Working at Heights SWMS Templates: Roofing, Scaffold, EWP and Ladders
Roofing, scaffold, EWP, ladder and rope-access SWMS for work where a person could fall more than 2 metres.
About these SWMS
Working at Heights SWMS cover the planning, control and safe execution of any task where a person could fall more than two metres — automatically classified as High Risk Construction Work under WHS Regulation 2025 section 291. This category aligns with the Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice, AS/NZS 1891 (industrial fall-arrest systems), AS/NZS 1892 (portable ladders), AS/NZS 1576 (scaffolding) and AS/NZS 4576 (scaffolding guidelines). Templates apply the hierarchy of control mandated by Regulation 36, prioritising elimination and passive fall prevention over fall-arrest. Suitable for roofers, solar installers, scaffolders, EWP operators, glaziers, painters and trades requiring elevated access across residential, commercial and industrial sites.
What this category covers
- ✓Roof tiling, metal roofing, and roof plumbing installation tasks
- ✓Solar panel installation on pitched and flat roofs
- ✓Scissor lift, boom lift and EWP elevated platform operation
- ✓Mobile scaffold erection, alteration and dismantling under four metres
- ✓Ladder access for short-duration light maintenance work
- ✓Roof and ceiling space entry including combined confined-space risks
- ✓Edge protection installation, inspection and removal sequencing
- ✓Fall-arrest harness anchorage selection and rescue planning
- ✓Skylight, fragile-surface and penetration cover-off procedures
- ✓Roof cleaning, gutter clearing and rope-access maintenance
- ✓Roof truss erection, bracing and structural alteration above two metres
- ✓Window cleaning and façade access from elevated platforms
72 SWMS in this category
Grouped into 4 specialist disciplines · 8 state variants per product · available for instant download.
Scaffold SWMS
Scaffold erection, use, alteration, and inspection.
Roof Work SWMS
Roof access, trade-specific roofing, and roof safety infrastructure.
Powered Access & Ladders SWMS
Self-propelled and truck-mounted access platforms + portable ladder work.
Rope Access & Fall Protection SWMS
Industrial rope access, building maintenance units (BMU), static lines, and fall-arrest systems.
72 SWMS in this category
72 ready-to-buy editable DOCXs · 8 state variants per product · available for instant download.
Rope Access
13 SWMS🧗Rope Access SWMS
This SWMS covers industrial rope access work for inspection, maintenance, and installation activities on structures, facades, bridges, and i…
Roofing
41 SWMS🏚️Asbestos Roof Sheeting Removal & Replacement SWMS
SWMS template for asbestos roof sheeting removal & replacement. Covers Wet-strip method, double-bagging, air monitoring. 8-state AU coverage…
🏠Asphalt Shingle Roofing SWMS
NSW — Asphalt Shingle Roofing. Full task scope, hazards and controls to be authored to Phase 1 standard.
🏠Built-Up Tar & Gravel Roofing SWMS
NSW — Built-Up Tar & Gravel Roofing. Full task scope, hazards and controls to be authored to Phase 1 standard.
Roofing Waterproofing
5 SWMS💧Civil & Infrastructure Waterproofing SWMS
Wah Solar Panel Install
5 SWMS☀️Commercial Rooftop Solar SWMS
Commercial / industrial rooftop PV installation — perimeter edge protection or restraint systems, mounting rail and ballast install on metal…
Rope Access
13 SWMS🧗Facade Access — BMU / Davit System SWMS
SWMS template for facade access — bmu / davit system. Covers Building maintenance unit (BMU), davit system, cradle. 8-state AU coverage, CIH…
Wah
7 SWMS🪜Facade Access / Swing Stage Work SWMS
NSW — Facade Access / Swing Stage Work. Full task scope, hazards and controls to be authored to Phase 1 standard.
Rope Access
13 SWMS🧗IRATA Rope Access Inspection (Level 1+) SWMS
SWMS template for irata rope access inspection (level 1+). Covers Industrial inspection from rope, structures + facades. 8-state AU coverage…
Access Scaffolding
5 SWMS🏗️Loading Platform Installation & Operation SWMS
🛗Mast Climbing Work Platform (MCWP) SWMS
Roofing
41 SWMS🏠Membrane Roofing Installation SWMS
NSW — Membrane Roofing Installation. Full task scope, hazards and controls to be authored to Phase 1 standard.
Roofing Waterproofing
5 SWMS💧Remedial Waterproofing & Rectification SWMS
Rope Access
13 SWMS🧗Rope Access Tank / Silo Inspection SWMS
SWMS template for rope access tank / silo inspection. Covers Industrial inspection from rope inside tanks. 8-state AU coverage, CIH-reviewed…
Access Scaffolding
5 SWMS🛠️Scaffold Shrink-Wrap Encapsulation SWMS
Wah Solar Panel Install
5 SWMS☀️Solar Install — New Build SWMS
Rooftop solar PV panel installation including mounting, electrical connection, and inverter setup.
Wah
7 SWMS🪜Steeplejack & High Structure Work SWMS
NSW — Steeplejack & High Structure Work. Full task scope, hazards and controls to be authored to Phase 1 standard.
Roofing
41 SWMS🏠Tiled Roof Installation SWMS
NSW — Tiled Roof Installation. Full task scope, hazards and controls to be authored to Phase 1 standard.
Roofing Waterproofing
5 SWMS🔥Torch-On Membrane SWMS
Wah Roof Ceiling Spaces
3 SWMS🏠Roof/Ceiling Spaces SWMS
Work in roof and ceiling cavities including insulation, electrical, and HVAC installation.
Ewp General
1 SWMS🏗️EWP SWMS
Operation of all elevated work platform types (boom lift, scissor lift, cherry picker, push-around MEWP) for maintenance, construction, and …
Wah Roof Tiling
3 SWMS🏠Roofing — Tiled SWMS
General roof tiling installation covers concrete and terracotta tile install, batten layout, sarking and underlay, ridge and barge capping, …
Roofing
41 SWMS🏚️Box Gutter Installation SWMS
SWMS template for box gutter installation. Covers Box gutter tray, sumps, overflow. 8-state AU coverage, CIH-reviewed editable DOCX, availab…
Rope Access
13 SWMS🏢Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) SWMS
BMU operations covers high-rise facade access using building-mounted davit and cradle systems, AS 1418.13 compliance, suspended platform fal…
Scaffolding Scaffold Alteration
3 SWMS🏗️Cantilever Scaffold Erection SWMS
SWMS template for cantilever scaffold erection. Covers Cantilever from building face, load calcs, tie-in. 8-state AU coverage, CIH-reviewed …
Rope Access
13 SWMS🧗Confined Space Rope Access SWMS
Confined space rope access (combined) SWMS for NSW. Dual-rope systems to AS/NZS 4488, confined space entry to AS 2865, atmosphere, suspensio…
Scaffolding
17 SWMS🪜Erect Suspended Powered Scaffold SWMS
Erecting suspended powered (swing-stage) scaffolds covers hoist installation, AS/NZS 1576.5 compliance, anchor and counterweight verificatio…
Wah
7 SWMS🪜EWP / Boom Lift / Scissor Lift Operation SWMS
NSW — EWP / Boom Lift / Scissor Lift Operation. Full task scope, hazards and controls to be authored to Phase 1 standard.
🪢Harness Use SWMS
Use of personal fall-arrest harness systems including full-body harness, lanyards (shock-absorbing, twin-tail, restraint), anchor point sele…
Roofing
41 SWMS🏠Fascia & Soffit Installation SWMS
NSW — Fascia & Soffit Installation. Full task scope, hazards and controls to be authored to Phase 1 standard.
🏚️Fragile Roof / Skylight Work SWMS
Fragile roof, skylight and penetration cover work SWMS for NSW. Falls through fragile sheeting and skylights, edge and penetration falls, ag…
🏠Gutter & Downpipe Installation SWMS
NSW — Gutter & Downpipe Installation. Full task scope, hazards and controls to be authored to Phase 1 standard.
🏠Gutter & Fascia Installation SWMS
Gutter and fascia installation involves fixing fascia boards, gutter brackets and guttering along roof edges. All work is at the roof edge —…
🏚️Heritage Roof Restoration SWMS
SWMS template for heritage roof restoration. Covers Heritage market premium trade. 8-state AU coverage, CIH-reviewed editable DOCX, availabl…
Scaffolding Scaffold Alteration
3 SWMS🏗️Hung / Needle Scaffold SWMS
SWMS template for hung / needle scaffold. Covers Suspended off needles through building, for impossible-ground sites. 8-state AU coverage, C…
Roofing
41 SWMS🏠Metal Roof Sheeting Installation SWMS
Metal roof sheeting installation involves fixing corrugated, standing seam or tray-deck metal sheeting to roof purlins. The work is entirely…
Scaffolding
17 SWMS🛠️Mobile Scaffold Setup & Use SWMS
This SWMS covers mobile scaffold setup & use activities, addressing the specific hazards, risk controls and safe work procedures required un…
Rope Access
13 SWMS🧗Roof Anchor / Static Line Install SWMS
SWMS template for roof anchor / static line install. Covers AS/NZS 1891.4 anchor install for solar / cleaning trades. 8-state AU coverage, C…
Roofing
41 SWMS🏠Roof Anchor Point Installation SWMS
Roof anchor point installation involves fixing permanent anchor points to roof structures for future fall arrest system attachment. Ironical…
🪜Roof Edge Protection SWMS
Roof edge protection installation covers AS/NZS 4994 temporary guardrail systems, post-and-rail assembly, parapet anchoring, fall arrest whi…
🏠Roof Restoration & Re-Coating SWMS
Roof restoration involves cleaning, repairing and recoating existing roof surfaces. The work is entirely at height on existing roofs that ma…
🏠Roof Safety Mesh Installation SWMS
Roof safety mesh installation involves fixing wire or nylon mesh below purlins to provide secondary fall protection during roofing construct…
Wah Metal Roofing
3 SWMS🏠Roofing — Sheeting SWMS
General roof sheeting installation covers Colorbond/Zincalume profile installation, screw-fix and clip-fix systems, sheet handling in wind, …
Roofing
41 SWMS🏠Roof Tile Replacement SWMS
Roof tile replacement covers the removal and replacement of individual or localised damaged tiles on existing roofs — the reactive repair sc…
Scaffolding
17 SWMS🛠️Scaffold Alteration SWMS
This SWMS covers scaffold alteration activities, addressing the specific hazards, risk controls and safe work procedures required under WHS …
🛠️Scaffold Dismantling SWMS
This SWMS covers scaffold dismantling activities, addressing the specific hazards, risk controls and safe work procedures required under WHS…
🛠️Scaffold Inspection — Daily & Periodic SWMS
This SWMS covers scaffold inspection — daily & periodic activities, addressing the specific hazards, risk controls and safe work procedures …
Roofing
41 SWMS🏠Skylight Installation SWMS
Skylight installation involves cutting openings in roof sheeting or tiling, framing the opening, and installing skylight units. The work cre…
🏚️Slate Roof Installation / Repair SWMS
SWMS template for slate roof installation / repair. Covers Heritage slate roof, battens, flashings. 8-state AU coverage, CIH-reviewed editab…
🏠Solar Panel Installation on Existing Roof SWMS
Solar panel installation on existing roofs involves mounting rail systems and photovoltaic panels on domestic and commercial buildings. This…
Wah Solar Panel Install
5 SWMS☀️Solar Removal & Recycling SWMS
Decommission and end-of-life pathway for installed solar PV — de-energisation and string isolation, mechanical detachment, glass / cell hand…
Roofing
41 SWMS🏠Spray Foam Roofing SWMS
Safe Work Method Statement covering the key hazards and control measures for spray foam roofing.
Scaffolding
17 SWMS🚨Swing Stage Rescue SWMS
Suspended scaffold (swing stage) rescue SWMS for NSW. Stalled and failed platforms, primary suspension failure, emergency descent, suspensio…
🛠️Swing Stage (Suspended) Scaffold SWMS
This SWMS covers swing stage (suspended) scaffold activities, addressing the specific hazards, risk controls and safe work procedures requir…
Wah Boom Lift
1 SWMS🚜Boom Lift SWMS
Articulating and telescopic boom lift operations including ground assessment, outrigger setup, and operation.
Wah Cherry Picker
1 SWMS🚜Cherry Picker SWMS
Truck-mounted and self-propelled cherry picker operations for tree work, signage, and elevated maintenance.
Wah Erecting Scaffold
1 SWMS🚧Erecting Scaffold SWMS
Erection of modular and tube-and-coupler scaffold including foundation, bracing, and progressive tying.
Wah Roof Access General
1 SWMS🏠Roof Access SWMS
General roof access for inspection, maintenance, and minor works including anchor point use and edge protection.
Wah Ladder Work
1 SWMS🪶Ladder Work SWMS
Use of extension, step, and platform ladders for short-duration access tasks including selection and inspection.
Wah Metal Roofing
3 SWMS🏠Metal Roofing SWMS
Metal roof sheet installation, ridge capping, and flashing on commercial and residential pitched roofs.
Wah Mobile Scaffold
1 SWMS🚧Mobile Scaffold SWMS
Mobile scaffold tower assembly, use, and dismantling on internal and external surfaces.
Wah Roof Cleaning
1 SWMS🏠Roof Cleaning SWMS
Pressure cleaning, moss treatment, and gutter cleaning on residential and commercial roofs.
Wah Roof Plumbing
1 SWMS🏠Roof Plumbing SWMS
Roof plumbing including gutters, downpipes, flashings, and rainwater systems on pitched and flat roofs.
Wah Roof Repair
1 SWMS🏠Roof Repair SWMS
Localised roof repairs and full replacement of damaged roof sections on existing buildings.
Wah Roof Tiling
3 SWMS🏠Roof Tiling SWMS
Concrete and terracotta roof tile installation, repair, and replacement on pitched residential roofs.
Wah Roof Trusses
1 SWMS🏠Roof Trusses SWMS
Roof truss erection, bracing, and tie-down on residential and commercial framing.
Wah Scaffold Delivery
1 SWMS🚛Scaffold Delivery SWMS
Delivery, unloading, and yard storage of scaffold components including manual handling and crane unload.
Wah Scissor Lift
1 SWMS🚜Scissor Lift SWMS
Electric and diesel scissor lift operations on hard and rough terrain including pre-start checks and operation.
Wah Working On Scaffold
1 SWMS🚧Working on Scaffold SWMS
Trade work conducted from completed and tagged scaffold including loading, access, and inspection.
Wah Roof Ceiling Spaces
3 SWMS🪜Working in Risers SWMS
Working in service risers covers ladder access through floor penetrations, fall arrest in vertical shafts, AS 2865 confined-space classifica…
Scaffolding
17 SWMS🪜Work on Suspended Powered Scaffold SWMS
Working on suspended powered scaffolds covers daily pre-start checks, secondary fall arrest harness use, weight loading limits, weather/wind…
🪜Trestles & Planks Work Platform SWMS
Trestles and planks (bricklayers' platform) use covers AS/NZS 1576-compliant trestle setup, span and span-loading limits, plank inspection, …
Applicable standards & regulations
Frequently asked questions
Is working at heights always classified as High Risk Construction Work in Australia?
Yes — under WHS Regulation 2025 section 291, any construction work carried out where a person could fall more than two metres is automatically High Risk Construction Work (HRCW). This triggers the legal requirement under section 299 to prepare a SWMS before work commences, share it with workers, and keep it available for inspection. The two-metre threshold applies regardless of duration — even a five-minute task on a single-storey roof qualifies. Lower falls may still require risk assessment under the Falls Code of Practice.
Do I need a separate SWMS for each state or is one document enough?
One SWMS is generally sufficient across harmonised jurisdictions (NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, TAS, ACT, NT and Commonwealth) because the model WHS Regulation 2025 and section 291 HRCW definitions are mirrored. Western Australia adopted the model laws in 2022 with minor variations. The SWMS must still identify the specific site, principal contractor and high-risk activity. Some state regulators (e.g. SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe VIC) issue supplementary guidance — review your SWMS against local code amendments before mobilising.
What is the difference between a SWMS and a JSA for working at heights?
A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a legally mandated document for the 18 categories of High Risk Construction Work listed in WHS Reg 2025 section 291, including any fall risk above two metres. It must identify hazards, controls, and how controls will be implemented, monitored and reviewed. A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a voluntary planning tool with no prescribed legal status. For heights work, a JSA alone does not discharge the PCBU's duty — a compliant SWMS is required.
Can I use a fall-arrest harness as the primary control for roof work?
No — fall-arrest sits near the bottom of the hierarchy of control under Regulation 36 and the Falls Code of Practice. PCBUs must first attempt to eliminate the fall risk (e.g. ground-based prefabrication), then use passive controls such as scaffolds, edge protection or guardrails, then work-positioning systems, before defaulting to fall-arrest. Choosing harnesses for convenience when scaffolding is reasonably practicable is a common regulator finding. Document why higher-order controls were not feasible inside the SWMS.
How often does a working at heights SWMS need to be reviewed?
Under WHS Regulation 2025 section 302, a SWMS must be reviewed and revised whenever the relevant work changes, a control measure is found inadequate, after an incident or near-miss, or when a worker or HSR requests review. There is no fixed expiry date, but industry best practice is to review at each new site mobilisation, after any change in crew, weather conditions, structure, or equipment. Keep the superseded version for at least two years, or five years if an incident occurred.
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