Working in Cold Conditions SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers planning, preparing for and undertaking work in cold conditions, including refrigerated work areas. It supports managing cold exposure, weather, warming, equipment, access, worker condition and emergency risks.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan cold-condition work and monitor weather
• Establish warming and welfare arrangements
• Conduct cold-condition pre-start discussions
• Inspect plant and equipment and fit cold-weather PPE
• Access cold work areas safely
• Perform work in cold areas
• Enter and work in refrigerated areas
• Take warming breaks and monitor recovery
• Respond to cold stress and medical emergencies
• Clean, demobilise and review controls

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out work in cold conditions.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable, provide safe systems of work, consult workers, provide information, training, supervision and suitable workplace facilities.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities, section 2.8 Heat and cold (guidance only; adoption and legal status vary by jurisdiction). The Code advises monitoring environmental conditions and worker health for prolonged or repeated cold exposure, considering personal and environmental factors, providing training on hypothermia symptoms, localised heating, shelter from wind and rain, warm waterproof clothing, acclimatisation, job rotation and rest breaks.
• Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks (guidance only; adoption and legal status vary by jurisdiction).
• Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace (guidance only; adoption and legal status vary by jurisdiction).
• AS/NZS 2210.3 Personal protective equipment—Safety footwear.
• AS/NZS 2161 Occupational protective gloves.
• AS/NZS 4602.1 High-visibility safety garments.
• AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
• AS/NZS 3000 Electrical installations (Wiring Rules).

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections