Fencing SWMS
Timber, metal, and glass fencing, post hole boring, and pool fencing
Fencing Complete Pack
6 documents — everything you need for fencing compliance.
Not sure your current documents are compliant? Run the free WHS compliance check →
Fencing work involves hazards from post hole boring near underground services, manual handling of heavy fence panels and posts, power tool use, and working near traffic on boundary fences.
Our fencing SWMS pack covers 6 activities including timber fencing, metal fencing (Colorbond, aluminium), glass panel fencing, post hole boring, pool fencing (compliance with AS 1926.1), and temporary fencing installation. Documents address hazards such as underground service strikes during post hole boring, manual handling of heavy panels, power tool injuries, glass handling lacerations, and working near traffic on road-boundary fencing.
Key Hazards Covered
- Underground service strikes during post hole boring
- Manual handling of heavy fence panels and posts
- Power tool injuries (grinders, saws, drills)
- Glass panel handling and laceration risk
- Working near traffic on boundary fencing
- Auger entanglement and kickback
Relevant Australian Standards
- AS 1926.1 Swimming pool safety — Fencing
- AS/NZS 1170.2 Wind actions
- AS 1288 Glass in buildings
- AS/NZS 3000 Electrical installations (underground services)
Individual Documents — $67.96 each
Fencing SWMS — Common Questions
Do fencing contractors need SWMS?
SWMS are required when fencing work involves high-risk activities such as powered plant operations (post hole borers, excavators), working near underground services, or working adjacent to traffic. Pool fencing near excavations also triggers SWMS requirements.
Is pool fencing compliance covered?
Yes. Our pool fencing SWMS covers both the installation safety procedures and references AS 1926.1 Swimming pool safety requirements for barrier construction, gate clearances, and non-climbable zones.
What about underground services during post boring?
Our post hole boring SWMS covers Dial Before You Dig requirements, service location procedures, safe excavation near services, hand-dig zones around known services, and emergency procedures for service strikes.
Do I need a SWMS for fencing work in Victoria?
Victoria is not part of the national WHS scheme, so fencing work is covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) and the OHS Regulations 2017 (Vic). You still need a SWMS-equivalent for high risk construction work, such as operating a post hole borer around powered mobile plant or working on a boundary fence next to a road or traffic corridor, but the document must cite Victorian law rather than WHS Regulations s.291.
Do I need a SWMS for a small residential fence job?
A SWMS is only required when the fencing work is high risk construction work defined in WHS Regulations s.291, not for every job. A small residential fence can still trigger one if you run a post hole borer near powered mobile plant, dig near energised underground electrical installations, or work on a fence adjacent to a road or traffic corridor.
Does the principal contractor need a copy of my fencing SWMS?
Yes. Where your fencing work is high risk construction work, you must give the principal contractor a copy of the SWMS before that work starts, under WHS Regulations s.301. Our editable Microsoft Word fencing templates come pre-filled with your business details so you can adapt them to the site and hand a clear copy to the principal contractor.
Last updated: March 2026