How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Concrete Slab Polisher Safe Work Method Statement, the first step is to create the document as a Safe Work Method Statement Template. This way, you can use the same SWMS Template and then adjust the document for each different glazing project as needed, making sure that your Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own concrete slab polisher SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS such as:

• Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications.
• Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to concrete slab polisher work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the concrete slab polisher work is being conducted, secondly, communicate the risks and hazards and then take steps to eliminate or control each hazard in relation to the concrete slab polisher work being done.
• Any changes added to the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS after an incident or a near miss.

Note: The Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the concrete slab polisher work is completed. Where the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Concrete Slab Polisher Safe Work Method Statement, the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Concrete Slab Polisher Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as:

• Does the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS involve a risk of a person falling more than 2 meters?
• Is the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping?
• Is the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS carried out on a telecommunication tower?
• Is the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
• Does the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing?
• Is the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
• Does the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS involve demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure?
• Is the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
• Does the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS involve, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos?
• Does the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
• Does the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse?
• Is the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor?
• Is the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS carried out in or near a confined space?
• Is the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant?
• Is the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m or tunnel involving use of explosives?
• Is the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature?
• Is the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
• Does the concrete slab polisher work outlined in the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS involve diving work? 

Your Concrete Slab Polisher Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as:

• Forklift
• Crane
• Hoist
• Working In Public Areas
• Backhoe
• Loader
• Boom Lift
• Elevated Work Platform (EWP)
• Genie Lift
• Trencher
• Drilling Rig
• Trucks
• Formwork
• Bobcat
• Flammable Gas
• Fuel
• Dozer
• High Voltage
• Mulcher
• Tilt-up Panels
• Roller
• Scissor Lift
• Tractor

Your Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS should also list any Personal Protective Equipment such as:

• Foot Protection - Boots or closed in shoes
• Hand Protection - Gloves
• Head Protection - Hard hat or helmet
• Hearing Protection - Ear plugs or ear muffs
• Eye Protection - Safety glasses, goggles or face shields
• Respiratory Protection - Face masks etc
• Face Protection - Face shield, welding mask etc
• High Visual Clothing
• Protective Clothing - Overalls etc
• Fall Protection - Safety harness, edge protection etc
• Sun Protection - Sunscreen, hat etc
• Hair and Jewellery Secured - Hair Net, etc

The Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to concrete slab polisher work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Concrete Slab Polisher and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.

When the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

1. All persons involved in the concrete slab polisher work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS;
2. Persons who will need to change a work procedure or system as a result of the review are advised of the changes in a way that will enable them to implement their duties consistently with the revised Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS; and,
3. Workers that will be involved in the concrete slab polisher work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS.

When preparing your Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS, here are some topics you might want to also include to ensure you have covered as many risks and hazards as possible.

Planning and Preparation When Working With and Around Concrete Slab Polisher.

When writing your Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Concrete Slab Polishers in consultation with the Principal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish:

• Health and Safety guidelines for concrete slab polisher work
• Emergency plans and evacuation procedures for the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS
• Worker inductions for Concrete Slab Polisher
• Toolbox talks (safety meetings) added to the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS
• Outline details of supervision of the site and workers on the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS
• Check all workers qualifications, permits and competencies for Concrete Slab Polisher operations
• Ensure the Concrete Slab Polisher and any related equipment is functioning correctly
• Hazard reporting procedures in place and added to the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS
• Incident reporting procedures in place and added to the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS
• Exclusion zones when conducting concrete slab polisher work
• Risk Assessment for TASK completed and noted on the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS
• Electrical NO GO ZONES identified, discussed and documented.

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when using concrete slab polisher and ensure that:

1. A risk assessment of the concrete slab polisher work is conducted
2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct concrete slab polisher work safely
3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting concrete slab polisher work
4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS details
5. If conducting Concrete Slab Polisher at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
6. Check that the work environment is suitable for concrete slab polisher work

Concrete Slab Polisher Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Concrete Slab Polisher as well as any qualifications that may be required for various concrete slab polisher projects before starting work. If White Cards are required, retain copies of all cards, licenses and qualifications of personnel.

All personnel must:

1. Be trained and/or have received instructions on the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Concrete Slab Polisher operations and concrete slab polisher work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Concrete Slab Polisher SWMS

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Concrete Slab Polisher Safe Work Method Statement Template:

• Make sure that polishing head is well away from slab when setting up.
• Keep hands and feet well away when placing slab for machining wear Type 1 or Type 4 safety footwear.
• Wear cut-resistant gloves to protect hands from rough or sharp edges.
• Make sure that an adequate supply of water is provided to the grinding head.
• Determine the high point of the slab to be polished, and use this point as the reference point for starting the grinding operation.
• Identify tasks that use or generate RCS.
• Silica containing materials supplied and brought into workplaces need to be accompanied by both the safety data sheet (SDS) and the product label.
• Follow instructions and controls outlined in safety data sheets and product labels.
• Workers must pass a respirator fit-test before they first start wearing a tight-fitting respirator. Fit-testing measures the effectiveness of the seal between the respirator and the wearer’s face. It is required for all tight-fitting respirators.
• All fit-testing must be carried out by a competent in house person, manufacturer, supplier or consultant:
• -before wearing a tight-fitting respirator for the first time
• -each time a new make or model of respirator is issued
• -whenever there is a change in the wearer’s facial characteristics or features which may affect the facial seal (e.g. large weight loss or gain).
• Fit-testing should be repeated on a regular basis based upon risk assessment.
• Use exhaust ventilation systems to capture and remove dust at the source.
• Use dust capture systems on portable tools.
• Apply water suppression systems to reduce dust generation.
• Use well maintained and appropriate respiratory protective equipment (fit-tested respirator).
• Use water or an approved vacuum cleaner (class M or H) to clean up dust and avoid using compressed air or sweeping.
• Conduct regular air monitoring to confirm everyone at your workplace is working within safe levels of exposure.
• Make sure an adequate supply of cooling water is provided to the grinding head.
• Provide a filter or settlement system to allow removal of suspended solids.
• Flush cooling system with clean water at end of each usage or days work.
• Make sure that work area is away from obstructions before polishing commences.
• Operators should be provided with suitable clothing for work conditions wear eye protection.
• Be careful when walking on wet surfaces provide non-slip flooring system or grating floor to allow muddy water to flow away.
• Provide PVC apron, gloves and boots for wet work.
• Place machine controls in an easily accessible dry position for wet areas, use waterproof controls.
• Emergency stop button must be within easy reach and clearly identified.
• Only authorised persons should operate machine controls (except STOP).
• During all maintenance and grinding wheel changes, isolate and lockout machine to prevent accidental operation provide key switch for main power control.
• Be careful when handling grinding wheels and heavy components proper manual handling processes must be observed.
  

National: View the Model Codes of Practice for Excavation Work on Safe Work Australia's website here.
Victoria: Victoria's Code of Practice for Excavation Work may be viewed on Work Safe Victoria's website here.