Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured approach to safely managing all stages of soft fall installation, from site preparation through to final inspection and handover. It is a comprehensive document that consolidates multiple aspects of Soft Fall Installation SWMS to support robust WHS compliance and effective risk control on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and preparation for soft-fall surface removal and installation, including site assessment and service location checks
• Removal of existing soft-fall surfaces, tiles, rubber, synthetic turf or loose-fill materials using appropriate tools and methods
• Safe handling, segregation and disposal of removed soft-fall materials, including management of dust, noise and manual handling risks
• Ground and sub-base preparation, including excavation, levelling, compaction and drainage considerations
• Use of compactors, cutters, mixers and other plant and equipment associated with soft-fall works
• Installation of new soft-fall systems, including poured-in-place rubber, tiles, synthetic turf or loose-fill products
• Application, mixing and handling of adhesives, binders, resins and other chemicals used in soft-fall installation
• Management of environmental risks such as dust, noise, waste, runoff and protection of surrounding play equipment and landscaping
• Controls for working around children’s play areas, public access zones and live school or childcare environments
• Manual handling risk reduction when lifting, carrying and positioning bags, rolls, tiles and equipment
• Weather-related risk management, including hot surfaces, wet conditions, UV exposure and slip hazards
• Inspection, testing and verification of soft-fall depths, coverage and finish to meet relevant impact-attenuation requirements
• Site clean-up, barricading and handover procedures to ensure the area is safe and ready for use

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for playground surfacing contractors, soft-fall installation specialists, landscaping and civil contractors, facility managers, and site supervisors responsible for playground and recreational surface works.

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: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – guidance on identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risks associated with soft-fall works
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – relevant where work is conducted at heights or near edges during installation
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – for use of compactors, cutters and powered equipment
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – for lifting, carrying and handling soft-fall materials and equipment
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – for maintaining safe access, amenities and public protection around play areas
• AS/NZS 4422 Playground surfacing – Specifications, requirements and test method – impact attenuation and performance requirements for playground surfacing
• AS 4685 (Playground equipment and surfacing series) – safety requirements for playground equipment and associated surfacing interfaces