Product Overview

This Curb And Gutter Machine Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective controls for the safe operation of kerb and gutter machinery on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of curb and gutter machine setup, operation, and maintenance to support WHS compliance and safe civil construction practices.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe positioning and setup of curb and gutter machines in road, subdivision, and civil construction environments
• Pre-start inspections, function checks, and verification of safety devices on curb machines
• Operation of curb machine controls, feed systems, and moulds in accordance with manufacturer instructions
• Management of interaction between curb machine operators, spotters, and ground personnel to minimise crush and struck-by risks
• Safe loading, handling, and feeding of concrete or other materials into the curb and gutter machine
• Control of movement and tracking of the machine along prepared subgrade and formwork lines
• Working in proximity to live traffic, including use of traffic management plans and exclusion zones
• Prevention of contact with underground and overhead services during curb and gutter operations
• Manual handling risk controls for setting kerb profiles, edging, finishing, and associated hand tools
• Noise, vibration, dust, and silica exposure controls for workers operating or working near the machine
• Refuelling, isolation, lock-out/tag-out, and safe shutdown procedures for curb and gutter machinery
• Cleaning, clearing blockages, and maintenance activities on the curb machine, including guarding of moving parts
• Emergency procedures for equipment failure, spills, injuries, and unplanned movement of the machine

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for civil construction contractors, road and infrastructure crews, concreters, plant operators, and site supervisors involved in curb and gutter machine operations.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including plant and equipment use
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Requirements for the safe use, inspection, and maintenance of curb and gutter machinery
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Controls for working around uneven ground, excavations, and edges
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Controls for noise exposure from curb and gutter machines and associated equipment
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Guidance on reducing musculoskeletal risks from handling tools, materials, and machine components
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Respiratory Hazards at Work – Controls for dust and respirable crystalline silica generated during curb and gutter works
• AS 4024 Safety of Machinery (series) – Principles for guarding and safety of moving machinery parts
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules) – Requirements for electrical safety where powered curb machines or ancillary equipment are used
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017