This LPG Cylinder Exchange and Storage SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for storing, inspecting, exchanging and loading LP Gas cylinders at a retail outlet, hire yard or depot. It covers 22 activities, from the dangerous goods storage assessment to end of shift securing 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
Service stations, hardware stores and convenience outlets that run a cylinder swap
Equipment and party hire businesses with LPG appliances and plant
Gas suppliers and cylinder exchange depots
Rural supply, camping and outdoor stores
Warehouses and yards that change LPG forklift cylinders
A SWMS isn't only for construction. Plenty of 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
Dangerous goods storage assessment, placarding, SDS and cylinder labelling
Cylinder store location away from ignition sources, drains, low points and direct sun
Delivery, unloading and pre-use checks of trolleys, cages and forklifts
Inspecting returned cylinders and rejecting out-of-test or damaged stock
Manual handling of cylinders, with a full 45 kg cylinder weighing around 80 kg
Counter exchanges, including customer aggression over a refused cylinder
Connecting and disconnecting cylinders, leak testing and cold burn risk
Pre-hire inspection and test firing of patio heaters and BBQs
Changing forklift cylinders and carbon monoxide from LPG plant in enclosed areas
Moving cylinders around the yard and restraining them in vehicles
Quarantining faulty cylinders, store security, housekeeping and end of shift shutdown
Emergency response to a gas leak, fire, explosion or cold burn
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 22 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, maintenance checks and the training each worker needs
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 1596 for LP Gas and AS 4332 for gases in cylinders
Training in LCC27, POL and ACME connections, leak testing and rejection criteria, plus LF licences for forklift operators
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 LPG cylinder exchange and storage?
No. Running a cylinder exchange or store isn't high risk construction work, so a SWMS isn't a legal requirement. You still have to manage the risks, including gas leaks, fire and the manual handling of heavy cylinders, and a SWMS is a practical way to record how. Clients, insurers and prequalification portals often ask for one.
Does it cover damaged or out-of-test cylinders?
Yes. It covers inspecting every cylinder on receipt and before issue for test date, damage, corrosion, valve condition and leaks, then quarantining rejected or leaking cylinders so they can't go back into saleable stock or sit in an enclosed area.
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.