This Signage Installation (Shopfitting) SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers removing and installing fascia signs, lightboxes, screens, pylon signs and suspended signage on shopfronts and in shopping centres. It covers 31 activities, from the pre-start meeting and centre permits to shift-end 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
Sign installers and sign manufacturers
Shopfitters and retail fit-out contractors
Builders and project managers delivering tenancy fit-outs
Electricians connecting illuminated signs and lightboxes
Shopping centre and franchise maintenance contractors
 
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
Centre induction, landlord approvals, permits and council approval for work over footpaths
Checking the structure, fixings and wind loading suit the actual sign
Asbestos and lead paint checks, and fire system isolation and reinstatement
EWP set-up and operation near powerlines, awnings and people, with wind limits
Public exclusion, footpath and traffic management for external work
Locating concealed services and post-tensioned tendons before drilling, with silica dust controls
Removing old signs, and fixing to cladding, render and shopfront glazing
Lifting panels, lightboxes and screens at height, including crane lifts of pylon signs
Fragile awnings, ceiling voids and suspended signage fixed to building structure
Electrical connection of illuminated signs, including legacy neon and high-voltage transformers
Vinyl graphics and solvents, hot work on brackets, night work and public aggression
Emergency response to falls, EWP entrapment, electric shock, fire or crush injury
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 31 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 inspection schedules for EWPs, lifting gear and harnesses
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS 2550.10 for EWPs and AS/NZS 1170.2 for wind actions
Licence requirements for boom-type EWPs, scaffolding and dogging, plus licensed electricians for connections
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 signage installation?
A SWMS is legally required when the job is high risk construction work, for example fixing a sign where someone could fall more than 2 metres, working near energised electrical installations, or working beside a road in use. 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. Shopping centres, head contractors and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it cover old neon signs?
Yes. It covers the risk of severe shock or burns from legacy neon signs, their high-voltage transformers and stored charge in old capacitors and lamps. All electrical connection, disconnection and testing is done by a licensed electrician.
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.