This Chemicals SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for storing, decanting, mixing and using hazardous chemicals at work. It covers 11 activities, from pre-operating safety checks and labelling to equipment cleaning 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
Cleaning and facilities maintenance businesses
Manufacturing and engineering workshops
Painters and surface coating contractors
Warehouses and businesses that store and decant chemicals
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of businesses that handle chemicals 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
Pre-operating checks for competence, fumes, explosion risk and spills
Labelling chemicals and containers
Storing chemicals away from incompatible substances and checking for leaks
Decanting into suitable, labelled containers
Handling chemicals, hygiene and inhalation of fumes
Checking containers, pourers, hoses and seals
Selecting and mixing chemicals, including splashes and spills
Setting up and using the chemical around other people
Cleaning and disposing of empty containers
Cleaning and maintaining chemical handling equipment
Emergency response to spills, toxic exposure or ignition
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 11 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 storage containers, handling equipment and PPE
Training each worker needs, including induction and equipment 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 working with chemicals?
Only if the work is high risk construction work, for example work in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere, or on or near chemical lines. For most chemical storage and handling a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients and prequalification portals 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.
