Can I renew a SWMS record after its 'valid to' date has passed, or it has been archived?
Yes, it is possible to renew a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) after its 'Valid to' date has passed or it has been archived. The system includes workflow options specifically for this purpose. 1
Renewing an Expired or Archived SWMS
When a SWMS passes its 'Valid to' date, it may be automatically moved to a 'Pending Archival' status. From this status, or from the 'Archived' status, a "Renew" option is typically available. Selecting "Renew" can return the SWMS to an earlier stage in its lifecycle, such as 'Pending Approval', allowing for updates. This process effectively lets you create a new version or extend the life of the existing SWMS. 1
Cloning as an Alternative
If you need to create a new SWMS for a similar task with minor variations, you can also use the "Clone" function. This creates a duplicate of an existing SWMS, which you can then edit as a new record. This is useful for saving time and avoiding re-entering all the information from scratch. 2