Plumbing

Safe work method statements (SWMS)

Safe work method statements are an important part of preparing for any high risk construction work (HRCW). Hear from our inspector, Brian Chamberlain on why these documents are so vital.

Learn about Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

Safe work method statements (SWMS) tip 1

Safe work method statements (SWMS) tip 2

Safe work method statements (SWMS) tip 3

A construction worker wearing safety gear.

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Construction: Plumbers

These are the most common injuries and hazards for plumbers working in the construction industry, as shown by injury claims.

Hazards

Hazard 1
Lifting pushing and handling materials
Use mechanical load shifting devices (eg hand trucks, pipe trolleys) to move materials around site or away from the site.

Use mechanical devices to lift and hold pipes in position.

Order materials in smaller sizes (eg cement bags of 20kg instead of 40kg).

Cover any sharp edges of metal sheeting and strips.

Fit protective caps to the end of all thread droppers and exposed rebar.

Ensure pathways are clear for wheelbarrows.

Train employees, especially young workers, in the selection and use of hand tools and how to safely use them (eg avoid working in front of face and always work away from the body).

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (eg hard hats, gloves that absorb impact energy, protection from sharp edges that is puncture resistant, hearing protection, respiratory protection, suitable eyewear).

Ensure employees wear appropriate personal protective clothing (eg long pants, boots).

9 per cent of the injuries were to a persons shoulder.

8 per cent of the injuries were to a persons face/ear/eye.

16 per cent of the injuries were to a persons back.
Hazard 2
Noise
Ensure employees are not exposed to noise that exceeds the exposure standard.

Arrange for a noise assessment if employees are exposed to excessive noise (eg workers have to raise their voices to communicate over a distance of one metre) and there is uncertainty as to whether employees exposure may have exceeded the noise exposure standard.

Eliminate or minimise the source of noise (eg enclose or isolate noisy machinery, reduce vibration, use barriers to absorb and screens to block the direct path of sound, use silencers on air exhausts, exhaust pneumatics out of the area, buy the quietest tools / machinery available).

Place warning signs in areas of excessive and continual noise (eg where employees exposure is likely to exceed the exposure standard).

Warn other workers nearby that you will be undertaking noisy work and advise them to move away or wear hearing protection.

Provide hearing equipment, ensure it is worn at all times, and provide employees with audiometric testing. Employers should provide a choice of different types of hearing protection appropriate to the noise level in the workplace.

8 per cent of the injuries were to a persons face/ear/eye.
Hazard 3
Slips trips and falls
Provide appropriate height access equipment and use the highest level of falls protection (eg guard railing, scaffolds, physical barriers or elevated work platforms) as is reasonably practicable.

Cover excavations or install temporary barriers to prevent falls into the excavation.

Ensure all working areas and access ways are clean, level, well-lit and in good condition.

Remove unwanted material and construction waste regularly from the site so it does not accumulate.

Ensure construction materials, power leads, tools and equipment are positioned to avoid creating tripping hazards.

Ensure employees wear appropriate safety boots (eg that fit well and are in good repair).

16 per cent of the injuries were to a persons back.

6 per cent of the injuries were to a persons forearm/wrist.

13 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.

9 per cent of the injuries were to a persons shoulder.

7 per cent of the injuries were to a persons leg.
Hazard 4
Using hand tools
Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg power tools that are ergonomically designed, lightweight, low vibration, noise restricted and fitted with clutches and safety guards - ergonomically designed shovels with long handles) and ensure they are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Avoid manual digging by using mechanical excavation methods where possible.

Train employees, especially young workers, in the selection and use of hand tools and how to safely use them (eg avoid working in front of face and always work away from the body. Use pipe cutters in preference to hacksaws).

Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive work for long periods (eg by using job rotation, work variation) or work that requires a significant amount of high force.

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (eg hard hats, gloves that absorb impact energy, protection from sharp edges that is puncture resistant, hearing protection, respiratory protection, suitable eyewear).

Ensure employees wear appropriate personal protective clothing (eg long pants, boots).

22 per cent of the injuries were to a persons hand/fingers.
Hazard 5
Working at ground or floor level
Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg tables, benches or stands to bring work to waist height or use tools with extension handles).

Provide mechanical aids to raise and lower equipment into excavations.

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (eg knee pads).

Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive work for long periods (eg by using job rotation, work variation).

13 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.

7 per cent of the injuries were to a persons leg.

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'If you are injured at work' poster

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Safe work method statements (SWMS)

Information for every trade

Construction: Plumbers

Hazards

Lifting pushing and handling materials

Noise

Slips trips and falls

Using hand tools

Working at ground or floor level

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