Storage And Stacking Of Materials Safe Work Method Statement

Storage And Stacking Of Materials Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Storage And Stacking Of Materials Safe Work Method Statement

Storage And Stacking Of Materials Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Looking to start work on site? Or maybe you're just looking to make your workplace safer, or possibly you're going for that next Government Tender - Either way, the Storage And Stacking Of Materials Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is comprehensive, easy to understand and is designed to be implemented into your business with as little fuss as possible.

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 Storage And Stacking Of Materials 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. Storage areas
  9. Goods on pallets
  10. Means of access
  11. Goods in packages
  12. Bulk goods
  13. Storage of timber, stone and concrete products, steel, pipe and tube, etc.
  14. Cleaning and maintenance
  15. On completion

The Storage And Stacking Of Materials Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Storage And Stacking Of Materials 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.

Storage And Stacking Of Materials 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 Storage And Stacking Of Materials 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 storage and stacking of materials project as needed, making sure that your Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own storage and stacking of materials SWMS.

There are some fundamental requirements and information which you may want to consider adding to your Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS such as:

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

Note: The Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS must be kept and be available for inspection at least until the storage and stacking of materials work is completed. Where the Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMSis revised, all versions of the SWMS Template should be kept. If a notifiable incident occurs in relation to the Storage And Stacking Of Materials Safe Work Method Statement, the Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS must be kept for a minimum of two years from the date of the incident.

Your Storage And Stacking Of Materials Safe Work Method Statement Template should list any high risk construction work, such as:

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

Your Storage And Stacking Of Materials Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the work site, such as:

Your Storage And Stacking Of Materials 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 Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS must be reviewed continually to ensure it remains effective and relevant. The Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS must be reviewed (and revised if necessary) if relevant control measures in relation to storage and stacking of materials work are revised. The review process should be carried out in consultation with workers (including contractors and subcontractors) who may be affected by the Storage And Stacking Of Materials and their health and safety representatives who represented that work group at the workplace.

When the Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS has been revised, the person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure:

  1. All persons involved in the storage and stacking of materials work are advised that a revision has been made and how they can access the revised Storage And Stacking Of Materials 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 Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS; and,
  3. Workers that will be involved in the storage and stacking of materials work are provided with the relevant information and instruction that will assist them to understand and implement the revised Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS.

When preparing your Storage And Stacking Of Materials 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 Storage And Stacking Of Materials.

When writing your Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS, establish any policies, procedures and systems for working with Storage And Stacking Of Materials in consultation with the Principal Contractor and workers while being sure to establish:

  • Health and Safety guidelines for storage and stacking of materials work
  • Emergency plans and evacuation procedures for the Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS
  • Worker inductions for Storage And Stacking Of Materials
  • Toolbox talks (safety meetings) added to the Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS
  • Outline details of supervision of the site and workers on the Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS
  • Check all workers qualifications, permits and competencies for Storage And Stacking Of Materials operations
  • Ensure the Storage And Stacking Of Materials and any related equipment is functioning correctly
  • Hazard reporting procedures in place and added to the Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS
  • Incident reporting procedures in place and added to the Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS
  • Exclusion zones when conducting storage and stacking of materials work
  • Risk Assessment for TASK completed and noted on the Storage And Stacking Of Materials 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 storage and stacking of materials work is conducted
  2. Suitable access and adequate space to conduct storage and stacking of materials work safely
  3. Consult with all stakeholders on potential hazards and risks when conducting storage and stacking of materials work
  4. Consultation with all relevant workers and personnel for Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS details
  5. If conducting Storage And Stacking Of Materials at night, ensure there is adequate lighting
  6. Check that the work environment is suitable for storage and stacking of materials work

Storage And Stacking Of Materials Training and WorkerQualifications 

Ensure all workers have the appropriate licenses in conducting Storage And Stacking Of Materials as well as any qualifications that may be required for various storage and stacking of materials 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 Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS including all safety and emergency procedures.
  2. Be qualified, knowledgeable and competent in Storage And Stacking Of Materials operations and storage and stacking of materials work as well as all delegated tasks/responsibilities
  3. Be fully aware and understand the scope of work in relation to the Storage And Stacking Of Materials SWMS

Below are some examples of some Control Measures to be implemented when creating your own Storage And Stacking Of Materials Safe Work Method Statement Template:

  • Storages must be pre-planned to avoid or minimise the stored materials and objects from falling.
  • Use storage containers, bins and cages for safely storing loose items.
  • Make sure that all containers and packages are labelled clearly with details of contents and handling precautions, including PPE.
  • Wherever possible, make sure that the weight, shape and sizeof the packages and stored items/objects do not present a risk of manual handling.
  • Suitable safe means for moving and handling objects and packages must be provided.
  • Make sure all loose objects are stored in a secure manner.
  • Label clearly all containers of substances.
  • For packaging goods, follow ergonomic guidelines.
  • Provide assistance and mechanical aids.
  • Design and construct storages to provide suitable protection and security of stored items.
  • Working surfaces should preferably have a non-slip surface and be without holes, obstructions and trip hazards.
  • For removing vapours and dusts, make sure there is adequate air circulation.
  • While storing environmentally hazardous substances, provide suitable means to contain any likely leak or spill of the stored substances.
  • If material is stored or stacked outdoors, store them on pallets or dunnage to keep them off the ground.
  • Grass and vegetation can encourage and harbour snakes and vermin. Keep area around storages clear of vegetation and grass.
  • Fit ventilators to shipping containers used for site storage to reduce the temperature inside the container, and to remove the build-up or vapours.
  • Make sure dangerous goods are correctly segregated when stored in a site container.
  • While designing storage areas, consider the safety and security needs.
  • Regularly inspect all floors and rectify the faults immediately.
  • Make sure the entire storage is ventilated.
  • Provide suitable sill kits and make sure the bunding provided is sound.
  • Make sure the goods are supported properly to prevent damage.
  • For permanent storages, provide hard standing or similar surface.
  • For thorough ventilation, provide roof and floor vents.
  • Observe provisions for segregation.
  • Make sure the packages that need to be stored on pallets can be safely stacked. Additionally, pallets and packagers or containers should be able to support the loads that stacking imposed.
  • To minimise the risk of falling, minimise the stacking of pallet loads on top of another.
  • Regularly inspect the stacked goods, and immediately rectify if there are any indication of stacks becoming misaligned or unstable or packages collapsing.
  • For safely accessing packages or pallets, make sure there is adequate space available.
  • Never use damaged or broken pallets. Either dispose of themorepair before use.
  • Make sure that packages and pallets are able to support loadings imposed.
  • Where possible use pallet racking.
  • Reduce the load on packages or repack the goods into sound packages.
  • Make sure there is adequate space to manoeuvre a forklift.
  • Never use pallets that are faulty.
  • Make sure there is adequate space for a person to apply proper handling practices.
  • For awkward or heavy objects, provide assistance or mechanical aids.
  • Do not stack above shoulder height and avoid the need to climb on materials.
  • Make sure plant and machinery can safely access stored materials.
  • To avoid or minimise collision risk in high traffic area, consider one-way traffic flow.
  • Proper handling practices must be observed.
  • Provide training for all persons.
  • Design storage such that risks are prevented.
  • Sufficient aisle width must be provided.
  • Traffic management rules must be observed.
  • To prevent possible damage occurring due to weather, where possible, keep goods covered.
  • Make sure all packaged goods are labelled clearly with warnings and contents.
  • To minimise the risk of objects tilting or slipping when stacked, use sheets or card or ply between rows of uneven objects such as drums or cans.
  • Use pallet lifters to move items on to and off from pallets to reduce the risk of injury by minimising the need to adopt risky postures.
  • While moving timber pallets into position, always wear suitable hand protection.
  • Use waterproof covering or protect by keeping under cover such as tarpaulin.
  • Make sure the stacked packages on pallets are secure and stable.
  • While handling packages, avoid bending as far as possible.
  • Wearing cut-resistant gloves is necessary.
  • For storing loose dry goods, suitable bins or container must be provided. In areas where the dry goods could be blown by wind, provide lids or covers.
  • Always store hazardous liquids in bunded pallets or in abunded area or in spill trays to contain any leak or spill.
  • Refer to and comply with local Flammable and Combustible Liquids storage regulations for storing flammable and combustible liquids.
  • Protection from wind must be provided.
  • Container lids must be kept closed.
  • Make sure any leak or spill will be contained and can be cleaned up safely.
  • For recommendations, refer to SWP88 Flammable Liquids.
  • Keep materials off ground by placing them on dunnage, pallets or other means.
  • Prevent accidental movement such as rolling by properly securing goods.
  • For preventing stored goods from rolling off, arms of the racks must slope up slightly.
  • Make sure the material used for construction of rack and materials can support weight.
  • Make sure goods have proper support.
  • Use chocks, and wear foot protection.
  • Make sure the goods cannot fall or roll off.
  • Never overload the arms or racks.
  • Make sure the methods of transporting and transfer of good scan minimise the risk of spills or leaks.
  • Persons must be instructed in clean up procedures and in leak and spill containment. Include the use of proper personal protective equipment and clothing.
  • In areas where leaks and spills may occur, Provide suitable clean up material, spill control and PPE.
  • Storage areas must be kept clean and free from packing materials, rubbish or waste material.
  • Where waste material is likely to collect, provide suitable receptacles or bins.
  • Goods must be transported only in approved containers or packages.
  • Make sure all persons are trained in the procedures for safe clean up.
  • It is necessary to wear suitable eye, body and respiratory protection.
  • Do not allow waste to accumulate.
  • The receptacles must be emptied regularly.

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.