COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Applying Safe Work Method Statements for Roof Plumbing course. This training will provide you with the essential knowledge and practical skills to understand, implement, and monitor Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) in roof plumbing environments.

Roof plumbing tasks frequently involve high-risk activities such as working at heights, handling hazardous tools, and operating in challenging weather conditions. Applying SWMS correctly is critical for managing these risks, meeting legal obligations, and ensuring all personnel work safely and compliantly.

This course begins by exploring the legal and operational purpose of SWMS in high-risk construction work, with a particular focus on the roof plumbing trade. Participants will learn how SWMS act as both a legal requirement and a frontline safety planning tool, especially when working at heights, near electrical systems, or using power tools. Roles and responsibilities under WHS legislation—including those of employers, workers, and contractors—are explained to ensure all parties understand their duty to comply.

Identifying high-risk activities is a foundational step in preparing and applying a SWMS. This section outlines common tasks in roof plumbing that require documented safety controls, such as manual handling, tool use, and movement on unstable surfaces. Participants will learn how to recognise hazards like unprotected edges, slippery surfaces, heat stress, and structural weaknesses, and understand the legislative triggers that make a SWMS mandatory.

Developing a compliant SWMS involves specific components. This section explains how to describe high-risk tasks in detail, outline step-by-step safe work procedures, and identify associated hazards along with the control measures required to mitigate them. This structure ensures clarity and compliance across all job types and sites.

Before work begins, the SWMS must reflect actual site conditions. Participants will learn how to prepare a SWMS tailored to roof plumbing tasks, engage workers in its development, and determine when a site-specific version is required over a generic one. Pre-start assessments are also covered, helping ensure the document accurately addresses site-specific risks such as weather, access, and roof pitch.

Worker involvement is central to effective SWMS implementation. This section highlights the importance of engaging roof plumbers and apprentices in hazard identification and control development. Consultation improves practicality and encourages ownership of safe work behaviours. Proper documentation of worker feedback and acknowledgement supports compliance and communication.

Clear communication ensures that all personnel understand the SWMS. This section provides guidance on pre-start briefings, toolbox talks, and verification techniques to ensure that every team member knows their responsibilities and understands the procedures and controls before work commences.

Once agreed upon, the SWMS must be actioned as written. Participants will learn how to implement control measures using the hierarchy of controls, including engineering solutions like edge protection, administrative measures such as work procedures, and PPE where higher-level controls are not sufficient. All controls must be in place before tasks begin to ensure full compliance.

Working at heights is a key concern in roof plumbing. This section focuses on identifying fall hazards such as unguarded edges, skylights, and roof valleys. Participants will learn how to plan and apply fall prevention systems, including guardrails, scaffolding, fall arrest equipment, and safe ladder use. Elevated work platforms and roof anchor systems are also addressed.

Safe management of tools and equipment is essential to prevent injury. This section details SWMS controls for common roof plumbing tools including grinders, torches, and nail guns. Inspection routines, PPE requirements, and the safe handling of sheet metal and flashing are included to reduce tool-related risk.

SWMS must also cover emergency preparedness. This section teaches how to document emergency procedures for falls, injuries, and environmental threats, and how to locate first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and muster points. Clear emergency protocols support timely, coordinated responses.

Electrical hazards are prevalent in roof plumbing. Participants will learn to identify overhead power lines, solar installations, and nearby live wiring, and how to implement safe distances, insulated tools, and lockout/tagout procedures where isolation is required.

Weather conditions have a direct impact on roof safety. This section explores how to account for environmental hazards such as wind, rain, and heat, and plan work accordingly. Participants will learn how to assess environmental risk, protect materials, and delay work where safety may be compromised.

As work progresses, SWMS documents must be kept up to date. This section provides guidance on when and how to review and amend a SWMS, manage version control, and communicate changes to the team. Adaptability is crucial as site conditions, scope, or personnel change.

Recordkeeping is a key compliance requirement. This section outlines how to collect, store, and maintain SWMS acknowledgements and sign-offs, ensuring all workers—including new arrivals—read and understand the document before commencing work. Site access to signed SWMS documents supports verification at any time.

Supervisors play a critical role in overseeing SWMS compliance. This section teaches supervisors how to enforce procedures, monitor adherence in real-time, and correct unsafe practices using structured observation and recordkeeping tools. Active supervision ensures consistent standards are maintained.

When incidents occur or procedures are breached, immediate action is required. This section provides instruction on how to respond to non-compliance, conduct incident investigations, and revise controls to prevent recurrence. Notifying regulators and documenting corrective actions ensures full legal and procedural compliance.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and practical competencies needed to develop, apply, and monitor Safe Work Method Statements for roof plumbing operations—ensuring legal compliance, proactive risk control, and safer worksites for all involved.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

• Purpose and legal role of SWMS in high-risk construction work
• Importance of SWMS in roof plumbing tasks involving height, fall risks, and hazardous tools
• Responsibilities of employers, workers, and contractors regarding SWMS compliance

2. Identifying High-Risk Activities in Roof Plumbing

• Examples of high-risk work: working at heights, manual handling, power tool use
• Common hazards in roof plumbing: slips, heat exposure, structural instability
• Legislative triggers requiring a documented SWMS

3. Components of a Compliant SWMS Document

• Description of high-risk tasks
• Step-by-step safe work procedures
• Identification of potential hazards and associated control measures

4. Preparing SWMS for Roof Plumbing Operations

• Who is responsible for preparing SWMS
• Consulting workers and contractors in the development process
• Site-specific vs generic SWMS: when to adapt

5. Reviewing Site Conditions Before Applying SWMS

• Conducting a pre-start site assessment
• Identifying weather-related, access, and structural conditions
• Checking compatibility of the SWMS with real-time site conditions

6. Involving Workers in SWMS Development and Review

• Engaging roof plumbers and apprentices in hazard identification
• Using consultation to improve the practicality of safety controls
• Documenting worker input and confirmation of understanding

7. Communicating SWMS to All Personnel on Site

• Pre-start briefings and toolbox talks
• Verifying that workers understand procedures and controls
• Addressing questions or unclear steps before commencing work

8. Implementing Control Measures Outlined in SWMS

• Applying the hierarchy of controls
• Examples: installing edge protection, using harnesses, using mechanical lifts
• Ensuring all controls are in place before work begins

9. Working at Heights Risk Management in Roof Plumbing

• Identifying fall hazards on roofs, gutters, valleys, and skylights
• Fall prevention systems: guardrails, scaffolds, fall arrest systems
• Safe use of ladders, elevated work platforms (EWPs), and roof anchors

10. Managing Tools, Plant, and Equipment Safely

• SWMS controls for power tools, grinders, gas torches, and nail guns
• Inspection and maintenance of roofing equipment
• Using PPE and handling materials like sheet metal or flashing safely

11. Emergency Response Procedures in SWMS

• Including emergency contacts and response steps
• Procedures for falls, injuries, and weather-related evacuation
• Location of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and muster points

12. Isolating and Controlling Electrical Hazards

• Working near live wiring, solar panels, or overhead power lines
• Lockout/tagout procedures for electrical isolation
• Safe distance requirements and use of insulated tools

13. Environmental Hazards and Weather Considerations

• Planning SWMS controls for wind, rain, and UV exposure
• Using weather monitoring and delaying work where required
• Protecting roofing materials and tools from environmental damage

14. Reviewing and Updating SWMS During the Project

• When to amend a SWMS: changes in scope, personnel, or site conditions
• Procedures for updating documents and communicating changes
• Maintaining version control and date-stamped amendments

15. Recording Worker Sign-Off and SWMS Acknowledgement

• Ensuring all workers read, understood, and signed the SWMS
• Keeping records of signed SWMS on-site and accessible
• Managing new workers or visitors joining mid-project

16. Supervising Compliance with SWMS On-Site

• Role of the supervisor in enforcing SWMS procedures
• Monitoring adherence and correcting unsafe behaviour
• Using observation checklists and incident logs

17. Responding to Incidents or Non-Compliance

• What to do if SWMS is breached or an incident occurs
• Investigation procedures and revising controls as needed
• Notifying relevant authorities if required

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.