SWMS template · Asbestos & Hazardous Materials
Synthetic Mineral Fibre (SMF) Removal — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for removing glasswool, rockwool and other synthetic mineral fibre insulation from ceilings, walls, ductwork and plant, including checks for asbestos, roof space controls, bagging and disposal.
Last reviewed
- Category
- Asbestos & Hazardous Materials
- HRCW
- 2 categories
- Job steps
- 6
- Hazards rated
- 12
- PPE items
- 7
Synthetic mineral fibres (SMF) include glasswool and rockwool insulation batts and loose fill, as well as refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) used in furnaces, kilns and high-temperature plant. Glasswool and rockwool mainly cause skin, eye and upper respiratory irritation. RCF is classified as a possible cause of cancer and needs a higher level of control, similar in approach to asbestos removal, so treat RCF removal as specialist work.
SMF removal is not, in itself, a type of High Risk Construction Work, but the most common version of the job, pulling old insulation out of a roof space, usually involves a risk of falling more than 2 metres through the ceiling and working near energised electrical cables. Those are HRCW categories, so a SWMS is required. Some roof spaces can also meet the definition of a confined space if the atmosphere becomes hazardous; assess this before work.
The most important check is that the material is actually SMF. Before removing any ceiling insulation, rule out loose-fill asbestos insulation (found in some homes in NSW and the ACT), vermiculite and asbestos lagging on pipes and ducts. If you are unsure, stop and get the material tested. Also check for vermin droppings, dead animals, bird mites and needles, which are common in roof spaces.
Roof space heat is a serious risk. On a warm day, a tile or metal roof space can climb well above 50°C. Plan work for early mornings, limit time in the roof and keep workers hydrated. Work on electrical cabling must be done by a licensed electrician, and wherever practicable the circuits running through the roof space should be isolated at the switchboard before work starts. Some states have specific rules about isolation for insulation work, so check your state or territory regulator.
Customise this template with the type and location of SMF, the asbestos and vermiculite check results, the access point and walking platform method, electrical isolation arrangements, the removal method (hand bagging or vacuum truck), respiratory protection, heat management plan and waste disposal facility.
Important: This SWMS template is a starting point only. Review and customise it for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the work. Not legal advice.
High Risk Construction Work Types
- Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
- Work on or near energised electrical installations or services
Personal Protective Equipment
- P2 respirator (fit tested); higher protection for refractory ceramic fibre
- Disposable coveralls with hood and elasticated cuffs
- Gloves
- Safety goggles
- Bump cap or hard hat for roof space work
- Knee pads
- Head torch
Risk Assessment
RatingsCatastrophicHighModerateLow
Step 1Identifying the material and pre-start checks
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material is asbestos or vermiculite, not SMF | Catastrophic | Check the asbestos register. Inspect the insulation and pipe or duct lagging. Where loose-fill asbestos, vermiculite or asbestos lagging is possible, stop and have samples analysed before work. If asbestos is confirmed, the work becomes licensed asbestos removal. | Low | Supervisor |
| Biological hazards in the roof space | Moderate | Inspect for droppings, dead animals and needles from the hatch before entry. Remove sharps with tongs into a sharps container. P2 respirator and gloves. | Low | Supervisor / Worker |
Step 2Electrical isolation
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric shock from damaged or live cables in the roof space | Catastrophic | Isolate circuits running through the roof space at the switchboard, lock and tag. Test before entry where possible. Do not move or cut cables; a licensed electrician deals with any damaged wiring. Do not use metal tools to rake insulation around cables. | Low | Supervisor / Licensed Electrician |
Step 3Access and movement in the roof space
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall through ceiling to the floor below | High | Lay crawl boards or walking platforms across ceiling joists. Never step between joists. Keep work lighting adequate. Mark the access hatch location. | Low | Worker |
| Fall from ladder at the access hatch | Moderate | Use a platform ladder or secured extension ladder extending 1 m above the hatch. Maintain three points of contact. Pass tools and bags up separately. | Low | Worker |
| Heat stress | High | Work early in the day. Limit time in the roof space and rotate workers. Fans for air movement. Water at the hatch. Stop work if roof space temperature makes work unsafe. | Moderate | Supervisor |
Step 4Removing and bagging insulation
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin, eye and respiratory irritation from fibres | Moderate | Lightly mist batts before handling. Roll batts and place them straight into heavy-duty bags. Coveralls, goggles, gloves and P2 respirator worn throughout. Do not use compressed air. | Low | Worker |
| Fibre release when using vacuum removal for loose fill | Moderate | Use a vacuum system with filtered exhaust. Seal the bag collection point. Exclude other workers from the dwelling while vacuuming. | Low | Vacuum Operator |
Step 5Removing SMF lagging from ducts and plant
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exposure to refractory ceramic fibre | High | Identify RCF from the product label or plant records. Use a wet method, enclosure and respirators with a higher protection factor than P2. Get specialist advice for RCF removal. | Moderate | Supervisor |
| Cuts from metal cladding and wire | Moderate | Cut-resistant gloves when removing cladding and mesh. | Low | Worker |
Step 6Clean-up, decontamination and disposal
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fibres spread through the house | Moderate | Seal the hatch with plastic during work. Carry bags out along a protected path. HEPA vacuum the area below the hatch. Remove coveralls before leaving the work area. | Low | Worker |
| Incorrect disposal | Low | Dispose of bagged SMF at a waste facility that accepts it. Keep disposal receipts. | Low | Supervisor |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
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