Snow and Ice Removal Cold Weather Safety SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers planning, site control, manual and plant-based snow and ice removal, treatment, inspection and handover. It supports planning and risk management for cold stress, poor visibility, slips, traffic, equipment, de-icing materials and refreezing.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Confirm weather conditions and work scope
• Inspect the site and establish exclusion zones
• Set up traffic controls
• Inspect equipment and protective equipment
• Clear pathways by hand
• Remove snow to stockpiles
• Apply de-icing materials
• Operate snow-clearing plant
• Clear steps and ramps
• Monitor cold stress and worker condition
• Inspect treated surfaces for refreezing and access issues
• Clean equipment, demobilise and complete handover records

Who is this for?

For contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out snow and ice removal activities.

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 provide and maintain a safe workplace, manage risks, consult workers, provide information/training/supervision, and control risks from plant, hazardous manual tasks, hazardous chemicals and workplace access.
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks — guidance on identifying hazards, applying the hierarchy of controls and reviewing controls.
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks — guidance on cold, wind, slippery surfaces, grip loss, fatigue and manual-task risk factors.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities — guidance for work in extreme heat or cold, access, lighting and workplace conditions.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace — guidance on plant suitability, inspection, manufacturer instructions, maintenance and exclusion zones.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Falls at Workplaces — guidance on preventing falls from ladders, steps and elevated surfaces.
• Applicable traffic-management requirements and AS 1742.3 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices — Traffic Control for Works on Roads.
• Relevant technical guidance: AS 2210.3 safety footwear; AS/NZS 4602.1 high-visibility safety garments; AS/NZS 2161.2 protective gloves; AS/NZS 1337.1 eye and face protection; AS/NZS 1715 respiratory protective equipment; and AS 1657 fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders.

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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