This Decking and Pergola Construction SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for building timber and composite decks, pergolas and patio roofs. It covers 39 activities, from design checks, service location and post holes to balustrades, roof sheeting, handover 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
Carpenters and deck builders
Pergola, patio and outdoor living builders
Residential builders and renovators
Landscape construction businesses building outdoor structures
Handyman businesses that build outdoor structures
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
Design, spans and approvals, plus overhead service lines and buried services
Timber deliveries, crane trucks and carrying boards across the footpath
Tools, leads, generators and compressors, and working alone at a residence
Removing an old deck or pergola and checking eaves and wall sheet for asbestos
Powered post hole augers, concrete footings and bracing posts
Falls over 2 metres from open deck frames and leading edges
Low subfloor spaces, with snakes, spiders and head injuries
Saw cuts, nail gun injuries, noise and dust from treated timber, composite board and fibre cement
Balustrades, handrails and stairs, and pergola beams and bracing
Fixing to the house and falls through patio roof sheeting or polycarbonate
Decking oils and oily rags, weather and securing the part-built structure
Emergency response to falls from height, serious cuts or crush injuries
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 39 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-use checks for saws, nail guns, harnesses and ladders
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS 1684 for timber framing and AS/NZS 1891 for work at height
Licence triggers for dogging and scaffolding, plus respirator fit testing
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 building a deck or pergola?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, for example a raised deck or patio roof where someone could fall more than 2 metres, work near the overhead service line to the house, or drilling into eaves likely to contain asbestos. Outside those situations a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Builders and clients often ask for one either way.
Does it cover composite decking and fibre cement?
Yes. It covers respirable crystalline silica when cutting fibre cement, dust and fume when cutting composite board, and hardwood and treated timber dust, with on-tool extraction and respirator fit testing.
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.
