Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers Safe Work Method Statement

Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers Safe Work Method Statement

Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Whether you need to start work on site, looking to make your workplace safer or going for a Local Council Tender, the Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers (Sandblasting) Safe Work Method Statement is completely comprehensive, easy to use and easy to implement into your business.

Look, we understand the challenges that many business owners face, let alone having to understand complicated safety documentation written in a language that nobody understands. That's why every Safe Work Method Statement Template is written in an easy to understand format, while at the same time being some of the highest quality in the industry. Our SWMS documents get you on site, save you loads of time and are easy to use. This way, you can get on with doing what you do best.


The Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers 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. General precautions
  8. Preparation
  9. Internal cleaning
  10. Internal cleaning
  11. Pressure washing
  12. Draining and drying
  13. Valve sealer and cap fitment
  14. Fitting filler cap
  15. On completion

The Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers 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.

Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers Safe Work Method Statement

  • Detailed and pre-filled Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers Safe Work Method Statement.
  • Immediate Download Delivery.
  • Fully editable Safe Work Method Statement Template.
  • Easy to use - no fuss customisation.
  • Referenced to AS/NZS (Standards) and Legislation. 
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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 Plastic Drum Recycling –Bulk Containers 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 plastic drum recycling – bulk containers project as needed, making sure that your Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers SWMS Template.However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own plastic drum recycling – bulk containers SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers SWMS such as: 

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

Note: The Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the plastic drum recycling – bulk containers work is completed. Where the Plastic Drum Recycling– Bulk Containers SWMS is revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Plastic Drum Recycling– Bulk Containers Safe Work Method Statement, the Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as:

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

Your Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers Safe WorkMethod Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as:

Your Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers 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 Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to plastic drum recycling –bulk containers work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.

When the Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:  

  1. All persons involved in the plastic drum recycling – bulk containers work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers 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 Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the plastic drum recycling – bulk containers work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers SWMS.

When preparing your Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers 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 Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers.

When writing your Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers in consultation with the Principal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish:

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

Assessment of Site Conditions

Thoroughly assess the work site/area conditions when working with plastic drum recycling and ensure that:

  1.  A risk assessment of the plastic drum recycling – bulk containers work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct plastic drum recycling – bulk containers work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting plastic drum recycling – bulk containers work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers SWMS details
  5. If conducting Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for plastic drum recycling – bulk containers work 

Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers Training and Worker Qualifications 

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers as well as any qualifications that may be required for various plastic drum recycling – bulk containers 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 Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers operations and plastic drum recycling – bulk containers work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Plastic Drum Recycling – Bulk Containers SWMS

Below are some examples of someControl Measures to be implemented when creating your own Plastic DrumRecycling – Bulk Containers Safe Work Method Statement Template: 

  • PPE to protect against chemical contaminants must be worn at all times wearing eye, hand, body protection is necessary.
  • Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or using the toilet always wash hands before touching body.
  • Ensure persons working on IBC line are wearing suitable non-slip footwear wearing waterproof footwear is essential.
  • Floor in pre-wash area should be cleaned regularly to remove debris always keep floor free from debris.
  • Harmful noise levels may be present in drum recycling area wearing hearing protection is necessary.
  • Place IBC on draining rack with valve on low side, open valve to drain keep traffic area clear at all times.
  • Transfer IBC from rack to wash floor by using transfer trolley make sure that trolley rolls smoothly.
  • Set IBC on rack over hot diesel tank to flush oil from inside of IBC ensure proper handling and lifting procedures are followed when moving.
  • Allow to drain before removing IBC from rack on to floor.
  • Insert tank wash lance mounted on spring balancer into IBC before washing make sure that spring balancer is operating properly.
  • Open valve on IBC before commencing wash process.
  • Close valve on IBC before moving IBC into hot washing bay always allow to drain before moving.
  • Hot water used to clean exterior may scald; PVC gloves and apron must be worn to protect from hot water and surfaces of cleaned drums wearing PVC gloves & apron is necessary.
  • Move IBC from wash bay to draining stand, and raise using air jack ensure proper lifting and handling procedures are followed.
  • When drained, turn IBC anticlockwise and slide on to drying rack.
  • Position filler hole under hot air outlet and allow inside of IBC to dry out.
  • Place in position under pressure tester, and test integrity of IBC always keep hands away from moving parts of pressure tester head.
  • Turn IBC on to side, with valve side uppermost ensure proper lifting and handling procedures are followed.
  • Use heat gun to heat and remove remnants of old foil seal.
  • Clean face to which foil will attach, and fit new seal over valve.
  • Turn back on to base, and fit spare parts to meet customer requirements ensure proper lifting practices are followed.

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.