Flammable Liquids Safe Work Method Statement

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

Flammable Liquids Safe Work Method Statement

Flammable Liquids 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 big contract or government tender - the Flammable Liquids Safe Work Method Statement is easy to customise, easy to use and 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 on site, save you loads of time and are very user-friendly. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.

The Flammable Liquids 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. Storage
  8. Handling
  9. Transport
  10. Spills and leaks
  11. Disposal
  12. On completion

The Flammable Liquids Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Flammable Liquids 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. Keep containers closed when not in use to protect from contamination.
  2. Store, handle and use flammable and combustible liquids in well-ventilated areas.
  3. Use approved equipment, including labelled safety containers for flammable liquids.

Flammable Liquids 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 Flammable Liquids 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 flammable liquids project as needed, making sure that your Flammable Liquids SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Flammable Liquids 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 Flammable Liquids.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

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

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

Flammable Liquids Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Keep all flammable liquids in a cool and well-ventilated place, and protect them from weather and unauthorised access.
  • Eliminate all sources of ignition from the storage areas.
  • Do not allow any unauthorised entry.
  • Do not allow any smoking or ignition sources.
  • Use a well-ventilated area to decant flammable liquids.
  • Eliminate the build-up of static electricity by providing earthing straps.
  • Avoid splashing and do not allow skin and eyes to be exposed to liquids.
  • Do not allow smoking or ignition sources.
  • Wearing PVC gloves and apron is necessary.
  • Wearing eye protection is mandatory.
  • Static can build up during transport; make sure that containers are earthed.
  • Never carry flammable liquids in the passenger compartments of vehicles.
  • Always secure the containers from accidental damage or movement.
  • If the liquids are to be carried in a secure compartment, make sure there is adequate ventilation provided, such as grille vent or roof ventilator.
  • Identify the vehicle load using the ADG Code requirements.
  • All containers must be clearly labelled with the name of the contents.
  • Do not allow smoking or any ignition sources.
  • Always carry a suitable fire extinguisher on the vehicle.
  • If it is safe, prevent further leak or spill.
  • Evacuate the area if necessary and remove all ignition sources from the spill area.
  • Do not allow the spill to enter watercourses or drains.
  • For a large spill, persons entering area must have appropriate personal protective equipment, and they must be specifically trained to follow necessary procedures in case flammable liquids are spilled.
  • If possible, soak up the spill. Note that the material used for soaking up the spill will also be highly flammable and must be handled as flammable material.
  • If there is a threat to the environment, property or persons, emergency services must be notified.
  • Re-entry into the area must not be allowed until the spill has been cleaned up fully and the area has been decontaminated.
  • Do not allow smoking and all ignition sources.
  • Suitable body protection such as gas suit and self-contained breathing apparatus must be provided.
  • Wearing PVC gloves, apron and respirator fitted with appropriate gas filter is recommended.
  • All waste material and spill residue must be conveyed as flammable liquid.
  • Disposal of waste material and spill residue must be done only at approved chemical waste disposal facilities. No disposal should be done in landfills, or allowed to enter watercourses or drains.
  • Label all containers with clear labels of their contents.
  • Identify the vehicle load using the ADG Code requirements.
  • Do not allow smoking or ignition sources.
  • For handling containers of waste material, wearing PVC gloves is recommended.

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.