Product Overview

This Suspended Access and Swing Stages Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured, task-specific approach to managing the significant risks associated with working on suspended platforms, swing stages and Building Maintenance Units (BMUs), supporting strong WHS compliance on site. It is a comprehensive document that consolidates multiple suspended access activities into one clear, easy-to-use SWMS for safe planning and execution of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe setup, operation and shutdown of Building Maintenance Units (BMUs) for façade and high-rise maintenance
• Selection, fitting and secure installation of portable davit arms and associated suspension systems
• Planning and performing maintenance tasks while working in suspended positions at height
• Risk management for general suspended access work, including swing stages and suspended scaffolds
• Safe use of suspended platforms during drilling, fixing and other impact or vibration-producing tasks
• Operation of suspension personnel platforms, including pre-start checks and emergency procedures
• Working on suspended floors and decks, including load limits, edge protection and access/egress controls
• Selection, inspection and use of fall arrest systems, harnesses, lanyards and inertia reels for suspended work
• Controls for overhead powerlines, falling objects and exclusion zones beneath suspended work areas
• Safe use of electrical tools and equipment on suspended platforms, including RCD protection and cable management
• Weather monitoring and controls for high wind, lightning, rain and other environmental conditions affecting suspended access
• Emergency response planning for platform failure, entrapment, rescue and evacuation from height

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for façade maintenance contractors, window cleaners, rope access and suspended access crews, building maintenance teams, construction contractors using swing stages or BMUs, and site supervisors or principal contractors overseeing work at height.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Guidance for preventing falls from one level to another, including suspended access systems
• Safe Work Australia – Construction Work Code of Practice: Requirements for planning and managing high risk construction work at height
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Controls for BMUs, swing stages and powered suspended platforms as plant
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice: Electrical safety for tools, leads and equipment used on suspended platforms
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Risk management framework for identifying, assessing and controlling hazards
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices: Selection, use and maintenance of harnesses, lanyards and fall arrest equipment
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding (relevant parts): Requirements for suspended scaffolds and platforms
• AS 2550 Cranes, hoists and winches – Safe use (relevant parts): Safe use of hoisting and winching components associated with suspended access systems
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017