SWMS template · Excavation & Earthworks
Pier and Bored Piling — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for bored pier and piling operations including drilling, reinforcement cage installation, concrete placement, and casing extraction for structural foundation works.
Last reviewed
- Category
- Excavation & Earthworks
- HRCW
- 3 categories
- Job steps
- 5
- Hazards rated
- 9
- PPE items
- 7
Bored pier and piling operations are HRCW under regulation 291 of the model WHS Regulations as excavation work with risk of entrapment, and in many configurations also for the use of cranes or hoists for reinforcement cage placement. A SWMS is mandatory before piling commences. The piling design — pile diameter, depth, reinforcement, and concrete specification — must be documented by a geotechnical and structural engineer, and the SWMS must align with the approved design and construction methodology.
There are no specific HRW licences for piling plant operators in Australia, but operators must be trained and competent on the specific piling rig. Piling rigs are large, complex plant and must be maintained and operated within the manufacturer's rated capacity and instructions. The rigging and crane work associated with placing and extracting reinforcement cages requires workers with relevant rigging and dogman HRW licences.
Open bored piers present a fall-into-excavation risk that must be controlled immediately after drilling. All open pier holes must be covered or barricaded at ground level to prevent a worker or member of the public falling in — an open pier hole of 600 mm diameter and several metres deep is a fatal fall hazard. AS 3600 (Concrete Structures) and the structural engineer's specification govern the minimum reinforcement cover, concrete strength, and curing requirements for the finished piles.
Piling adjacent to existing buildings and services requires specific controls. Vibration and ground displacement from piling can damage adjacent structures, and an engineering assessment of vibration limits and monitoring requirements should be obtained for all piling within the influence zone of existing buildings. Nearby water mains, gas mains, and electrical cables must be located by potholing before piling commences.
Customise this template with the pile design specifications, the rig make and model, the open-hole cover protocol, the adjacent services locations from Before You Dig Australia, and any vibration monitoring requirements. This SWMS applies in all Australian states and territories.
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
- Work in or near a shaft or trench deeper than 1.5 metres, or a tunnel
- Work on or near energised electrical installations or services
- Work in an area with movement of powered mobile plant
Personal Protective Equipment
- Hard hat (Class 1)
- High-visibility vest (Class 2)
- Steel-capped safety boots
- Safety glasses or face shield
- Leather gloves
- Hearing protection
- Dust mask (P2 respirator)
Risk Assessment
RatingsCatastrophicHighModerateLow
Step 1Piling rig positioning and set-up
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piling rig overturning during set-up or operation | Catastrophic | Prior to rig set-up, conduct a site-specific ground bearing capacity assessment. Provide engineered timber or steel crane mats of sufficient size and thickness to distribute rig load across the required bearing area based on the engineer's calculations. Level ground within ±2° of horizontal at the rig position. Establish total exclusion zone equal to full mast height plus 3 metres in all directions around the rig. Pre-start safety check by operator to confirm all outriggers fully extended and locked before mast erection. Monitor ground settlement around mats continuously during operation. | Low | Piling Supervisor / Rig Operator |
| Underground service strike during initial drilling | Catastrophic | Complete BYDA enquiry and mark all services on ground prior to rig positioning. Conduct vacuum excavation to expose all services within 3 m of each pier location before drilling commences. Display service location plan in rig operator cab. Confirm clearance distances between each pier location and nearest service with the site engineer. Where clearance is less than 1 m, the engineer must specify an alternative pier position. Never drill without a confirmed all-clear from the site supervisor. | Low | Site Engineer / Rig Operator |
Step 2Drilling and spoil management
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bore collapse during or after drilling | High | Assess bore stability based on soil classification and depth. Install temporary steel casing to full depth in unstable soils (gravels, sands, fill) immediately following drilling to prevent bore collapse. Use bentonite or polymer drilling fluid in highly unstable ground conditions. Workers must not approach within 2 m of an open uncased bore. Clearly mark all open bores with barriers and safety mesh covers when drilling is not active. Document each bore condition in the piling log. | Moderate | Piling Supervisor / Rig Operator |
| Spoil contamination exposure during handling | Moderate | Obtain environmental site assessment and soil contamination report before commencing. Where contaminated spoil is identified, implement site-specific contaminated material handling plan. Workers handling contaminated spoil must wear nitrile gloves, P2 respirator, safety glasses, and disposable Tyvek overalls. Contaminated spoil must be segregated into designated bunded bins and removed by licensed waste contractor. Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly before eating, drinking, or leaving site. | Low | Environmental Officer / Site Supervisor |
Step 3Reinforcement cage fabrication and installation
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reinforcement cage collapse during lifting | High | Reinforcement cage lifting must be performed by a licensed rigger. Cages must be fitted with minimum 3 lifting eyes at equal spacing around the circumference at the top, designed to engineering specification. Inspect all welds and tie wire connections before lift. Use a spreader beam or lifting frame to maintain cage shape during lift. Clear exclusion zone of full cage length plus 3 metres before lift commences. Never allow workers to stand beneath or within the swing radius of a suspended cage. Lower cage into bore at controlled rate, stopping to confirm alignment before full release. | Low | Licensed Rigger / Crane Operator |
| Laceration from rebar during cage handling | Moderate | All rebar cut ends must be fitted with plastic rebar caps immediately after cutting. Workers fabricating and handling cages must wear heavy leather gloves and long-sleeved work shirts at minimum. Use mechanical rebar benders and cutters in preference to manual methods. Maintain tool exclusion zones during rebar cutting operations. First aid kit with wound care supplies must be accessible within 2 minutes of the work area. | Low | All Workers / Site Supervisor |
Step 4Concrete placement via tremie pipe
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete pump hose whip during blockage clearance | High | Inspect all pump hoses and couplings before each pour for wear, damage, or non-standard fittings. Ensure all hose clamps are of the approved type with safety wire or locking clips installed. Workers must stand clear of all pump hoses when pump is under pressure — exclusion zone of 3 m from any hose. Do not attempt to clear blockages while pump is pressurised. Vent pressure completely from line before disconnecting or working on any hose. Pump operator must have immediate access to emergency stop. | Low | Concrete Pump Operator / Site Supervisor |
| Cement chemical burns to skin and eyes | Moderate | Concrete is highly alkaline (pH 12–13) and causes delayed chemical burns. Workers must wear waterproof gloves, safety glasses or face shield, and waterproof boots when in contact with fresh concrete. Change out of wet concrete-soaked clothing immediately. If concrete contacts skin, wash with large quantities of clean water for minimum 20 minutes. If concrete contacts eyes, irrigate immediately with eye wash station and seek medical attention. Eye wash station must be within 10 seconds travel of concrete placement area. | Low | All Workers |
Step 5Casing extraction
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casing extraction causing ground subsidence or heave | High | Extract casing at controlled rate, maintaining concrete head at least 1 m above base of casing at all times during extraction per engineering specification. Operate rig extraction controls smoothly to avoid sudden load changes. Monitor top of concrete level during extraction. If concrete level drops unexpectedly, stop extraction immediately and notify engineer. Inspect surrounding ground surface for cracking or heave during and after extraction. Do not allow workers within 3 m of casing during extraction. | Moderate | Rig Operator / Site Engineer |
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.
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