Product Overview

This Tunneling Safety Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a detailed WHS management tool designed to identify, control and monitor risks associated with tunnelling operations on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of Tunneling Safety SWMS, supporting robust WHS compliance and effective risk management for complex underground works.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordination of tunnelling works, including site assessments, permits and services location
• Micro tunnelling procedures, including set-up, alignment, jacking operations and breakthrough controls
• Operation of road headers, including cutting sequences, dust suppression and guarding of moving parts
• Safe use of tunnel boring machines (TBMs), including start-up, operation, maintenance and emergency shutdown
• Installation and inspection of tunnel support systems such as rock bolts, shotcrete, steel sets and lining segments
• Excavation, spoil handling and removal within confined tunnel environments
• Management of ground conditions, ground support, water ingress and potential ground collapse
• Ventilation management to control dust, diesel fumes, welding fumes and maintain breathable air quality
• Electrical safety for tunnelling plant, lighting, trailing cables and temporary power distribution
• Control of mobile plant and equipment movement in tunnels, including traffic management and exclusion zones
• Working in confined and restricted spaces, including atmospheric testing and entry permits
• Emergency response planning for tunnel incidents, including fire, entrapment, inundation and loss of services
• Noise and vibration management for workers and surrounding structures during tunnelling operations

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for tunnelling contractors, civil and infrastructure constructors, micro tunnelling specialists, plant operators, and site supervisors involved in underground excavation and tunnel construction activities.

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
• Code of Practice: Construction Work – guidance on managing risks associated with construction, including tunnelling activities
• Code of Practice: Confined Spaces – requirements for safe entry, work and emergency procedures in tunnel and shaft environments
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – controls for high-noise tunnelling plant and equipment
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – guidance for handling tunnel supports, equipment and materials
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – controls for access ways, shafts, platforms and elevated work in tunnels
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals – safe use of grouts, resins, explosives (if applicable) and other hazardous substances
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – requirements for safe operation and maintenance of TBMs, road headers and associated plant
• AS 2865 Confined Spaces – requirements for atmospheric testing, entry procedures and rescue in confined tunnel areas