Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step safety controls for treating tree diseases on Australian worksites, helping you manage hazardous chemicals, plant, and environmental risks. It is a comprehensive, pre-filled document that covers multiple aspects of treating tree diseases to support strong WHS compliance and safer arboriculture operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and assessing tree health, site conditions, and access before commencing disease treatment works
• Selection, handling, mixing, and application of fungicides, insecticides, and other tree treatment chemicals
• Safe use of hand tools and powered equipment for drilling, injecting, or exposing tree tissue for treatment
• Use of soil injection, trunk injection, and foliar spray methods to minimise drift and environmental contamination
• Managing exposure to hazardous chemicals, including PPE requirements, decanting, and hygiene practices
• Manual handling controls for lifting, carrying, and positioning chemical containers, hoses, and equipment
• Working around live traffic, pedestrians, and public areas while treating street and park trees
• Controls for working near overhead and underground services when accessing and treating affected trees
• Managing slips, trips, and falls on uneven ground, wet surfaces, and vegetated areas during treatment
• Decontamination, spill response, and safe disposal of chemical waste, containers, and contaminated materials
• Environmental protection measures to prevent chemical run-off into drains, waterways, and sensitive ecosystems
• Emergency response procedures for chemical exposure, plant failure, and adverse reactions to treatments
• Communication, signage, and exclusion zones to protect workers, clients, and members of the public

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for arborists, tree care contractors, landscape maintenance crews, councils, golf courses, property managers, and site supervisors responsible for treating tree diseases in urban and rural environments.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance for safe storage, handling, and use of chemicals used in tree disease treatment
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling risks associated with tree treatment activities
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for providing safe amenities, washing facilities, and first aid for workers using chemicals
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on first aid provisions for chemical exposure and treatment-related injuries
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Chemical Information System (HCIS): Reference for classification and safety information on tree treatment chemicals
• AS 1940 – The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids: Requirements for storing and handling flammable treatment products where applicable
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017