Product Overview

This Boilers Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a site-ready safety document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for boiler installation, operation, and maintenance activities. It provides comprehensive coverage of boiler-related tasks to support WHS compliance, effective risk management, and safe management of High Risk Construction Work on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Selection, positioning, and secure installation of industrial and commercial boilers
• Safe commissioning and start-up procedures for new or overhauled boilers
• Operation of boilers under normal and peak load conditions, including monitoring gauges and controls
• Management of steam, hot water, and pressure systems to prevent over-pressurisation and equipment failure
• Inspection, testing, and maintenance of boiler safety devices such as pressure relief valves and low-water cut-outs
• Control of hazards associated with fuel supply systems, including gas, oil, and solid fuel feeds
• Safe isolation, lock-out/tag-out, and depressurisation of boilers prior to maintenance or repair work
• Cleaning of boiler tubes, flues, and combustion chambers, including control of hot work and confined space-like conditions
• Management of hot surfaces, steam leaks, and hot condensate to prevent burns and scalds
• Handling, storage, and dosing of boiler treatment chemicals, including corrosion inhibitors and biocides
• Ventilation, exhaust, and control of combustion products to minimise exposure to harmful gases
• Emergency response procedures for boiler malfunctions, pressure excursions, fires, and fuel leaks
• Coordination of boiler work with other trades and plant on site to prevent interference and overlapping hazards

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for boiler installers, mechanical contractors, industrial maintenance teams, facilities managers, and site supervisors responsible for boiler operation and servicing on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on managing risks associated with plant, including boilers and pressure equipment.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for safe use, handling, and storage of boiler treatment chemicals and fuels.
• Safe Work Australia – Confined Spaces Code of Practice: Relevant where boiler shells, drums, or associated vessels may be entered for inspection or cleaning.
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Applicable to high-noise boiler rooms and associated plant.
• AS/NZS 1200 Pressure Equipment: General requirements for the design, safe operation, and maintenance of pressure equipment including boilers.
• AS 2593 Boilers – Safety Management and Supervision Systems: Requirements for supervision levels, safety systems, and operational controls for boilers.
• AS 3873 Pressure Equipment – Operation and Maintenance: Guidance on safe operation, inspection, and maintenance of pressure equipment.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017