Location Of Underground Services Safe Work Method Statement

Location Of Underground Services Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Location Of Underground Services Safe Work Method Statement

Location Of Underground Services 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 Location Of Underground Services 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 Location Of Underground Services 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. Obtaining information regarding location of underground services
  8. Contacting owners of services and utilities
  9. Verification of location details
  10. Excavation practices for location of underground services
  11. On completion

The Location Of Underground Services Safe Work Method Statement, includes;


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

Your Location Of Underground Services 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. Visit the site and visually check the site for obvious signs of services include patching of road surfaces, valve covers and manholes.
  2. Get plans from utility providers to see what services are likely to be present.
  3. Unless confirmed otherwise, always assume services are live.

Location Of Underground Services 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 Location Of Underground Services 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 SWMSTemplate and then adjust the document for each different location of underground services project as needed, making sure that your Location Of Underground Services SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Location Of Underground Services SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own location of underground services SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Location Of Underground Services SWMS such as:

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

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

Your Location Of Underground Services Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as:

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

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

Your Location Of Underground Services 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 Location Of Underground Services SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Location Of Underground Services SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to location of underground services work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the LocationOf Underground Services and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.

When the Location Of Underground Services SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:  

  • All persons involved in the location of underground services work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Location Of Underground Services SWMS;
  • 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 Location Of Underground Services SWMS; and,
  • Workers that will be involved in the location of underground services work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Location Of Underground Services SWMS.

When preparing your Location Of Underground Services 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 Location Of Underground Services.

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

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when excavating and ensure that:

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

Location Of Underground Services Training and Worker Qualifications

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

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Location Of Underground Services Safe Work Method Statement Template:

  • Before any excavation or penetration of a site commences, the existence or absence and location of underground services such as water, gas, electricity, telecommunications, etc., must be carried out.
  • Before the work starts, information required must include the types, numbers and depths of the services.
  • Prior to commencing work, contact Dial Before You Dig.
  • Please note this is a free Australia-wide service for all underground services.
  • On submitting an enquiry, an Enquiry Confirmation Sheet will be provided containing the contact details of infrastructure owners.
  • Prior to commencing work, plans of location of infrastructure must be obtained from ALL owners. If further information is required, the infrastructure owner must be contacted using the contact details available in the Enquiry Confirmation Sheet.
  • IMPORTANT: Be careful when excavating, as not all underground infrastructure owners are members of Dial Before You Dig.
  • As a record of enquiry, keep Enquiry Commission Sheets in a safe place.
  • No work must proceed until there is contact with the relevant owner of the infrastructure in any work area.
  • For locating other suspected services, use accredited underground locators.
  • Before commencing excavation, accurately determine the actual location of services such as depth.
  • Electronic Line Tracing is one type of locating practice that could be utilised.
  • Others are GPR or Ground Penetrating Radar location, and potholing to verify the actual locations.
  • For verifying the location and depth of services, use non-destructive excavation methods.
  • Make the potholes deep enough for ensuring any service near the proposed excavation are located before commencing.
  • When locating services, refer to and follow safe digging codes of practice provided by the infrastructure owners.
  • To enable verification by potholing, the locations of identified underground obstructions must be clearly marked on plans and on the surface.
  • One of the preferred methods of non-destructive potholing isVacuum Extraction.
  • A combination or high-pressure water and/or compressed air are used to break up the ground. A vacuum system is then used to remove the spoils from the hole for allowing the underground services to be exposed and identified. After locating, record accurately on the plan, the type and depth of the identified service.
  • Use only hand tools such as shovels to locate the underground services and areas where the service may not be damaged by the cutting edge of the tool. Be extremely careful when using bars for breaking up or loosening to avoid damaging the services.
  • Exercise extreme caution nearby electrical cables, and wherever possible utilise alternative methods.
  • If the situation is life-threatening contact emergency services on 000 immediately.
  • To protect workers from traffic and prevent unauthorised entry, make sure the area of work is suitably barricaded and appropriate signs put up.
  • Only competent persons must carry out vacuum extractions.
  • Report to the owner in case of any damage to the service, and secure the site for allowing repairs prior to backfilling.

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.