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.

Confined Spaces

Storage Tank Cleaning — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the internal cleaning of above-ground and below-ground storage tanks containing residual hydrocarbons, chemicals, or potable water, including degassing, sludge removal, and surface preparation.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Supplied-air respirator (SAR) with escape setFull-body chemical-resistant coveralls (Type 3 or 4)Chemical-resistant gloves (double-glove for hydrocarbon tanks)Safety harness and retrieval lanyardChemical-resistant safety bootsSafety helmetChemical splash gogglesIntrinsically safe torch and lighting

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work in confined spaces
•Work involving hazardous atmospheres
•Work with hazardous chemicals

Risk Assessment

1.Tank Degassing and Preparation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Explosion from ignition of hydrocarbon vapours during degassing	Catastrophic	All non-essential personnel and ignition sources must be excluded from a minimum 15-metre exclusion zone during degassing. Use only intrinsically safe fans and equipment for forced ventilation. Continuously monitor LEL at the vent exhaust — stop work if LEL at vent exceeds 20%. Do not open manways on tank until LEL is confirmed at 0% at all sampling points. Earth and bond all metallic equipment to the tank shell to prevent static discharge. Post 'No Smoking / No Naked Flame' signs throughout the exclusion zone.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / Safety Officer
Exposure to residual chemical vapours causing acute poisoning	Catastrophic	Obtain SDS for all previous tank contents. Calculate worst-case vapour concentration at the work area and compare with WES (Workplace Exposure Standards). All entrants to wear SAR until 3 consecutive atmospheric readings confirm vapour levels are below 10% of WES and LEL is 0%. Standby person wears SCBA at entry point. Implement a buddy system — minimum two entrants when cleaning is in progress.	Moderate	Entry Supervisor / Entrant

2.Sludge and Residue Removal

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Dermal or inhalation exposure to hydrocarbon sludge	High	Workers wear double chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, and SAR during all sludge removal activities. Transfer sludge using vacuum pump or airlift equipment rather than manual scooping where possible. If manual removal is required, use long-handled scoops and minimise body contact with sludge. Dispose of all sludge as hazardous waste per EPA requirements. Decontamination station (water, soap, clean towels) must be set up at the tank entry prior to commencement.	Low	Entrant / Site Supervisor
Worker slipping on sludge-coated floor of tank	High	Deploy temporary non-slip matting or grating across the tank floor before entry. Workers wear slip-resistant chemical-resistant boots tested for the residue type. Ensure lighting inside tank provides minimum 200 lux at floor level. Limit number of workers inside tank simultaneously to prevent overcrowding. Work area must be cleaned in sections — proceed from clean areas into dirty areas, maintaining a clear escape path to exit at all times.	Low	Entrant / Entry Supervisor

3.High-Pressure Water Jetting and Chemical Washing

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Injection injury from high-pressure water jet	High	Only workers holding a current High Pressure Water Jetting competency certificate may operate jetting equipment. Before commencing, verify all hose connections are rated above the operating pressure and fittings are secured with whip checks. Never direct the jet at another person. Entrants not operating the jet must maintain a minimum 2-metre distance from the active jetting area. Stop the pump before repositioning hose or adjusting nozzle.	Low	Operator / Site Supervisor

4.Surface Preparation and Inspection

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Noise-induced hearing loss from grinding and abrasive blasting	High	Conduct a noise assessment before abrasive blasting or grinding commences inside the tank. If noise exposure is projected to exceed 85 dB(A) LAeq 8h, all workers in the area must wear hearing protection with sufficient NRR. Implement administrative controls: rotate workers to limit individual exposure time, sequence tasks to reduce simultaneous noisy operations inside the tank. Record noise assessments and provide results to workers.	Moderate	Safety Officer / All Workers

5.Final Inspection and Tank Closeout

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Worker inadvertently locked inside tank during closing	Catastrophic	Implement a formal entrant sign-in/sign-out register managed by standby person. Before closing any manway, standby person must call out by name and confirm visual sighting of each worker on the register outside the tank. Entry supervisor conducts a final sweep of the internal tank with a torch before instructing manway closure. Fit a 'DO NOT CLOSE — PERSON INSIDE' tag to every manway while any worker is present. Remove tags only after all workers are confirmed outside and accounted for.	Low	Standby Person / Entry 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: ___________________