Line Borer Safe Work Method Statement

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

Line Borer Safe Work Method Statement

Line Borer 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 Line Borer 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, and 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 Line Borer 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. Setting up machine
  9. Operation
  10. Arc gouging
  11. Electric welding
  12. Shut-down and removal
  13. On completion

The Line Borer Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Line Borer 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.

Your SWMS is now read to use, and may also be used as training materials for work related activities such as Workplace Inductions or WHS-OHS Toolbox Meeting Talks.

Bluesafe Quick Tips:

1. Appropriate protective footwear with substantial uppers must be worn.

2. Safety glasses must be worn at all times in work areas.

3. Long and loose hair must be contained or restrained.

Line Borer Safe Work Method Statement

Need to edit your
Line Borer Safe Work Method Statement
$ 96.80 AUD
$ 96.80 AUD
Buy now

5 SWMS Pack

$86.50 each
$ 432.50 AUD
$ 432.50 AUD
Buy now

10 SWMS Pack

$76.50 each
$ 765.00 AUD
$ 765.00 AUD
Buy now

20 SWMS Pack

$65.50ea
$ 1,310.00 AUD
$ 1,310.00 AUD
Buy now

50 SWMS Pack

$55.50 each
$ 2,275.00 AUD
$ 2,275.00 AUD
Buy now

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 Line Borer 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 line borer project as needed, making sure that your Line Borer SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Line Borer SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own line borer SWMS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Line Borer 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 Line Borer.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with line borer and ensure that:

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

Line Borer Training and Worker Qualifications 

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

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

  • Make sure that machine is unplugged and all switches are in the OFF position make sure that machine cannot be operated during set up.
  • Inspect all the parts for wear or damage and tighten or replace loose fasteners.
  • Check pump oil level, and top up with proper oil if low level detected wearing hand protection is necessary when handling rough or sharp objects, and when handling oils, etc.
  • Make sure no loose clothing or jewellery is worn, and longhair is contained.
  • Keep work area and surrounds away from loose parts and waste, etc.
  • Provide suitable staging for set up and operation if job is above waist height.
  • Be careful when handling and setting up borer in position for work wearing foot protection is necessary.
  • Use lifting aids where possible, or obtain assistance with heavy items ensure proper lifting procedures are followed.
  • Make sure that bearing brackets are properly secured in proper position wearing protective clothing and equipment when welding is necessary.
  • Check position of tool and cutter bar and secure before connecting to power supply and switching machine on make sure proper tooling is selected.
  • Set speeds and feeds to proper settings for job to be carried out.
  • Refer to operator’s manuals to make sure that proper speeds and feeds are selected for the work to be carried out.
  • Jog move cutter bar to check clearances on bore before cutting.
  • Never overload machine make sure that cuts are within manufacturer’s operating tolerances.
  • Make sure that start lever is in NEUTRAL position before switching on do not switch power on with machine drives engaged.
  • Stand away from cutter bar before engaging start lever in proper direction keep away from moving parts.
  • Keep hands and body well away from rotating cutter bar at all times wearing wraparound safety glasses, goggles or face shield is necessary.
  • Wearing eye protection is necessary when machine is operating or when clearing chips and swarf from cutting zone keep hands away from moving parts.
  • Keep away from chips and swarf generated by cutter and stop machine if chips or swarf build up and require removal.
  • Never handle swarf or chips and always use tool or implement, etc., to remove always avoid touching sharp or hot chips or swarf by hand.
  • Always stop machine and place in neutral before checking bore size.
  • Make sure that measuring tools are away from machine before resuming cutting.
  • Prevent unauthorised persons entering area where gouging is carried out prevent entry to work area.
  • Make sure that eye protection as recommended by machine manufacturer is provided and worn during gouging operations wearing tinted spectacles, goggles and face shield is essential when gouging.
  • Harmful noise levels may be present when arc gouging wearing hearing protection is necessary.
  • Make sure that earth lead is placed as close to job position as possible.
  • Wearing suitable body protection is necessary to prevent burns from hot metal and sparks wearing hand, foot and body protection is necessary when arc gouging.
  • Prevent unauthorised persons entering area where welding is carried out prevent entry to work area.
  • All persons in area must wear suitable eye protection when arc welding is being carried out wearing welding mask with appropriate filters is necessary.
  • Provide welding curtains around welding area to protect other persons.
  • Harmful noise levels may be present when arc welding wearing hearing protection is necessary.
  • Make sure that earth lead is placed as close to job position as possible.
  • Wearing suitable body protection is necessary to prevent burns from hot metal and sparks wearing hand, foot and body protection is necessary when arc gouging.
  • Disengage drive, and switch power off before attempting to remove cutter bar from work never touch machine until de-energised and fully stopped.
  • Clean swarf and chips from work area, and make sure that floor is clean. Wearing hand protection is necessary when handling, rough, sharp or hot objects.
  • Disassemble machine components in proper order and make sure that parts are supported properly prior to removal ensure proper lifting procedures are followed.
  • Obtain assistance or use mechanical aids to remove bar and bearing brackets if heavy and/or long parts are used, or awkward work postures are present wearing foot protection is necessary.
  • Clean and oil parts before storing in clean, dry location safe from physical damage never use excessive oil to avoid slippery parts.

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.