Fencing Risk Assessment
Timber, metal, and glass fencing, post hole boring, and pool fencing
Fencing Risk Assessment
One document — covers fencing for this product type.
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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 — $33.95 each
Fencing Risk Assessment — Common Questions
What is the difference between a risk assessment and a SWMS?
A risk assessment provides a broad overview of all hazards for a scope of work at a site. A SWMS is task-specific and legally required for high-risk construction work. Both are important but serve different purposes.
Do I need a risk assessment if I have a SWMS?
Yes. A SWMS covers specific high-risk tasks. A site-specific risk assessment covers all hazards at the site, including those not classified as high-risk construction work.
What risk matrix do your assessments use?
Our risk assessments use a 5×5 likelihood-consequence matrix, providing initial risk ratings before controls and residual ratings after controls are applied.
Last updated: March 2026