Corrosives Safe Work Method Statement

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

Corrosives Safe Work Method Statement

Corrosives 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 Corrosives 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 Corrosives 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. MSDS register
  8. Storage
  9. Labelling
  10. Handling and use
  11. Disposal
  12. Emergency procedures
  13. On completion

The Corrosives Safe Work Method Statement  Includes


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

Your Corrosives 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. Never store corrosive liquids above eye level.
  2. Handle and dispose of corrosive wastes safely.
  3. Dispense corrosives carefully and keep containers closed when not in use.

Corrosives 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 Corrosives 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 Corrosives SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Corrosives SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own corrosives SWMS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Corrosives 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 Corrosives.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions 

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with corrosives and ensure that:

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

Corrosives Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • A current Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) must be obtained for each substance to be used in a workplace before the substance is first used make sure that the MSDS is the proper one for the substance actually being used in the workplace, and is current.
  • The MSDS must provide detailed information about the name of the substance (including ingredients in mixtures, health hazard information, precautions for use and safe handling of the substance) replace all MSDSs every 5 years.
  • Provide a register that contains a MSDS for each substance together with a risk assessment in each area where a substance is used label the register clearly and make it available readily.
  • Provide well-ventilated chemical storage areas where significant quantities of corrosive materials are stored do not allow smoking, eating or drinking near the storage areas.
  • Provide bunds or other methods of preventing the spread of spilt or leaked liquids.
  • Provide personal protective equipment as specified in the MSDS for a substance in case of a spill or leak.
  • Provide adequate means to contain and clean up spills and leaks in each area where liquids are stored.
  • Neutralising agents should be readily available for substances such as acids.
  • Dispose of spillage only as directed on the MSDS follow local environmental protection requirements.
  • Store dangerous goods in compliance with local dangerous goods regulations, and provide appropriate placards where quantities stored exceed minimum quantities requiring placarding to be provided do not allow unauthorised entry into areas where dangerous goods are stored or handled.
  • Clearly label all containers of corrosive substances with the trade name of the substance, the chemical name(s) of the ingredient(s), possible harmful effects, safe handling precautions, and the appropriate dangerous goods class label or poisons label make sure the labels are clearly visible on all the containers.
  • Identify the containers used to transfer substances during a work process with the name of the substance while containing the substance make sure that correct label is fixed to container.
  • Note a label must remain on the container until it is cleaned of all harmful residue.
  • Tanks and Intermediate Bulk Containers, which are identified with a dangerous goods placard, do not require to be labelled unless the substance is to be used in the workplace.
  • All persons handling corrosives must be instructed on the hazards of the substance, and the means of protecting themselves from the substance provide safe handling instructions for all corrosive substances.
  • Provide suitable respiratory, eye and body protection as required by the Material Safety Data Sheet to all persons who are likely be exposed to a substance if adequate ventilation cannot be maintained, or if the substance poses an immediate risk to health provide respirator, eye protection, body protection, liquid-proof gloves and chemical-proof footwear.
  • Provide adequate resources to deal with spills or leaks.
  • Actions such as eating, drinking or smoking, or other actions which could result in a person accidentally swallowing a corrosive substance must not be allowed in areas where corrosives are stored, handled or used do not allow smoking, eating or drinking.
  • If applicable, neutralise spilt material with suitable neutralising agent provide suitable containers for the disposal of waste substances.
  • Place all waste and used substances in suitable containers labelled with the name and class of the substance never dispose of in landfill unless authorised to do so by the relevant environmental authority.
  • Dispose of waste substance at an approved chemical disposal facility.
  • Never allow substances to enter drains or watercourses.
  • Provide procedures to remove persons who may be affected to a safe place where a spill or leak could result in a risk to health and safety.
  • Provide alternative emergency assembly areas where the areas may be affected by wind-borne substance.
  • Train all persons for implementing emergency procedures.
  • Clearly display emergency services contacts in areas where an emergency could arise.
  • Provide emergency shower and eyewash facilities in areas where an exposure is likely to occur.
  • Suitable first aid facilities should be readily available incase of exposure.

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.