Working in Confined Spaces — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe work procedures for plumbing work requiring entry into confined spaces including sewer manholes, pump stations, tanks, and valve chambers, fully compliant with AS/NZS 2865 and WHS confined space regulations.

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legal requirement under WHS Regulations for any high-risk construction work in Australia. It identifies hazards, assesses risks using a 5×5 matrix, and sets out control measures following the hierarchy of controls. Our SWMS documents reference specific WHS Regulation clauses and AS/NZS standards for every piece of PPE, giving you audit-ready documentation that satisfies regulator requirements in every state and territory.

5 work steps 7 hazards identified 7 control measures 6 PPE items specified 4 AS/NZS standards cited 5×5 risk matrix Worker sign-off section

High-Risk Activity Categories

Confined Space

Legislation Referenced

WHS Reg 2011, Reg 66 — confined spaces WHS Reg 2011, Reg 67 — confined space entry permit WHS Reg 2011, Reg 68 — risk assessment for confined spaces WHS Reg 2011, Reg 74 — confined space emergency procedures

PPE Requirements

Full body harness with retrieval D-ring (AS/NZS 1891.1) Personal 4-gas monitor (O2, LEL, H2S, CO) (AS/NZS 60079.29.1) Emergency escape SCBA (AS/NZS 1716) Hard hat (AS/NZS 1801) Safety footwear (AS/NZS 2210.3) Safety glasses (AS/NZS 1337.1)

Australian Standards Referenced

AS/NZS 2865 — Confined spaces AS/NZS 1891.1 — Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices — Harnesses and ancillary equipment AS/NZS 1716 — Respiratory protective devices AS/NZS 60079.29.1 — Explosive atmospheres — Gas detectors

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Using This SWMS On Site

Keep the SWMS where the work is being carried out and have it available if the principal contractor asks for it. Workers named on it sign the acknowledgement page before starting, and it gets reviewed whenever the method, the site conditions or the crew change.

SWMS — Common Questions

When is a SWMS legally required?

Under WHS Regulation 299, a SWMS must be prepared before any high-risk construction work (HRCW) begins. This includes work at heights, demolition, work near energised electrical, excavation over 1.5m, and 18 other defined activities.

What should a SWMS include?

A compliant SWMS must identify the high-risk work, list hazards and risks, describe control measures using the hierarchy of controls, and be signed by the workers involved. Our documents include all required elements plus specific legislation references.

Who needs to sign a SWMS?

The PCBU (or employer in Victoria) who commissions the work, and every worker carrying out the high-risk construction work, must sign the SWMS before work begins.