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.

Plumbing & Gas

Roof Plumbing and Stormwater — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the installation, repair, and maintenance of roof plumbing systems including gutters, downpipes, fascia, valley irons, and stormwater drainage connections.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Safety harness and shock-absorbing lanyardRoof anchor and horizontal lifelineSteel-capped safety boots with non-slip solesHard hatCut-resistant gloves (metal sheet handling)Safety glassesSun protection (hat, sunscreen, UV clothing) for outdoor workHigh-visibility vest

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work involving risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
•Work near energised overhead power lines

Risk Assessment

1.Setting Up Safe Roof Access

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Falls from roof edge during access and egress	Catastrophic	Before any worker accesses the roof, install a temporary anchor point (AS/NZS 1891.4 rated) at the ridge or peak of the roof slope. Workers clip on harness and lanyard to the anchor immediately on reaching roof level — before moving away from the ladder top. Use a ladder standoff to ensure the ladder extends at least 1 m above the gutter. For roofs above 6 m height, a scaffolding edge protection system or perimeter netting must be installed. Inspect roof surface for wet, moss, or unstable material before each access.	Moderate	Licensed Roof Plumber / Site Supervisor
Electrocution or arc flash from proximity to overhead power lines	Catastrophic	Before erecting any ladder or accessing the roof, identify all overhead power lines within 4 m of the work area. If lines are within the minimum approach distance (refer to state-specific electrical safety legislation — generally 3 m for low voltage), contact the distribution network operator to arrange de-energisation or erection of insulated line covers before work begins. Do not proceed until written clearance is issued by the network operator.	Low	Licensed Roof Plumber / Network Operator

2.Guttering Installation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Cuts from sharp metal gutter and sheet metal edges	Moderate	Workers handling sheet metal guttering and fascia must wear cut-resistant gloves rated to Level C or above. De-burr all cut edges immediately after cutting using a metal file or deburring tool. Stack cut sections with exposed edges facing away from workers in the work zone. Dispose of metal offcuts and swarf into a designated bin — never leave on roof or at ground level where they may be stepped on.	Low	Licensed Roof Plumber / All Workers

3.Downpipe and Stormwater Connection

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Falls from ladder during downpipe installation at height	High	Use a ladder with a rated load capacity exceeding worker weight plus tool weight. Secure ladder top to the fascia or gutter bracket using a ladder standoff — never lean directly on the guttering. Maintain three points of contact at all times when on the ladder. Tools and fittings must be in a tool belt or tool bag — never held in one hand while climbing. If both hands are needed for the work, use a scaffolding system or MEWP rather than a ladder.	Low	Licensed Roof Plumber

4.Valley Iron and Flashing Work

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Roof tile dislodgement causing falls and falling object injury	High	When working near terracotta or concrete tiles, only step on tile battens or use a roof hook ladder (chicken ladder) to distribute weight across multiple tiles. Never stand or kneel directly on individual tiles. Inspect the valley area for cracked or loose tiles before commencing valley iron removal or installation. Secure dislodged tiles immediately or barricade the area below until repairs are complete. Hard hats mandatory for all workers below the active work area.	Moderate	Licensed Roof Plumber / Site Supervisor

5.Work Completion and Site Clean-Up

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Public injury from tools or material left on roof falling to ground	High	Before descending from the roof at the end of each work session, conduct a full sweep of the entire roof surface to retrieve all tools, offcuts, screws, and materials. Tools must be transported in a tool bag — never slid or thrown from the roof. Establish an exclusion zone on the ground below the work area using barriers and 'OVERHEAD WORK — KEEP CLEAR' signs. Remove barriers only after the roof has been cleared and workers have fully descended.	Low	Licensed Roof Plumber / 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: ___________________