Suction Excavator Safe Work Method Statement

Suction Excavator Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS Template) delivered in Microsoft Word format for easy editing.

Suction Excavator Safe Work Method Statement

Suction Excavator 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 Suction Excavator (Sandblasting) Safe Work Method Statement is completely comprehensive, easy to use and easy to implement into your business.

Look, we understand business can be hard enough as it is without all the red tape, often written in language only a martian would understand. 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 Suction Excavator 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. Vehicle safety
  8. Operation of vehicles
  9. General precautions
  10. Use of recycled and non-potable water
  11. Pumps and piping systems
  12. Location of underground services
  13. Protection of underground services
  14. Vacuume xcavation
  15. Cleaning and maintenance
  16. On completion

The Suction Excavator Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Suction Excavator 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.

Suction Excavator 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 Suction Excavator 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 suction excavator project as needed, making sure that your Suction Excavator SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Suction Excavator SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own suction excavator SWMS.

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

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

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

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

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

Your Suction Excavator Safe Work Method Statement should also identify any high-risk machinery or equipment in operation near the worksite, such as:

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

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

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

When preparing your Suction Excavator 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 Suction Excavator.

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

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

Suction Excavator Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Before driving a vehicle, carry out all required daily checks.
  • A workshop or an operator must service a vehicle at specified intervals.
  • Only a competent person should be allowed to carry out repairs and all repairs must be documented.
  • Fill in the logbook daily.
  • For service requirements, refer to the manual from the manufacturer.
  • Unauthorised repairs must not be allowed.
  • Whenever climbing on, entering or leaving the vehicle, maintain 3 points of contact.
  • Always drive to road conditions and while driving, never exceed the capabilities of the vehicle.
  • Never jump from the body of truck or cab.
  • Take care to monitor vehicular safety at all times.
  • When working on roads, the layout must conform to specifications of the regulating authority for the roadway, where the work is to be done, or conform to the requirements of AS/NZS1742.3 - Traffic ControlDevices for Work on Roads.
  • Make sure of adequate on site availability of road cones, barriers and signs.
  • For handling sharp or rough objects, hazardous materials, high-pressure water lances or hoses, wear suitable gloves.
  • Be careful during handling of awkward, large and heavy objects.
  • Where there is a risk of exposure to hazardous material, liquids or dust, suitable eye protection must be worn.
  • Suction excavator operation or on-site conditions may generate hazardous noise levels; wearing hearing protection is necessary.
  • For layout requirements for different types of work locations, refer to HB81.1 - Field guide for traffic control at works on roads.
  • Wearing suitable hand protection is recommended.
  • Proper lifting procedures must be followed.
  • For operating air lance or water lance, wearing eye protection is required.
  • Wearing hearing protection is necessary, where high noise levels may be present on-site.
  • Pathogens, such as E-Coli, etc., present in non-potable and recyclable water may cause short and long-term health effects.
  • Preferably, do not allow contact with non-potable and recycled water from sources that are untested.
  • Persons, who are easily affected by spray drift or mists, must take proper precautions to avoid breathing spray or mist, and avoid contact with skin.
  • On tanks and taps, outlets, etc., post signs Do NOT drink this water.
  • Wearing eye and hand protection is recommended.
  • For working with potentially contaminated water, wear waterproof clothing.
  • Make sure that powered pumps working on petrol, etc., are attached to the tank or truck securely.
  • For allowing refuelling to be carried out safely, make sure of adequate access to the fuel tanks.
  • Make sure the starter, controls, etc. are easily operable and accessible.
  • For isolating the pump when not in use, provide a battery isolation switch.
  • Where the tank is removed from the truck, make sure the plug is easily accessible on the units.
  • Valves must be positioned to allow easy access or operation by remote lever, etc.
  • Functions of all valves, including operation (such as open, closed), must be clearly marked on the valve.
  • Portable pump movements should be avoided.
  • During refuelling, be careful and avoid spillage.
  • All controls must be easily identifiable.
  • Tanks must be allowed to be filled without the need to climb onto the tank.
  • Before commencing any penetration or excavation of the site, the existence and location of all underground services, such as, data, telecommunications, electricity, gas, etc. must be known.
  • Prior to commencement of work, contact Dial Before You Dig, which is a free service for all underground services Australia-wide.
  • Never attempt to contact cables and conduits with a high-pressure water lance.
  • When using a serrated edge suction hose for potholing, be careful around services.
  • Exercise extreme caution when near electrical cables.
  • Plans must accurately record the depth and type of all services.
  • Never allow any edge to contact cables.
  • For breaking up and loosening the ground, a combination of compressed air and or high-pressure water may be used. A vacuum system may then be used to remove the spoils from the excavation.
  • When using water lance and handling the suction hose for excavating, be careful to follow proper handling procedures and work postures.
  • Avoid collapse of walls or a cave-in when excavating deep holes.
  • Persons, plant and vehicles must be kept clear of excavations. Excavations that may be prone to cave-in or collapse must be benched, battered or shored.
  • Unless a competent person has assessed it as safe, never attempt to enter an excavation.
  • When using compressed air or water lance to loosen the soil, wearing eye protection is necessary.
  • When digging, follow proper handling practices including team lifting.
  • Never go near the edge of excavation.
  • Unless shored to support loading, plant and vehicles must be kept away from the edge of the trench, by at least depth of hole + 1m.
  • Prevent the entry of contaminated water (classes B, C and D) into public waterways or access areas, by properly dumping drain body and spoils.
  • Before entry into body, make sure the interior of the body is washed down with clean water.
  • Before commencing repairs or maintenance, flush hoses and pumps with clean water.
  • Wearing hand and eye protection is required.
  • Refer to SWP15 - Confined spaces.

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.