Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for Tools and Material Handling at Height is designed to identify, control, and minimise the risks associated with tools, equipment, and materials used above ground level. It is a comprehensive, task-specific document that addresses multiple aspects of tools and material handling at height to support robust WHS compliance and reduce the risk of falling objects.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Control measures for tools and materials used and stored at height to prevent accidental drops
• Safe handling, movement, and temporary storage of materials at height, including on roofs and elevated platforms
• Implementing and managing exclusion and drop zones to protect workers and the public below
• Use of tool belts, lanyards, and holsters to keep tools secured to the worker and not carried loosely in hands
• Safe loading and unloading of materials on roofs, scaffolds, and other elevated work areas
• Operation of power tools at height, including securing leads, batteries, and attachments against falls
• Preventing falling objects through engineered controls, physical barriers, toe boards, and netting where required
• Procedures to prevent dropped or misplaced tools, including tool check-in/check-out and inventory systems
• Protecting passers-by and other workers from falling tools and materials using barricades, signage, and spotters
• Assessment and management of risk from dropped tools, including potential impact zones and injury severity
• Transporting tools and materials to height using mechanical lifting devices, rope and pulley systems, or hoists
• Selection and inspection of tool tethering devices, bags, and containers suitable for work at height
• Emergency response procedures for incidents involving falling objects or struck-by injuries

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for roofers, scaffolders, electricians, HVAC installers, maintenance personnel, construction workers, and site supervisors who manage or perform work involving tools and material handling at height.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling fall hazards and falling object risks when working at height
• Construction Work Code of Practice: Requirements for planning and carrying out construction activities, including safe use of tools and materials at height
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Safe use of power tools and other plant, including at elevated locations
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Risk management framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards such as falling objects
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices (relevant parts): Guidance on harnesses, lanyards, and associated equipment when used in conjunction with tool tethering and work at height
• AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding (relevant parts): Requirements for scaffolding used as a work platform for tools and materials at height
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017