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Value pack · 5 templatesPart of Gardener

Garden Maintenance

SWMS · SWMS-10232

  • 17 job steps
  • Version 5

This Garden Maintenance Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) outlines the hazards and controls involved in grounds maintenance on roadsides, parks and public areas.

It covers 17 job steps, from planning, training and weather preparation through transporting equipment and chemicals, work area set-up, environmental considerations, manual tasks and working with powered and non-powered tools, to weed control, re-fuelling, completion and emergency response.

It includes controls for working adjacent to roads and powered mobile plant, for interactions with the public and wildlife, and a risk matrix for rating each hazard.

It suits businesses and workers involved in garden maintenance, landscaping and any activities in public or private green spaces.

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Preview of the Garden Maintenance SWMS

Garden Maintenance

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)
—
PC Address
—
PC phone
—
Date SWMS provided to PC
—
Job 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 Plant
  • Hazardous Atmosphere

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)

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/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
  • Hearing Protection
  • High Visibility
  • Head Protection
  • Eye Protection
  • Hand Protection
  • Sun 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

    Planning

    • Hazard

      Unpermitted works near roads

      Before controls3 High
      Controls
      • Obtain written consent from Coordinating Road Authority if applicable. Example:

        • Minor works (mowing) with no traffic impact = no consent required

        • Where traffic is impacted, consent is required

        • Roads other than freeways, minor works = no consent

      • Ensure that work timed to avoid high traffic times. E.g.:

        • Peak hour

        • School drop-off and pick up (if applicable).

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisor
    • Hazard

      Drowning

      Before controls3 High
      Controls
      • Plan to avoid working in or near water wherever possible

      • Ensure sufficient staff for the task

      • Include Spotters where required.

      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 Training 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. PlanningPlan road consent, work timing, water avoidance and staffing
  2. TrainingTrain workers to identify flora and fauna and work near traffic
  3. Check weather conditions & prepareCheck the weather and prepare for heat, cold and bites
  4. Transporting equipment & chemicalsTransport equipment and chemicals safely
  5. Arrival on-site & assess onsite conditionsCheck site conditions on arrival
  6. Work area set-upSet up the work area and keep people out
  7. EnvironmentManage waste, fuel, noise and wildlife on site
  8. House keepingKeep the work area tidy to prevent slips and trips
  9. Manual tasksHandle loads and tools to avoid manual task injuries
  10. Working with powered & non-powered toolsUse powered and hand tools safely
  11. Working adjacent to roads & powered mobile plantWork safely near roads and mobile plant
  12. Garden/ grounds maintenanceMaintain gardens and grounds safely
  13. Spills, litter & sharps managementManage spills, litter and sharps safely
  14. Weed controlHandle and apply weed control chemicals safely
  15. Re-fuelling on siteRefuel equipment safely on site
  16. On completionPack up and secure the site
  17. Emergency responseRespond to emergencies and injuries

Hazards it covers

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