Product Overview

This Deep Foundation Works Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is developed to help businesses plan, document, and control the risks associated with deep foundation, drilling, and piling activities on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, pre-filled document that covers multiple aspects of deep foundation works to support WHS compliance and safer project delivery.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordination of deep foundation works, including site assessment and sequencing of drilling and piling operations
• Conducting deep foundation excavation and drilling in varying ground conditions, including unstable or waterlogged soils
• Drilled shaft procedures, including positioning, alignment, and depth control of bored piles and caissons
• Operation of drilling rigs, piling rigs, and ancillary plant, including pre-start checks and safe operating limits
• Installation of reinforcement cages and steel elements into drilled shafts and pile bores
• Placement of concrete into deep foundations, including tremie methods and controls to prevent blowouts or collapse
• Management of spoil, slurry, drilling fluids, and cuttings, including containment and environmental controls
• Control of ground stability, shoring, and temporary works to prevent trench, bore, or excavation collapse
• Working around underground services, including identification, locating, and protection of existing utilities
• Traffic and mobile plant management around drilling and piling zones, including exclusion zones and spotters
• Noise, vibration, and dust control measures to minimise impact on workers, neighbours, and surrounding structures
• Emergency response procedures for ground collapse, plant incidents, entrapment, and exposure to hazardous atmospheres
• Safe access and egress for workers around deep bores, piles, and associated excavations

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for piling contractors, civil and structural contractors, foundation specialists, principal contractors, and site supervisors involved in deep foundation, drilling, and piling works.

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 deep foundation and piling works
• Code of Practice: Excavation Work – Requirements and controls for excavations, ground stability, and working near trenches and shafts
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Controls for high-noise plant such as drilling and piling rigs
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Controls for working near openings, shafts, and excavations
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Guidance on reducing musculoskeletal risks when handling reinforcement, hoses, and equipment
• AS 2159 Piling – Design and Installation – Requirements and guidance for the design and installation of piles used in deep foundations
• AS 3600 Concrete Structures – Requirements for concrete used in structural elements, including deep foundation components
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017