Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step safety controls, environmental protections, and emergency procedures for controlled burning and bushfire hazard reduction activities on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive, pre-written document that consolidates multiple burning-off and prescribed burning tasks to support WHS compliance and effective fire hazard reduction.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and authorisation of controlled burns, including permits, notifications, and liaison with local fire authorities
• Carrying out controlled burns in bushland, rural, and peri-urban environments to minimise bushfire fuel loads
• Conducting burning off procedures in accordance with local fire danger ratings, weather conditions, and total fire ban restrictions
• Creating controlled fires for site clearance and vegetation management while protecting nearby structures and services
• Fire hazard reduction activities, including staged ignition patterns and establishing effective fire breaks
• Landscape burning for controlled fires, including contour burning, mosaic burning, and protection of sensitive vegetation
• Prescribed burning operations and prescribed burns, including ignition, monitoring, and controlled extinguishment
• Control burn-off activities and controlled burn-off tasks, including supervision, spotter roles, and communication protocols
• Safe burning of brush piles and stacked vegetation, including spacing, pile size limits, and clearance from overhead and underground services
• Burning of garden waste with controls for smoke management, ember control, and protection of neighbouring properties
• Explicit prohibition and risk controls relating to burning plastic materials and other prohibited wastes, including environmental and health considerations
• Selection, inspection, and use of fire-fighting equipment such as hoses, knapsacks, extinguishers, and water carts
• Traffic and public access management around burn areas, including exclusion zones, barricades, and signage
• Monitoring of weather conditions (wind, temperature, humidity) and triggers for suspension or cancellation of burns
• Emergency response procedures for escaped fires, smoke inhalation, burns injuries, and communication with emergency services

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for land management contractors, rural and civil construction crews, vegetation management and landscaping teams, local councils, and site supervisors responsible for controlled burning and bushfire hazard reduction 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
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Where work on uneven, sloping, or unstable ground is required around burn areas
• Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice: Requirements for safe access, amenities, and emergency planning in outdoor work environments
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Where flammable liquids, fire accelerants, or fire retardants are stored or used
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on first aid provisions for burns, smoke inhalation, and heat stress
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Managing the Risk of Airborne Contaminants at Work: Consideration of smoke, particulates, and respiratory protection
• AS 3745 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities: Framework for emergency procedures, communication, and evacuation in the event of an uncontrolled fire
• AS/NZS 1851 – Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment: Inspection and maintenance requirements for fire-fighting equipment used during controlled burns
• Local Bush Fire and Vegetation Management Guidelines: State and territory-specific requirements for controlled burning and bushfire hazard reduction activities