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

Insulation Installation — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the installation of glasswool, rockwool, and polyester bulk insulation batts and blankets in ceiling, wall, and underfloor applications, in compliance with Australian WHS legislation.

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Personal Protective Equipment

P2 disposable respirator (for glasswool/rockwool)Safety glasses or gogglesLong-sleeved shirt and long trousers (cotton preferred)Nitrile glovesSteel-capped safety bootsHard hat (in roof space)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work at height involving the risk of falling more than 2 metres
•Work involving the disturbance of a structure or part of a structure that contains or is likely to contain asbestos

Risk Assessment

1.Roof space and ceiling access

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Fall through ceiling lining if worker steps off battens or ceiling joists	Catastrophic	Before entering a roof space, identify the ceiling joist/rafter positions and mark them with a pencil or chalk line for reference during work. Always step only on structural roof or ceiling joists or purpose-built crawl boards — never on the ceiling lining itself. Install temporary crawl boards or a staged planked walkway when extended work is required in a roof space. Install a temporary lighting system to ensure adequate visibility throughout the roof space. Brief all workers on the layout before entry. Never enter a roof space alone — a second person must be at the access hatch entry point.	Moderate	Insulation Installer / Site Supervisor
Heat stress in confined roof space in hot weather	High	Roof space temperatures can exceed 60°C in Australian summer. Monitor ambient and roof space temperature before entry. Do not enter a roof space if the temperature exceeds 45°C at the work location. Limit work sessions in the roof space to 20 minutes and allow an equal recovery period in a cool area. Provide an adequate water supply — workers must drink at least 250 mL per 20-minute work period. Ventilate the roof space before entry by opening ridge vents and access hatch for 15 minutes. Have a spotter at the hatch to monitor for signs of heat exhaustion.	Moderate	Insulation Installer / Site Supervisor

2.Asbestos assessment before working in roof space

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Asbestos disturbance in pre-1990 roof spaces	Catastrophic	Before any insulation installation in a pre-1990 roof space, obtain an asbestos inspection report from a licensed asbestos assessor. Asbestos may be present in pipe lagging, flue insulation, duct insulation, or on top of existing ceiling sheets. If ACM is identified in the roof space, develop a specific asbestos management plan before commencement. Under no circumstances disturb, cut, or remove any asbestos or presumed asbestos material. If unexpected fibrous material is encountered during installation, cease work, exit, and contact the asbestos assessor.	Low	Site Supervisor / Asbestos Assessor

3.Handling and installing glasswool or rockwool batts

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Skin, eye, and respiratory irritation from glasswool fibres	Moderate	Glasswool and rockwool fibres cause mechanical irritation to skin, eyes, and the upper respiratory tract. Wear a P2 disposable respirator, safety goggles, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, and nitrile gloves when handling glasswool or rockwool insulation. Do not tuck in your shirt — keep it loose so fibres do not become trapped against skin. After work, shower before changing into clean clothes. Wash work clothes separately from regular laundry. Change filters in respirators regularly. Polyester insulation does not require respiratory protection but still benefits from gloves and eye protection.	Low	Insulation Installer

4.Electrical safety near existing wiring in roof space

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Electric shock from contact with live wiring in roof space	High	Before commencing work in any roof space, identify all electrical wiring and junction boxes. Do not touch, disturb, or overlay insulation directly on top of junction boxes — maintain clear air space around junction boxes and recessed lighting fixtures that are not rated for insulation contact (IC-rating). Maintain a minimum 50 mm clearance around non-IC-rated downlights — use a downlight cover if required. If faulty, damaged, or inadequately insulated wiring is discovered, cease work, exit the roof space, and arrange for inspection by a licensed electrician before re-entry.	Low	Insulation Installer / Licensed Electrician
Fire from insulation covering downlights or recessed lighting	High	Check the rating of all downlights and recessed fixtures in the ceiling before installing insulation above them. IC-rated (Insulation Contact) fixtures can have insulation placed directly on them. Non-IC-rated fixtures require a minimum 50 mm air gap maintained by an approved downlight cover or fire-rated shield. Never cover non-IC-rated downlights directly with insulation batts. Document all downlight locations and rating status before installation commences. Inform the client or builder of any non-compliant fixtures discovered during the work.	Low	Insulation Installer / 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: ___________________