Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Concrete, Masonry & Roofing

Metal Roof Installation — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the installation of metal roofing (Colorbond, corrugated iron, and metal deck) including material handling, roof access, sheet fixing, and edge protection management in compliance with Australian WHS legislation.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Full harness and lanyard or self-retracting lanyard (SRL) compliant with AS/NZS 1891Hard hatSafety glasses or gogglesCut-resistant gloves (Level 3 minimum)Steel-capped non-slip safety bootsHearing protection (SLC80 20)High-visibility vestSun protection (long sleeves, sunscreen, hat under hard hat where practicable)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work at height involving the risk of falling more than 2 metres
•Work on or near energised electrical installations or services

Risk Assessment

1.Roof access and edge protection installation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Fatal fall from roof edge or through unprotected openings	Catastrophic	Before commencing work on any roof above 2 metres, a fall prevention plan must be in place. Preferred controls in order: (1) install perimeter scaffolding with guardrails and toe-boards before accessing the roof; (2) install purpose-built edge protection guardrails (minimum 900 mm high) at all open edges; (3) use a fall-arrest system consisting of a certified full-body harness connected to an engineered anchor point via a shock-absorbing lanyard or SRL. Harness and lanyard must be inspected before each use. Lifelines and anchor points must be installed by a competent person and must have a minimum 15 kN rating. All roof openings (penetrations, skylights, voids) must be covered with a secured load-rated cover or guarded. No workers on roof without fall protection.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / Roofer
Contact with overhead powerlines during roof access or material lifting	Catastrophic	Before commencing, identify all overhead powerlines in the vicinity of the work area. Contact the distribution network service provider (DNSP) to confirm voltage and to arrange exclusion zone requirements. Maintain a minimum safe approach distance of 3 metres from powerlines (up to 66 kV). If work cannot be performed within safe distances, request the DNSP to de-energise, insulate, or relocate the line. Use a spotter when craning or lifting sheet material near powerlines. Do not use metal ladders near powerlines.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / DNSP

2.Lifting and positioning metal roofing sheets

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Manual handling injury from awkward lifting of long metal sheets	High	Metal roofing sheets can be up to 12 metres long and have sharp edges. Use a crane or roof sheet elevator to lift packs of sheets to roof level — do not manually carry long sheets up ladders. Sheets must be lifted in bundles using manufacturer-approved lifting lugs and correctly rated slings. If manual carrying is required for short distances on the roof, assign two workers per sheet for lengths over 4 metres. Handle sheets parallel to their length to reduce wind loading. Wear cut-resistant Level 3 gloves when handling all sheet edges. Bend down or tape sharp cut edges immediately after cutting.	Moderate	Roofer / Dogger
Sheet blown off roof in windy conditions creating falling object hazard	High	Monitor weather conditions before and during roofing operations. Suspend lifting and placing of sheet metal when wind speeds exceed 40 km/h or as directed by the site supervisor. Secure all delivered sheets to the roof or to the ground immediately after delivery using straps or clamps — never leave unsecured sheets unattended on a roof. When sheets are laid but not yet fastened, use temporary holding clips or brick weights to prevent displacement. Establish and enforce a ground-level exclusion zone directly below the roofing work area.	Low	Roofer / Site Supervisor

3.Cutting and trimming metal roofing sheets

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Laceration from sheet metal edges during cutting and handling	High	Use electric or pneumatic metal-cutting shears, nibbler, or a cold saw for cutting roofing sheets — never use an angle grinder with an abrasive disc on profiled roofing sheets due to heat and edge quality. Wear cut-resistant Level 3 gloves at all times when handling cut sheets. Immediately bend back or file sharp cut edges after cutting. Do not walk over cut sheet edges. Use a purpose-built sheet bending tool or brake to fold cut edges where required. Dispose of metal off-cut waste in a designated metal waste skip.	Low	Roofer

4.Fastening and sealing roofing sheets

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Eye injury from fastener projectiles during screw gun use	Moderate	Wear safety glasses or goggles when using screw guns and roofing fastener guns at all times. Inspect screw bits and drive adaptors before use. Ensure fasteners are loaded correctly and the tool's nose guide is used for depth control. Do not operate roofing screw guns in the direction of other workers. Inspect all fastener heads after installation to confirm washers are correctly seated and the screw has not over-driven through the sheet.	Low	Roofer
Heat stress from sun exposure while working on reflective metal roofing	High	Metal roofing surfaces can reach 70–80°C in direct Australian summer sun. Schedule roof work for early morning (before 10:00 AM) and late afternoon (after 3:00 PM) during hot weather. Provide shaded rest areas at ground level for regular cool-down breaks every 45 minutes. Ensure workers maintain adequate hydration (at least 250 mL of water every 20 minutes in hot conditions). Wear long-sleeved UV-protective shirts and sunscreen. Monitor workers for signs of heat exhaustion. Issue a heat alert when temperature exceeds 35°C.	Moderate	Roofer / Site Supervisor

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________