Swimming Pools Safe Work Method Statement

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

Swimming Pools Safe Work Method Statement

Swimming Pools 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 Swimming Pools (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 Swimming Pools 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. Pool deck and concourse
  8. Change rooms and amenities
  9. Safety of pool users
  10. Electrical safety
  11. Water quality
  12. Water treatment plant
  13. Chemical storage and use
  14. On completion

The Swimming Pools Safe Work Method Statement Includes


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

Your Swimming Pools 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.

Swimming Pools 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 Swimming Pools 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 swimming pools project as needed, making sure that your Swimming Pools SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks. 

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Swimming Pools SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own swimming pools SWMS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Swimming Pools 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 Swimming Pools.

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

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

Swimming Pools Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

  • Provide a non-slip surface for pool decks and concourses and keep them clean and free of mould and algae.
  • Have decks and concourses swept at least daily and washed to remove any contamination from the surface.
  • Treat mould and algae with algaecide and wash them down before re-use. This keeps pool decks and concourses
  • clean and free of algae and mould wearing eye and hand protection is necessary.
  • Never allow public entry to area until washed down completely.
  • Provide adequate receptacles for rubbish and arrange for regular litter removal.
  • Ensure non-slip surfaces for floors in change rooms and showers, etc.
  • Have the floors washed at least daily with suitable disinfectant.
  • Make sure that floors in change room and amenities are as remain clean.
  • Have toilets cleaned and disinfected daily or when fouled -wearing eye and hand protection is necessary. Make sure hands are washed after cleaning toilets.
  • Monitor change rooms to prevent offensive or criminal behaviour (NOTE: Be careful and make sure that monitoring does not intrude on the privacy of any person. Monitor only the entrances, and keep them in clear view of person monitoring at all times) do not allow cameras in change rooms.
  • Seek police assistance if problems persist or persons re-offend. 
  • Activities that could place other pool users at risk (e. g.,running in pool area, jumping, rough behaviour and bombing must be prevented do not permit any risky or dangerous behaviour, and counsel offenders.
  • Conspicuously locate signs in the pool area clearly prohibiting unsafe behaviours. Implement systems to deal with offenders, and enforce all rules strictly use signs in both symbol and text form, and use appropriate languages for pool users.
  • Monitor all pool decks and concourses to detect any inappropriate behaviour, counsel and warn offenders, and remove them from premises if they continue with their behaviour advise clearly that pool areas are monitored continuously, and warn offenders.
  • Suitably trained and qualified life guards must be on duty whenever pool is open to the public. Life guards must monitor all pool are as continuously, and back up staff must be present to allow breaks provided to betaken make sure there are qualified life guard on duty at all times when pool is open to the public.
  • Place under adult supervision all children in wading pools and playgrounds at all times. Fence playgrounds securely never allow children to use pools or play areas unless supervised.
  • Equip children’s play areas with equipment that conforms to recognised safety standards, and have all equipment inspected regularly for faults inspect all the play equipment regularly for wear, damage or loose parts.
  • Ensure all electrical installations comply with AS 3000 Wiring Rules maintain all electrical equipment in a safe condition.
  • Always fit operable RCDs or safety switches to all power outlets.
  • Use waterproof type installations for wet areas, and fit them with covers foot protection is necessary should be worn at all times in wet areas.
  • Fit flameproof lighting in chemical stores where there is risk of goods fire or flammable goods are stored in excess of minor storage quantities.
  • At specified intervals let a competent person carry out water quality testing appropriate for the category of the pool refer to swimming pool water quality standards for categories.
  • At specified intervals, send water samples to a NATA accredited tester for microbial analysis for the category of the pool.
  • Let the person who carried out or arranged the testing of the water record all pool water test results in a log or register designed to meet the needs of the type of pool.
  • Test times may need to be varied or added if high load or climatic conditions require additional testing to be carried out to make sure water quality is maintained.
  • Keep plant and pump rooms clean and remove all rubbish from floors provide non-slip floor surface.
  • Use non-slip type floor surfaces and keep them free of mould and algae always keep floor surfaces clean.
  • Fit guards or covers on all exposed moving parts of machinery never use without guards.
  • Hearing protection is necessary must be used if noise exceeds safe noise levels wear ear plugs or muffs.
  • Service all valves regularly to make sure that glands never freeze service all valves at least annually.
  • Always store chemicals in a clean, dry, well ventilated secure storage never allow smoking or ignition sources in chemical storage areas.
  • Storages must be placarded if placarding quantities are exceeded.
  • Make available a current MSDS in a register for all chemicals used obtain MSDS from supplier. Refer to MSDS for PPE and spill control requirements.
  • Make readily available appropriate PPE for use and spill clean up in area.
  • Non-compatible chemicals must be segregated by approved distances.
  • Provide suitable spill control and clean up kits at storages keep PPE, spill control and first aid kits serviced and useable.
  • Always provide suitable first aid kits in water treatment areas.

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.