This Confined Space Entry SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers preparing for and working inside confined spaces such as tanks and containers. It sets out 13 activities, from preparing for entry to testing rescue and retrieval systems 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
Plumbers, drainers and pipe maintenance contractors
Tank cleaning and industrial cleaning contractors
Water, sewer and civil maintenance crews
Manufacturing and food processing maintenance teams
Mechanical and electrical contractors working in pits and plant rooms
It also works as a written task risk assessment for any business where workers enter tanks, vessels or other confined spaces, the same way you'd use a JSA or Safe Work Procedure.
 
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
Preparing for entry, including faulty equipment and untrained workers
Oxygen levels outside the safe range
Flammable and explosive atmospheres, including residue in tanks and containers
Hazardous substances introduced or generated in or near the space
Engulfment by stored materials like sawdust and soil
Inspecting and testing the rescue tripod, harness and winch
Isolating power to prevent electrocution
Heat related illness in hot environments such as steam cleaning
Falling objects, poor lighting and awkward or vertical entry points
Amplified noise and difficulty communicating
Augers, conveyors and pumps that can entangle, cut or crush
Stress and claustrophobia, plus emergency response to asphyxiation, engulfment or injury
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 13 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 gas detectors, retrieval systems and electrical leads
Training needs, including confined space entry training and work activity 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 confined space entry?
If it's construction work, yes. Work in or near a confined space is high risk construction work, so a SWMS is legally required. Outside construction a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage risks like unsafe oxygen levels and engulfment, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it cover rescue equipment?
Yes. It includes inspecting and testing rescue and retrieval systems, covering failure of the rescue tripod, harness or winch, and the emergency response to asphyxiation, engulfment or injury.
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.