This Refrigerant Recovery and Charging SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled for recovering, evacuating, pressure testing and charging refrigerant in air conditioning and refrigeration systems, including flammable A2L and A3 types. It covers 20 activities, from the licence check to disposal of recovered refrigerant 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
Air conditioning and refrigeration technicians
HVAC installation and service contractors
Commercial refrigeration and cool room businesses
Domestic split system installers and servicers
Facilities maintenance contractors with licensed refrigeration technicians
 
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
Pre-start briefing, licence check and identifying the refrigerant type
Ventilation, enclosed spaces and setting up a flammable refrigerant work zone
Electrical isolation to prevent unexpected compressor and fan start-up
Transporting, storing and handling refrigerant and nitrogen cylinders
Pre-use checks of the recovery unit, gauges and hoses
Access to rooftop and high plant, heat stress and fall risks
Connecting gauges and recovering refrigerant without overfilling or mixing cylinders
Vacuum evacuation and nitrogen pressure testing without over-pressurisation
Leak detection, brazing and toxic decomposition products
Charging, frostbite from liquid refrigerant and overcharging
Start-up and commissioning around energised and operating plant
Housekeeping, disposal of recovered refrigerant and emergency response to a release, asphyxiation or fire
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 20 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 5149 for refrigerating systems and AS 4211.3 for recovery equipment
ARCtick licence classes and extra training before working on flammable A2L and A3 refrigerants
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 refrigerant recovery and charging?
When it's part of construction work, it's usually high risk construction work, because it involves work on refrigerant lines and often near energised electrical installations or at heights over 2 metres. Routine servicing outside construction work doesn't legally need a SWMS, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Clients, head contractors and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it include the refrigerant licence requirements?
Yes. It sets out that fluorocarbon refrigerant work is done by the holder of a current ARCtick Refrigerant Handling Licence of the correct class, and that the business needs a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation. It also notes that hydrocarbon, CO2 and ammonia refrigerants sit outside that scheme.
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.