Product Overview

This Decking Pergolas and Outdoor Timber Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a site-ready safety document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and outline controls for the construction, repair, and maintenance of outdoor timber structures. It is a comprehensive, task-specific document that consolidates multiple decking and pergola activities to support WHS compliance and safer management of High Risk Construction Work on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Construction of timber decks and patios, including framing, joists, bearers, and support posts
• Building of timber gazebos and pergolas, from setting out and footings through to final fix
• Installation of structural and decorative outdoor timber elements for decks and pergolas
• Decking installation using timber overlay systems over existing concrete or stable substrates
• Installation of platform decking, including elevated platforms and low-level outdoor structures
• Preparation of decking surfaces, including cleaning, levelling, repairs, and moisture checks prior to installation
• Repair, rectification, and refurbishment of verandas and existing outdoor timber structures
• Safe use of power tools and hand tools for cutting, fixing, drilling, and fastening timber components
• Manual handling and mechanical assistance for lifting, carrying, and positioning heavy timber members
• Working at height on decks, verandas, and pergolas, including temporary edge protection and fall prevention
• Use of ladders, trestles, and mobile scaffolds during construction and maintenance activities
• Application of timber coatings, sealers, and preservatives in outdoor environments, including ventilation and PPE controls
• Site establishment, exclusion zones, and public protection around residential and commercial outdoor works
• Housekeeping, waste management, and control of offcuts, nails, screws, and other construction debris

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for carpenters, decking and pergola installers, builders, veranda repairers, landscapers, and site supervisors responsible for managing outdoor timber construction 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: Construction Work – guidance on managing risks associated with construction activities, including outdoor structures
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – requirements for working at height on decks, verandas, and pergolas
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – controls for power tools and construction equipment
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – risk management for lifting and handling timber and materials
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – framework for hazard identification, risk assessment, and control implementation
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace – safe use of powered equipment, saws, and other plant used in decking and pergola works
• AS 1684 Residential timber-framed construction – guidance for structural timber framing in residential decks and pergolas
• AS/NZS 1170 Structural design actions – loading considerations for decks, platforms, and outdoor structures