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.

Working at Heights

Roof Access and Maintenance — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for roof access and general maintenance activities including inspection, cleaning, and repair work at height on residential and commercial structures.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Safety harness and lanyard (AS/NZS 1891)Hard hat (AS/NZS 1801)Non-slip safety footwear (AS/NZS 2210)High-visibility vest (AS/NZS 4602)Safety glasses (AS/NZS 1337)Gloves (cut-resistant)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work at height more than 2 metres
•Work on or near fragile or unstable surfaces

Risk Assessment

1.Pre-work site inspection and hazard identification

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Unidentified fragile roofing materials (fibro, skylights, corroded metal)	Catastrophic	Conduct thorough visual inspection from ground level using binoculars before ascending. Photograph and map all fragile areas including skylights, fibro sheeting, and rusted panels. Mark fragile zones with hazard tape and install crawl boards across all fragile surfaces before any person steps onto the roof. Brief all workers on the location of fragile areas. No person to walk on any surface not confirmed structurally sound.	Moderate	Site Supervisor
Adverse weather conditions (wind, wet surfaces, lightning)	High	Check Bureau of Meteorology forecast before each shift. Cease all roof work if wind speeds exceed 40 km/h, if lightning is within 8 km, or if surfaces are wet and cannot be dried. Establish a weather monitoring procedure and assign a responsible person to check conditions every 2 hours. All workers to descend immediately upon deteriorating conditions.	Low	Site Supervisor

2.Setting up fall protection systems

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Failure of anchor point during fall arrest	Catastrophic	Only use anchor points rated to AS/NZS 1891.4 (minimum 15 kN static load). Inspect all anchor points before each use for corrosion, cracking, and secure fixing. Where existing anchors cannot be verified, install temporary engineered anchor devices. Document anchor inspection on the SWMS checklist. Never connect more workers to an anchor than its rated capacity permits.	Moderate	Competent Person / Supervisor
Incorrect harness fitting resulting in suspension trauma or fall	High	All workers must hold a current Working at Heights certificate (or equivalent). Conduct buddy-check harness inspection before each ascent — check all buckles, D-rings, leg loops, and lanyard connections. Demonstrate correct donning procedure at toolbox talk. Harnesses must be replaced if damaged or if they have been subjected to a fall arrest event.	Low	Worker / Supervisor

3.Ascending and descending ladder to roof

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Ladder slip or tip causing fall	Catastrophic	Use a ladder rated to AS/NZS 1892. Secure top of ladder to structure using dedicated ladder clamps or safety rope — never rely on leaning alone. Extend ladder at least 1 metre above the landing point. Set ladder at 1:4 ratio (75°). Place ladder feet on firm level ground using non-slip feet or a ladder mat on soft or uneven surfaces. Spotter to hold base of ladder during ascent and descent. Only one person on ladder at a time. Maintain three points of contact at all times.	Low	Worker / Spotter
Carrying tools and materials while climbing	High	Never carry items that compromise three-point contact on a ladder. Use a tool belt, tool bag worn across the body, or a materials hoist/rope line to raise and lower all tools and materials separately. Large or heavy items must be hoisted mechanically. All tools to be tethered when on roof.	Low	Worker

4.Performing maintenance tasks on roof surface

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Worker fall from roof edge	Catastrophic	Install edge protection (perimeter guardrails, scaffolding, or safety mesh) on all unprotected edges before work commences where practicable. Where edge protection cannot be installed, workers must be connected to a rated anchor via an inertia reel or work positioning lanyard at all times. Maintain a minimum 2-metre exclusion zone from unprotected edges unless connected to fall arrest. Install warning line system with bunting as secondary warning at 2 m from edge.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / Worker
Dropping tools or debris onto persons below	High	Establish and barricade an exclusion zone at ground level extending at least 6 metres beyond the roof edge. Erect signage at all entry points to exclusion zone. All tools to be tethered via tool lanyards rated to the tool weight. Debris to be placed in secured bags or containers and lowered by rope — never thrown from roof. Spotter at ground level to control access to exclusion zone at all times.	Low	Spotter / Site Supervisor

5.Emergency rescue and evacuation from roof

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Worker suspended in harness with no rescue plan in place	Catastrophic	Before work commences, prepare a written rescue plan specific to the site and post it at the site entry. Assign a trained rescue worker on site who has completed rescue from height training. Ensure rescue equipment (rescue kit, anchor extension, descent device) is on site and accessible. Conduct a rescue drill if any workers are unfamiliar with the procedure. Contact emergency services immediately if rescue cannot be completed within 5 minutes — suspension trauma can be fatal.	Moderate	Site Supervisor / Rescue Officer
Injury during emergency descent	High	First aid kit to be located at the base of the work area and checked before work starts. At least one worker on site must hold a current Senior First Aid certificate. Ensure unobstructed access for emergency vehicles to the site. All workers briefed on emergency contact numbers (000) and nearest hospital location before work commences.	Low	First Aid Officer / 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: ___________________