Safe Work Method Statement for Site Security and Hazard Mitigation

Make Safe

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Make safe operations encompass securing construction sites, isolating hazards, and implementing protective measures to prevent unauthorized access and mitigate risks during construction, maintenance, or emergency situations. This work involves barricading hazardous areas, isolating electrical and mechanical systems, installing warning signage, and establishing secure perimeters around construction zones. Workers performing make safe procedures face risks from working near live electrical systems, unstable structures, hazardous materials, and proximity to construction equipment. Construction sites often contain multiple hazards including excavations, scaffolding, power lines, and stored materials that require systematic identification and control. The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 requires comprehensive risk assessment and implementation of control measures for make safe operations, with specific requirements for high-risk construction work under WHS Regulations. Make safe procedures are critical during site shutdowns, emergency responses, adverse weather conditions, and transitions between work phases to protect workers, the public, and property from construction-related hazards.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Make safe operations involve securing construction sites and hazardous areas through systematic hazard identification, isolation, and protective measures. The work encompasses site assessment, barricade installation, electrical and mechanical isolation, signage placement, and security monitoring during non-working periods, adverse weather, or emergency situations. Construction sites present complex challenges with multiple hazards including excavations, scaffolding, power systems, hazardous materials, and construction equipment requiring coordinated protective measures. Make safe procedures follow a structured approach from initial hazard identification through implementation, monitoring, and documentation. Operations require coordination with site managers, emergency services, property owners, and regulatory authorities. Electrical isolation involves safe disconnection and lockout/tagout procedures, while mechanical systems require proper securing and energy dissipation. Barricading uses appropriate materials and signage to prevent unauthorized access while maintaining emergency service access. Security monitoring may involve patrols, surveillance systems, and rapid response protocols. Documentation maintains detailed records of hazards identified, measures implemented, and monitoring activities for compliance and incident investigation. Emergency integration ensures make safe protocols can be rapidly activated during incidents or changing site conditions.

Fully editable, audit-ready, and aligned to Australian WHS standards.

Why this SWMS matters

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Make Safe Safe Work Method Statement crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Unauthorized access to hazardous areas

high

Inadequate barricading allows unauthorized persons, including children, to access excavations, scaffolding, or construction equipment, leading to falls, entrapment, or equipment operation.

Consequence: Severe injuries, fatalities, or property damage from unauthorized access to construction hazards.

Live electrical systems during make safe

high

Contact with live electrical systems during isolation procedures or failure to properly isolate power sources before securing equipment.

Consequence: Electric shock, burns, cardiac arrest, or death from electrical contact during make safe operations.

Unstable structures and falling objects

high

Unsecured scaffolding, loose materials, or unstable structures that can collapse or release objects during wind or unauthorized access.

Consequence: Crushing injuries, head trauma, or death from falling debris or structural collapse.

Hazardous material exposure

medium

Unsecured chemicals, fuels, or hazardous materials that can leak, spill, or be accessed by unauthorized persons during site shutdown.

Consequence: Chemical burns, poisoning, fire, or environmental contamination from hazardous material incidents.

Manual handling during barricade installation

medium

Lifting and positioning heavy barricade materials, signage, and equipment without proper techniques or mechanical assistance.

Consequence: Back injuries, muscle strains, hernias, or long-term musculoskeletal disorders from improper lifting.

Weather-related hazards

medium

Wind, rain, or extreme temperatures affecting barricade stability, electrical systems, or worker safety during make safe operations.

Consequence: Barricade failure, electrical faults, heat stress, or reduced visibility affecting safety procedures.

Communication and coordination failures

low

Poor communication between team members or stakeholders during make safe operations leading to incomplete hazard control or conflicting actions.

Consequence: Incomplete protection of hazards, delayed emergency response, or procedural errors.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Comprehensive site hazard assessment

Administrative

Systematic identification and documentation of all hazards present on the construction site before implementing make safe measures.

Implementation

1. Conduct walk-through inspection of entire site 2. Document all identified hazards with photographs 3. Assess risk levels for each hazard 4. Identify required control measures 5. Create hazard inventory and risk assessment 6. Review assessment with site management 7. Update assessment for changing site conditions 8. Maintain hazard register for ongoing monitoring

Electrical isolation and lockout procedures

Engineering

Safe isolation of all electrical systems and equipment to prevent accidental energization during make safe operations.

Implementation

1. Identify all electrical energy sources 2. Shut down equipment using normal procedures 3. Isolate electrical circuits at switchboards 4. Apply lockout/tagout devices to isolation points 5. Test for dead using approved voltage testers 6. Discharge stored energy (capacitors, etc.) 7. Install warning tags on all isolation points 8. Document isolation procedures and test results

Barricade installation and access control

Engineering

Installation of appropriate barricades, barriers, and access controls to prevent unauthorized entry to hazardous areas.

Implementation

1. Select barricade materials based on hazard type 2. Install barriers at appropriate heights and strengths 3. Ensure barricades are securely anchored 4. Provide emergency access points for services 5. Install clear warning signage on all barricades 6. Create controlled access points with gates 7. Illuminate barricades for night visibility 8. Test barricade stability and integrity

Signage and communication systems

Administrative

Clear signage, warnings, and communication systems to inform persons about site hazards and access restrictions.

Implementation

1. Install hazard warning signs at all access points 2. Use standardized safety signage and symbols 3. Provide contact information for emergencies 4. Post site rules and access restrictions 5. Install illuminated signs for night visibility 6. Use multiple languages where appropriate 7. Update signage as hazards change 8. Verify signage visibility and legibility

Security monitoring and patrols

Administrative

Regular monitoring and security patrols to ensure make safe measures remain effective and detect unauthorized access.

Implementation

1. Establish patrol schedules and routes 2. Train security personnel in hazard recognition 3. Provide communication devices for patrols 4. Document patrol activities and findings 5. Implement rapid response procedures 6. Monitor barricade integrity during patrols 7. Report and address security breaches immediately 8. Coordinate with local authorities for additional security

Weather monitoring and contingency planning

Administrative

Monitoring of weather conditions and implementation of contingency measures for adverse weather that may affect make safe controls.

Implementation

1. Monitor weather forecasts for hazardous conditions 2. Establish wind speed limits for barricade stability 3. Prepare contingency plans for severe weather 4. Reinforce barricades for high wind conditions 5. Monitor electrical systems during storms 6. Activate emergency procedures as needed 7. Document weather-related actions 8. Review contingency plans after weather events

Emergency response integration

Administrative

Integration of make safe procedures with emergency response plans to ensure rapid activation during incidents.

Implementation

1. Include make safe procedures in emergency plans 2. Train personnel in emergency make safe protocols 3. Establish communication links with emergency services 4. Prepare emergency barricade removal procedures 5. Coordinate with local emergency management 6. Maintain emergency equipment accessibility 7. Conduct regular emergency drills 8. Document emergency response actions

Personal protective equipment

PPE

Appropriate PPE for workers performing make safe operations including barricade installation and electrical isolation.

Implementation

1. Hard hat for overhead hazard protection 2. Safety glasses with side shields 3. High-visibility vest for site work 4. Steel-capped safety boots 5. Electrical-rated gloves for isolation work 6. Arc-rated clothing near electrical hazards 7. Hearing protection near operating equipment 8. First aid kit readily accessible

Personal protective equipment

Hard hat

Requirement: AS/NZS 1801 Type 1 or 2

When: All work involving potential falling objects or overhead hazards

Safety glasses with side shields

Requirement: AS/NZS 1336 - Medium impact resistance

When: Working with tools, electrical systems, or potential flying debris

High-visibility vest

Requirement: AS/NZS 4602 - Class D or higher

When: Working on construction sites or in public view

Steel-capped safety boots

Requirement: AS 2210.3 - Class 1 or higher

When: Working around construction equipment and potential falling objects

Electrical-rated gloves

Requirement: AS/NZS 2161.1 - appropriate voltage rating

When: Performing electrical isolation procedures

Hearing protection

Requirement: Disposable earplugs or earmuffs

When: Working near operating machinery or traffic

Arc-rated clothing

Requirement: AS/NZS 4836 - appropriate arc rating

When: Working near live electrical systems

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

  • Assess all site hazards and document locations
  • Check weather conditions and forecasts
  • Verify electrical isolation equipment functionality
  • Inspect barricade materials and installation equipment
  • Confirm signage and communication systems
  • Check security monitoring equipment
  • Verify emergency response procedures
  • Confirm coordination with stakeholders

During work

  • Monitor barricade integrity and stability
  • Check electrical isolation tags and locks
  • Verify signage visibility and condition
  • Monitor weather conditions continuously
  • Conduct security patrols as scheduled
  • Check for unauthorized access attempts
  • Verify emergency equipment accessibility
  • Monitor stakeholder coordination

After work

  • Document all hazards identified and controlled
  • Verify all barricades properly installed
  • Confirm electrical systems isolated
  • Check signage placement and visibility
  • Document security monitoring activities
  • Review weather-related actions
  • Update site hazard register
  • Prepare handover documentation

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready
1

Site Assessment and Hazard Identification

Conduct comprehensive inspection of the construction site to identify all hazards requiring make safe controls.

Safety considerations

Never assume hazards are known - conduct thorough inspection before implementing any controls.

2

Risk Assessment and Control Planning

Evaluate identified hazards and develop specific control measures for each risk.

Safety considerations

Apply hierarchy of controls, prioritizing elimination and engineering solutions over administrative controls.

3

Electrical and Energy Isolation

Safely isolate all electrical and mechanical energy sources to prevent accidental activation.

Safety considerations

Always test for dead after isolation and never work alone on live electrical systems.

4

Barricade Installation

Install appropriate barricades and barriers around all identified hazards.

Safety considerations

Ensure barricades are stable and visible, with emergency access points clearly marked.

5

Signage and Warning Systems

Install comprehensive signage and warning systems to communicate hazards and access restrictions.

Safety considerations

Use standardized symbols and ensure signage is visible from all approach directions.

6

Security Monitoring Setup

Establish security monitoring systems and patrol schedules for ongoing hazard control.

Safety considerations

Maintain continuous monitoring capability and rapid response procedures.

7

Documentation and Handover

Document all make safe measures implemented and provide handover to responsible personnel.

Safety considerations

Complete documentation ensures continuity and provides evidence of compliance.

Frequently asked questions

What are the key components of a make safe procedure for construction sites?

Make safe procedures include hazard identification, electrical isolation, barricade installation, warning signage, security monitoring, and documentation. The process follows WHS Regulations requiring systematic risk control measures to protect workers, the public, and property during non-working periods.

When should make safe procedures be implemented on construction sites?

Make safe procedures should be implemented during non-working hours, adverse weather conditions, emergency situations, site shutdowns, and transitions between contractors. They are also required when hazardous conditions remain present and unauthorized access could occur.

What types of barricades are appropriate for different construction hazards?

Barricade selection depends on the hazard: solid barriers for excavations and unstable structures, mesh fencing for equipment areas, temporary fencing for site perimeters, and caution tape for low-risk areas. All barricades must be securely anchored and clearly signed according to AS 1288.

How should electrical systems be isolated during make safe operations?

Electrical isolation follows lockout/tagout procedures: identify energy sources, shut down normally, isolate at switchboards, apply locks and tags, test for dead, and document procedures. Only qualified electrical workers should perform isolation, and systems must be tested before work begins.

What are the legal requirements for construction site security in Australia?

PCBUs must comply with WHS Act duties to control risks to all persons. This includes barricading hazardous areas, preventing unauthorized access, and maintaining security during non-working hours. Local government regulations may impose additional requirements for public safety and emergency access.

How should weather conditions affect make safe procedures?

Weather monitoring is essential: high winds may require reinforced barricades, rain can create slippery conditions, and storms may affect electrical systems. Establish wind speed limits for barricade stability and have contingency plans for severe weather that may compromise make safe measures.

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Overview

Make safe operations include securing construction sites and hazardous areas through systematic barricading, hazard isolation, and access control measures. The work involves assessing site conditions, identifying hazards, implementing protective barriers, isolating energy sources, and establishing clear warning systems. Construction sites require make safe procedures during non-working hours, adverse weather, emergency situations, and transitions between contractors. Operations encompass barricade installation, electrical isolation, mechanical lockout, signage placement, and security monitoring. Site conditions vary widely including urban construction, remote sites, occupied buildings, and infrastructure projects, each requiring tailored make safe approaches. Workers must coordinate with multiple stakeholders including site managers, emergency services, property owners, and local authorities. Make safe procedures follow a systematic process from hazard identification through implementation, monitoring, and handover. Documentation and communication are critical components, with detailed records maintained for compliance and incident investigation. Emergency response integration ensures rapid activation of make safe protocols during incidents or adverse conditions.

Why This SWMS Matters

Make safe operations are critical for preventing accidents, protecting property, and ensuring legal compliance on construction sites. Construction sites contain numerous hazards including excavations, unstable structures, live electrical systems, hazardous materials, and construction equipment that can cause severe injuries or fatalities if not properly secured. The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 imposes strict duties on PCBUs to control risks, with make safe procedures representing essential administrative controls for hazard mitigation. Construction sites often operate near public spaces, residential areas, and roadways, making effective barricading and signage crucial for public safety. Without comprehensive make safe procedures, unauthorized access can lead to accidents, vandalism can damage equipment, and unsecured hazards can cause injuries during non-working hours. Make safe operations also protect against environmental incidents from unsecured hazardous materials and prevent theft of valuable equipment. Legal requirements include compliance with local government regulations, emergency service access requirements, and insurance policy conditions. This SWMS ensures systematic hazard identification, implementation of engineering controls like proper barricades and isolation systems, administrative controls including monitoring and documentation, and PPE requirements to maintain safety while protecting all persons and property associated with construction activities.

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Risk Rating

BeforeHigh
After ControlsLow

Key Controls

  • • Pre-start briefing covering hazards
  • • PPE: hard hats, eye protection, gloves
  • • Emergency plan communicated to crew

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