This Void and Penetration Protection SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) is pre-filled and covers installing, inspecting and removing covers, guardrail, shaft screens and nets over slab penetrations, voids, shafts and pits. It sets out 38 activities, from the void survey and protection plan to removal at completion 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
Edge protection and void protection contractors
Builders and principal contractors on multi-storey sites
Formwork and concreting contractors
Scaffolders and safety net installers
Lift installers and services trades working around shafts and risers
 
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
Void and penetration survey, register and protection plan
Structural adequacy of fixings, and scanning for services, cabling and asbestos before drilling
Delivery and handling of covers, and working around mobile plant
Inspection of covers, guardrail and fall-arrest equipment
Anchors, static lines, fall clearance and swing fall for the installation crew
Covering service penetrations and core holes, cast-in mesh and cover marking
Guardrail around stair voids and atria, including geometry, mid rails and toe boards
Lift shafts, risers, lift pits, pier holes and openings left when formwork is stripped
Safety nets, catch decks, dropped objects and protruding starter bars
Chemical anchors, drilling, power tools on wet slabs, noise and weather
Other trades removing protection, handover tagging and ongoing reinspection
Removing protection at completion and rescue after a fall or harness suspension
 
What's included
Hazards and control measures for 38 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 intervals for covers, guardrail, nets and anchors
Relevant Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 4994.1 for temporary edge protection and AS/NZS 1891.4 for height safety equipment
Licence requirements for scaffolding, EWP and dogging work, plus silica training for drilling concrete
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 void and penetration protection?
Yes, in most cases. Installing or removing void protection usually involves a risk of a fall of more than 2 metres, which is high risk construction work, and so is work where powered mobile plant is moving. Where neither applies, a SWMS isn't mandatory, but you still have to manage the risks, and a SWMS is a sound way to record how. Head contractors and prequalification portals often ask for one either way.
Does it cover fall clearance over an opening?
Yes. It covers the limits of fall arrest over an opening, where a single storey may not give the clearance a lanyard and energy absorber need, plus swing fall, anchor selection and rescue of a suspended worker.
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.