Value pack · 35 templatesPart of HVAC-Refrigeration Combo

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.

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

Work activity
Working near electrical installations
De-energise and lock out the electrical installation before entering the roof space
Work activity
Entering roof space
Set up and use a ladder to enter the roof space
Work activity
Pre-start inspection
Inspect the roof space for structural integrity, wiring and vermin or debris
Work activity
Working in-roof space
Check the site plan, then work from the roof beams with controls for each hazard
Work activity
On completion
Check the roof space is clear and systems are restored, then debrief
Work activity
Incident management
If an incident occurs, immediately report it to your supervisor or manager.
Work activity
Emergency response
Call emergency services and put emergency arrangements in place

Permits

Plant and equipment

Hazardous substances

Supervisory arrangements

SWMS Sign-off

This SWMS developed in consultation and cooperation with workers and relevant organisation representatives. I have read the above SWMS, and I understand its contents. I confirm that I have the skills and training, including relevant certification, to conduct the task as described. I agree to comply with safety requirements within this SWMS, including risk control measures, safe work instructions, and PPE described.

Worker’s name	Job role / positione.g. supervisor, worker, trainee	Licences, competencies & qualificationsType / descriptionClassNumber	Date	Signature
-	-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-	-
-	-	-	-	-
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)
		General construction induction (White Card)

Hierarchy of controls

Risk matrix

Step 1: Determine likelihood

Step 2: Determine consequence

Step 3: Determine the risk score

Likelihood ↑	InsignificantNo effect, or so minor that the effect is acceptable	MinorMinor first aid treatment, minimal business disruption, minimal environmental effect	ModerateSerious injuries, medium business interruption, medium environmental impact	MajorExtensive injuries or fatality, significant business interruption, environmental harm, prosecution	CatastrophicMultiple permanent disabilities or fatalities, business failure, substantial environmental harm, prosecution or imprisonment
	Consequence →
Almost certainExpected in most circumstances	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute	4 Acute
LikelyWill probably occur in most circumstances	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute	4 Acute
PossibleCould possibly occur at some time	1 Low	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute
UnlikelyUnlikely but possible	1 Low	1 Low	2 Moderate	3 High	4 Acute
RareHighly unlikely to occur	1 Low	1 Low	2 Moderate	2 Moderate	3 High

1 LowRecord and monitor. Proceed with work, and review the risks regularly.
2 ModerateMaintain control measures. Be cautious when working, and monitor and review regularly.
3 HighReview before commencing work. Introduce new controls or maintain high-level controls to lower the risk level, and monitor the controls frequently.
4 AcuteDo not proceed until the risk level is reduced. Immediately introduce high-level controls, and re-assess before proceeding.

Step 4: Record risk

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

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

Working in Roof Spaces

Site management plan

High-risk construction work

Working with a risk of a fall over 2 metres