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Working in Roof Spaces

SWMS · SWMS-10534

  • 8 job steps
  • Version 5

This SWMS covers the hazards and controls for working in ceiling spaces and subfloors, which it calls enclosed spaces. It also covers working in roof spaces under the Queensland regulations for domestic roof spaces that took effect on 1 January 2025.

It takes your crew through each step: pre-planning, working near electrical installations, entering the roof space, the pre-start inspection, working in the roof space, completion, incident management and emergency response.

For any work that uses height access equipment such as an EWP or scaffolding to reach a ceiling space, make sure a SWMS for that equipment is also in place.

Written by SafetyDocs safety experts, who have been writing safety documents since 2004.

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Preview of the Working in Roof Spaces SWMS

Working in Roof Spaces

SWMSVersion 5
Company doing the work
[Company]
Business contact and phone
—
Responsible person (for monitoring SWMS and work)
—
Responsible person's phone
—
Responsible person's signature
—
Date signed
—
Principal Contractor (PC)
[Principal contractor]
PC Address
—
PC phone
[PC phone]
Date SWMS provided to PC
—
Job Site Address
[Site address]
Part of a construction project
—

Site management plan

If the work is part of a construction project, this SWMS must align with the requirements of the Site Management Plan in place for the Construction Project.

High-risk construction work

This work activity involves the following "High-Risk Construction Work" (HRCW - identified in the Job Task column)

  • AsbestosAsbestos disturbance
  • Gas MainsPressurised gas distribution mains or piping
  • Hazardous LinesChemical, fuel or refrigerant lines
  • Energised ElectricalEnergised electrical installations or services
  • FallsInvolves a risk of a person falling from 2m or more, including work on telecommunications towers
  • Work in a ceiling space

Working with a risk of a fall over 2 metres

The fall from height hierarchy of control level considered when establishing controls:

  • L1Work on the ground or solid construction, not chosen
  • L2Use a passive fall restraint system, e.g. guard rails, scaffolding, EWP, not chosen
  • L3Use a work positioning system, e.g. travel restraint, rope access, not chosen
  • L4Use a fall arrest system, e.g. safety harness, catch platforms, not chosen
  • L5Implement administrative controls, e.g. signage or instruction, not chosen

No level has been chosen yet.

Planning and preparation

Planning

  • Liaise with Principal Contractor to identify on-site safety systems and procedures

  • Establish supervisory and communication arrangements

  • The principal contractor will confirm that emergency response procedures are in place.

Hold points

Hold points identified and signed off before continuing work. (specify the hold points)

Training and licences

  • All workers to have a General Construction Induction Card

  • Relevant workers have relevant certificates of competency, licenses, and training.

  • Specify the SWMS Sign-off for each worker.

  • Trained First Aider on-site

  • All workers are trained in site-specific emergency and evacuation procedures, SWMS, safe work procedures, and safety data sheets.

Worker duties and responsibilities

  • Fit condition for work, i.e., no signs of fatigue, alcohol or drugs

  • Attend all site inductions/briefings

  • Comply with all site requirements, e.g. PPE, Traffic Management Plans (TMP)

  • Only carry out work related to the contract.

  • Inspect completed work and report possible safety, environmental and quality matters to the supervisor.

Monitoring and review

  • All people involved in the task must have this SWMS communicated to them before work commences.

  • SWMS is to be reviewed and amended, if necessary, in consultation with relevant people after any near miss or incident

  • If additional site hazards are identified, review this SWMS and amend control measures to suit

  • People, including workers, contractors and sub-contractors, affected by the revisions to this SWMS must be informed ASAP

  • Give the principal contractor a copy of the revised SWMS

  • The site supervisor to monitor works against the controls stated in this SWMS

  • SWMS must be kept on-site and made available for inspection or review

  • Keep a record of this SWMS until the job is complete or for two years if involved in a notifiable incident

  • Regardless of any other factor, the person in control of the workplace must review this SWMS at least annually.

Site-specific notes

Act, regulations, codes of practice references

None listed.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

  • Foot Protection
  • Eye Protection
  • Hand Protection
  • Protective Clothing
  • Breathing Protection

Do not wear rings, watches or jewellery that may become entangled. Long and loose hair must be tied back.

Job steps, hazards and controls

  • Work activity

    Pre-planning

    • Hazard

      Inadequate preparation for tasks

      Before controls4 Acute
      Controls

      • Conduct a site safety risk assessment before entry.

      • Review SWMS and job-specific tasks with all team members.

      • Ensure tools, PPE, and equipment are functional and available.

      • Identify electrical, structural, and environmental hazards.

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisor

IR before controls · RR after controls1 LLow2 MModerate3 HHigh4 AAcute

Overall risk after controls2 MModeratethe highest rating after controls

7 more job steps, from Working near electrical installations to Emergency response

Each with its hazards, risk ratings and controls, plus your crew's sign-on.

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What it covers

8 job steps

  1. Pre-planningConduct a site safety risk assessment before entry.
  2. Working near electrical installationsDe-energise and lock out the electrical installation before entering the roof space
  3. Entering roof spaceSet up and use a ladder to enter the roof space
  4. Pre-start inspectionInspect the roof space for structural integrity, wiring and vermin or debris
  5. Working in-roof spaceCheck the site plan, then work from the roof beams with controls for each hazard
  6. On completionCheck the roof space is clear and systems are restored, then debrief
  7. Incident managementIf an incident occurs, immediately report it to your supervisor or manager.
  8. Emergency responseCall emergency services and put emergency arrangements in place

Hazards it covers

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