Jack Hammer Safe Work Method Statement

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

Jack Hammer Safe Work Method Statement

Jack Hammer 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 Jack Hammer 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 onsite, save you loads of time and are very user-friendly. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.

The Jack Hammer 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 on site conditions
  4. Set up work area
  5. Temporary Traffic Control (TMP)
  6. Delivery of materials and equipment
  7. General precautions
  8. Pre-start checks
  9. Operation
  10. Cleaning and maintenance
  11. Storage and transport
  12. On completion

The Jack Hammer Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Jack Hammer 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. Positioning the jackhammer at a slight angle will improve control and reduce the likelihood of the tip getting stuck and/or jumping backwards.
  2. Whenever possible, face the jackhammer away from windows and walls and lay a plastic sheet over your work area to prevent damage from flying debris.
  3. Hand-arm vibration syndrome and occur when using a jackhammer. The process involves an aggressive shaking motion, which often leads to repercussions on operators. Take care.

Jack Hammer Safe Work Method Statement

  • Detailed and pre-filled Jack Hammer Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Immediate Download Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) Template.
  • Easy to customise - instructions included.
  • Referenced to Australian & NZ Standards (AS/NZS) & 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 Jack Hammer 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 jack hammer project as needed, making sure that your Jack Hammer SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Jack Hammer 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 Jack Hammer. 

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

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

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

Jack Hammer Training and Worker Qualification 

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

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

  • If used on site, ensure current test tag remains attached. Lead and plug must not be damaged.
  • Make sure the hose connects securely to the spigot and the connection is clean.
  • When using larger drill bits or tools, make sure theT-handle is securely attached.
  • Never use if out of test or faulty.
  • Ensure the casing has no missing screws, and is not cracked or damaged.
  • Make sure the chuck is secure, and chuck segments are not distorted, worn or nicked.
  • Make sure that drill bit segments are not overly chipped or worn, and the drill stem is undamaged and clean.
  • For tightening chuck, use the proper chuck key. Make sure the chuck is tight by nipping all positions.
  • Make sure all controls are operating smoothly.
  • If chuck is damaged, repair or replace.
  • If drill bits are damaged or worn, replace the bits.
  • Remove nicks from stem by filing.
  • Keep the chuck key with the drills.
  • When using drills, avoid bending and adopt a comfortable posture. Use a load support or leg for using a large drill for drilling into walls, etc.
  • Never allow dust to accumulate on the floor and keep the area clear of hoses and leads.
  • When working above ground, provide a sound working platform with fall protection.
  • When drilling concrete, brick or stone, always wear suitable protective equipment.
  • When using larger drills in all media or when drilling hard materials such as concrete, stone or brick, hearing protection will be required.
  • Before drilling, locate pipes, conduits, cables, etc. behind walls.
  • For using large tools and complex jobs, always provide assistance and balance the tool appropriately for use. If ever in doubt refer to the operators manual safety instructions.
  • Keep the work areas clean and clear.
  • Always maintain a safe working position.
  • Wearing eye protection, P1 particulate dust mask and hearing protection is recommended.
  • Before drilling, locate all services.
  • Only a competent person should carry out repairs to electric tools.
  • Avoid breathing dust when disassembling or cleaning power tools.
  • Never use compressed air for cleaning tools. Always use a brush to remove the dust.
  • Do not allow unauthorised repairs.
  • Wearing P1 particulate dust mask is advisable.
  • Use the case provided for storing tools, or store in clean and secured area that is protected from the weather.
  • Store drill bits such that the cutting segments are protected from damage.
  • Tools must be provided with a dry secure storage.              

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.