Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the required safety controls for working in restricted spaces and voids within ceilings, subfloors, roof spaces and wall cavities, helping you systematically identify and control hazards. It is a comprehensive, contractor-ready document that covers multiple aspects of restricted space work to support strong WHS compliance on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and conducting safe ceiling cavity inspections, including access, egress and communication requirements
• Working in tight crawl spaces with controls for restricted movement, entrapment and emergency extraction
• Under-floor work in subfloor voids, including assessment of structural integrity, services and environmental hazards
• Wall cavity work with controls for hidden services, sharp edges, dust and potential asbestos-containing materials
• General work in ceiling spaces, including load-bearing assessment, safe movement and fall-through prevention
• Working around ceiling cavities while maintaining edge protection and preventing damage to ceiling linings
• Working around pipes and ductwork, including isolation of services and protection from hot surfaces and pinch points
• Working in attic spaces with controls for heat stress, poor lighting, slips, trips and falls
• Combined work in ceilings and subfloors, including sequencing of tasks and coordination with other trades
• Working in confined eave cavities and similar restricted voids, including atmospheric testing where required
• Working in roof spaces with controls for electrical hazards, vermin, insulation and limited ventilation
• Selection and use of appropriate access equipment such as ladders, manholes and temporary platforms
• Management of environmental hazards including dust, mould, biological contaminants and poor air quality
• Emergency response planning, including rescue procedures for workers incapacitated in restricted spaces

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for electricians, HVAC and refrigeration technicians, plumbers, builders, carpenters, insulation installers, pest controllers, maintenance personnel and site supervisors who manage or undertake work in ceilings, roof spaces, wall cavities and subfloor voids.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Confined Spaces Code of Practice: Guidance on managing risks associated with confined and restricted spaces
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing and controlling risks
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Requirements for preventing falls through ceilings and from height when accessing voids
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Electrical Risks in the Workplace Code of Practice: Controls for live services and concealed electrical installations in ceiling and wall spaces
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Guidance on working in awkward postures and restricted environments
• AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations – Construction and demolition sites: Requirements for temporary electrical installations and protection while working in building voids
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices (relevant parts): Use of fall-arrest equipment where access and work at height is required
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017