How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement

If you're looking to write your own Street Sweeper 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 street sweeper project as needed, making sure that your Street Sweeper SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Street Sweeper SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own street sweeper SWMS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Forklift
• Crane
• Hoist
• Working In Public Areas
• Backhoe
• Loader
• Boom Lift
• Elevated Work Platform (EWP)
• Genie Lift
• Trencher
• Drilling Rig
• Trucks
• Formwork
• Bobcat
• Flammable Gas
• Fuel
• Dozer
• High Voltage
• Mulcher
• Tilt-up Panels
• Roller
• Scissor Lift
• Tractor 

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

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

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

When preparing your Street Sweeper 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 Street Sweeper. 

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

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

Street Sweeper Training and Worker Qualifications 

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

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

• Ensure consultation in relation to hazards and risks:
• Always consult with the person you are carrying out the work for and discuss the potential hazards and risks associated with the task
• Include in the consultation any representative of the elected Health and Safety Representative (HSR), if present
• Also include any other persons on site affected by the same matter for consultation and co-operative arrangements
• Document all the consultation and action items
• Liaise with Principal Contractor for establishing that the following on-site systems and procedures are available:
• Health and Safety rules
• Site specific induction for all workers
• Supervisory arrangements
• Communication
• Injury reporting mechanisms
• Hazard reporting mechanisms
• Personal Protective Equipment  
• Exclusion Zones
• Risk Assessments
• SWMS and JSA's
• While operating the street sweeper, assess the exposure of workers to noise and include the frequency of exposure to noise levels that exceed the legislated Exposure Standard. Determine required controls such as Audiometric Testing and PPE. Refer to Noise Control SWMS for detailed information regarding the prevention of hearing loss and necessary legislative requirements.
• Provide Audiometric Testing if necessary:
• Within three months of the worker commencing work
• Start it before people are exposed to hazardous noise (such as those changing jobs or new workers)
• Establish a baseline as a reference for future audio metric test results
• Carry out follow-up tests at least every two years
• Carry out with consultation with your workers and their health and safety representatives
• Allow only competent persons to carry out in accordance with the procedures in the relevant Australian Standard
• Provide workers the results of audiometric testing accompanied by a written explanation of the meaning and implications.
• Ensure training and competence of all operators/workers for safe operation of the street sweeper. Operators must hold a (MR) Medium RigidLicence. Include in the training:
• Induction including location of amenities, first aid facilities, emergency plans and evacuation points, incident reporting, communication, contact persons, etc
• Health and Safety Rules
• Supervisory arrangements
• PPE requirements
• Types of hazards
• No go zones
• Traffic Management plans
• Relevant SWMS and JSA°Øs
• Security requirements
• Reading and understanding the manufacturer's manual/safety precautions for the street sweeper
• Always assess the intended work site before starting.
• Develop specific SWMS for potential risks identified.

Consider:

• Preferred travel paths (travel to/from dump site and access to water, including cleaning route)
• Water filling
• Dumping
• Speed limits
• Traffic management plans
• Obstacles (one-way roads, dangerous inter sections, dead-ends, parked vehicles, road works, etc)
• Appropriate times for cleaning (to avoid high volume of traffic and pedestrians, etc)
• Visibility
• Overhead services/power lines
• Ground surface/condition (soil condition, embankments, bridges, excavations, slopes, drop-offs, pits, holes, trees/root systems)
• Adequate room to work
• Weather conditions
• Lighting (operate only during daylight or flood lit conditions)
• Cleaning and maintenance
• Never undertake work in No Go Zones of electrical powerlines without first de-energising/isolating from the power supply and obtaining evidence of the continuing isolation of the power supply.
• Make sure Water Truck is registered / licensed according to local State Authority requirements.
• Conduct Risk Assessment and JSA.
• Make sure, only drivers with a valid Construction InductionCard (or equivalent) are entering the construction site.
• Make sure drivers are familiar with the Street Sweeper, including the operator°Øs manual.
• Note: Never assume pedestrians have the right-of-way, unless the traffic management plan specifically states this. Make sure drivers know who, and/or what has right of way.
• Drivers should attend toolbox talk daily (safety briefing),to receive update on any hazards present on that day, no go zones for pedestrians, communication methods and emergency procedures.
• Make sure all:
• Drivers are appropriately training in the proper procedures
• Drivers have the appropriate ticket as required by local council by-laws
• Drivers have the necessary training and licensing requirements, (MR License). Check with the relevant local State regulator
• Operators are trained and competent to drive the Street Sweeper according to the Driver’s Operational Manual.
• If carrying out night work, make sure adequate systems are in place to enable safe work at night. For example, make sure there is adequate lighting in parking and re-fuelling areas, illuminated signage, reflective tapes on truck cabin steps, etc.
• Prepare for travel:
• Make sure operator is not under influence of drugs/alcohol or in any way fatigued.
• Note: State road rules apply during operation of vehicle.
• Always conduct visual check around the vehicle before driving. Use spotters where required
• Always use handhold and steps when entering/exiting cabin. Never jump from the cabin.
• Make sure the operator is wearing the seatbelt
• Adjust mirrors/reversing camera properly
• Make sure of securing the vehicle for travel (brooms in upright position, discharge door secured, etc).
• Never drive with the PTO engaged.
• Hearing protection.
• Make sure:
• All persons are wearing it throughout the period of exposure to noise
• It is suitable for the working environment and the work tasks
• It is comfortable and fits the worker properly
• Of regular inspections and maintenance to make sure it remains good and clean
• Check all equipment before use.
• Make sure:
• Fluid levels are appropriate (oil, coolant, brake, hydraulic, transmission, etc) and there are no leaks.
• Brake, indicator and emergency lights are functional
• Tyres are not worn out or damaged and the pressure is correct
• Windscreen is clear and undamaged
• Cabin and dashboard are clear of debris/ stored items
• Brakes are functional (check hand/park brake)
• Seatbelt is present and is fully functional
• Safety equipment is functional
• Hoses/hose couplings are not damaged
• All guards/safety switches/interlocked switches are in place, functional and in good condition
• Controls are labelled correctly and functional
• Fire extinguisher/ first-aid kit are available and secured
• All emergency stop devices are present, in undamaged condition and functional.
• Water tank is full and the spray system functional, without leaks
• All operators have licenses and the vehicles registration is current
• Flashing/rotating warning lights are functional
• Audible reversing alarm is functional
• If applicable, reversing camera is functional
• Mesh inside body is clear to allow proper suction
• Roadside traffic control equipment is available
• Inspection doors on hopper are clear
• Rear discharge door secured/closed for travel
• Operating manual is available
• Communication systems are functional
• Report any defects immediately and rectify before starting/use
• Hazardous Manual Handling:
• Avoid long periods of repetitive movements
• Avoid awkward and sustained positions
• Avoid prolonged sitting
• Use mechanical lifting aids when possible
• Use two or more people for lifting & moving heavy /awkward equipment
• Allow regular breaks
• Do not allow drivers to drive or operate the Street Sweeper if they are fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Constantly monitor for changing hazards while driving theStreet Sweeper.
• Always use handhold and steps when entering/exiting cabin.Never jump from the cabin.
• Before starting the motor, make sure transmission is in neutral and check throttle for proper operation.
• Driver must not allow people to climb up onto the truck, and to travel on the truck while the vehicle is moving.
• Ensure manufacturer's instructions are followed, including task-specific safe work method statement/traffic management plan.
• Make sure road rules are followed at all times. Never exceed speed limits.
• Make sure of turning the steering wheel in a smooth, sweeping motion at a moderate/even rate. Avoid hard turns as this can cause tipping.
• Before starting the brooms, ensure no persons or animals are close to the air intakes/vacuum units.
• Start gutter brooms, main broom and elevator in proper sequence.
• Turn on water to the spray-bar. Always use spray system to reduce dust during cleaning.
• Monitor water level constantly during use.
• Re-fill water as specified in SWMS. Make sure there is suitable traffic management in place if necessary (signs, reflective PPE, barriers, etc.).
• Report any litter that is beyond the capacity of the cleaner.
• Do not use mobile phones during driving or cleaning operations.
• Discontinue cleaning activities if weather conditions/lighting reduces visibility to unacceptable levels.
• Never leave the vehicle unattended whilst it is running.
• When vehicle is parked, ensure all power to vacuum operations and brooms are turned off.
• When exiting vehicle, shut down engine and apply park brake.
• Remove keys to prevent unauthorised use.
• Before use, read the current Safety Data Sheets (SDS, issue date must be within 5 years) for all fuel products. Follow Manufacturers Manual for further details when re-fuelling.
• Additional PPE if any risk of splashing Use chemical splash goggles, chemical resistant gloves/gauntlets, boots, and apron.

Note:

• Avoid contact with fuel or breathing vapours
• If clothing is splashed with fuel, change them immediately
• Make sure of carrying out re-fuelling in a well-ventilated area, clear of ignition sources.
• Re-fuelling sequence:
• Shut off engine
• If possible, allow to cool before re-fuelling
• Remove cap slowly
• Use a pouring spout, fuel hose or funnel
• Fill tank and wipe away any excess
• Make sure there is no over-spill
• Make sure of securing the cap and wiping away any vapour residue
• Check for leaks.

Note: Carefully wash hands before eating, drinking or smoking after handling fuel. Shower and wash immediately after work. Wash clothes separately from other clothes.

Note: Ignition sources can be pilot lights, stoves, heaters, cigarettes, matches/lighters, grinding, welding, power points, lighting, light switches, radio transmitters, mobile phones, battery powered forklifts, etc.

• When hopper is full:
• Retract the brooms and disengage the elevator
• Travel to the dump site (as specified in relevant SWMS)
• Inspect the intended dump site. If unsuitable, do not unload hopper.
• Make sure of the following:
• Ground is stable, and soil is compacted sufficiently
• Gradient/slope is within safe limits ®C include, and check entire travel distance if dumping whilst moving
• Equal tyre pressure on both sides of vehicle
• No overhead electric lines are present
• Weather conditions are acceptable. Never unload in high winds
• Pedestrians are clear of dump site (side and rear of vehicle)
• Discharge door is released
• During unloading, driver remains in cabin with seatbelt on.
• Never leave the cabin when the engine is running. Always turn off and apply park brake before exiting cabin.
• Never enter hopper to clear the remaining load, utilise vibrator to dislodge any stuck waste.
• Inspect hopper to ensure it is empty.
• Re-enter cabin and lower hopper. Make sure discharge door is closed and secured for travel

Note: Allow only the operator to empty the hopper. Make sure of excluding all non-essential persons from area.

• Make sure only suitably qualified & competent persons perform all servicing, maintenance and repairs
• Make sure of the following:
• Always park in a safe area
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions/specific SWMS for cleaning
• Only enter hopper via access stairs after making sure the engine is off and the tray is completely horizontal
• Make sure hopper is cleaned sufficiently
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for regular servicing and maintenance
• Make sure the brakes are regularly inspected, tested and maintained as necessary
• Make sure only competent persons undertake any maintenance works (including auxiliary engine works)
• Avoid any rough patch-work on the hopper surface as this can prevent free flow of materials when unloading
• When working under raised hopper, chock using props and follow lock out/tag out procedures
• Make sure props are not rusted and are capable of supporting the entire weight of hopper
• Make sure lifting cylinders are replaced with cylinders of the same size and weight rating
• Always keep logbook of service and maintenance history.

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.