Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG Safe Work Method Statement

Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG Safe Work Method Statement

Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG 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 Liquefied Petroleum 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 Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG 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. Storage
  8. Placarding
  9. Handling of gas cylinders
  10. Transport of cylinders
  11. Liquid draw-off cylinders
  12. Emergency procedures
  13. Decanting of gas and filling of cylinders
  14. On completion

The Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG 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. Always ensure adequate ventilation and never use indoors or in confined spaces.
  2. Do not connect or disconnect cylinders near a naked flame.
  3. Always read the manufacturers operating instructions.

Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG 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 Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG 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 liquefied petroleum gas LPG project as needed, making sure that your Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own liquefied petroleum gas LPG SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG SWMS such as:

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

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

Your Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as: 

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

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

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

When the Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:  

  1. All persons involved in the liquefied petroleum gas LPG work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG 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 Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the liquefied petroleum gas LPG work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG SWMS.

When preparing your Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG 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 Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions 

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with liquefied petroleum gas LPG and ensure that: 

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

Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG Training and Worker Qualifications

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG as well as any qualifications that maybe required for various liquefied petroleum gas LPG 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 Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG operations and liquefied petroleum gas LPG work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG SWMS

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Liquefied Petroleum Gas LPG Safe Work Method Statement Template:

  • Always store cylinders in an upright position in a cool, well-ventilated area (preferably under cover).
  • Store cylinders so that the pressure relief valve is near the vapour and not near the liquid inside the cylinder.
  • Keep cylinder valves closed and attach a sealing plug when not in use always use chains or other means of preventing cylinders from falling over.
  • Eliminate all heat and ignition sources in area never allow smoking or ignition sources.
  • Always segregate incompatible classes and gases never store oxidising gases closer than 3m to LPG cylinders.
  • Keep storage areas away from combustible materials and rubbish always identify storages with signs.
  • Prevent unauthorised access to gas storage areas.
  • Never store gases where they could hinder escape from a building or area in an emergency.
  • Always display warning signs advising of gas and preventing smoking, etc., in areas where gas is stored, handled or used this applies toLPG in both cylinders and tanks.
  • Always display placards in areas where LPG is stored in quantities exceeding 500-kg water capacity of cylinders this does not apply where cylinder are attached to appliance in buildings.
  • Where possible, use trolleys or other mechanical aids to move cylinders ensure proper manual handling procedures are followed.
  • Be careful to prevent cylinders from falling during moving.
  • Never roll cylinders always transport or move in upright position.
  • Always store empty cylinders in upright position with valve uppermost.
  • Never transport cylinders in the passenger compartment of a vehicle never allow smoking or ignition sources.
  • Secure cylinders against movement and accidental damage always make sure cylinder valve fully closed and sealing plug fitted.
  • Always transport cylinders in upright position with valve uppermost.
  • Provide adequate ventilation for enclosed vehicles carrying gas.
  • Identify with specific wording on the neck ring of cylinders for use on plant such as forklifts that draw liquid from the cylinder.
  • Make sure that only the proper type of cylinder is used for forklifts using LPG as fuel.
  • Normal cylinders allow gas to evaporate in the shoulder area of the cylinder to allow gas to be fed to the appliance using the gas always mount cylinders properly.
  • Use of a liquid draw-off cylinder with normal LPG appliances will result in an excessive amount of fuel being delivered, with a serious risk of fire and explosion never use cylinders designed for liquid draw-off with normal LPG appliances.
  • LPG is heavier than air prevent entry into pits, drains, basements, etc.
  • Develop an emergency plan for any incident involving LPG.
  • This plan should cover both gas leak and cylinder fire (note shut off gas if safe to do so; if cylinder catches fire, allow gas to burn, and run water over shoulder of cylinder to keep cool and evacuate area) wearing eye and hand protection is necessary.
  • The escape of any gas will be hazardous evacuate area and notify emergency services giving full details of the type of emergency never allow smoking or ignition sources.
  • Follow emergency procedures for liquefied petroleum gas and any instructions given by emergency services personnel evacuate all persons to assembly area (at least 100 metres from site) until allowed to re-enter.
  • Clearly identify decanting and refilling stations prohibit and smoking and ignition sources within a 15-metre radius of the site provide suitable fire extinguisher in area where LPG is decanted or used.
  • Clearly display the filling procedures for vehicles and cylinders at the refuelling or filling point.
  • After filling, fit a suitable sealing plug or bung to connection.
  • Concentrated LPG is a strong eye irritant and frostbites from touching LPG during filling or decanting are quite common avoid bare skin touching leaking gas and metal parts of filling equipment where frost is apparent wearing eye and hand protection is necessary.
  • LPG is an asphyxiant fill or decant only in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors never refill cylinder indoors.
  • The decanting or filling area where the cylinder or tank is remote from the filling or decanting area must have an emergency shut-off valve to stop the supply of LPG from the source shut-off valve or switch must be clearly identified and be readily accessible.
  • Clearly display the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency involving LPG at a filling or decanting area.

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.