Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for Barricading of Work Sites sets out the mandatory safety controls, responsibilities, and step-by-step procedures required to establish and maintain safe exclusion zones on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of barricade selection, installation, signage, and monitoring to support strong WHS compliance and effective risk management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Selection of appropriate barricade types (hard barriers, soft barriers, cones, bunting, and temporary fencing) based on the level of risk and site conditions
• Planning of exclusion zones around plant, excavations, overhead work, and other high-risk construction activities
• Installation of physical barriers to prevent unauthorised access to hazardous areas, including loading zones and no-go zones
• Placement and maintenance of warning signs, directional signs, and information boards in accordance with Australian standards
• Use of high-visibility tape, cones, and mesh to clearly delineate pedestrian walkways and vehicle routes
• Management of access points, gates, and controlled entry systems for workers, visitors, and delivery drivers
• Coordination of barricading requirements with mobile plant operations, traffic management plans, and spotters
• Inspection and maintenance of barricades to ensure they remain stable, visible, and effective in all weather conditions
• Adjustment and relocation of barricades as work progresses, including staged works and changing risk profiles
• Night-time and low-visibility controls, including reflective materials and adequate lighting around barricaded areas
• Communication of barricade layouts and no-go zones during site inductions, toolbox talks, and pre-start meetings
• Emergency access planning, ensuring barricades do not obstruct egress routes or emergency services access
• Documentation of barricading controls within the SWMS, risk assessments, and site-specific traffic management plans

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for builders, civil contractors, traffic controllers, site supervisors, and any PCBU responsible for establishing and maintaining barricading and exclusion zones on construction or maintenance worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Risk of Falls in Housing Construction Code of Practice: Guidance for barricading and exclusion zones around edges and fall hazards
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Requirements for preventing unauthorised access to fall-risk areas
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Controls for barricading around operating plant and equipment
• Excavation Work Code of Practice: Barricading and exclusion zone requirements around trenches and excavations
• Managing Risks in Construction Work Code of Practice: General construction barricading, signage, and site control measures
• AS 1319 Safety signs for the occupational environment: Requirements for safety signage used with barricades and exclusion zones
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017