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Free HDPE Butt Fusion SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) Template

Download our free HDPE Butt Fusion SWMS Template:

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

Read our Comprehensive Guide on Safe Work Method Statements.

HDPE Butt Fusion SWMS TemplatePurpose of a HDPE Butt Fusion SWMS

A HDPE Butt Fusion SWMS is a document that identifies hazards and controls associated with HDPE butt fusion use. SWMS also list how the control measures will be implemented, monitored, and reviewed.

How to Use a HDPE Butt Fusion SWMS

This HDPE Butt Fusion 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, licences and high risk construction work, and
  • Person responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance.

Ensure task-specific hazards and controls are added:

HDPE Butt Fusion SWMS TemplateOther 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 HDPE Butt Fusion SWMS prior to operation within your business. It can also be used for refresher training and during the induction / onboarding process.

Who Should Use

HDPE Butt Fusion 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 (Licencing),
  • 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 a HDPE Butt Fusion?

HDPE butt fusion is a welding technique used to join high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes and fittings by heating the ends and pressing them together to form a permanent, leak-free bond. This method is widely used in plumbing, gas distribution, and industrial piping systems.

What Hazards Are Involved in HDPE Butt Fusion Use?

Some hazards that are involved in HDPE butt fusion use include:

  • Burns,
  • Electrocution,
  • Crushing,
  • Cuts and lacerations
  • Fumes, and
  • Flying debris.

How Often Does a HDPE Butt Fusion 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?

HDPE butt fusion welding gained popularity in the 1950s due to the development of polyethylene pipe materials. This technique provides a highly reliable and durable joint, which is why it is commonly used in water and gas distribution systems, even in harsh environments like deserts and arctic regions. The reliability and strength of butt fusion joints have significantly contributed to the longevity and integrity of modern infrastructure.

Article Sources and Further Reading

 

These free resources are templates only. They must be customised for your workplace 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.

The image provided may be inaccurate, download the file to view the template.

By downloading, you agree to our Free Resources Licensing Agreement.

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