Working in Extreme Temperatures and Hazardous Weather SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers work in extreme temperatures and hazardous weather, including heat, cold, storms, wind and heavy rain. It supports planning, monitoring and responding to changing weather conditions and associated risks.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review weather conditions before work
• Set up the site, access and emergency arrangements
• Assess worker fitness and weather susceptibility
• Select suitable PPE and clothing
• Check plant and equipment for conditions
• Manage heat exposure work
• Manage cold exposure work
• Respond to storms and lightning
• Manage wind, poor visibility and loose materials
• Monitor rapid weather changes
• Provide incident response, shutdown and demobilisation

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out work in extreme temperatures or hazardous weather.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

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

• WHS Act s19 Primary duty of care; s46 Consultation with other duty holders; s47-S49 Worker consultation
• WHS Regulations r35 Duty in relation to workplace facilities; r36 Hierarchy of control measures; r39 Provision of information, training and instruction; r40 General workplace management; r41 Emergency plans; r43 Duty to provide and maintain adequate facilities
• WHS Regulations r44 Remote or isolated work
• WHS Regulations r299 Safe Work Method Statement for high risk construction work where applicable
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities - heat and cold, thermal comfort, monitoring exposure, training, drinking water, shelter, remote or isolated work
• Code of Practice: Construction Work - SWMS and construction risk management
• Code of Practice: First Aid in the Workplace - first aid planning for extreme temperatures, remote response and emergency access
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks Associated with Extreme Temperatures - eliminate or reschedule work, monitor conditions, acclimatisation, rest, hydration, heatwave precautions, cold stress controls

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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