This Asbestos Exposure SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for trades and maintenance workers who may come across asbestos while doing their normal work. It covers 9 activities, from the daily pre-start meeting and identifying asbestos before you start to decontamination and emergency response, with the hazards, control measures and risk ratings before and after controls for each. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Builders, carpenters and renovators working on older buildings
Electricians, plumbers and data cablers who drill and cut into existing structures
Property maintenance and facilities crews
Painters, plasterers and flooring installers on refurbishment jobs
Use it to
Hand clients and principal contractors the SWMS they ask for
Apply for tenders and new jobs with your safety paperwork ready
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and run toolbox talks on the task
What this SWMS covers
Daily pre-start meeting to share new hazards and other crews' work
Identifying asbestos before any material is disturbed
Electrical safety for portable tools and leads
Encountering asbestos unexpectedly while carrying out the work
Controlling exposure to asbestos fibres and the long-term health effects
Preventing unauthorised removal or movement of asbestos
Correct disposal of asbestos waste to avoid exposure and environmental damage
Decontamination to prevent cross-contamination of other areas
Emergency response to asbestos exposure, contamination or injury
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 9 work activities
Risk ratings before and after controls, with a 5x5 risk matrix and the hierarchy of controls
PPE requirements checklist and high risk construction work checklist
Maintenance checks for tools, respiratory protective equipment and electrical equipment
Training each worker needs, including asbestos recognition training
Site specific hazards section for anything unique to your job
Worker sign-off sheet and worker consultation record
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing a SWMS from a blank page
Covers the most common hazards and control measures for this work, ready to use out of the box
Fully editable, so you can add, remove or change anything to suit your site and how your team works
Helps your business stay compliant, with risk ratings, worker sign-off and consultation records already set up
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, ABN, project and site details.
Check it suits your site and task, edit anything you need to, and consult your workers before you finalise it.
Brief your team and collect signatures.
Common questions
Do I need a SWMS for work that may disturb asbestos?
Yes, in most cases. Construction work that is likely to involve disturbing asbestos is high risk construction work, so a SWMS is legally required. Identifying asbestos before you start is the first step this SWMS covers. Clients and head contractors will often ask for one either way.
Does it cover asbestos removal?
No. It covers recognising asbestos, controlling exposure and preventing unauthorised removal or movement. If your workers will remove asbestos, use the Asbestos Removal SWMS and check the licence requirements for the job.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any hazard, control or rating, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
