Safe Work Method Statement - Plumbing Complete the Safe Work
Method Statement BEFORE
work is started
Location/Department Date Approved
: Developed: By:
Date of
Signature of Person
Task/Activity: Last Authorising SWMS:
Review:
Legislation, Codes of Practice, Standards used in development of SWP (list below):
Required PPE to carry
out the activity
Helmet Boots Eye Vest Gloves Hearing Respirat Harness
or
WORK ACTIVITY HAZARDS PRESENT RISK RISK CONTROL MEASURES RESIDUAL RISK
(Steps in the activity/task) (What could cause injury) SCORE (What can be done to minimise the risk of injury) SCORE
Moving vehicles
Other people – staff and customers High visibility clothing, appropriate PPE
Access Park in appropriate areas
Client unaware of contractor on site Advise client of presence on site
Low
1 Arrival on site/ Site Inspection Falling objects, Hitting objects Med Display identification
Slips/trips/falls Sign into Visitors Log book and obtain site visitors Tag if
Hazard substances required
Noise Ensure others on site are aware of your presence
Biological factors
Handle according l to manufacturer’s instructions
Hazardous substances
(including the label and MSDS)
Manual handling/body stressing
PPE – respirators, elbow length gloves, face shield,
Slips/trips
Use of chemicals – paints, glues, solvents, overalls
2 adhesives, petrol, poisons
Exposure to inhalation, absorption Med
Wear moisture resistant work boots with adequate grip
Low
and ingestion
Mix on level ground, away from others
Spray drift (if spraying)
Replace lid on container
Always use backflow prevention device
Always have spill response kit available
Warm up briefly beforehand
Keep back straight, eyes fixed straight ahead; lift with
Back strain
legs & not the back
3 Manual handling activities Muscle strain Med
Get help if load is too heavy or awkward
Low
Impact injuries
Don’t twist
Wear safety boots and gloves if necessary
Use trolley or mechanical mean if possible
WORK ACTIVITY HAZARDS PRESENT RISK RISK CONTROL MEASURES RESIDUAL RISK
(Steps in the activity/task) (What could cause injury) SCORE (What can be done to minimise the risk of injury) SCORE
Test & tag regularly
Visually check before use to make sure all safety
features and guards are in place & there is no damage
Electric shock Don’t operate in wet conditions
Burns Ensure earth leakage protections is in place and is at the
Skin irritations supply end of the extension lead
4 Use of power tools
Excessive noise
Med If device trips, don’t reset and start again until cause is Low
Cuts, abrasions, amputations found
Eye injury Switch tool off if any faults or abnormal actions become
apparent
Ensure tool action is stopped before setting down
Wear appropriate PPE – safety glasses, ear protection
Secure any loose hair and clothing
Inspect ladder prior to use – make sure is in sound
condition, clean and undamaged
Falls, sprains and breaks Use two person to carry if required
Back injury Secure ladder to structure before climbing onto steps
5 Safe use of ladders Med Have another person near the ladder supervising the Low
Falling ladder if not secure
Injury from poorly maintained ladder area to support the ladder
Wear appropriate footwear when climbing ladders
Have three limbs on the ladder at all times
Wear a tool pouch to carry tools
Cuts Watch what is being done… don’t be distracted by
Safe use of manual tools – saws, hammers, Abrasions others and activities within the work area
6 screwdrivers Splinters
Med
Wear appropriate PPE – eye protection if sawing and
Low
Eye damage due to flying debris sanding; steel capped boots
Transport in an open, well ventilated vehicles, If a
closed van is being used, ensure gas plugs and chains
are preventing leaks.
Wear appropriate PPE
Currently tagged in date fire extinguisher must be
available where hot work is to take place
Burns
Do not use cylinders which are standing in an enclosed
Welding flash
Hot work – electric or gas welding. vehicle – always move outside first
7 Soldering/Cutting
Fire High
If there is a possibility of a leak, test with soap and
Med
Falling oxy or acetylene
water
Oxy & acetylene flashback
Ensure no flammable liquids or gases are anywhere in
vicinity
Bottles are to be chained when in upright position
Hoses re to be fitted with flash back arrestors and
regulators
After use ensure cylinder valves are tightly shut, outlet
gas plugs and valve protection caps installed .
WORK ACTIVITY HAZARDS PRESENT RISK RISK CONTROL MEASURES RESIDUAL RISK
(Steps in the activity/task) (What could cause injury) SCORE (What can be done to minimise the risk of injury) SCORE
Wear leather gloves, clear safety glasses
Immunise workers for hepatitis "B"
Use disinfectant to wash hands to manufacturer’s
Cutting hands guidelines.
Hepatitis "B" & "C" Use the foot pedal to turn the machine on & off.
9 Working on sewers, drains and piping Uncontrolled cable coiling causing arm Med Install earth leakage safety switch at all sources of Low
strains power
Electrocution Test and tag 15 Amp leads every month
Elevate power leads 2m where vehicle access occurs or
potential trips are likely. Extension leads should not
exceed 35m.
When working at heights above 2 metres, ensure
appropriate fall protection is in place
Carry out risk assessment prior to starting work:
Falls
1 Working at heights Injuries to people below from falling Med
Locate power lines & stay at least 2 metres clean
Low
0 Identify any other obstructions
objects
Ensure ladders are placed on a level surface
Barricade area to remove any dangers to other people in
the area – this will isolate hazards and control the risks
Use a trolley to remove the used hot water system.
Ensure work area is well ventilated
Test work area with a gas detector. Turn it on when
Manual handling-back strain
Install new hot water unit unit. entering the work area.
11 Gas leaks/Explosion from Low
Reconnect gas and water supply pipe-work High Keep mobile phones, electrical and lighters away from
oxy/Acetylene use
work area.
Isolate gas leads when not in use by turning off at the
bottle.
Wear appropriate PPE
Ventilate the work area by opening all doors and
Head injuries
windows
12 Locate gas leak Asphyxiation (suffocation) High Med
Ensure no flammable liquids or gases are anywhere in
Explosion
vicinity
Ensure Gas cylinder valves are tight fixed.
Flooding causing Slips on wet floor Mop up slippery floor
13 Replace PC Items (basins, WC Pans etc) Scalding from hot water High Isolate hot water supply Low
Germs Correct PPE Equipment
This SWMS has been developed to reduce and manage the risks that are known to be on the above work site. All members of the team working on this site have read, understood and signed
this Safe Work Method Statement.
Signatures:
Risk Score Grid:
Name: Signature:
Date:
Name: Signature:
Date:
