Tunnelling & Underground Work SWMS
CIH-reviewed Tunnelling & Underground SWMS for major infrastructure contractors — TBM, drill-and-blast, NATM/SCL, microtunnelling, shaft sinking. Schedule 1 HRCW Categories 4 and 17 in scope. State variants for all jurisdictions.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Tunnelling and underground works including TBM operation, drill-and-blast, NATM/SCL, microtunnelling and shaft sinking. Activities trigger multiple Schedule 1 HRCW categories under WHS Regulation 2025, requiring a SWMS before work commences due to confined spaces, ground collapse and atmospheric hazards below natural surface.
Hazards identified
3 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Engulfment, crush fatality, multiple worker entrapment
Asphyxiation, explosion, ignition of methane
Crush injury, fatality from TBM or loader
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Engineered ground support designed by RPEQ geotechnical engineer; continuous convergence monitoring and exclusion zones at face.
- 2Continuous atmospheric monitoring (O2, CO, CH4, H2S) with forced ventilation and automated evacuation alarms per AS 2865.
- 3Confined space permits, positive communication, exclusion zones around mobile plant, and trained standby attendant at portal.
Applicable Codes of Practice
Confined spaces and excavation HRCW SWMS mandatory
Atmospheric testing, entry permits, rescue arrangements
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
All tunnelling and shaft sinking exceeds 1.5m depth by definition.
Underground headings restrict egress and present atmospheric risks under AS 2865.
SWMS mandatory before work; PCBU fines up to $36,260 per breach.
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS template ready for project customisation
- ✓State-specific legislation schedule covering all Australian jurisdictions
- ✓Hazard register with risk matrix and residual risk scoring
- ✓Worker sign-on register for SWMS consultation evidence
Related legislation
- WHS Act 2011 s.19 — primary duty of care
- WHS Regulation 2025 Schedule 1 — HRCW definitions
- AS 2865:2009 — Confined spaces