This Brush Cutter SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for using a petrol brush cutter to cut grass and vegetation. It covers 10 activities, from setting up and checking fuel levels to refuelling, weather changes and working around other trades, 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
Gardening and grounds maintenance businesses
Landscapers and garden maintenance contractors
Council parks and roadside crews
Farm and rural property businesses
Property and facilities maintenance contractors
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of grounds and garden businesses use one as the written risk assessment for a task, the same way others use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
Use it to
Show clients, insurers and auditors how you manage the risks
Apply for tenders, contracts and supplier panels
Get through prequalification with Avetta, Cm3 and other contractor portals
Induct new workers and train them in the task
What this SWMS covers
Setting up, including access, site requirements and materials
Checking oil and fuel levels without spills or fume exposure
Pre-start checks of the brush cutter
Starting and using the brush cutter, including noise, vibration, kickout and hot parts
Dust, grass particles, allergens and flying debris affecting workers and the public
Replacing the cord or blade safely
Clearing waste and cleaning the area
Environmental controls for fuel spills, fire from hot exhausts and noise
Refuelling and spill response
Changes in weather, including lightning, UV exposure and dehydration
Working around other trades, EWPs and deliveries
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 10 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
Plant and equipment list, including a fuel container, funnel and spill kit
Materials, maintenance checks and the training each worker needs
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 brush cutting?
Only if the work is high risk construction work, for example clearing vegetation next to a road in use or on a site with moving powered mobile plant. For everyday grounds and garden work a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, like flying debris and noise, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients and councils often ask for one.
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.
