Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the high-risk construction work activities, hazards, and controls associated with professional sign installation, removal, and maintenance, helping your business maintain strong WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive, ready-to-use document that covers multiple aspects of Sign Installation SWMS activities across building, roadside, commercial, and elevated work environments.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Attachment of signage to a variety of structures, including walls, poles, frames, and gantries
• Safe climbing of structures to install signs, including use of ladders, temporary access systems, and fall prevention
• Digging and preparing footings for road signage, including excavation controls and underground service checks (Dial Before You Dig)
• Erecting signage on building facades using appropriate anchoring systems, fixings, and load considerations
• Fitting and connection of electrical components to illuminated and electronic signs, including isolation and testing procedures
• Installation of bus stop and transport signage in public areas with traffic and pedestrian management controls
• Installation and removal of large sign boards, including lifting techniques, mechanical aids, and exclusion zones
• Installation of electronic scoreboards and large display units, including structural support and electrical safety
• Handling and installation of large, heavy signs with appropriate manual handling, team lifts, and lifting equipment
• Installation, maintenance, and replacement of lightbox signage, including access, electrical isolation, and glass/acrylic handling
• Posting signs or boards at considerable heights with controls for working at height, dropped objects, and weather conditions
• Repairing and reinstating damaged signs, including temporary support, de-energising circuits, and safe removal of sharp or unstable components
• Use of Elevating Work Platforms (EWP) for sign installation, including pre-start checks, harness use, and ground condition assessment
• Combined signage and lighting installation activities, including cabling, mounting, and testing of illumination systems
• Regular signboard changing, updating or re-skinning, including safe access, handling of panels, and waste disposal

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for signwriters, signage installation contractors, electrical sign installers, facilities and maintenance teams, and site supervisors responsible for managing sign installation and maintenance works on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Guidance for working at heights during sign installation and removal
• Construction Work Code of Practice: Requirements for planning and carrying out sign installation as construction work
• Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice: Controls for fitting electrics to signs, lightboxes, and electronic scoreboards
• Traffic Management Code of Practice (where applicable in your jurisdiction): Safe systems of work for roadside and bus signage installation
• Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Risk controls for lifting, carrying, and positioning large or heavy signs
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules): Requirements for electrical installation, connection, and verification of illuminated signage
• AS 2550 series: Cranes, Hoists and Winches – Safe Use (as applicable to lifting devices used): Guidance for safe use of lifting equipment when positioning large signs
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial Fall-Arrest Systems and Devices: Requirements for harnesses, lanyards, and fall-arrest systems when working at height