ACTIVITY: Cherry Picker - Mobile Elevated Work Platform 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 Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP). This work activity may involve the following “High Risk Construction Work”:
Covered in this SWMS are planning and preparation, pre-start inspections, Moving Plant
operational considerations and emergency management procedures. This SWMS • Pressurised gas distribution mains or piping chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines energised
does not cover noise control, working near moving plant, hazardous manual tasks; electrical
work with hazardous chemicals, traffic management and electrical safety in sufficient installations or services
detail. Demolition
Dedicated SWMS should be developed for these tasks, and for any risks not • Working at heights greater than 2 Metres, including work on telecommunications towers
covered in this SWMS. • Structures or buildings involving structural alterations or repairs that require temporary
support to
prevent collapse.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ensure all PPE meets relevant SABS Standards. Inspect, and replace PPE as needed.

Dangerous Goods / Hazardous Chemicals

Unleaded Petrol is classified as a hazardous chemical according to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and is classified as a Dangerous Good Hazardous Substance Regulation .
Unleaded Petrol is classified as Extremely Flammable and Harmful.

Diesel is classified as a hazardous chemical according to the Hazardous Chemical Substance Regulation and is classified as a Dangerous Good according to Transport of Dangerous
Goods by Road or Rail Standards. Diesel is classified as Harmful.

Read the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all fuel products before use, follow the SDS recommendations and relevant SWMS.
Hazards - What can cause harm? Risks - What can happen? Control Measures to Reduce Risk

Job Step: Planning

Hazards include: Risks include: Consultation in relation to hazards and risks. Ensure:
- Adverse weather - hot, cold, windy, - Heat exhaustion, sunstroke,
wet dehydration - Consult with the person you are carrying out the work for on the potential hazards and risks
- Falls on the same level - Being struck by lightning causing associated with the task
- Objects on ground burns, electrocution - If represented by an elected Health and Safety Representative (HSR), they must be included in
- Uneven or slippery surface - Slippery surface – causing slips, any
- Noise - long term exposure trips, falls injuries Consultation
- Overhead power lines - Falling over on same level
- Pedestrians causing bruises, sprains, strains, - Any other persons on site who are affected by the same matter are consulted and co-operative
- Plant - operating fractures arrangements are made
- Work at height above 2 metres - Deafness, hearing loss - Document consultation and action items.
- Work outdoors - Electric Shock/ Electrocution
Liaise with Principal Contractor to establish that the following on-site systems and procedures are in
- Hazardous Chemicals - Person/s entering exclusion zone
place:
(fuel/lubricant) – distracting operators/ workers
- Hazardous Manual Tasks - Person/s entering exclusion zone - Health and Safety rules
O awkward, twisting, bending – injured by mobile plant, equipment
positions etc on site - Induction for all workers – site specific
o lifting, carrying, or putting - Entrapment - by machinery or - Supervisory arrangements
down objects equipment
o pushing, pulling, throwing, - Exposure to mechanical vibration - Communication
pressing objects - Being run over/ struck by mobile
o repetitious movements plant causing serious injury/death - Injury reporting
o vibration, - Collision with objects / plant - Hazard reporting
- Falling from height causing serious
injury or death - Personal Protective Equipment
- Falling objects – being struck
/crushed - Exclusion Zones
-Burn – Sunburn - Risk Assessments
- Single exposure to hazardous
chemical causing illness or death - SWMS and JSA’s.
- Insect, spider bites or stings
Assess the exposure of workers to noise, including the frequency of exposure to noise levels that exceed
- Muscular stress/ Musculoskeletal
the legislated Exposure Standard while operating the cherry picker and determine required controls such
Disorder.
as Audiometric Testing and PPE. Refer to Noise Control SWMS for detailed information regarding the
prevention of hearing loss and legislative requirements. Nationally Accredited Certification is required to
operate MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform) with a boom length above 11meters. For other types of
MEWP, persons must be over 18 and deemed competent to use the equipment.
Construction Induction Card (or equivalent) - for workers who are required to work on construction sites.
All operators to be trained and competent to safely operate a cherry picker.
Ensure all relevant workers undertake training and receive instruction in the use of control measures:
- Operator must be FULLY conversant with the manufacturer’s safe work instructions and Safe
Working Load (SWL) for the specific Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP)
- Operator must be FULLY conversant with the safety devices present on the MEWP
- Reporting procedures for incidents
- Correct use of fall restraint equipment including selecting, fitting, use, care of and maintenance
- Correct use of tools used
- Use of supervision where required (e.g. new starters or new equipment)
- Recognition and control of fall and electrical hazards
- Limitations of the equipment
- Rescue procedures in the event of a failure
- Correct procedure for handling equipment and materials while working at heights
- Manual handling.
Consultation in relation to fall hazards and risks. Ensure:

- Consult with the person you are carrying out the work for and the client to discuss potential
hazards and risks associated with the use of the boom lift.
- Surface condition and slope
- Unprotected edges (e.g. drop offs)
- Where surfaces may change level
- Weather conditions (rain, wind, fog, dew)
- UV radiation
- Power lines in close proximity
- Lack of training (new staff)
- Equipment to be used or installed.
- Whether the task can be partly completed on the ground or solid construction (e.g. assemble
components on the ground and lift rather than assembling at height)
- Severity of the risk of falling or hazardous material exposure
- Likelihood of a fall occurring
- Any existing control measures and whether they are sufficient
- Measures to be put in place to control risk
- Determine if current training and experience sufficient for undertaking the task at height
- Determine if emergency procedures would be acceptable.
- These procedures are developed and in place
- The procedures have been tested
- All relevant workers are provided training and instruction in these emergency and rescue
procedures.

Do not: Undertake work in No-Go Zones of electrical power lines unless de-energized / isolated from the
power supply and evidence of the continuing isolation of the power supply is obtained. Notice must be in
writing as well as verbal.
Ensure:
- Suitable boom length and SWL selected for task and operators have certification and
competencies
- MEWP is fitted with an emergency retrieval device, controlled descent device and an escape-
rescue facility
- A written, rehearsed and resourced emergency response plan is in place.
If a fall arrest system is utilised, emergency and rescue procedures must be developed for the system.
Whenever any person is wearing a harness, a rescue plan must be in place as suspension trauma can
occur to persons who fall and remain in the harness for more than 5 minutes.
 The emergency plan should include:
- Use of a Spotter
- Spotter to make visual contact with operator at regular intervals (approx. every 5 minutes)
- Spotter trained in how to lower the MEWP in the event of an emergency
- Trained first aid providers must be available
- A reliable means to contact Emergency Assistance (000).
RB: 3H Person responsible to implement control measures:
Job Step: Preparation
Hazards include: Risks include: Working outdoors. Ensure:
- Adverse weather - hot, cold, windy, Heat exhaustion, sunstroke,
wet dehydration - Suitable protective clothing
- Falls on the same level Being struck by lightning causing - Sun brim on hard hat
- Objects on ground burns, electrocution
- Uneven or slippery surface Slippery surface – causing slips, - Safety glasses - UV Rated
- Noise - long term exposure trips, falls injuries
- Use 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin areas
- Overhead power lines Falling over on same level
- Pedestrians causing bruises, sprains, strains, - Adequate drinking water
- Plant - operating fractures
- Work at height above 2 metres Deafness, hearing loss - Access to shade during breaks
- Work outdoors Electric Shock/ Electrocution - Be aware of snakes if work area has long grass or dense vegetation
- Hazardous Chemicals Person/s entering exclusion zone - Adequate breaks

(fuel/lubricant) – distracting operators/ workers - Check weather conditions – do not work in extreme weather.
Ensure:
- Hazardous Manual Tasks Person/s entering exclusion zone
o awkward, twisting, bending - There is a task specific SWMS
positions – injured by mobile plant,
o lifting, carrying, or putting down - Suitable MEWP selected for task
objects equipment etc on site - Operators have adequate certification
o pushing, pulling, throwing, Entrapment - by machinery or
pressing objects equipment - Work area is barricaded from other mobile plant.
o repetitious movements Exposure to mechanical vibration
o vibration. If required, adequate traffic management is provided.
Being run over/ struck by mobile
plant causing serious injury/ Where work is undertaken in close proximity to power lines:
death
 Collision with objects / plant - Trained Spotters
Falling from height causing serious
injury or death crushed - Personnel are trained and authorised to perform work (such as vegetation control)
Burn – Sunburn - Use adequately insulated MEWP’s
Single exposure to hazardous
chemical causing illness or death - Follow Working near Over Head Power Line SWMS and conduct site specific Risk Assessment.
Insect, spider bites or stings
Ensure controls are implemented effectively:
Muscular stress/ Musculoskeletal
Disorder. - Toolbox /pre-work meetings will be undertaken
- Relevant persons will be consulted on hazards and contents of SWMS, work plans and other
applicable information
- Controls will be monitored throughout works:
o Spot checks
o Consultation
o Scheduled audits
Corrective actions will be recorded and rectified in a timely manner
SWMS will be reviewed and updated accordingly (in consultation with relevant persons).
RB: 3H Person responsible to implement control measures: RA: 2M
Job Step: Pre- start Inspection
Hazards include: Risks include: Hearing protection, ensure:
- Adverse weather - hot, cold, Being struck by lightning causing - It is worn by all persons throughout the period of exposure to noise
windy, burns, electrocution - It is suitable for the type of working environment and the work tasks
wet Slippery surface – causing slips, - It s comfortable and correctly fitting for the worker
- Falls on the same level trips, falls injuries - It is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it remains in good, clean condition.
- Objects on ground Falling over on same level
- Uneven or slippery surface causing bruises, sprains, strains, Inspect before use. Ensure:
- Overhead power lines fractures - Equipment, including labelled controls and safety devices, present and working
- Pedestrians Electric Shock/ Electrocution - Complete log books
- Plant - operating Person/s entering exclusion zone - SWL is displayed
- Work at height above 2 metres – distracting operators/ workers - Tyre pressure is adequate.
- Work outdoors Person/s entering exclusion zone Be aware of environmental conditions:
- Hazardous Chemicals – injured by mobile plant,
(fuel/lubricant) - Low visibility
equipment etc on site
- Hazardous Manual Tasks - Overhead obstructions (such as ceilings)
O awkward, twisting, bending positions Entrapment - by machinery or
o lifting, carrying, or putting down - Hazardous atmospheric contaminants
objects equipment
o pushing, pulling, throwing, pressing - Confined spaces (carbon monoxide build up)
objects. Being run over/ struck by mobile
- Heavy rain high winds.
plant causing serious injury/
Ensure:
death
Collision with objects / plant - Ground is not slippery, uneven, or sloped. Out-of-level limiting switches or alarms should be fitted

- Falling from height causing serious - Work bucket is clear of obstructions and has guards in place and working correctly.
injury or death
Falling objects – being struck / - Suitable fall restraint device is available and properly attached to designated platform anchor
points.
crushed
- Single exposure to hazardous
chemical causing illness or death RB: 4A Person responsible to implement control measures: RA: 3H
Muscular stress/ Musculoskeletal

Disorder.

Job Step: Operation / Driving the Cherry Picker

Hazards include: Risks include: Hazardous Manual Handling:
- Adverse weather - hot, cold, windy,
wet Heat exhaustion, sunstroke, - Avoid long periods of repetitive movements
- Falls on the same level dehydration - Avoid awkward and sustained positions
Objects on ground
- Uneven or slippery surface Being struck by lightning causing - Use mechanical lifting aids when possible
- Noise - long term exposure
Overhead power lines burns, electrocution - Use two or more people for lifting & moving heavy / awkward equipment
Pedestrians
Slippery surface – causing slips, - Regular breaks.
Plant - operating
- Work at height above 2 metres trips, falls injuries Operation must be within manufacturer’s recommendations.
Work outdoors
Hazardous Chemicals Falling over on same level Ensure outriggers / stabilisers are placed as per manufacturer’s instructions.
(fuel/lubricant)
Hazardous Manual Tasks causing bruises, sprains, strains, Loads must never exceed the SWL.
O awkward, twisting, bending fractures Note: Be aware of pressures created when using tools and storage of equipment in the bucket that may
positions exceed
o lifting, carrying, or putting down Deafness, hearing loss
objects the SWL.
Electric Shock/ Electrocution
o pushing, pulling, throwing,
All occupants must wear approved fall restraint device properly attached to designated platform
pressing objects Person/s entering exclusion zone
o repetitious movements anchorage
o vibration. – distracting operators/ workers
points.
Person/s entering exclusion zone
Do not exceed working height of the unit.
– injured by mobile plant,
WARNING. Never:
equipment etc. on site
- Stand on handrails
Entrapment - by machinery or
- Lean/reach of out bucket
equipment
- Use ladders in bucket
Exposure to mechanical vibration
- Use MEWP on scaffolds etc.
Being run over/ struck by mobile
- Exit bucket once elevated
plant causing serious injury/
- Anchor or attach MEWP to a permanent structure while working at height
death
- Use MEWP to push or pull other objects
Collision with objects / plant
- Use damaged or malfunctioning equipment
- Falling from height causing
- Use as a crane or lifting device
serious injury or death
- Modify an MEWP
Falling objects – being struck /
- Enter the elevating assembly when the MEWP is elevated
crushed
- If platform fails to lower never climb down elevating assembly.
Burn – Sunburn
WARNING: Ensure all tools & equipment cannot be dropped over the side.
Insect, spider bites or stings
Operation - Driving MEWP. Plan travel path. Ensure:
- Single exposure to hazardous
- Ground surface is suitable (assessed by competent person)
chemical causing illness or death
- No obstructions (power lines, scaffolding, pipes etc.)
 Muscular stress/ Musculoskeletal - Clear visibility in all directions
Disorder. - Traffic management in place.
Note: No ground-operated controls shall be engaged without permission of elevated operator worker
except in an emergency.
Lower platform, isolate controls and position in secure location.
Re-fuel MEWP when the engine is shut down. Ensure no smoking or sparks in area.
Conduct an inspection of equipment for damage and report and faults.

RB: 4A Person responsible to implement control measures: RA: 3H

Job Step: Re-fuelling
Hazards include: Risks include: Read the current (issue date within 5 years) Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all fuel products before use.
- Explosion - Burns caused by fire Follow
- Fire - Electric Shock manufacturer’s manual/recommendations for more details for re-fuelling.
- Hazardous Chemical – single - Explosion causing injury or death Additional PPE if any risk of splashing - Chemical splash goggles, chemical resistant gloves/gauntlets,
exposure (fuel, lubricants). - Single exposure to hazardous boots,
chemical causing illness or death. and apron.
Note: Avoid breathing vapours or contact with fuel
-
- If clothing is splashed with fuel, change it immediately
- Ensure re-fuelling is undertaken in well-ventilated area, clear of ignition sources.
Re-fuelling: Shut off engine
-
- Allow to cool before re-fuelling if possible
- Remove cap slowly
- Use a fuel hose, pouring spout or funnel
- Fill tank and wipe away excess
- Ensure there is no over spill
- Ensure cap has been secured and any vapour residue has been wiped away
- Check for leaks.
Never: Siphon or swallow fuel as this can be fatal
-
- Refuel while the motor is running
- Never jam the refuelling latch on the nozzle open
- Smoke while re-fuelling or near fuel containers
- Use mobile phone during re-fuelling
- Use food or drink containers to store fuel.
Note: Do not eat, drink or smoke during/after-handling fuel until hands are carefully washed. Shower and
 wash immediately after work. Wash clothes in separate wash from other clothes.

Note: Ignition sources include pilot lights, stoves, heaters, cigarettes, matches/lighters, grinding, welding,
PowerPoints, lighting, light switches, radio transmitters, mobile phones, battery powered forklifts etc.
RB: 3H Person responsible to implement control measures: RA: 2M
Job Step: Maintenance
Hazards include: - Risks include: Ensure all servicing, maintenance and repairs are performed by suitably qualified & competent persons.
Adverse weather - Slippery surface
- hot, cold, windy, wet – causing slips, trips, falls injuries Routine maintenance as prescribed by the manufacturer and/or as per AS 2550.10 – Cranes – Safe use –
- Falls on the same level - Falling over on same level causing EWP.
- Objects on ground bruises, sprains, strains, fractures
- Uneven or slippery surface - Person/s entering exclusion zone These timeframes are a guide only and consideration should be given to the following: - Number of hours
- Pedestrians – injured by mobile plant, equipment of operation - Time spent in transit - Type of load bearing - Age and history of unit - Conditions of operation
- Plant - operating etc. on site (such as corrosive or wet environments) Competent persons should undertake maintenance
- Work outdoors - Entrapment - by machinery or
- Hazardous Chemicals equipment - Exposure to mechanical Do not operate the cherry picker if any components become defective, particularly any safety devices.
(fuel/lubricant) vibration Fuel and oil container
- Hazardous Manual Tasks - Collision with objects / plant Fuel and oil containers for storage and dispensing of two stroke mix and chain oil must be of approved
o awkward, twisting, bending - Falling objects fuel-proof design. Some have ‘quick-fill’ automatic cut-off fuel pourers.
positions – being struck / crushed
o lifting, carrying, or putting down - Single exposure to hazardous Fuel Containers: WARNING
objects chemical causing illness or death - Do not cut, drill, grind, weld or perform similar operations on or near containers
o pushing, pulling, throwing, pressing - Muscular stress/ Musculoskeletal - Fuel containers must not be used for storage of other products
objects Disorder. - Containers, even those that have been emptied, can contain explosive vapours
- Ensure containers are suitable for contents and labelled
- Do not use plastic containers unless designed for storing fuel.

Container disposal (if applicable)

- Drain container thoroughly
- After draining, vent in a safe place away from sparks and fire. Residues may cause an explosion hazard
- Do not, puncture, cut, or weld uncleaned drums
- Send to drum recycler, or back to supplier
- Do not pollute the soil, water or environment with the waste container.

RB: 2M Person responsible to implement control measures: RA: 1L

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
 - Communication procedures.
- Consultation methods
- Responsible persons Person/s responsible to implement and follow emergency procedures and control
- 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 • When changes to the workplace or work activity occur that create new /
• Control measures will be monitored throughout works:
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
• After an incident involving work activities relevant to this SWMS
reviewed and updated accordingly (in consultation with relevant persons)
• 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 this task: Details of Supervisory Arrangements for workers
undertaking this task
Example: - Construction Induction Card (or Example: Example:
- Licence to Perform High equivalent) (Name): Operator - Suitably qualified supervisors for job
Risk - Competent in operation of (Name: Clean-up crew - Direct on-site supervision
- Work (operating certain make/model of plant (Name): Supervisor - Remote site – communication systems/ schedule
plant, - Emergency procedures – Etc. - Audits
- equipment) emergency response - Spot Checks, etc.
- TAFE or other recognised - Traffic Management Plans - Reporting systems
training
- organisation
- PPE
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: Construction Regulation 2014, Occupational Health and Safety Act,
- Local council permits
- Building Approvals
- EPA approvals/permits
- Certain plant to be registered with State Authority
- PPE to comply with relevant SABS Standards
Plant/Tools/Equipment: (List plant and equipment
to be used on the job.)
Example: Cherry Picker (Make & Model & capacity) 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