Creating and Detailing a SWMS

Creating a New SWMS Record

To begin, navigate to the SWMS module and initiate a new SWMS record. You'll then fill in essential details about the work activity.

Key Information Areas:

• Basic Details: Provide a clear Task Description, the Client (if applicable), the specific Location of work, a unique SWMS No. (this may be auto-generated or require manual input), and the Valid to date indicating when the SWMS expires.
• Personnel: Identify who Prepared By the SWMS (often defaults to the current user) and the Supervisor responsible (often defaults to the user's manager).
• Associated Requirements: Link relevant Legislation, Management Plans (e.g., Environmental, Quality, Safety), required Training, Plant and Equipment to be used, necessary Permits, types of Stored Energy present, significant Physical Movements involved, any Environmental Requirements, and applicable Generic Job Controls.

Defining Steps, Hazards, and Controls

This is the core of your SWMS. For each task, you'll break it down into steps and analyze potential hazards.

1. Access the Steps and Hazards Section: Within your SWMS record, find the section for detailing steps and hazards (often labeled 'Assessment', 'Steps', or similar).
2. Add an Entry: When adding an entry, you'll typically choose between:
   • Step (+ Hazard): Select this to describe a specific action or step in the task and then detail the hazards directly associated with that step.
   • General Hazard: Select this to document a hazard that applies to the overall task or work environment, rather than one specific step.

For Each Step (+ Hazard):

• Step Details: Assign a sequence No., clearly describe the Step, and add any further Details if needed.
• Hazard Details: For that step, specify the Potential Hazard, assess the Initial Risk Rating (IRR) before controls, describe the Controls to mitigate the hazard, assess the Residual Risk Rating (RRR) after controls are applied, and assign an Accountable person for those controls.

For Each General Hazard:

• Hazard Details: Describe the Potential Hazard, assess its IRR, outline Controls, determine the RRR, and assign an Accountable person.

Continue this process for all task steps and general hazards. Each entry helps build a comprehensive safety plan for the work.