Carpentry SWMS Template
Safe Work Method Statement for structural and finish carpentry on construction sites
What This SWMS Covers
This SWMS covers carpentry work on construction sites including wall framing, roof framing, floor framing and bearer/joist installation, formwork construction, cladding and weatherboard installation, fascia and barge board installation, staircase construction, and general timber structural work. Carpentry frequently involves working at heights above 2 metres (roof framing, upper storey wall erection), which classifies it as HRCW.
Who Needs This SWMS
Carpenters, carpenter’s apprentices, formwork carpenters, framing contractors, principal contractors engaging carpentry subcontractors on construction sites
Key Hazards & Control Measures
| Hazard | Risk Level | Control Measures | Hierarchy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falls from height (roof framing, upper levels) | Fatal / Critical | Edge protection / guardrails installed before work commences, fall arrest harness with anchor points rated to AS/NZS 1891, scaffolding for extended work at height | Engineering / PPE |
| Struck by falling objects | Serious | Exclusion zones below overhead work, tool lanyards, materials secured on elevated platforms, hard hats mandatory in drop zones | Engineering / Administrative |
| Power tool injuries (nail gun, circular saw, drop saw) | Serious | Guards maintained on all saws, trigger lock on nail guns set to sequential fire, blade guards never pinned open, pre-start checks daily | Engineering / Administrative |
| Manual handling (timber, sheet materials) | Moderate | Mechanical aids (crane, forklift, hiab) for heavy loads, team lifts for sheets >2.4m, correct lifting technique training | Engineering / Administrative |
| Timber dust inhalation | Moderate–Serious | Dust extraction on drop saws (LEV), P2 respirator for cutting hardwood/treated timber, cut outdoors where possible | Engineering / PPE |
| CCA-treated timber exposure | Serious | Avoid burning or machining CCA timber, P2 mask + gloves when cutting, wash hands before eating, wet-cut to suppress dust | Administrative / PPE |
| Collapse of temporary structures (formwork, propping) | Fatal | Design certification for formwork >4m, progressive loading procedures, backpropping schedule, inspection before pour | Engineering / Administrative |
| Noise exposure (nail guns, saws) | Moderate | Hearing protection (Class 5) when using power tools, noise assessment if sustained use >85 dB(A), quieter tool selection | PPE / Substitution |
| UV/sun exposure | Moderate | Schedule outdoor work to avoid peak UV, long sleeves and broad-brim hat, sunscreen SPF50+, shade structures where feasible | Administrative / PPE |
| Electrical hazards (power tools, leads) | Serious | RCD protection on all power tools, daily visual inspection of leads, test & tag current, no damaged leads on site | Engineering / Administrative |
PPE Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
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