Laying Of Pipes And Culverts Safe Work Method Statement

Laying Of Pipes And Culverts Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Laying Of Pipes And Culverts Safe Work Method Statement

Laying Of Pipes And Culverts 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 Laying Of Pipes and Culverts 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 Laying Of Pipes And Culverts 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. Competency requirements
  8. General precautions
  9. Storage of pipes and culverts on site
  10. Preparation of bedding or floor
  11. Preparation for shifting of loads
  12. Attachment and movement of loads
  13. Lowering and placement of loads
  14. On completion

The Laying Of Pipes And Culverts Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Laying Of Pipes And Culverts 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.

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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 Laying Of Pipes And Culverts 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 laying of pipes and culverts project as needed, making sure that your Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own laying of pipes and culverts SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS such as:

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

Note: The Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the laying of pipes and culverts work is completed. Where the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts Safe Work Method Statement, the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Laying Of Pipes And Culverts Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as: 

  • Does the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS involve a risk of a person falling more than2 meters?
  • Is the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS carried out on or near pressurised gas mains or piping?
  • Is the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS carried out on a telecommunication tower?
  • Is the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines?
  • Does the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS involve demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing?
  • Is the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services?
  • Does the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS involve demolition of an element related to the physical integrity of a structure?
  • Is the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere?
  • Does the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS involve, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos?
  • Does the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS involve tilt-up or precast concrete?
  • Does the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS involve structural alteration or repair that requires temporary support to prevent collapse?
  • Is the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor?
  • Is the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS carried out in or near a confined space?
  • Is the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS carried out in an area of a workplace where there is any movement of powered mobile plant?
  • Is the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS carried out in/near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5m or tunnel involving use of explosives?
  • Is the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS carried out in areas with artificial extremes of temperature?
  • Is the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning?
  • Does the laying of pipes and culverts work outlined in the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS involve diving work?

Your Laying Of Pipes And Culverts Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as:

Your Laying Of Pipes And Culverts 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 Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to laying of pipes and culverts work are revised.The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.

When the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

  1. All persons involved in the laying of pipes and culverts work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Laying Of Pipes And Culverts 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 Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the laying of pipes and culverts work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS.

When preparing your Laying Of Pipes And Culverts 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 Laying Of Pipes And Culverts.

When writing your Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Laying Of Pipes And Culverts in consultation with the Principal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish:

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when laying of pipes and culverts and ensure that:

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

Laying Of Pipes And Culverts Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Laying Of Pipes And Culverts as well as any qualifications that maybe required for various laying of pipes and culverts 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 Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Laying Of Pipes And Culverts operations and laying of pipes and culverts work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Laying Of Pipes And Culverts SWMS

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Laying Of Pipes And Culverts Safe Work Method Statement Template:

  • Operators of mobile cranes, earthmoving plant and other similar mobile plant used as a crane must hold the appropriate licence for the type of plant being used:
  • Non-slewing mobile crane (over 3t) Class CN.
  • Slewing crane (to 20t) Class C2.
  • Dogger - Licence Class DG.
  • Excavator operator Class LE.
  • Front end loader operator Class LL.
  • Backhoe/loader operator Class LB.
  • Allow only a licensed dogger to sling all loads being shifted on sites.
  • Allow only a licensed dogger to control all loads not indirect view of operator.
  • Allow vehicle loading crane operators (Licence Class CV) to sling loads.
  • Do not allow crane operators and excavator operators who are operating plant to shift a load to undertake or supervise dogging functions or slinging activities.
  • Use only approved lifting equipment (slings, shackles, etc.) to lift loads refer to SWP329 Lifting equipment.
  • Inspect all the all slings and lifting gear before use for evidence of wearing, damage, etc. never use worn or faulty equipment.
  • Prevent persons entering danger area by barricading area where plant is operating wearing high-visibility garments is essential.
  • Make sure adequate space is available to swing load where other plant, etc., is present provide adequate traffic management.
  • Provide smooth, level working area for plant to prevent unwanted load movement carry load slowly over rough ground.
  • Store pipes on an even surface or place on timbers on rough ground clear area before storing materials.
  • Make sure that pipes are properly secured against movement by chocks, etc. secure chocks on each side of pipes.
  • Make sure that slings can be safely placed around pipes without lifting points provide space for slings between pipes.
  • Make sure that larger pipes are secured against movement before entering to place bar, timber or other means of attaching pipe to sling plant must not be operated while a person is close to the pipe to be lifted.
  • Always store components on level surface or on timbers placed on rough ground clear area before storing materials.
  • Make sure that lifting points are protected and kept clear to allow attachment of slings protect lift points from impact or damage.
  • Make sure that components will not move when adjacent items are removed check stability of each item when stored.
  • Make sure that safe access is provided for persons who will remove or attach slings ensure that all lift points are accessible.
  • Place bedding material to proper depth leaving spaces for removal of slings make sure that slings can be removed from under pipe without necessity to pull out.
  • Make sure that floor does not have bumps, obstructions, etc., to allow sections to seat.
  • Make sure that all items to be shifted are clearly marked with the weight of the item never move items if weight is unknown.
  • Make sure that weight of item to be shifted does not exceed WWL of the plant check documentation to assess weight.
  • Clearly identify lifting points (if provided) and make sure that all points are sound mark lifting points with paint, etc.
  • Make sure that clear access under loads is available when placing slings underneath place dunnage under items placed on ground, and stack with care.
  • Make sure that slung load when moved will not cause movement of other parts.
  • Refer to load charts or load plate on sets to make sure that legs of multi-leg sling sets or angular objects being lifted never reduce WWL to unsafe level use approved safety hooks and fittings to attach loads and slings.
  • Always protect slings and loads at sharp corners with soft packing, or use flexible slings make sure slings and hooks are secured.
  • Make sure that sling(s) selected are suitable for the typeof load to be shifted ensure manufacturer's instructions are observed.
  • Make sure that lifting points of loads are sound and that slings are securely attached consult sling tables for safe load limits.
  • Always store materials near to where they will be used to minimise movement on site avoid carrying slung loads over distance.
  • Always provide clear and even path of travel for slung loads to minimise movement of slung loads causing stress and damage to plant, lifting gear and loads maintain travel path in good condition and never carry loads over other persons.
  • Always travel at slow speed (walking pace) to minimise swing and movement of loads avoid jerky or sudden movements.
  • Always use tag lines to control movement of pipe or component when travelling never hold pipe or loads with hands.
  • Allow a competent person to assess the stability of trenches and excavations daily never allow persons to enter unsafe trench or excavation.
  • Keep plant back as far as possible from edge of trench or excavation.
  • Make sure that all persons are away from where load is to be placed before lowering ensure person directing load always remains in clear view of operator.
  • Allow only one person to give instructions to operator during positioning of loads allow only the Dogger to instruct operator.
  • Never remove slings until load is safely positioned and tension on sling released make sure all slings are slack before removal.
  • Plant must remain in position until instructed to move by person directing load never allow plant to move until instructed.

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.