Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is developed specifically for Pool Fencing Glass and Aluminium Installation, with the primary goal of identifying hazards and implementing effective controls to protect workers and occupants. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document covering multiple aspects of pool fence construction and installation to support WHS compliance on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and setting out of pool fence lines, boundaries, and compliant clearances around pools
• Construction of pool fencing using aluminium panels, posts, and gates in accordance with safety and design requirements
• Safe handling, lifting, and storage of aluminium fence panels, posts, and components to minimise manual handling injuries
• Cutting, drilling, and grinding aluminium fencing materials, including control of noise, dust, and flying particles
• Installation of in-ground pool fencing, including excavation of post holes and setting posts in concrete
• Use of hand tools and power tools (drills, grinders, impact drivers, post-hole diggers) for fence installation tasks
• Pool fence installation – glass panels, including safe manual handling, lifting, and placement of glass
• Use of mechanical aids, glass lifters, and team lifting techniques for large or heavy glass panels
• Installation and adjustment of pool gates, hinges, latches, and self-closing/self-latching mechanisms
• Working at height on small step ladders or platforms when fixing fence components to walls or posts
• Mixing, placing, and curing concrete for post footings, including controls for cement dust and splash hazards
• Managing site access, public protection, and segregation of work areas around domestic and commercial pools
• Electrical safety when using corded power tools, extension leads, and RCDs in outdoor and potentially wet environments
• Housekeeping, waste management, and removal of offcuts, packaging, and broken glass from the work area

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for pool fencing contractors, glass and aluminium fencing installers, builders, landscapers, and site supervisors responsible for overseeing pool fence installation 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 pool fencing installation.
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Applicable to tasks involving ladders and work at low heights during fence and gate installation.
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls for lifting, carrying, and positioning glass and aluminium fencing components.
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Relevant to cutting, drilling, and grinding operations on metal and other materials.
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Safe use of power tools, mechanical aids, and other plant used in installation.
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Risk management framework applied throughout this SWMS.
• AS 1926.1 – Swimming pool safety – Safety barriers for swimming pools – Requirements for the design and installation of compliant pool safety barriers.
• AS 1288 – Glass in buildings – Selection and installation – Requirements for the safe selection and installation of glass in pool fencing.
• AS/NZS 1170 – Structural design actions – Structural loading considerations for fencing and barriers (as applicable).
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017