How Can We Help?
Categories
Table of Contents
< All Topics
Print

Free Fencing SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) Template

PostedAugust 9, 2024
UpdatedAugust 9, 2024
ByTanya

Download our free Fencing SWMS:

*For internal use only.  Not for resale or redistribution. By downloading, you agree to our Free Resources Licensing Agreement.

Fencing SWMS example

Purpose of a Fencing SWMS

A Fencing SWMS is a document that identifies hazards and controls associated with fencing activities. SWMS also list how the control measures will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

How to Use a Fencing SWMS

This Fencing SWMS is a template only and must be customised for your business by a competent person in consultation with workers.

To complete the SWMS, fill in the details on the front page, including:

  • Company details,
  • Task, site and PPE details,
  • Any relevant codes of practice, licenses and high risk construction work, and
  • Person responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance.

Ensure task-specific hazards and controls are added:

Fencing SWMS example

Other factors that need to be considered include, but are not limited to, ensuring that:

  • Relevant legal requirements have been met,
  • Workplace specific risks are identified and managed, and
  • Workers are consulted with during the customisation / review process.

When to Use

Workers should read and agree to comply with the Fencing SWMS prior to operation within your business. It can also be used for refresher training and during the induction / onboarding process.

Who Should Use

Fencing SWMS should be developed by a competent person, in consultation with workers. The SWMS  is then read and followed by the workers. New workers should also read and understand all applicable site / company SWMS during the induction or onboarding process.

Legal Considerations

Legally, businesses (or PCBUs) need to ensure a Safe Work Method Statement is completed prior to high-risk construction work commencing. The requirement for SWMS is outlined in:

  • s(299) WHS Regulations – Safe Work Method Statements,
  • s(300) WHS Regulations – Compliance with Safe Work Method Statements,
  • s(301) WHS Regulations – SWMS Collection by Principal Contractor,
  • s(302) WHS Regulations – Review of SWMS, and
  • s(303) WHS Regulations – SWMS Record Keeping.

A SWMS may also help to meet:

  • s(19)(3)c WHS Act  – Duty to Provide Safe Systems of Work.

Depending on the task being completed, the following legal requirements may apply:

  • s(44 – 47) WHS Regulations – Personal Protective Equipment,
  • s(49 – 50) WHS Regulations – Managing Risks from Airbourne Contaminants,
  • s(51 – 52) WHS Regulations – Hazardous Atmospheres,
  • s(54 – 55) WHS Regulations – Falling Objects,
  • s(56 – 59) WHS Regulations – Noise,
  • s(60 – 61) WHS Regulations – Hazardous Manual Tasks,
  • s(62 – 77) WHS Regulations – Confined Spaces,
  • s(78 – 80) WHS Regulations – Falls,
  • s(81) WHS Regulations – High Risk Work (Licensing),
  • Part 4.6 WHS Regulations – Demolition Work,
  • Part 4.7 WHS Regulations – General Electrical Safety,
  • Part 4.9 WHS Regulations – Crystalline Silica,
  • Chapter 5 WHS Regulations – Plant and Structures,
  • Chapter 6 WHS Regulations – Construction Work,
  • Chapter 7 WHS Regulations –  Hazardous Chemicals, and
  • Chapter 8 WHS Regulations – Asbestos.

FAQ’s

What is High Risk Construction Work?

High risk construction work is defined in WHS Regulations s(291). Some common types of high risk construction work are:

  • Working at heights over 2m,
  • Working in a trench or excavation over 1.5m,
  • Work with mobile plant,
  • Work on or adjacent to a roadway, and
  • Work in confined spaces.

For a full list of high risk construction work, read our article 18 High Risk Construction Work Activities.

What is Fencing?

Fence construction is the process of building barriers or enclosures around a property or area. This can include installing wooden, metal, vinyl, or other types of fences for purposes such as security, privacy, or decoration. Fencing in this context involves planning, measuring, and constructing the fence to meet the desired specifications and needs.

What Hazards Are Involved in Fencing?

Some hazards that are involved in fencing include:

  • Noise,
  • Weather exposure,
  • Cuts and lacerations,
  • Heavy materials,
  • Dust,
  • Plant interaction, and
  • Flying debris.

How Often Does a Fencing SWMS Need to be Reviewed?

SWMS should be reviewed to ensure safety controls remain effective after:

  • The task or environment changes,
  • New processes or systems are incorporated into the task, and / or
  • Following incidents or safety alerts.

If the task or environmental conditions do not change, SWMS should be reviewed informally by workers prior to each job with a “formal” (documented) review at least yearly.

Did You Know?

Some of the oldest known fences date back to around 8000 BC and were discovered in the ancient site of ‘Ötzi the Iceman’ in the Alps. These early fences were made from wood and were used to protect livestock from predators and mark boundaries, showcasing that the practice of fencing has deep historical roots and has evolved significantly over millennia.

Article Sources and Further Reading

 

Contact Us