Concrete Trowel Mechanised Safe Work Method Statement

Concrete Trowel Mechanised Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Concrete Trowel Mechanised Safe Work Method Statement

Concrete Trowel Mechanised Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to get on site to start work, looking to create a safe work environment or pitching for that next government tender - the Concrete Trowel Mechanised Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and easy to integrate into your current Safety Management System. If you don't have a Safety Management System, we need to talk, seriously, you don't need to be carrying that level of risk exposure in your business - we can help.

Look, we understand that business should be rewarding and not consumed by tedious red tape. The Safe Work Method Statement Template we create is in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality documents in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you onsite, save you loads of time and are very user-friendly. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.

The Concrete Trowel Mechanised Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the following Job Steps, including potential hazards, control measures and risk ratings:

  1. Planning and preparation
  2. Training and capabilities
  3. Assess onsite conditions
  4. Set up work area
  5. Temporary Traffic Control (TMP)
  6. Delivery of materials and equipment
  7. Pre-start checks
  8. Site safety
  9. Operational risks
  10. Use of float
  11. Emergency procedures
  12. Maintenance, cleaning and transport
  13. On completion

The Concrete Trowel Mechanised Safe Work Method Statement Includes


Risk Assessment Matrix | Hierarchy of Controls | PPE | Emergency Response

Your Concrete Trowel Mechanised Safe Work Method Statement is ready to be used in three easy steps:

  1. Add your company logo and details to the SWMS Template.
  2. Identify site specific risks.
  3. Address any site specific risks and add them to your SWMS Template.

Now that your Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is ready for use, you can also make the SWMS document available as a training resource for activities such as WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks or Workplace Inductions.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

  1. When working with concrete, it is important to always wear PPE. When working with a mechanised concrete trowel, it is essential to follow any safety guidelines.
  2. If it gets in to your eyes, wash them out and seek medical assistance immediately.
  3. Once the work has been completed, your skin and all protective clothing should be thoroughly washed with soap and running water.

Concrete Trowel Mechanised Safe Work Method Statement

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View a Safe Work Method Statement Example

See an example of a Safe Work Method Statement Template below. All our SWMS Template documents are comprehensive in nature, easy to use, and are a huge time saver. Our Safe Work Method Statement Templates are quick and easy to customise to your specific business or operation and are perfectly suited for every day use, for larger contracts and tenders right through to qualifying for contractor management platforms such as CM3.

What is a Safe Work Method Statement?

A SWMS is a document that outlines the high-risk construction work activities that will be performed at a workplace, the hazards that will be present as a result of these activities, and the controls that will be implemented to mitigate the risks.

A single SWMS can be utilised for numerous high-risk construction work activities, such as employing powered mobile plant, working at heights of more than 2 metres, and working near to a road that is used by traffic other than pedestrians.

A SWMS is an administrative control that is used to support higher-order controls, such as engineering controls, that are designed to remove or reduce hazards to health and safety.

A SWMS differs from other documentation such as a Job Safety Analysis or a Safe Operating Procedure in that it focuses on specific jobs or processes. A SWMS isn't meant to be a procedure; rather, it's a tool for supervisors and workers to check and monitor the workplace control measures. For high-risk work activities, a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)  must prepare a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) or check that one has been prepared before starting work. It is important to note that before any work process has started, a SWMS must be prepared.

A PCBU, on the other hand, also must manage health and safety hazards by eliminating or reducing them as much as possible. Before beginning any work on a project, the principal contractor must also obtain a copy of the SWMS.

What information does a Safe Work Method Statement need to contain?

A Safe Work Method Statement should identify high-risk work and any specify hazards related to high-risk construction work as well as any health and safety risks. The SWMS should describe the risk-control measures to be implemented, monitored, and reviewed and also should describe how the risk-control measures will be effective at reducing or eliminating the risk, and how they will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

A Safe Work Method Statement should be concise and focus on outlining the specific risks identified for the high-risk work to be performed, as well as the control measures to be implemented to ensure that the work is completed safely.

A long and overly complex Safe Work Method Statement which could be difficult to comprehend, implement and monitor or review may be confusing for workers to mentally digest and therefore is not ideal in helping to reduce or eliminate risks in the workplace. It is imperative that workers, and especially those who do not speak English, are able to understand the Safe Work Method Statement. Consider having pictures or diagrams added to the SWMS as a more effective way of presenting information contained within the SWMS.

The SWMS should also contain other regulatory requirements to protect health and safety of all personnel, such as controlling noise exposure and manual job risks. Also, keep in mind that evidence of a completed risk assessment may be required by the regulator or for auditing reasons if the Safe Work Method Statement is based on a workplace-specific risk assessment.

Who's Responsible for creating the Safe Work Method Statement?

In collaboration with workers who will be directly engaged in the activity, the person responsible for carrying out the work is usually best equipped to prepare the SWMS document. In most cases, this means that a Safe Work Method Statement is created by the builder for his or her employees, or by the subcontractor for their employees.

To establish who is in the best position to prepare the Safe Work Method Statement, the principle contractor, builder, and/or subcontractors should decide who will take responsibility for the SWMS.

It's also a requirement that all managers, contractors, supervisors, and workers be involved in the creation of a Safe Work Method Statement. Workers must be consulted so that they understand the SWMS in depth and what they must do to establish and maintain risks and implement control measures to manage the risk. Sharing information and utilising workers' knowledge and experience may also aid in ensuring that the task is completed in accordance with the SWMS.

If your workplace has a Health and Safety Representative, they should also be contacted while creating a Safe Work Method Statement.

What does the principal contractor's responsibility entail?

Before beginning work, a principal contractor must take all reasonable steps to obtain a SWMS from any contractor performing high-risk work. If no SWMS exists, the principal contractor must arrange for one to be created, for example by the contractor or subcontractor.

A general contractor should establish plans to ensure that high-risk work is carried out safely and in compliance with the Safe Work Method Statement. This can be done by keeping an eye on how the SWMS is being implemented on the ground.

The principal contractors' WHS management plan must also include detailed arrangements for collecting, assessing, monitoring, and reviewing the SWMS, according to the WHS Regulations.

How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Concrete Trowel Mechanised 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 Trowel Mechanised SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Concrete Trowel Mechanised SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own concrete trowel mechanised SWMS.

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

  • Details of the person(s) responsible for making sure implementation, monitoring and compliance of the Concrete Trowel Mechanised SWMS as well as any reviews and modifications.
  • Any information detailing safety meetings or toolbox talks in relation to concrete trowel mechanised work, scheduled in accordance with legislative requirements to first identify any site hazards where the concrete trowel mechanised 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 trowel mechanised work being done.
  • Any changes added to the Concrete Trowel Mechanised SWMS after an incident or a near miss.

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

Your Concrete Trowel Mechanised Safe Work Method StatementTemplate should list any high risk construction work, such as: 

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

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

Your Concrete Trowel Mechanised 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 Trowel Mechanised SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Concrete Trowel Mechanised SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to concrete trowel mechanised 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 Trowel Mechanised and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.

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

  1. All persons involved in the concrete trowel mechanised work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Concrete Trowel Mechanised 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 Trowel Mechanised SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the concrete trowel mechanised work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Concrete Trowel Mechanised SWMS. 

When preparing your Concrete Trowel Mechanised 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 Trowel Mechanised. 

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with concrete trowel mechanised and ensure that:

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

Concrete Trowel Mechanised Training and Worker Qualifications 

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Concrete Trowel Mechanised as well as any qualifications that may be required for various concrete trowel mechanised 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 Trowel Mechanised SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Concrete Trowel Mechanised operations and concrete trowel mechanised work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Concrete Trowel Mechanised SWMS

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

  • Units powered by electric motors must be used only on circuits protected by an RCD or approved safety switch test the safety switches at intervals specified for construction work.
  • Check all electrical components, switches, controls, leads, etc, for evidence of damage or faults, and make sure that unit is with in electrical test period never use faulty equipment.
  • Check units powered by internal combustion motors for evidence of fuel leaks, and physical damage to motor and components.
  • Check operation of all controls, including emergency cut-out systems and deadman controls. Once handles are released, blades should not rotate.
  • Check condition of shroud or guard over blades, and make sure that it offers full protection from accidental touching moving parts when unit is operating make sure all guards are fitted.
  • Check oil level, and fill fuel tank before starting machine refuel only at safe distance from work.
  • Make sure that area where work is to be carried out is free from obstacles  keep floor area free of obstacles.
  • Make sure that clear access is provided and maintained for equipment extension leads of electric powered machines should be kept off the floor.
  • Make sure that slab has set sufficiently to allow persons to walk on safely.
  • Check that construction joint material will not interfere with operation.
  • Make sure that work area is sufficiently lit to allow persons to work safely.
  • Operator must make sure that trowel is not run over electric leads keep leads away from work area.
  • Monitor noise levels of internal combustion engine units when working in covered or enclosed areas if noise approaches harmful levels, wear hearing protection.
  • Keep hands and feet away from moving and rotating parts of machine turn machine off before accessing blades or motor.
  • Wear close fitting clothing when operating machinery with rotating parts.
  • Avoid touching motor and exhaust on petrol operated machines refuel machine in well-ventilated areas only.
  • Make sure that fuel tank cap is properly and securely fitted on tank after refuelling.
  • Make sure of adequate ventilation and air movement when using petrol machines do not allow smoking or ignition sources.
  • Keep area around muffler free from rags, leaves and rubbish which may burn keep machine clean.
  • Allow engine to cool before refuelling, and prohibit smoking in vicinity.
  • Adjust steering handle to optimum height for person operating trowel ensure that handle is tightened.
  • Make sure that wheels fitted to unit roll easily to allow movement of unit proper handling procedures must be observed.
  • Obtain assistance when lifting machine where wheels cannot be used.
  • Follow safe starting procedures at all times turn fuel tap on; apply choke and open throttle slightly, pull start, and open choke slowly until engine is running smoothly.
  • Never rev engine when starting.
  • Never leave machine unattended when running.
  • Keep one hand on machine to prevent it from spinning.
  • Keep area free from non-essential persons, children, animals, etc.
  • Keep firm hold of handles to prevent whole unit rotating when started never attempt to use trowel one-handed.
  • Make sure that secure footing is maintained at all times when operating.
  • Make sure that handle is set to correct height to maintain optimum ergonomic body posture during operation.
  • Spray water lightly on area being trowelled and adjust blade angle to achieve optimum finish and to allow blades to rotate smoothly.
  • Make sure that surface being trowelled is free from loose objects, and avoid touching pipes, conduits, etc, in slab keep work are aclear.
  • Be aware of, and keep away from projections on floor surface.
  • Avoid skin and eye touching concrete or water containing cement wear eye, hand and foot protection.
  • To operate emergency stop, pull towards yourself.
  • Make sure that equipment is assembled and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions do not allow any unauthorised repairs.
  • Make sure that machine cannot be operated before working on moving parts remove lead or spark plug.
  • Make sure that guards are in good condition and are correctly refitted before returning trowel to service.
  • Used blades will wear to sharp edge on trailing edges wear gloves when handling.
  • Be careful to avoid eye injury when cleaning with high pressure cleaner wear eye protection.
  • Obtain assistance to lift trowel; use mechanical means whenever available proper lifting practices must be observed.
  • Lift and lower machine carefully ®C dropping may affect blade setting.
  • Clean machine after use to prevent build-up of cement residue on machine wear eye protection.

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.