How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Glass Storage And Handling 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 glass storage and handling project as needed, making sure that your Glass Storage And Handling SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Glass Storage And Handling SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own glass storage and handling SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Glass Storage And Handling SWMS such as: 

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

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

Your Glass Storage And Handling Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as: 

• Does the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS involve a risk of a person falling more than 2 meters?
• Is the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping?
• Is the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS carried out on a telecommunication tower?
• Is the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
• Does the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing?
• Is the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
• Does the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS involve demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure?
• Is the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
• Does the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS involve, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos?
• Does the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
• Does the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse?
• Is the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor?
• Is the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS carried out in or near a confined space?
• Is the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant?
• Is the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than1.5 m or tunnel involving use of explosives?
• Is the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature?
• Is the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
• Does the glass storage and handling work outlined in the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS involve diving work?

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

When the Glass Storage And Handling SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure: 

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

When preparing your Glass Storage And Handling 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 Glass Storage And Handling. 

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

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

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

Glass Storage And Handling Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

• Be careful when handling glass.
• Cut glass may have sharp edges, which may be a risk of injury for hands, body and feet.
• Make sure cutting and work tables are free of tools and other objects and clear of debris that may cause cracks or fracture in glass sheet.
• Fracture zones of sheet glass may release splinters or sharp slivers of glass and may pose high risk of eye injury.
• Wearing cut-resistant gloves and wrist protection such as gauntlets, aprons and footwear is necessary.
• Wearing eye protection is necessary.
• Store glass away from direct sunlight and in cool dry areas.
• Avoid damages and breakages by keeping storage racks clean.
• When storing glass sheets make sure they will not fall.
• Make sure there is sufficient working space for moving sheets safely.
• Never slide glass sheets across the face of other sheets.
• Avoid contamination by foreign matter by covering glass.
• Never store glass outdoors.
• Use frames with felt or carpet linings.
• Use slope or fit dividers for storing.
• Adequate working space must be provided.
• Separate sheets with paper, etc.
• To avoid damage, keep glass clean.
• While removing glass from racks, be careful not to disturb other sheets.
• Make sure vacuum cups are not worn or damaged as this could affect sealing.
• Make sure the lifting frame and cups will be able to lift the weight of the sheet.
• Before lifting the sheet, make sure all vacuum cups are properly attached.
• For handling and moving large sheets of plate glass, obtain assistance.
• For moving plate glass sheets, use handling dollies or rolling racks.
• Use separators between sheets.
• Faulty cups must be replaced immediately.
• The frame should have its WWL marked.
• Before moving perform a check lift.
• Proper lifting practices must be observed.
• Mechanical aids must be provided and used.
• Use only cut-resistant gloves when handling glass.
• When handling full sheets, always wear protection for arms and wrists.
• When handling heavy, large or irregularly shaped glass sheets, make sure adequate assistance is available.
• Make sure work area has adequate ventilation, but does not allow strong drafts of wind as this could allow glass dust to be blown into the work area atmosphere.
• Wrist protection gauntlets and cut resistant gloves must be worn.
• Proper lifting practices must be observed.
• Wearing eye protection is mandatory.
• Be careful when handling glass. Cut glass may have sharp edges, which may be a risk of injury for hands, body and feet.
• When machining glass, do not exert excessive pressure.
• When drilling glass, always use water to cool the glass and avoid dust.
• When handling heavy, large or irregularly shaped glass sheets, make sure adequate assistance is available.
• Allow only authorised persons to handle glass machining equipment.
• Wearing cut-resistant gloves and wrist protection such as gauntlets, aprons and footwear is necessary.
• Proper lifting practices must be observed.
• Further breakage can be avoided if large portions of broken glass is picked up by hands.
• Small pieces of broken glass may be picked up using shovels or other implements.
• Fragments, splinters and dust can be removed by sweeping or vacuum cleaning the area.
• Dispose broken glass by placing in metal or similar container.
• For handling scrap or broken glass, wearing hand protection is necessary.
• Wearing foot protection is necessary.
• When carrying glass in vehicles, make sure there are insulated frames to hold the glass securely to disallow movement off the sheets.
• Always carry glass sheets in vertical or nearly vertical position.
• Never unload glass on sloping ground where there is a reduction on safe lean on the load.
• When lifting heavy sheets on to and off vehicles, use mechanical aids.
• Provide all vehicles with necessary tools to clean up and remove breakages occurring during transport and delivery.
• During transport, make sure the glass is secured from any kind of movement.
• Always carry bins, tools and PPE for cleaning up after breakages.
• Dispose broken and scrap glass by keeping away from other waste material and disposing at approved glass recycling facilities.
• If glass waste is contaminated, it should be wrapped up and disposed in approved landfill facilities.
• For handling scrap or broken glass, wearing hand protection is necessary.

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.