Laying Of Pipes And Culverts Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

• Tripping and slipping hazards due to uneven or unstable ground
• Excavation and trench collapse hazards
• Struck-by hazards from moving equipment or objects
• Electrical hazards from underground services
• Confined space hazards
• Noise hazards
• Manual handling hazards
• Exposure to hazardous substances such as asbestos or chemicals

Risk Assessment: The following risk assessment has been conducted for the identified hazards:

• Tripping and slipping hazards – moderate risk. Control measures include ensuring the ground is level and stable, providing appropriate footwear, and keeping the worksite clean and tidy.
• Excavation and trench collapse hazards – high risk. Control measures include ensuring the excavation is properly shored, providing access ladders, and ensuring workers are trained in safe excavation practices.
• Struck-by hazards – high risk. Control measures include ensuring workers wear high-visibility clothing, providing barriers around the work area, and ensuring workers are trained in safe work practices.
• Electrical hazards – low risk. Control measures include identifying the location of underground services before commencing work, using insulated tools and equipment, and providing appropriate signage and barriers.
• Confined space hazards – high risk. Control measures include ensuring proper ventilation and lighting, providing rescue equipment, and ensuring workers are trained in safe entry and exit procedures.
• Noise hazards – moderate risk. Control measures include providing appropriate hearing protection, scheduling noisy work during appropriate times, and ensuring workers are trained in safe work practices.
• Manual handling hazards – high risk. Control measures include providing appropriate lifting equipment and training workers in proper lifting techniques.
• Exposure to hazardous substances – low to high risk, depending on the nature of the substance. Control measures include identifying the hazardous substances present, providing appropriate personal protective equipment, and ensuring workers are trained in safe handling procedures.

Control Measures: The following control measures will be implemented to eliminate or minimise the identified hazards:

• Tripping and slipping hazards – ensure the ground is level and stable, provide appropriate footwear, keep the worksite clean and tidy.
• Excavation and trench collapse hazards – ensure the excavation is properly shored, provide access ladders, ensure workers are trained in safe excavation practices.
• Struck-by hazards – ensure workers wear high-visibility clothing, provide barriers around the work area, ensure workers are trained in safe work practices.
• Electrical hazards – identify the location of underground services before commencing work, use insulated tools and equipment, provide appropriate signage and barriers.
• Confined space hazards – ensure proper ventilation and lighting, provide rescue equipment, ensure workers are trained in safe entry and exit procedures.
• Noise hazards – provide appropriate hearing protection, schedule noisy work during appropriate times, ensure workers are trained in safe work practices.
• Manual handling hazards – provide appropriate lifting equipment and training workers in proper lifting techniques.
• Exposure to hazardous substances – identify the hazardous substances present, provide appropriate personal protective equipment, ensure workers are trained in safe handling procedures.

Personal Protective Equipment: The following personal protective equipment (PPE) will be worn by workers:

• Hard hats
• High-visibility clothing
• Safety boots
• Eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Respiratory protection (if required)
• Gloves (if required)

The following emergency procedures will be implemented in the event of an emergency:

• Evacuate the area immediately and move to a safe location
• Contact emergency services if required
• Administer first aid if necessary
• Report the incident to the supervisor or manager

Training and Communication: All workers involved in the laying of pipes and culverts will receive training in the following areas:

• Hazards associated with the work
• Control measures to eliminate or minimise the identified hazards
• Safe work procedures and practices
• Proper use of personal protective equipment
• Emergency procedures

Workers will also be encouraged to communicate any safety concerns or incidents to the supervisor or manager.