This Handling of Hazchem SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers labelling, storing, decanting, mixing and using hazardous chemicals, then disposing of empty containers. It sets out 12 activities, from pre-operating safety checks to 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
Warehouses and distribution centres storing hazardous chemicals
Cleaning and pest control businesses
Farms and agricultural businesses using chemicals
Manufacturing plants and workshops
Pool and water treatment contractors
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of businesses use one as the written risk assessment for handling chemicals, 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 safety checks for competence, fumes, explosion risk and spills
Labelling containers and avoiding unknown substances or unsuitable containers
Storage that prevents leaks and separates incompatible chemicals
Decanting into suitable containers, including manual handling and fume inhalation
Handling chemicals with good hygiene to prevent contamination and explosion
Checking equipment for residual chemicals, cracked plastic and worn hoses and seals
Selecting and mixing chemicals, including toxicity, splashes and spills
Setting up and using chemicals with people on site and a spill and wash procedure
Cleaning and disposing of empty containers with chemical residue
Waste management, post-work checks for leaking containers and reporting contamination
Emergency response to a chemical spill, exposure, fire or explosion
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 12 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 tanks, bunds, hoses, nozzles, pumps and earthing and bonding connections
Training each worker needs, including site induction 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 handling hazardous chemicals?
Only when the work is high risk construction work, for example working in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere, or on or near chemical or fuel lines. Most chemical handling in warehouses, workshops and on farms isn't, so a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage risks like fume inhalation and spills, 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.
