Flammable Liquids SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers planning, storage, handling, use and emergency response for flammable liquids. It supports work planning and risk management by addressing vapours, ignition sources, spills, container condition, waste and access controls.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review products and plan the work, including flammability, compatibility and emergency considerations
• Establish storage and access arrangements while managing vapours, heat, vehicle impact and releases to drains
• Inspect containers and controls for leaks, damage, static discharge and handling hazards
• Control ignition sources including flames, sparks, static electricity, hot surfaces and smoking
• Receive and unload deliveries while managing drops, punctures, vehicle interaction and unauthorised entry
• Transfer and decant liquids while managing vapour ignition, static, overfilling, splashes and spills
• Use flammable liquids while managing vapour inhalation, skin and eye contact, fire and contaminated surfaces
• Manage vapours and ventilation to address explosive atmospheres, displacement, migration and ignition risks
• Respond to spills, leaks and fire emergencies while managing exposure, slips, contamination and evacuation hazards
• Manage waste and contaminated materials to address ignition, vapour release, incompatibility and handling risks
• Close down, secure and review the area, including residual vapours, leaks, access and defects

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses handling, storing or using flammable liquids.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to manage health and safety risks, hazardous chemicals, plant, electrical risks, emergency arrangements, information, training, instruction and supervision.
• Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction; it identifies AS 1940 as guidance for storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids.
• Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction; use documented procedures, competency-based training, supervision, maintenance and review of controls.
• Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: Labelling of workplace hazardous chemicals, as adopted or applied in the relevant jurisdiction; maintain correct product identifiers and SDS-linked label information.
• AS 1940:2017 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids.
• AS/NZS 60079 series Explosive atmospheres, where a hazardous area is identified.
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment, where respiratory protection is required.
• AS/NZS 1337.1 Personal eye-protection equipment.
• AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment, where portable electrical equipment is used.

---

Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections