How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement 

If you're looking to write your own Treated Timber 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 treated timber project as needed, making sure that your Treated Timber SWMS Template addresses any site specific risks.

The fastest and most cost effective solution would be to purchase a Bluesafe Treated Timber SWMS Template. However, if you decide to take the route of writing your own treated timber SWMS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When preparing your Treated Timber 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 Treated Timber 

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

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

Treated Timber Training and Worker Qualifications

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

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

• Make sure to obtain material safety information from the supplier or manufacturer before using a preserved timber product.
• Always follow manufacturer’s safety precautions.
• Make sure that preservative is dry before handling and using any treated timber.
• Avoid touching freshly cut ends and rough edges of timber -wearing gloves is necessary when handling.
• Do not breath wood dust from sawing and drilling operations- wearing P1 particulate dust mask is necessary.
• Always brush the dust from clothes, and launder separately if heavily contaminated.
• Dispose of in landfill never recycle or burn treated timber or waste and never use for cooking or heating.
• Treated timber is very unlikely to pose any health or environmental risks never allow children, animals or birds to gnaw on treated timber.
• Never offer CCA treated timber to parrots or other birds that gnaw on wood, for bee-hive construction or for lining of fish ponds wearing eye protection and dust mask is necessary when sawing or drilling.
• Ensure general safety precautions avoid inhaling wood dust, wash hands after work and before eating, drinking or smoking. Always wash hands after work.
• Coal tar creosote is a skin sensitiser do not let it touch skin and eyes make sure that creosote treatment is dry before handling timber.
• Never use creosote treated timber in situations where it will come into frequent or prolonged touch with skin, livestock, drinking water or bees never use in domestic situations.
• Make sure that timber treated with creosote or PEC is completely dry before use wearing gloves is necessary when handling.
• Ensure general safety precautions avoid inhaling wood dust, wash hands after work and before eating, drinking or smoking wearing eye protection and dust mask is necessary when sawing or drilling.
• LOSPs contain insecticides for internal use, including fungicides and insecticides for external use. Some LOSPs may also contain anti-mould agents - always follow the manufacturer’s safety precautions.
• Ensure general safety precautions avoid inhaling wood dust, wash hands after work and before eating, drinking or smoking - wearing eye protection and dust mask is necessary when sawing or drilling.

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.