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Flood Storm Clean-up

SWMS · SWMS-10107

  • 17 job steps
  • Version 8
  • Cleaning
  • Reads on any phone

This Flood Storm Clean-up Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) gives clear guidelines for safely cleaning up premises after floods or storms. It sets out the hazards and the controls needed to keep the work environment safe while contaminated items and materials are removed.

It covers 17 job steps, from site preparation, checking the weather and arriving on site to setting up the work area and a generator, managing the environment, removing furniture, floor coverings and insulation, cleaning and disinfecting every surface, waste management with powered mobile plant, fuelling, completion and emergency response.

It includes controls for high-risk construction work involving mobile plant, asbestos and work in ceiling spaces, and for contaminated water, mould, electricity, falls, manual tasks and hazardous chemicals.

It suits businesses and contractors involved in post-disaster recovery, safety officers and site supervisors overseeing the clean-up of premises after floods or storms.

Preview of the Flood Storm Clean-up SWMS

Flood Storm Clean-up

SWMSVersion 8
Company doing the work
[Company]
Business contact
—
Phone #
—
Responsible person (for monitoring SWMS and work)
—
Signature
—
Date
—
Contact phone #
—
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 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)

  • Mobile PlantMobile plant movement
  • AsbestosAsbestos disturbance
  • Work in a ceiling spaceWork in a ceiling space (W.A. Only)

Planning and preparation

Planning/Preparation

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

  • Establish supervisory and communication arrangements

  • Principal contractor to confirm emergency response procedures are in place.

Hold points

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

Training/Licence

  • All workers to have a General Construction Induction Card

  • Relevant workers have relevant certificates of competency, licenses, and training. Specify on the SWMS Sign-off for each worker.

  • Trained First Aider on site

  • All workers 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.

Monitor and review

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

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

  • If additional site hazards 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

Legislation and codes of practice

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

    Site preparation

    • Hazard

      Emergency; Electrocution; Various personal injuries

      Before controls4 Acute
      Controls

      • Maintain regular contact with Emergency Services / News report etc. for updates of safe areas

      • Obtain advice/evidence from:

        • Competent people that premises are safe to enter (Emergency Services, Structural Engineer)

        • Licensed Electrician that either power is isolated to premises or the electrical system is in a safe condition (certificate of electrical safety). Ensure gas is isolated to premises

        • Competent people (Industrial/ Occupational Hygienists, etc.) that air is safe to breathe levels of lead, PCB’s, asbestos, crystalline silica in cement dust or other contaminants are below occupational exposure levels

      • Ensure that the following has been planned for and defined:

        • Correct PPE is selected:

          • Impervious/waterproof coveralls

          • Hand protection

          • Rubber boots with non-slip soles – no laces (Waders if required)

          • Full or Half-face respirator with multi-purpose (or suitable) cartridge

          • Splash-proof goggles (or face shield)

        • Work area hazards identified are mitigated using the hierarchy of controls

        • Movement of plant

        • Emergency plan

        • First Aid Kit

        • Level of supervision required (more supervision required for less experienced workers)

        • Lighting (day/night operations)

        • Access to clean drinking water

        • Access to suitable water for clean-up and decontamination

        • Trained first aiders on-site at all times

        • Functional communications – if relying on the use of mobile phones, ensure service available.

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisor
    • Hazard

      Contaminated water

      Before controls4 Acute
      Controls

      • Ensure there is a supply of clean water for drinking and cleaning.

      • Do not drink tap water at the flooded property.

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisor

IR before controls · RR after controls1 LLow2 MModerate3 HHigh4 AAcute

Overall risk after controls2 MModeratethe highest rating after controls

16 more job steps, from Check weather conditions & prepare to Emergency response

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

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What it covers

17 job steps

  1. Site preparationConfirm the premises are safe to enter and plan PPE, first aid and clean water
  2. Check weather conditions & prepareCheck the weather and prepare for heat and cold
  3. Arrival on-site & assess onsite conditionsPark safely, report to the supervisor and assess the site
  4. Work area set-upSet up the exclusion zone and check for hazardous materials
  5. Generator set-up & useRun the generator outside, clear of flammables and ventilated
  6. EnvironmentManage waste, mould, fuels and chemicals, and protect waterways and fauna
  7. House keepingKeep the work area clean and free of trip hazards
  8. Manual tasksMove heavy items with trolleys, breaks and two-person lifts
  9. Working with powered & non-powered toolsUse tools as the manufacturer instructs, on tested leads and RCDs
  10. Working at height on ladders, trestles & falls into openingsWork from ladders and trestles and protect openings
  11. Removal of furniture, household items including fitted cabinets, mud & floor covering (vinyl, linoleum, carpet)Remove furniture, mud and floor coverings wearing the required PPE
  12. Insulation removalRemove ceiling insulation, never alone, on boards across the joists
  13. Clean and disinfect every surfaceClean and disinfect surfaces, following the SDS and asbestos controls
  14. Waste management – powered mobile plantKeep workers clear of mobile plant during waste removal
  15. Fuelling on-siteRefuel with no smoking and the right extinguisher
  16. On completionRemove barricades, decontaminate tools and sign out
  17. Emergency responseCall 000 and follow site emergency procedures

Hazards it covers

Reviews

  • Very Happy We recently had major flooding and this SWMS was invaluable thanks to Safety Culture for getting it out to us when we needed it.

    UnknownVerified purchase

  • Amazing I run a restaurant and have recently had a lot of problems with flooding. This SWMS lets us safely clean up and get back on our feet as soon as possible. It's a hard life but that's what you have to live with if you want to be the best Sushi chef in Atlantis. Also this website is amazing! Thanks for a job well done to the awesome guy who works on it!

    UnknownVerified purchase

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