Product Overview

This E-Waste Recycling Operations SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards and implement controls for the safe handling, dismantling, and processing of electronic waste. It provides end-to-end coverage of e-waste tasks, ensuring WHS compliance and systematic risk management across all aspects of E-Waste Recycling Operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe dismantling and segregation of e-waste items including computers, printers, televisions, and small appliances
• Dispose of electrical components safely, including insulated handling, isolation, and compliant waste streams
• PCB removal from electronic devices using controlled methods to minimise exposure to hazardous substances
• Identification, handling, and storage of hazardous components such as capacitors, batteries, CRTs, and mercury-containing lamps
• Selection and use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for dismantling, cutting, and handling contaminated components
• Manual handling techniques for lifting, moving, and stacking e-waste to reduce the risk of sprains, strains, and crush injuries
• Use of basic tools and equipment (e.g. screwdrivers, cutters, small power tools) for safe dismantling of electronic items
• Dust, fume, and particulate exposure controls, including local exhaust ventilation and housekeeping practices
• Segregation, labelling, and secure storage of recyclable fractions such as metals, plastics, glass, and circuit boards
• Safe collection, storage, and disposal of lead, solder, and other heavy metal contaminants in accordance with environmental and WHS requirements
• Traffic management and mobile plant interaction in e-waste yards, including forklift and pallet jack operations
• Emergency response procedures for chemical spills, electrical incidents, cuts, and exposure to hazardous materials

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for e-waste recycling facilities, electronics dismantlers, waste management contractors, scrap metal recyclers, and site supervisors overseeing electronic waste processing activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on identifying and controlling risks associated with hazardous substances in e-waste.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Controls for noise generated by dismantling and processing equipment.
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Requirements for managing risks from repetitive handling and lifting of e-waste items.
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for hazard identification, risk assessment, and control implementation.
• Safe Work Australia – First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance for first aid arrangements for cuts, exposure, and other likely injuries in e-waste operations.
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment: Requirements for respiratory protection where dusts, fumes, or vapours may be present.
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational Protective Gloves: Guidance on selection of gloves for handling sharp and contaminated components.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017