SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT

FIXED SCAFFOLD
Prepared for
Client: Project No:
Site: Date Prepared:

Date and Time Printed:

2/10/2013 12:52 PM
Reference:

SWMS-Scaffold - Fixed
Version: v1.3

Date: 18/06/2013


Page: 1 of 11
2010 Occupational Safety Solutions www.occupational-safety.com.au
1. RESPONSIBILITIES
Y Contractors will conduct inductions for all workers (inclusive of employees and subcontractors) prior to commencing site work. A record of site inductions and toolbox meetings will
be kept at the Y Contractors office for future reference.
The Principal Contractor or Client will provide adequate amenities (toilets, wash rooms, dining facilities etc) as defined for this work type and in accordance with Safe Work Australia
Code of Practice Managing the Work Environment and Facilities.
All Y Contractors workers engaged in site work are required to wear the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as noted in this document. No glass containers will be
allowed on site (except in meal rooms). The consumption of illegal drugs and alcohol is prohibited.
2. DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This brief, step by step work summary is to be completed by the Person Conducting Business or Undertaking (PCBU) or Site Supervisor on site prior to work commencing to assist
in the identification of possible hazards:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
UNDERGROUND SERVICES AFFECTED BY THE WORKS: Yes No If YES, complete table below:
Underground Service Affected? (Y/N) Located? (Y/N) Marked? (Y/N)
Electricity
Gas
Water
Phone / Cable

Date and Time Printed:

2/10/2013 12:52 PM
Reference:

SWMS-Scaffold - Fixed
Version: v1.3

Date: 18/06/2013


Page: 2 of 11
2010 Occupational Safety Solutions www.occupational-safety.com.au
3. RISK ASSESSMENT
Risk Assessment Table
When assessing the risk of a particular hazard remember:
The rating you use should indicate the importance of
the action required to minimise the Risk posed by the
Hazard.
The more Hazards you identify the greater the overall
Risk on the site.
Overall Risk increases as the number of people
exposed to a Hazard increases.
The more serious the potential impact to a persons
health from a Hazard the greater the Risk.
The frequency of exposure to a Hazard will increase the
Risk.
Hierarchy of Controls
Eliminate Design out the hazard when new materials, equipment and work systems are being purchased for the
workplace.
Substitute - Substitute less hazardous materials, equipment or substances and use smaller sized containers.
Isolate Separate the workers from hazards using barriers, enclosing noisy equipment and providing exhaust or
ventilation systems.
Engineering Use engineering controls to reduce the risks such as guards on equipment, hoists or other lifting and
moving equipment.
Administrative Minimise the risk by adopting safe working practices or providing appropriate training, instruction or
information.
Personal Protective Equipment Make sure that appropriate PPE is available and used correctly.

Consequence or Impact of Hazard Level of
harm
A P U Likelihood/Probability Risk Rating
H-Potential death, permanent or long
term disability or illness, significant
detrimental environmental impact
H-High 1 1 2 A-Almost certain could
happen at any time
1-Immediate
action is
required
M-Potential temporary disability or illness
requiring medical attention, short term
environmental impact
M-Medium 1 2 3 P-Possible risk could
happen occasionally
2-Control the
risks/ hazards
a.s.a.p.
L-Potential minor injury requiring first aid
or minimal environmental impact
L-Low 2 3 3 U-Unlikely may happen
rarely
3-Control risks
with routine
procedures
Least Effective

Most Effective

Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Eliminate
Isolate
Administrative
Substitute
Engineering

Date and Time Printed:

2/10/2013 12:52 PM
Reference:

SWMS-Scaffold - Fixed
Version: v1.3

Date: 18/06/2013


Page: 3 of 11
2010 Occupational Safety Solutions www.occupational-safety.com.au
The Work Process - Risk Rating and Who is Responsible is to be completed by the PCBU or Site Supervisor prior to work commencing. Additional Site Specific
Requirements are to be entered following this section:
Steps
Step by Step
Procedure
Possible Hazards
Risk
Rating
Safety Controls
Who is
responsible?
1 Risk Assessment Workplace / worksite hazards
Unlicensed / untrained workers

Do a Risk Assessment prior to commencing work and review the
Principal Contractor's Site Safety Plan and Emergency Procedures
and/or your subcontractors Safe Work Method Statements
(SWMS);
Use the Risk Assessment Worksheet and Hazard Report Form;
Manage the risks to health and safety associated with falls from one
level to another that is reasonably likely to cause an injury;
Identify additional safety controls where required;
Obtain approvals from the supply authorities where required;
Make sure workers are trained, qualified or experienced to carry out
the specified tasks; and
Request appropriate licences or certification when required before
allowing work to commence.

2 Personal Protection
Equipment (PPE)
Injury, illness, permanent
disability and in extreme cases
death.

Where applicable, check condition of harnesses, ropes, shackles
and fixing points for fall arrest system;
Check condition of hard hats - brim or neck flaps, gloves, safety
boots, sunscreen, high visibility reflective clothing or vests, ear plugs
or ear muffs and any other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
appropriate for this work;
PPE is to be used only when no other control can reduce or
eliminate the hazard / risk;
Inspect all PPE prior to use making sure it is suitable for use;
Make sure all workers are issued with and wear the recommended
PPE as required for safety on the worksite and specific to the
activities and tasks; and
Train workers in the correct use, maintenance and storage of PPE.

3 Services / Utilities Overhead services and
electricity / powerlines

Site Supervisor to check for overhead hazards;
Make sure no scaffolding is erected within 4 metres of overhead


Date and Time Printed:

2/10/2013 12:52 PM
Reference:

SWMS-Scaffold - Fixed
Version: v1.3

Date: 18/06/2013


Page: 4 of 11
2010 Occupational Safety Solutions www.occupational-safety.com.au
Steps
Step by Step
Procedure
Possible Hazards
Risk
Rating
Safety Controls
Who is
responsible?
power lines unless they are protected;
Never work in high winds near overhead power lines;
If power lines are in close proximity to the work area, but greater
than 4 metres, cover the lines with tiger tails; and
If power lines are closer than 4 metres, power must be turned off as
tiger tails are not insulators.
4 Assess work area
access and
weather conditions
Access and egress
Public (pedestrians / others)
Falls from heights
Hit by falling objects
Slips, trips and falls
Lighting
Eye injury

Make sure all access ladders, steps and ramps are safe and secure;
Make sure edge protection and handrails are in place and secure
where required;
Immediately cease work in hazardous weather conditions such as:
o Thunderstorms and strong winds that may cause loss of
balance;
o Rain is causing a slippery work surface;
o Excessive glare is being emitted from work surfaces and/or
poor lighting affects visibility;
Remove any items that may obstruct the work activity; and
Check for any items that may cause slips, trips and falls and remove
or secure them as required.

5 Preparation of work
area
Falls from heights
Hit by falling objects

All workers on the ground must wear hard hats and maintain
constant awareness of overhead work;
Erect signage below the overhead work warning of potential Hit by
Falling Objects;
Where possible, barricade or tape off the area underneath overhead
work and restrict access;
Provide safe means of raising, lowering and storing tools, plant,
materials and debris; and
Prior to work commencing, clear work area and remove large items
with assistance using correct manual handling techniques.

6 Erect scaffold Services (underground /
overhead)
Electricity (overhead power
Scaffolding to be erected according to manufacturers or supplier's
instructions and must comply with AS 1576;
Scaffolding must be erected where a person could fall 4 metres and


Date and Time Printed:

2/10/2013 12:52 PM
Reference:

SWMS-Scaffold - Fixed
Version: v1.3

Date: 18/06/2013


Page: 5 of 11
2010 Occupational Safety Solutions www.occupational-safety.com.au
Steps
Step by Step
Procedure
Possible Hazards
Risk
Rating
Safety Controls
Who is
responsible?
lines)
Falls from heights
Hit by falling objects
Structural collapse
Access and egress
Slips, trips and falls
must be erected by a person holding a certificate of competency for
scaffolding;
Make sure that the relevant workers know what Safe Working Loads
(SWL) the scaffold can safely take;
Make sure the ground surface is level, firm and suitable for the
loaded scaffold;
Level scaffold at base before erection;
Maximum height of scaffold not to exceed 3 x minimum width;
Make sure the working deck has a minimum of 2 x AS planks width;
Make sure guard rails or appropriate fall protection is in place for all
work platforms when working at heights;
Make sure all working platforms and access levels have handrails
and mid-rails installed;
Make sure location of other services is confirmed and appropriate
access permits obtained;
Make sure scaffold is erected at least 4 metres laterally and 5
metres vertically from any power lines and a safe distance from
conductors is maintained;
If scaffold is to be erected in the vicinity of power lines, you must:
o Notify the power authority before starting work;
o Obtain written permission from the power authority;
o Do not begin work until a pre-start site/job meeting and risk
assessment has been completed; and
o Install any necessary barricading.
Make sure all workers enter and exit the scaffold using a secured
internal ladder with a protected opening such as a hinged trap door;
Make sure all planks are secured to the scaffold and toe boards are
correctly fitted;
Make sure a handover certificate is obtained from the scaffold
installer before work commences;
Make sure advice is sought from a structural engineer if the scaffold
is to be erected on top of a roof, balcony, suspended slab or any
other structure that may be affected by the additional load; and

Date and Time Printed:

2/10/2013 12:52 PM
Reference:

SWMS-Scaffold - Fixed
Version: v1.3

Date: 18/06/2013


Page: 6 of 11
2010 Occupational Safety Solutions www.occupational-safety.com.au
Steps
Step by Step
Procedure
Possible Hazards
Risk
Rating
Safety Controls
Who is
responsible?
Keep work area clear at all times.
7 Working on scaffold Fall from heights
Hit by falling objects
Slips, trips and falls
Make sure another worker is always present on the ground in case
of an emergency or equipment failure;
Scaffolding exceeding a deck height of 4 metres must be inspected
and tagged by a competent person before use, after any alteration
or repair, and at intervals not greater than 30 days;
An unlicensed person must not alter scaffolding without authority
and alterations performed only by a competent person;
Make sure void areas, such as ladder access voids, are identified or
protected;
Safe access to and egress from the scaffold must be provided;
Make sure scaffold is complete with no loose scaffold components
within the work area;
Make sure the scaffolding maximum Safe Working Load (SWL) is
not exceeded;
Secure all tools and loose objects;
Secure all materials and objects stored at heights;
Use a lanyard where appropriate to secure tools and materials;
Make sure all workers stay fully within the scaffold at all times;
Provide safe means of raising, lowering and storing tools, plant,
materials and debris;
Make sure all scaffold components stay in place until the scaffold is
dismantled; and
Clean mud from footwear when climbing onto scaffold.

8 Working below
scaffold
Hit by falling objects
Slips, trips and falls
Only authorised workers are to enter the barricaded or taped off
area whilst overhead work is being carried out;
All authorised workers on the ground in the barricaded or taped off
area must wear safety boots and hard hats and maintain constant
awareness of overhead work;
Make sure appropriate equipment is used to raise and lower objects,
including ensuring that working load limits are not exceeded;


Date and Time Printed:

2/10/2013 12:52 PM
Reference:

SWMS-Scaffold - Fixed
Version: v1.3

Date: 18/06/2013


Page: 7 of 11
2010 Occupational Safety Solutions www.occupational-safety.com.au
Steps
Step by Step
Procedure
Possible Hazards
Risk
Rating
Safety Controls
Who is
responsible?
Provide a secure physical barrier at the edge of the elevated area,
such as toe boards or infill panels that form part of a guardrail
system;
Make sure perimeter containment screening is made of mesh,
timber, plywood or metal sheeting;
Make sure framework supporting the screen is able to bear the load
of the screen; and
Load pallets correctly to ensure load stability, banding, shrink or
stretch wrap can help with this.
9 Dismantle scaffold Fall from heights
Hit by falling objects
Powerlines - electrocution
Structural collapse
Slips, trips and falls
Scaffold to be dismantled in accordance with manufacturers or
suppliers instructions;
Make sure ropes for lowering equipment are securely tied;
Restrict access and make sure work area is kept clear before
dismantling scaffold;
Make sure area beneath and around the scaffold is kept clear at all
times during deconstruction;
Make sure safe distances are maintained from conductors at all
times during the dismantling process;
Make sure the lower ties are only removed when the scaffold is
dismantled down to that level to avoid collapse;
On completion of work, carry all scaffolding parts and other
equipment and place in the designated work vehicle or trailer for
transportation using correct manual handling techniques; and
Make sure work area and platform is left clean and tidy.

10 Leaving the work
area
Fall from heights
Hit by falling objects
Access and egress
Manual handling strains,
sprains and back injuries
Slips, trips and falls

Make sure the work area is left clean and tidy;
Never leave ladders or tools and equipment unattended in case of
unauthorised use or an unexpected change in weather;
Always check to make sure all ladders, steps and ramps are stable
before descending;
Make sure work site entry and exits are secured;
Provide safe means of lowering tools, plant, materials and debris to


Date and Time Printed:

2/10/2013 12:52 PM
Reference:

SWMS-Scaffold - Fixed
Version: v1.3

Date: 18/06/2013


Page: 8 of 11
2010 Occupational Safety Solutions www.occupational-safety.com.au
Steps
Step by Step
Procedure
Possible Hazards
Risk
Rating
Safety Controls
Who is
responsible?
make sure they are not carried while descending ladders, steps and
ramps; and
Make sure scaffold is secure against unauthorised entry.
Site Specific Requirements - To be completed by the PCBU or Site Supervisor if site specific hazards are identified (attach additional pages if necessary):

Steps
Step by Step
Procedure
Possible Hazards
Risk
Rating
Safety Controls
Who is
responsible?











Date and Time Printed:

2/10/2013 12:52 PM
Reference:

SWMS-Scaffold - Fixed
Version: v1.3

Date: 18/06/2013


Page: 9 of 11
2010 Occupational Safety Solutions www.occupational-safety.com.au
4. RESOURCES, QUALIFICATIONS AND PERMITS REQUIRED

Minimum number of workers
required to complete this work
2
Trade licence required to
complete this work
Licence No:
Held By:
Additional qualifications, permits
and/or experience required to
complete this work
Certificate of Competency for Scaffolding
(where a person could fall 4 metres or more)
Additional training required to
complete this work
Site Specific Induction and SWMS review
required for all workers


5. SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Officer for this project is __________________, he/she can be contacted on
_________________.
The Site Supervisor for this project is __________________, he/she can be
contacted on _________________.

The Health and Safety Representative (HSR) for this project is
_________________, he/she can be contacted on ________________.

All Y Contractors workers:

WILL be required to have relevant trade experience.
WILL be required to attend regular site inductions, project and task specific
induction training and possess the current General Construction Induction
Training card.

Work Health and Safety - Responsibilities
a) _________________ will be responsible for identifying and assessing the hazards
associated with the works, and documenting the hazard control measures to be
taken.
b) _________________ will be responsible for compliance with Work Health and
Safety (WHS) legislation, regulations, standards, codes, and the site-specific Sites
Safety Rules.
c) _________________ will be responsible for assessing and monitoring your
subcontractors' capabilities, and for making sure they meet WHS requirements.
d) _________________ will be responsible for managing the acquisition and
communication of WHS information to managers, supervisors and people working
on site.
e) _________________ will be responsible for preparing, maintaining and making
accessible the register of hazardous substances.
f) _________________ will be responsible for maintaining first-aid stocks.
g) _________________ will be responsible for managing accident and emergency
procedures.
h) _________________ will be responsible for keeping WHS records.
i) _________________ will be responsible for making sure that the Site Safety Rules
are available and provided to people who may work on or visit the Site.
j) _________________ will be responsible for workplace injury management and
rehabilitation.
k) _________________ will be responsible for managing communication between
Health and Safety Committees (where applicable).
l) _________________ will be responsible for displaying the Site Safety Rules on
noticeboards and other suitable locations on site.


Date and Time Printed:

2/10/2013 12:52 PM
Reference:

SWMS-Scaffold - Fixed
Version: v1.3

Date: 18/06/2013


Page: 10 of 11
2010 Occupational Safety Solutions www.occupational-safety.com.au
6. TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES
The HSR will:
a) identify the WHS training needs of management, supervisors and workers on
site;
b) make sure that appropriate training is carried out internally and/or by Safe
Work Australia accredited trainers;
c) make sure that all personnel attend general construction WHS induction
training before starting work;
d) make sure that all personnel attend adequate site-specific induction, work activity
and refresher safety training;
e) conduct induction training, task training and refresher safety training for
everyone working on site; and
f) keep appropriate records of WHS training at the Y Contractors office.
7. INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
The HSR will:
a) be available (both during and outside normal working hours) to prevent,
prepare for, respond to and recover from incidents; and
b) make sure that the procedures for contacting the relevant person(s) are
communicated and clearly displayed on the sites.
8. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Plant and Equipment used on site includes but is not limited to:
Plant and/or Equipment Inspection and maintenance checks required
Fixed Scaffold
Visual inspection prior to use and as per installers
recommendations




9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
PPE for this task includes but is not limited to:
1 Hard hats / sun hats 6 High visibility clothing / vests
2 Safety boots 7 Safety harness / fall arrest
3 Sunglasses / safety glasses 8 Sun protection
4 Hearing Protection 9
5 Protective gloves 10


10. ACCESS
No access shall be permitted by other trades into the work area whilst work is in
progress. If necessary, appropriate signage and/or hoarding will be set up around
the work area to prevent access. Such signs and hoarding will be removed and area
made-good on completion of work.
11. LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS, CODES AND STANDARDS
The following reference documents have been identified as relevant to this project
and a copy is kept at the Y Contractors office. This list is a guide only and is not
necessarily all the relevant documentation:
a) Work Health and Safety Act 2011
b) Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011
c) COP Managing Risks in Construction Work
d) COP First Aid
e) COP How to Prevent Falls at Workplaces
f) COP Hazardous Manual Tasks
g) COP How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
h) COP Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
i) COP Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
j) AS 1576 Scaffolding
k) AS 6001 Working Platforms for Domestic Construction

Date and Time Printed:

2/10/2013 12:52 PM
Reference:

SWMS-Scaffold - Fixed
Version: v1.3

Date: 18/06/2013


Page: 11 of 11
2010 Occupational Safety Solutions www.occupational-safety.com.au
12. SIGNOFF
The representatives of Y Contractors listed below have been involved in the creation and implementation of this Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) and will make sure all work is
carried out in accordance with this document. All workers listed below have the appropriate licence/qualifications and/or experience required to perform each job task:
Worker on site Role
(e.g. worker, supervisor)
Signature Date








Signature and details of person responsible for site supervision of the work, inspecting and approving work areas, work methods, compliance with SWMS, protective
measures, plant, equipment and power tools for this site:
Signed: Date:
Name: Position: