This Dangerous Goods Transport SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for loading, carrying and delivering packaged dangerous goods and IBCs by road. It covers 32 activities, from journey planning and consignment checks to post-trip inspection 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
Transport and freight companies carrying dangerous goods
Chemical, fuel and gas suppliers running their own delivery fleet
Warehouses and distribution centres consigning dangerous goods
Agricultural and pool chemical distributors
Drivers, loaders and dispatch workers
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of transport 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
Journey planning, Chain of Responsibility and driver fatigue
Classification, documentation, packing, marking and placarding
Vehicle and safety equipment checks, and inspecting packages and IBCs
Loading near powerlines, forklift strikes and punctured drums or IBCs
Manual handling of drums and cylinders, and falls from the deck
Segregating incompatible goods and foodstuffs, and securing gas cylinders
Ignition sources, static, vapour in enclosed bodies and chemical exposure
Load restraint, and mass and dimension checks before departure
Warehouse staging, refuelling, and route and tunnel restrictions
Unattended vehicles, deliveries at customer sites and loads that shifted in transit
Heat-affected goods, spill containment and uncleaned empty receptacles
Emergency response to a spill, fire, exposure or road incident
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 32 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, materials and pre-start checks for safety equipment, straps and chains
Relevant codes and standards, including the ADG Code and AS/NZS 3833 for mixed classes
Licence requirements, including when a dangerous goods driver and vehicle licence applies
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 dangerous goods transport?
Usually not. Carrying and delivering dangerous goods isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS is only legally required if a delivery involves it, for example unloading on a construction site where powered mobile plant is moving. You still have to manage the risks, like spills, fire and load shift, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Customers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Which dangerous goods classes does it cover?
It covers packaged dangerous goods and IBCs in Class 2 gases, Class 3 flammable liquids, 5.1 oxidisers, 6.1 toxic substances, Class 8 corrosives and Class 9 miscellaneous goods, including uncleaned empties. Classes 1, 4, 5.2, 6.2 and 7 aren't covered and need a separate risk assessment.
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.