SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT FORM (SWMS) SOLAR SYSTEM SERVICE

This document is to be read in conjunction with any site specific adjustments as identified by the risk assessment, site induction and toolbox meeting record and must be completed on every site before starting work.

    Assessment of Risk:

    CLASS 1: (High Risk) Potential to kill or permanently disable

    CLASS 2 (Medium Risk) Potential to cause serious injury or illness

    CLASS 3 (Low Risk) Potential to cause minor injury

    Steps in Activity

    Potential Hazards

    Risk Class

    Risk Control Measure

    Person Responsible

    Risk Class Controls In Place

    Conduct Contactless Site Visit

    Interaction with people while onsite

    PPE including, Mask, Hand Sanitiser, Gloves & Social Distance 1.5M

    Site Induction

    Uninformed workers on Site could cause injury to themselves or others

    All persons on site must carry with them a current General construction induction card at all times. Where required ensure that site specific induction training is attended prior to working onsite. Ensure all personnel are informed of any changes to potential risks and hazards at the earliest opportunity by way of toolbox meeting

    Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment

    Personal Injury

    Prior to commencement of work ensure PPE is adequate for all tasks and in serviceable condition including suitable safety (capped) footwear, fully enclosed and slip resistant when working in elevated areas or on ladders. Eye protection, Ear protection, Head protection, Safety harness and associated equipment for working at heights. Tie off equipment and ladder brackets to ensure ladders are properly secured. Ensure first aid kit is available.

    Working Outdoors

    Sunburn, skin cancer, Eye damage, heat stroke

    Wear broad brimmed hat, safety sunglasses, sun protective clothing and 30+ sunscreen. Maintain hydration, drink plenty of water. Take regular breaks.

    Personnel and Pedestrian Access

    Trip, slip hazards, Risk of falling objects

    Clear obstacles from around work area, prior to commencement and during work. Keep pathways free of trip hazards. Cordon off area where potential for injury from falling objects is present.

    Power tools

    Electrocution, Eye injuries, Hand injuries

    Use the correct tool for the task at hand. Where possible use battery powered tools. Keep electrical tools away from water. Tools with power leads are to be checked that they are in test and tagged before use. Power tools are to be connected via RCD safety switch which should be tested prior to use. Check power leads for damage prior to each use. Wear the correct PPE to protect eyes. Wear gloves as required to prevent hand damage.

    Weather conditions

    Dehydration, Changing conditions causing slippery surfaces

    Check weather conditions/forecast. If unfavourable reschedule. Stop work, secure installation and leave roof if signs of storm are evident. Whilst working in heat protect body with sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Maintain hydration.

    Hand Tools

    Repetitive strain injury, Cuts

    When using hacksaws ensure a firm but comfortable grip, use long smooth strokes. Ensure all guards are in place. When using utility knives ensure work is carried out on a firm surface and the cut is made away from the body.

    Noise

    Hearing loss

    All persons exposed to high noise levels should wear appropriate hearing protection as required

    Ladder Positioning

    Potential back injury Risk of fall

    Using the ladder correctly, (3 points of contact required at all times (2 hands one foot, one hand 2 feet)
    Secure ladder to roof.
    Ensure the roof is dry

    Manual Handling

    Back injuries
    Risk of fall

    Before manually lifting consider use of mechanical assistance or another person to assist. Ensure that the path you wish to take is free of obstructions and slip hazards.
    Ensure the end location is clear prior to moving. Avoid awkward posture
    Bend knees and lift close to body, avoid bending back.

    Glue and Secure PVC, Fittings

    Exposure to glue fumes, potential combustible material

    Ensure work area is well ventilated
    Ensure gloves, eye wear are worn
    Keep glue away from naked flame

    Installing pump and Controller Indoors

    Water leak, electrocution, Slip hazard

    Ensure adequate drainage of area in case of leak. Where possible use battery powered equipment. Use RCD if using powered equipment. Be aware of where mains power runs within walls before drilling/cutting. Mount controller in location where it is unlikely to be immersed in water in event of a pipe failure. Wear appropriate footwear to prevent slip.

    Installing pumps and controllers outdoors

    Ingress of water, Electrocution

    Determine weatherproof location for electrical equipment where it is unlikely to be affected by adverse weather to prevent risk of electrical shock.

    Test and commission

    Water leaks, electrocution

    Ensure that all joints are glued and that the glue has cured sufficiently. Inspect whole system thoroughly to ensure no leaks or potential contact with power source.

    Clean up work area

    Trip slip hazard, Falling material hazard

    Conduct an inspection of the entire work area ensuring that no tools or equipment has been left behind. That walking surfaces are clear of trip hazards and no substances are left behind that could cause a slip hazard. Ensure everything on the roof has been removed or secured to prevent items from falling on persons below.

    Applicable Legislation

    Title

    Prevention of Falls In General Construction

    National Code of practice 2008

    Prevention of Falls in Housing Construction

    Work Safe Australia Code of practice 2016

    AS 1892.5 2020

    Portable ladders Part 5: Selection, safe use and care

    AS 1470 1986

    Health and Safety at Work – Principles and Practices

    WORK ACTIVITY BRIEFING STATEMENT
    Brief each team member on this SWMS before commencing work.
    Ensure Team knows that work is to immediately stop if the SWMS is not being followed.
    Observe work being carried out. If controls are not adequate, stop the work, review the SWMS, adjust as required and re-brief the team.
    Retain this SWMS for the duration of the high-risk construction work.

    Attendees:

    Name

    Signature

    Date

    Authorised Australian Energy System Representative to approve SWMS

    Name

    Position

    Signature

    Date

    Send copy (required)

    Scroll to Top

    Quick Enquiry

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.