Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) The purpose of a SWMS is to list the steps of a particular task in your workplace, identify the hazards and associated risks in each step and recommend key safety controls when carrying out the task. SWMS are an important tool in your Work Health and Safety (WHS) management system and will go a long way to ensuring your staff have the training and appropriate information to carry out their task safely. The steps of a task and the hazards identified may change from workplace to workplace. Continual hazard identification and risk assessment needs to be carried out by the business to ensure the SWMS covers all steps, hazards and any changes that may occur due to a change in circumstances. Before implementing this into your business read through the following SWMS to ensure it covers all the steps and hazards of the task (in the way that you carry it out) then refer to the Assessment Matrix to assess the risk and complete the section of the SWMS. Each task is to be assessed in terms of its risk rating using the Assessment Matrix. Step 1 A risk rating is to be determined for the task in consideration of the use of no safety controls. ( ) Step 2 A risk rating of the task when considering that the safety controls are being utilised. ( ) The should end up a lower rating owing to a reduced risk of the hazard by the introduction of safety controls. Generally the greatest change will be in the Likelihood that an incident will occur. Example: E 3 B (Environment, Moderate, Likely) apply safety control E2E (Environment, Minor, Rare) Copyright Safe Industries Australia - Publication or other use of information is unauthorised without the prior written consent from Safe Industries Australia Page 1 of 5
HAND PUSH MOWER (in Transporting mower to work site Vehicle accidents, mower falling off vehicle, damage occurring to mower. Injuries from incorrect manual handling techniques when loading or unloading the mower. All operators should read the manufacturers handbook and ensure they are aware of the hazards and the correct safe procedures to maintain and operate the mower. If transporting the mower ensure to secure the mower so that it cannot roll around or fall off the vehicle during travel. If you do not feel comfortable to lift the mower on or off the vehicle, seek assistance or use a ramp to enable you to wheel the mower off. Ensure before proceeding that: Engine is stopped. Spark plug cap is disconnected. Check: Cutting blades for damage. Cutting blade bolts for tightness ensure they are securely fastened. Handle bolts for tightness. Engine oil level when replenishing, do not overfill. Grass catcher ensure it is securely attached to the mower. Pre-Start Checks Personal injury. (Cuts and amputations) Inhaling fumes NOTE: To prevent serious injury when working on blades or under the mower deck (e.g. cleaning), ensure that the spark plug is disconnected. Re-fuelling Fuel spill - fire Personal injury - burns. NOTE: Petrol is extremely flammable and explosive under certain conditions. Stop engine and allow engine to cool for approximately two minutes prior to refuelling. Ensure: Mower is parked in a cleared, flat and stable area. That there are no naked flames in the area. Correct fuel mixture is used. (2 stroke or 4 stroke.) Any spilled fuel on the mower is dry before starting the mower. That the fuel tank is not overfilled. Copyright Safe Industries Australia - Publication or other use of information is unauthorised without the prior written consent from Safe Industries Australia Page 2 of 5
(in Site Survey Slips and trips Clear away debris and note potential hazards, such as low tree branches. Ensure area is free of pedestrians and animals prior to commencing. Check slope, if applicable. Check for any hidden taps, hoses, sprinkler heads etc before starting. Starting Hearing damage Sprains and strains Slips and trips All operators should wear appropriate PPE, i.e. eye and hearing protection, long pants and sunscreen, broad brim hat etc. Ensure mower is started in an area that is grassed or stable and flat to avoid sand/flying debris being blown into operator s face Ensure all other staff members are well clear of the area to be mowed and ensure to communicate with other staff as to when you are starting to check that all animals are kept clear. Keep feet well clear of blades when starting and operating mower. For a non self propelled mower, place foot on mower base to stabilise and pull the starter handle For a self propelled mower, grip the handle bar firmly with one hand and pull the starter handle with the other Do not allow the starter rope to snap back when starting General operation Flying debris Runaway mower Slips and trips Cuts and lacerations Hearing damage Sprains and strains Select correct height adjustment taking into account uneven ground Focus approximately 1 metre directly ahead when mowing Always keep all four wheels on the ground do not tilt the mower Take special care when mowing hills and inclines -always mow across an incline or hill. Do not leave operating mower unattended. Do not clean grass chute with the engine running. Copyright Safe Industries Australia - Publication or other use of information is unauthorised without the prior written consent from Safe Industries Australia Page 3 of 5
(in Emptying grass catcher Flying debris Cuts and lacerations Back strain Ensure the mower is parked on a flat, stable area Ensure the mower is stopped prior to removing the grass catcher. Ensure you bend your knees when detaching, lifting and emptying the grass catcher Ensure the grass catcher is reattached securely to the mower prior to recommencing mowing operation. On completion Poor maintenance Clean mower prior to storage in a secure location. Check the air cleaner and replace if necessary. Ensure the catcher is completely empty of grass Clean and store all PPE used in appropriate place. Make sure the fuel is turned off on the mower. Copyright Safe Industries Australia - Publication or other use of information is unauthorised without the prior written consent from Safe Industries Australia Page 4 of 5
RISK ASSESSMENT MATRIX Hazard Effect / Consequences Type 1 Insignificant 2 Minor 3 Moderate 4 Major 5 - Catastrophic Slight injury or health Minor injury or health Major injury or health Permanent total Multiple fatalities. Harm to people (P) effects first aid/minor effects restricted work effects-major lost disabilities, single medical treatment level or minor lost workday workday case/permanent fatality. case partial disability Environmental impact (E) Environmental nuisance Material environmental Serious environmental Major Extreme Asset damage and other consequential business losses (A) Impact on reputation (R) A (Almost certain) B (Likely) C (Possible) D (Unlikely) LIKELIHOOD Likely that the unwanted event could occur several times per year at this location. Likely that the unwanted event could occur several times per year. The unwanted event could well have occurred in operations at some time The unwanted event has happened at some time in the industry Slight damage < $1,000. No disruption to operation Slight impact-public awareness may exist but no public concern Low Monitor & manage via Management System harm Minor damage < $10,000. Brief disruption Medium Limited impact-some local public concern Proactively manage via Management System The unwanted even has E (Rare) never been known to occur in this industry expression: Read clockwise, e.g. E 3 B = Environment Moderate Likely harm Local damage <$100,000. Partial shutdown. Considerable impact- Regional public concern RISK RATING High Incorporate risk reduction measures. environmental harm Major damage <$100,000. Partial loss of operation National impactnational public concern Extreme Eliminate or With principal environmental harm Extensive damage > $100,000. Loss of operation. International impact-international public attention Avoid Hazard Management Plans. Copyright Safe Industries Australia - Publication or other use of information is unauthorised without the prior written consent from Safe Industries Australia Page 5 of 5