Ladders and Step Platforms SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers planning, setting up, inspecting and using ladders, step platforms, walkways, ramps and related access equipment. It supports work planning and risk management for access, falls, falling objects, equipment condition and work-area hazards.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the work and select a suitable access method
• Set up and control the work area
• Inspect ladders, platforms and access equipment before use
• Position and secure portable ladders
• Set up and use step platforms
• Install and use ladder access at work locations
• Climb, descend and complete work from ladders
• Install and use walk pads, walkways and ramps
• Use rope systems where required
• Maintain, remove and sign off access equipment

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out work using ladders, step platforms and related access equipment.

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 risks, provide safe plant and safe access, consult workers, provide information/training/supervision, and manage fall risks.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces — guidance only; confirm adoption and legal status in the relevant jurisdiction. It identifies ladders as suitable primarily for access/egress or short-duration light work after safer options have been considered.
• Model Code of Practice: Construction Work — guidance only; confirm adoption and legal status in the relevant jurisdiction.
• AS/NZS 1892 (set), Portable ladders, including selection, safe use and care.
• AS 1657:2018, Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders — design, construction and installation.
• AS/NZS 1891 series, Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices — harnesses, devices, selection, use and maintenance.
• AS/NZS 4488 series, Industrial rope access systems — specifications, selection, use and maintenance.
• AS/NZS 4994 series, Temporary edge protection.

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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