Treated Timber Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Introducing the Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) Template for Treated Timber – the comprehensive and pre-filled document that makes it easy for you to manage risks in your project! This fully editable and customisable template is available in Microsoft Word format, making it a breeze to modify and tailor to your specific needs.

Here are some key features that make this SWMS Template a helpful tool for any project involving treated timber:

• Comprehensive and Pre-filled: This template comes pre-filled with all the necessary details for managing risks associated with treated timber. It covers all aspects of the project, from scope to before and after risk ratings, ensuring that you have a complete and thorough risk management plan.
• Fully Editable and Customisable: The template is designed to be easily editable, so you can customise it to suit your specific project needs. You can add or remove sections, modify details, or even use it as a reference to create your own SWMS template from scratch.
• High Risk Machinery Checklist: The template includes a checklist of any high-risk machinery that will be on site, ensuring that you take necessary precautions to avoid any potential accidents or incidents.
• Staff Training Records: With space provided for recording staff training, you can ensure that all workers are appropriately trained and competent to perform their tasks safely.
• Before and After Risk Ratings: The template includes space to record risk ratings before and after the implementation of the SWMS, allowing you to track the effectiveness of your risk management plan.
• Legislative References: The SWMS template comes with references to relevant legislation, ensuring that you comply with all necessary laws and regulations.
• PPE Requirements: The template includes a list of all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for the project, ensuring that workers have the necessary equipment to work safely.
• Risk Assessment and Matrix: The template includes a risk assessment and risk assessment matrix, which helps you identify and prioritise potential hazards associated with treated timber.
• Checklist for Requirements: The SWMS template includes a checklist to ensure that all requirements have been covered when implementing the SWMS, helping you to avoid any oversight or missed steps.
• Sign-off Page: The template includes a sign-off page for all workers and responsible persons, which helps to ensure that everyone involved in the project is aware of the SWMS and has agreed to abide by it.
• Easy to Use: The SWMS Template for Treated Timber is easy to use, easy to customise, and suitable for large contracts and tenders, including tier 1 contractual work.
• Instant Download: The template is available for instant download, so you can start using it right away!

Managing risks associated with treated timber is crucial to ensuring a safe and successful project. The SWMS Template for Treated Timber is designed to help you do just that, by providing a comprehensive and customisable template that takes the guesswork out of risk management. With this template, you can be confident that you are taking all necessary steps to manage risks and keep your workers safe.

Here is some safety information regarding treated timber.

Introduction: The purpose of this Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is to provide guidelines and instructions for the safe handling and use of treated timber on construction sites. This SWMS is to be used in conjunction with relevant workplace health and safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice.

Hazards and Risks:

1. Chemical hazards: Treated timber can contain hazardous chemicals such as copper, arsenic, chromium and other preservatives, which can pose a risk to the health of workers and the environment if not handled properly.
2. Manual handling: Timber is a heavy material, and improper lifting and carrying can result in musculoskeletal injuries.
3. Slips, trips and falls: Timber can create slippery surfaces and tripping hazards if not stored and handled correctly.

Control Measures:

1. Chemical hazards: a) Workers must be trained on the safe handling and use of treated timber and provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety glasses and respiratory protection. b) Treated timber should be stored in a designated area away from other materials, food and water sources, and the public. c) Waste timber and sawdust must be disposed of safely and according to relevant regulations and codes of practice. d) In the event of a spill or leak, follow the emergency procedures outlined in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
2. Manual handling: a) Workers must be trained on safe lifting and carrying techniques and provided with appropriate lifting equipment such as trolleys, hoists and cranes. b) Timber should be stored at a height and angle that minimises the need for manual handling. c) Work tasks involving timber should be rotated among workers to prevent fatigue and reduce the risk of injury.
3. Slips, trips and falls: a) Timber should be stored on flat surfaces and secured to prevent movement. b) Spills should be promptly cleaned up and wet timber should be dried before use. c) Workers should wear appropriate footwear with slip-resistant soles.

Emergency Procedures: In the event of an emergency involving treated timber, follow the emergency procedures outlined in the workplace’s Emergency Management Plan. These may include: a) Evacuation of the area. b) Notification of emergency services. c) Isolation of the affected area. d) Treatment of injuries. e) Investigation and reporting of the incident.

Conclusion: The safe handling and use of treated timber requires careful planning, training, and supervision. By implementing the control measures outlined in this SWMS, workers can minimise the risks associated with working with treated timber, and create a safe and healthy workplace.