Laundry – Commercial and Industrial Safe Work Method Statement

Laundry – Commercial and Industrial Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Laundry – Commercial and Industrial Safe Work Method Statement

Laundry – Commercial and Industrial 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 Laundry Commercial and Industrial 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 Laundry – Commercial and Industrial 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. Pre start checks
  8. Housekeeping
  9. Handling chemicals
  10. Labelling
  11. Emergency procedures
  12. Operation
  13. On completion

The Laundry – Commercial and Industrial Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Laundry – Commercial and Industrial 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. Wear proper PPE, including protective clothing, gloves and safety glasses.
  2. Shoes should have a nonslip sole when working around slippery water and soaps.
  3. Always keep laundry products in their original containers and close the containers after use.

Laundry – Commercial and Industrial 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 Laundry – Commercial and Industrial 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 laundry – commercial and industrial project as needed, making sure that your Laundry – Commercial and Industrial SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Laundry – Commercial and Industrial SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own laundry – commercial and industrial SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Laundry – Commercial and Industrial SWMS such as: 

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

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

Your Laundry – Commercial and Industrial Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as:

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

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

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

When the Laundry – Commercial and Industrial SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

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

When preparing your Laundry – Commercial and IndustrialSWMS, 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 Laundry – Commercial and Industrial.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with laundry commercial and industrial and ensure that:

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

Laundry – Commercial and Industrial Training and Worker Qualifications

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

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Laundry – Commercial and Industrial Safe Work Method Statement Template: 

  • Make sure all machines are in good working order and all maintenance procedures are up to date.
  • Check that guards are in place and that all safety devices are functioning.
  • Check electrical cables, plugs, switches and controls for wearing or damage.
  • Make sure that all electrical machinery and equipment is inspected and tagged.
  • Make sure floors are clean and dry mop up any spilt fluids.
  • Remove unnecessary trolleys and linen from work area always keep work area clean and tidy.
  • Reduce fire hazard by maintaining filters and screens and removing fluff build-up remove fluff build-up from filter screens every day.
  • Always obtain a current Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical to be used in a workplace before the substance is first used replace MSDSs every 5 years.
  • Make sure that the MSDS is the proper one for the substance actually being used in the workplace, and is current make sure that chemicals are stored safely, and segregate incompatible substances.
  • Provide a register containing an MSDS for each substance together with a risk assessment for the substance in each area where a substance is used label the registers clearly and make them readily available.
  • Instruct all persons handling cleaners on the hazards of the substance, and the means of protecting themselves from the substance wearing eye, hand and body protection is necessary as required by MSDS.
  • Provide suitable protective equipment to all persons who are likely be exposed to a substance.
  • Never use flammable substances in areas where heat or ignition sources are or could be present do not allow ignition sources in areas where flammables used.
  • Make sure that persons using corrosive substances are conversant with the safety procedures to follow, and the treatment in case of exposure always provide emergency eyewash and shower facility as necessary.
  • Clearly label all containers of cleaners 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 that labels are clearly visible on all containers and that the proper label is fixed to the container.
  • In areas where a spill or leak could result in a risk to health and safety, provide procedures to remove persons who may be affected provide suitable means of controlling and cleaning up spills and leaks.
  • Train all persons in the implementation of emergency procedures.
  • Suitable first aid facilities should be readily available incase of exposure wearing appropriate PPE
  • Make sure that all covers and guards are in place whenever machinery is in use always unplug machinery to clean or to carry out maintenance.
  • Make sure that guards will prevent persons from reaching into or touching rollers, nip points, or rotating parts of machinery.
  • Ensure persons working in areas where moving parts may be present are not wearing loose clothing, jewellery or pendants, and containing long hair.
  • Obtain assistance when moving full linen bags or loaded trolleys if load is too heavy or awkward for a single person ensure proper handling procedures are followed when handling linen or trolleys.
  • Provide flow of fresh air from outside to assist in reducing the temperature in the work area use forced draft ventilation.
  • Provide adequate cool drinking water to persons working in hot conditions.
  • Work processes may produce noise levels much higher than normal wearing hearing protection is necessary.
  • Linen used in medical facilities requires careful handling and checking for sharps and other medical instruments.
  • Handle laundry with care during pre-wash sorting wearing gloves is necessary.
  • Careless handling of foul linen whilst sorting and loading machines may cause disease wearing disposable gloves is necessary.
  • Persons who may be exposed to risk of disease should be vaccinated to protect them from risk of contracting Hepatitis C or Tetanus.
  • Always wash hands regularly, especially before eating or smoking.
  • Continual handling of linen removes natural oils from the hands and causes dryness and cracking to the skin always use barrier cream on hands regularly throughout shift.
  • Exercise caution when working with machinery operated by steam keep hands away from hot parts and machinery.
  • Wearing hand protection is necessary.
  • Wearing gloves, apron, and eye 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.