Emergency Lightning Safe Work Method Statement

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

Emergency Lightning Safe Work Method Statement

Emergency Lightning 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 Emergency Lightning 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 Emergency Lightning 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. General precautions
  8. Cleaning, inspection and replacement of lamps
  9. Work in or adjacent to stairwells
  10. Testing of lighting
  11. Testing of lighting
  12. Inspection and testing of battery systems
  13. On completion

The Emergency Lightning Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Emergency Lightning 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.

Your SWMS is now read to use, and may also be used as training materials for work related activities such as Workplace Inductions or WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

  1. Braille exit signs and exit route signs are necessary.
  2. Emergency lighting must automatically engage in less than 10 seconds.
  3. Emergency lights and exit signs must operate for a minimum of 1.5 hours.

Emergency Lightning Safe Work Method Statement

  • Detailed and pre-filled Emergency Lightning Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Instant Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement Template.
  • Easy to customise - instructions included.
  • Referenced to Australian and NZ Standards (AS/NZS) and Legislation. 
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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 Emergency Lightning 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 emergency lightning project as needed, making sure that your Emergency Lightning SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Emergency Lightning Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the worksite, such as:

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

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

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

When preparing your Emergency Lightning 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 Emergency Lightning. 

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

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

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

Emergency Lightning Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Test emergency lighting systems only during periods of low occupancy unless there are adequate alternative safe evacuation facilities.
  • Liaise with building owners and occupants before testing systems.
  • Make sure there is safe area for working and to protect occupants and public from risk see SWP520 Working in Public Areas.
  • Where lighting is affected, restrict emergency stairwell use during testing periods.
  • Provide suitable safe access to lamps use platform ladder with rails if available.
  • All work on electrical equipment must only use only non-conductive ladders.
  • Make sure the ladder is placed on stable surface and never stand on top steps of step ladders.
  • Make sure that operator is competent when using scissor lift to maintain lighting make sure that warning light operates.
  • Make sure there is minimum moisture on cleaning cloth to reduce water spill and dripping make sure that hands are dry when replacing lamps.
  • Be careful and avoid touching live electrical conductors and lamp holders.
  • Check that the replacement lamp meets design criteria of original equipment make sure the tube is same type and colour.
  • Minimum of two persons are required when working in stairwells second person is for making sure that ladder is held steady while the first is maintaining lighting.
  • Restrict access into stairwell while work is being carried out.
  • Make sure that ladders are fitted with non-slip feet and are in good condition use only non-conductive ladders.
  • Make sure that torch or other lighting is available in case of lighting supply failure.
  • Turn battery charger off to effectively simulate a mains supply failure and carry out test at 100% of installed lighting load. Allow test to continue until operation of all emergency lights and exit signs has been checked.
  • Programme test to allow time for batteries to recharge fully before full occupancy of building is resumed.
  • Check that no interruption to power supply has occurred in the previous 16 hours prior to testing being carried out.
  • Inspect lamps before test, and replace any failed lamps or lamps exhibiting excessive blackening of ends.
  • Simulate failure of mains supply to initiate operation of battery supply, and check that emergency lights and exit signs remain illuminated for at least 90 minutes.
  • Carry out tests during low occupancy periods, or test systems separately if more than one system is installed.
  • Note: initiate test by pressing test button where manual discharge test facility is provided in lamp fixture.
  • Inspect all emergency lights and exit signs following test to make sure that they are returned to normal operation status.
  • When handling batteries or electrolytes, make sure all safety precautions are followed see SWP05 Battery Safety.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and PPE when handling batteries or electrolytes wear eye, hand and body protection.
  • Avoid shorting across terminals, and make sure there is adequate ventilation to eliminate gas.
  • Check charging equipment to make sure that batteries are not overcharged.

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.