Product Overview

This Cladding Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step procedures, hazards, and control measures required to safely install, remove, and work with external wall cladding systems on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of cladding installation and removal to support strong WHS compliance and risk management for your project.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Applying structural cladding systems to building façades, including safe handling, lifting, and fixing methods
• Installation of building wrap and weatherproof membranes prior to cladding works
• Checking cladding alignment, levels, and fixing patterns to maintain structural and aesthetic requirements
• Cladding a façade, including sequencing of works and coordination with other trades on the external envelope
• Removal and installation of cladding using Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs), including safe access, exclusion zones, and fall prevention
• Cladding removal and installation using rope access techniques, including anchor points, harness use, and rescue planning
• Cladding removal and installation from swing stages, including load limits, inspections, and emergency procedures
• Cutting cladding materials (including metal, fibre cement, and polystyrene) with appropriate guards, dust controls, and PPE
• Installation of external wall cladding systems, including fixing to various substrates and managing penetrations
• Fitting wall cladding panels, trims, flashings, and accessories to manufacturer specifications
• Fixing cladding to high surfaces, including edge protection, fall arrest systems, and safe use of ladders and scaffolds
• Polystyrene cladding installation, including fire risk controls, adhesive use, and cutting dust management
• Positioning cladding panels using mechanical aids, team lifting techniques, and secure temporary supports
• Preparing surfaces for cladding, including inspection, cleaning, repairs, and verification of structural adequacy
• General site housekeeping around cladding works, including waste management and control of offcuts and sharp edges

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for cladding contractors, façade installers, carpenters, builders, and site supervisors involved in external wall cladding installation and removal on construction projects.

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 external cladding works
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Requirements for working at height on façades, EWPs, swing stages, and rope access
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – Safe use of EWPs, power tools, and other plant used during cladding activities
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls for lifting, carrying, and positioning cladding sheets and materials
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – Controls for noisy cutting and fixing operations
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Risk management framework applied throughout the cladding SWMS
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding Series – Requirements for scaffolds used to access façades and high cladding areas
• AS 2550 Cranes, Hoists and Winches – Safe Use Series – Guidance for any hoisting or lifting devices used to position cladding
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial Fall-Arrest Systems and Devices – Selection and use of harnesses, lanyards, and anchor systems for work at height
• AS/NZS 4576 Guidelines for Scaffolding – Best practice for the safe erection and use of scaffolding for cladding works
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017