Safe Work Method Statement
High Risk Activity:
Project:
Hazardous Substances
Company Name:
ABN No:
Company Address:
Company Contact and Phone No:
Supervisor:
Personnel Consulted in Development:
Personnel Responsible for Monitoring this Activity:
Competencies/Qualifications/Training Requirements:
Trained in the use of this SWMS
Plant/Equipment Required for this Activity
Legislation/Standards
Work Health and Safety Act
Work Health and Safety Regulations
Dangerous Substances Act
Dangerous Substances (Dangerous Goods
Transport) Regulations
COP Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in
the Workplace
Nil
Materials Used: Nil
Safety Data Sheets Required: Various
Permits/Licences: Nil
PPE/Emergency Equipment Required: PPE as per the requirements of the Safety Data
Sheet, Spill Kit
Approved By:
Signature
Review No.
Name & Initials
Date
1
Name
2
SWMS Hazardous Substances 15 July 2013 Version: 1
3
4
Date of Approval
5
6
7
8
9
Page 1 of 7
Safe Work Method Statement
PROCEDURE
(break the job down into steps)
POTENTIAL SAFETY AND
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
(what can go wrong)
Concentration
-ignition
INHERENT
RISK SCORE
L
C
R
3
4
12
MANAGEMENT METHOD
(controls to be in place in order to manage potential hazards)





Storage of hazardous
substances
Concentration
-oxygen depletion
L
C
R
3
3
9
Store substances away from ignition sources,
Store in cool dry area and ensure adequate ventilation (chemical chest or
cupboard)
Do not store in areas where vapours may be trapped, eg pits, basements
Appropriately Label any container containing unconsumed decanted
product
Ensure that leakages from packages cannot adversely affect other
dangerous goods or other substances in the storage area. Refer to SDS
for incompatible materials.

Liquid dangerous goods should not be stored above solid dangerous
goods that are in paper or absorbent packaging.

Store glass containers at lower levels to minimise the risk of breakages

ensure any special control conditions are observed to ensure stability (eg
maintain stabilizers or refrigeration, keep packages dry)
Store in cool dry area and ensure adequate ventilation (chemical chest or
cupboard)
Do not store in areas where vapours may be trapped,
RESIDUAL
RISK
SCORE
L
C
R
2
2
4
L
C
R
2
2
4
L
C
R
2
2
4
PERSON RESPONSIBLE
(to ensure implementation
of controls)
Site Supervisor
e.g. pits, basements
Slips, trips
Use of aerosol/pressure
applied or dust producing
chemicals.
For example:
Absorption
-Skin contact
L
C
R


Clean up any spilled or leaked material immediately (refer to SDS)
Use original containers and inspect for damage before storing.
3
3
9


stow packages in a manner that minimises the risk of falling or being
dislodged
Inspect packaging regularly for leaks.

contain or repackage any leaking package.

keep packages closed when not in immediate use

store on surfaces resistant to attack by spilt contents (eg if storing acid,
the shelving should be acid resistant)
R

Consider wearing protective gloves, long sleeves, longs trousers,
L
C
R
16

Monitor for skin reactions.
2
2
4

Watch your hands to avoid undue contact.

Use only recommended amount of product.

Use applicator recommended by manufacturer.
L
4
-Ingestion
Galmet Cold Galvanising
SWMS Hazardous Substances 15 July 2013 Version: 1
C
4
Page 2 of 7
Operator
Safe Work Method Statement
PROCEDURE
(break the job down into steps)
Aerosol,
Weller butane Gas refill,
WD-40,
Contact cleaner,
POTENTIAL SAFETY AND
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
(what can go wrong)
Ignition
Inhalation
Eye contact
Use of viscous chemicals
For example:
Slipry loob,
Clipsal PVC cement N
blue,
INHERENT
RISK SCORE
MANAGEMENT METHOD
(controls to be in place in order to manage potential hazards)








Use in well- ventilated area,
Use away from ignition sources,
If using on cut metals, allow surfaces to cool before applying.
Ensure Fire extinguisher is on hand.
Use in well-ventilated areas,
Use local extraction if ventilation is inadequate,
Use SDS specified respirator if exposure to vapour is prolonged.
Do not use in confined spaces.
L
C
R
2
2
4
L
C
R
2
2
4
R

Use in Well-ventilated area,
L
C
R
16

Use away from face. Maintain at least forearms length away from
applicator.
2
2
4

L
C
R
2
2
4
L
C
R
2
2
4
L
C
R
2
2
4
L
C
R
2
2
4
L
C
R
2
2
4
L
C
R
4
4
16
L
C
R
4
4
16
L
C
4
4
Absorption
-Skin contact
L
C
R
3
4
12
Absorption
-Ingestion
L
C
R
3
4
12
Ignition
L
C
R
3
4
12
L
C
R
3
4
12














L
C
R


Wear safety glasses; consider use of chemical goggles if significant
chance of eye contact exists.
consider wearing protective gloves, long sleeves, longs trousers,
monitor for skin reactions.
Watch your hands to avoid undue contact.
Use only recommended amount of product.
Use applicator recommended by manufacturer.
Wear safety gloves,
wash hands before eating.
Use below face level and/or keep clear of usage and drip area.
Use away from ignition sources,
use in well- ventilated area,
Fire extinguisher on hand.
Use in well-ventilated areas,
use local extraction if ventilation inadequate,
use SDS specified respirator if exposure to vapour is prolonged or quantity
justifies its use.
Do not use in confined spaces.
Well-ventilated area,

use away from face.

Maintain at least forearms length away from applicator.

Wear safety glasses;

consider use of chemical goggles if significant chance of eye contact
exists.
Inhalation
Eye contact
3
SWMS Hazardous Substances 15 July 2013 Version: 1
4
RESIDUAL
RISK
SCORE
12
PERSON RESPONSIBLE
(to ensure implementation
of controls)
Page 3 of 7
Operator
Safe Work Method Statement
PROCEDURE
(break the job down into steps)
POTENTIAL SAFETY AND
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
(what can go wrong)
Spills
-Slips and trips
Absorption
-Skin contact
Use of solid or granular
chemicals
Absorption
-Ingestion
INHERENT
RISK SCORE
Contact with Eyes
RESIDUAL
RISK
SCORE
L
C
R

Control and clean any spills immediately,
L
C
R
3
4
12

wear safety footwear,
2
2
4

apply sparingly
L
C
R

Consider wearing protective gloves, long sleeves, longs trousers,
L
C
R
3
4
12

Wash skin area after contact
2
2
4

Monitor for skin reactions.

Watch your hands to avoid undue contact.

Use only recommended amount of product.

Use applicator recommended by manufacturer.
L
C
R

Wear safety gloves when handling,
L
C
R
3
4
12

Wash skin area after contact
2
2
4

Wash hands before eating.

Container to remain sealed when not in use.
For example;
Solder, cement
Inhalation
-fumes
MANAGEMENT METHOD
(controls to be in place in order to manage potential hazards)
L
C
R

Use in well-ventilated areas,
L
C
R
3
4
12

Use local extraction if ventilation inadequate,
2
2
4

Use SDS specified respirator if exposure to vapour is prolonged or
quantity justifies its use.
L
C
R

Well-ventilated area, use away from face.
L
C
R
3
4
12

Maintain at least forearms length away from applicator.
2
2
4

Wear safety glasses;

Consider use of chemical goggles if significant chance of eye contact
exists.
SWMS Hazardous Substances 15 July 2013 Version: 1
PERSON RESPONSIBLE
(to ensure implementation
of controls)
Page 4 of 7
Operator
Safe Work Method Statement
PROCEDURE
(break the job down into steps)
POTENTIAL SAFETY AND
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
(what can go wrong)
Contact with emergency
situation
INHERENT
RISK SCORE
MANAGEMENT METHOD
(controls to be in place in order to manage potential hazards)
RESIDUAL
RISK
SCORE
L
C
R
Ensure availability of Fire extinguisher
L
C
R
3
5
15
Ensure Availability of First Aid kit.
1
5
5
Emergency Situation
SWMS Hazardous Substances 15 July 2013 Version: 1
PERSON RESPONSIBLE
(to ensure implementation
of controls)
Ensure Availability of SDS for all hazardous substances known to be present
on site
Page 5 of 7
Safe Work Method Statement
LIKELIHOOD
CONSEQUENCES
Insignificant
[1]
Minor
[2]
Moderate
[3]
Major
[4]
Catastrophic
[5]
Almost Certain [5]
Moderate (5)
High (10)
High (15)
Catastrophic (20)
Catastrophic (25)
Likely [4]
Moderate (4)
Moderate (8)
High (12)
Catastrophic (16)
Catastrophic (20)
Possible [3]
Low (3)
Moderate (6)
Moderate (9)
High (12)
High (15)
Unlikely [2]
Low (2)
Moderate (4)
Moderate (6)
Moderate (8)
High (10)
Rare [1]
Low (1)
Low (2)
Low (3)
Moderate (4)
Moderate (5)
If the residual
risk
=
Catastrophic (16+)
then
Work unable to proceed seek other methods (Significant)
=
High (10 – 15)
then
Permission from high level management for work to proceed (Significant)
=
Moderate (4 – 9)
then
Permission from worker in charge for work to proceed (Insignificant)
=
Low (1 – 3)
then
Work able to proceed (Insignificant)
1. Eliminate
2. Substitute
3. Isolate
4. Redesign
5. Administrative
6. PPE Last Resort
Eliminate the hazard
Substitute with a less hazardous
material, process or equipment
Isolate the hazard
Redesign equipment or work
process
Introduce administrative controls
Use appropriate Personal
Protective Equipment
C = Consequence
L = Likelihood
5 = Catastrophic = Fatality, permanent disability, long term widespread impacts, huge financial loss.
5 = Almost Certain = It is almost certain that the risk will occur in most circumstances.
4 = Major = Permanent disability or extensive injuries, medium to long term widespread impact, major financial loss.
4 = Likely = The risk is likely to occur in most circumstances.
3 = Moderate = Lost time injury, reversible medium term local impact, high financial loss.
3 = Possible = There is uncertainty that the risk could occur.
2 = Minor = Medical treatment, reversible short – medium term impact to local area, medium financial loss.
2 = Unlikely = The risk could occur at some time but there is confidence that it will not.
1 = Insignificant = First aid, limited impact to minimal area, low financial loss. .
1 = Rare = The impact/risk may occur only in exceptional circumstances.
SWMS Hazardous Substances 15 July 2013 Version: 1
Page 6 of 7
Safe Work Method Statement
We the undersigned, confirm that we have been consulted in the development of this SWMS. If a failure is identified within the SWMS work will stop, the SWMS
amended and changes communicated to the workforce. We also clearly understand that the controls must be applied as documented, otherwise work is to
cease immediately. We also confirm that we are qualified to carry out the works identified above; a copy of our required qualifications has been provided and
where applicable all insurances and work cover policies to undertake this activity are current.
Name
SWMS Hazardous Substances 15 July 2013 Version: 1
Signature
Date
Page 7 of 7