
What are the hazards & risks
Against each task list the hazards that could cause injury when
the task is performed.
SWMS sighted by
How will hazards & risks be controlled
Describe & list the control measures and how they will be used to
eliminate or minimise the risk of injury arising from the identified
hazard.
Observe the work being carried out and
monitor the SWMS. Review risk controls regularly:
SWMS, v1
Date of first issue: August 2004
Responsible Officer: Manager, OHS
Date of last review: January 2013
Date of next review: 2015
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