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.

General Construction

Carpentry Fit-Out — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for internal carpentry fit-out works including door frame installation, architrave and skirting fixing, door hanging, built-in cabinetry installation, and general internal joinery, in compliance with Australian WHS legislation.

Download this template

Personal Protective Equipment

Safety glasses or gogglesP2 disposable respirator (for MDF and engineered timber cutting)Hearing protection (SLC80 20 minimum)Steel-capped safety bootsCut-resistant glovesHard hat (where overhead hazards exist)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work involving the disturbance of a structure or part of a structure that contains or is likely to contain asbestos

Risk Assessment

1.Power tool inspection and setup

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Electric shock or kickback from defective power tools	High	Inspect all power tools (circular saw, jigsaw, router, drill, nail gun) before each use. Remove from service any tool with damaged power cords, cracked housings, missing guards, or defective switches by applying a red danger tag. Ensure all tools are connected via an RCD-protected power board or outlet. Bench saws must have the blade guard in place and a riving knife correctly adjusted. Maintain blade sharpness — blunt blades increase kickback risk. Keep spare blades, bits, and replacement guards on site.	Low	Carpenter

2.Door frame and architrave installation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Laceration or puncture from nail gun during framing operations	High	Set nail guns to single-fire (contact sequential) trigger mode for all framing nail gun use — bump-fire mode is prohibited for carpentry fit-out. Never point a nail gun towards any person. Keep the trigger safety in the locked position when carrying the tool. Before clearing any jam, disconnect the nail gun from the air supply (pneumatic) or remove the battery (cordless). Wear safety glasses at all times. Keep a minimum 300 mm clearance from the hand holding the workpiece when nailing. Do not bypass nail gun safety mechanisms.	Low	Carpenter
Striking buried electrical and plumbing services when drilling into walls	High	Before drilling into any wall, floor, or ceiling, use a stud finder with integrated AC detection to locate electrical cables, pipes, and timber studs behind the lining. Check as-built services drawings if available. Maintain a minimum safe buffer zone of 50 mm from any identified service. For walls adjacent to wet areas (bathrooms, kitchens), assume water pipes are present and increase caution. If resistance or sparking is felt during drilling, stop immediately, withdraw the drill, and investigate before continuing.	Low	Carpenter

3.Cutting MDF, timber, and engineered board materials

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Formaldehyde and fine dust inhalation from MDF and composite timber cutting	High	MDF and particleboard contain urea-formaldehyde binders and produce fine respirable dust during cutting. Connect a HEPA-filtered dust extraction system to the circular saw, mitre saw, or router during all MDF and composite timber cutting. Wear a minimum P2 disposable respirator. Position the saw outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Never use compressed air to blow MDF dust from surfaces or clothing. Dispose of MDF offcut waste and dust in sealed plastic bags — MDF dust may require special disposal depending on formaldehyde content. Review the SDS for the specific MDF product being used.	Moderate	Carpenter / Safety Officer
Hearing damage from sustained use of circular saw and mitre saw	High	Circular saws and mitre saws generate 100–110 dB(A) at the operator's ear. Hearing protection rated minimum SLC80 20 must be worn by the operator and all workers within 5 metres of the saw. Limit continuous saw operation to 30-minute intervals. Use saw noise enclosures or sound-dampening saw mats where available. Schedule high-noise cutting during times when fewer workers are in the area. Annual audiometric testing is recommended for all workers regularly using power saws.	Low	Carpenter / Site Supervisor

4.Cabinet and built-in joinery installation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Musculoskeletal injury from lifting heavy cabinet carcasses and benchtops	High	Stone and solid timber benchtops can weigh 50–120 kg. Use a minimum two-person lift for any benchtop exceeding 25 kg. Use suction lifters for stone benchtops and a purpose-built bench top installation tool where available. Plan the lift path before lifting and ensure it is clear of obstacles. For upper cabinet installation, use an adjustable cabinet jack to hold cabinets in position while they are fixed — do not have workers hold cabinets overhead for extended periods. Complete a manual task risk assessment for heavy cabinet installation sequences.	Moderate	Carpenter / Site Supervisor

5.Working at height for high-level joinery and bulkheads

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Fall from ladder or platform during high-level carpentry	High	Use a Class 1 rated industrial ladder or a purpose-built adjustable scaffold platform for all work above 1.5 metres. Ladders must be positioned at the correct angle (1:4), placed on firm and level ground, and secured at the top or footed by a second person. Do not overreach — reposition the ladder as often as needed. Do not carry heavy or awkward items up a ladder. For work requiring both hands (such as fixing overhead bulkheads or upper cabinets), use a work platform with guardrails rather than a ladder. Inspect ladders before use.	Low	Carpenter

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: ___________________