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Refrigeration

SWMS · SWMS-10366

  • 18 job steps
  • Version 7
  • Electrical - HVAC - Solar
  • Reads on any phone

This Refrigeration Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) covers the hazards and controls of installing and maintaining self-contained, low charged refrigerant systems.

It covers 18 job steps, from planning and confined space permits, cylinder transport and storage, environment and housekeeping to system evacuation, cleaning, flushing and refrigerant charging, working near telecommunication transmitters, tools, working at height, testing and commissioning, and emergency response.

It includes controls for high-risk construction work involving gas mains, hazardous lines, energised electrical work, falls and hazardous atmospheres, and for frostbite, silica dust and electrical isolation.

It suits HVAC technicians, refrigeration mechanics, installation and maintenance crews, and safety officers in construction and facility management.

Preview of the Refrigeration SWMS

Refrigeration

SWMSVersion 7
Company doing the work
[Company]
Business contact
—
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 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)

  • 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
  • Hazardous AtmosphereWork in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere

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/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/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
  • 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

    Planning

    • Hazard

      Atmospheric hazard - poor air quality/chemical exposures

      Before controls4 Acute
      Controls

      • Ensure a Confined Space Entry Permit is issued if work involves a Confined Space. If work involves an identified Confined Space, a separate, dedicated 'Confined Spaces SWMS' is required to be used in conjunction with this SWMS.

      • Note: A confined space is an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is likely to be a risk to health and safety because of:

        • An atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level, or

        • Contaminants, including airborne gases, vapours and dust that may cause injury from fire or explosion, or

        • Harmful concentrations of any airborne contaminants

      • Examples of confined spaces involved with installing insulation batts might include ceilings or wall cavities when these examples meet the definition of a confined space

      • Ensure a confined space entry permit issued for each confined space entry.

      After controls2 Moderate
      Responsible
      • Supervisor

IR before controls · RR after controls1 LLow2 MModerate3 HHigh4 AAcute

Overall risk after controls2 MModeratethe highest rating after controls

17 more job steps, from Cylinder transport to Emergency response

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

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What it covers

18 job steps

  1. PlanningCheck for confined spaces and get an entry permit where one applies
  2. Cylinder transportSecure and separate gas cylinders for transport
  3. Handling and storage of refrigerantsStore refrigerant cylinders cool, ventilated, labelled and away from ignition
  4. EnvironmentControl noise, dust, waste, chemicals and refrigerant on site
  5. House keepingKeep the work area clean, lit and free of trip hazards
  6. Manual tasksKnow the weight, use team or mechanical lifts and take breaks
  7. Arrival on-site & assess onsite conditionsPark safely, report in and check the site's conditions
  8. Work area set upBarricade the work area and handle cylinders safely
  9. Pre-operational inspectionInspect cylinders and gas detecting equipment before use
  10. Isolate electric powerIsolate, lock out and test circuits before work
  11. Hazardous substance /chemical useUse hazardous substances as the SDS directs
  12. System evacuation, cleaning, flushing & refrigerant chargingEvacuate, flush and charge the system following the manufacturer's instructions
  13. Working near telecommunication transmittersGet the EME information and stay out of transmitter exclusion zones
  14. Working with powered & non-powered toolsInspect and use tools as the manufacturer directs
  15. Working at height on ladders, trestles & mobile scaffoldSet up ladders, trestles and mobile scaffolds safely and protect edges
  16. Test & commissionCheck test equipment and leak test with inert gas
  17. On completionClean up, secure cylinders and sign out
  18. Emergency responseCall 000, follow site emergency procedures and give first aid

Hazards it covers

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