The Pipe Laying (Use of Plant) Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) outlines the main hazards and risks associated with the use of plant (such as excavators, cranes, etc.) to lay larger sizes of pipes that cannot be safely handled and placed manually in trenches and excavations, including risks of falls and falling objects, the collapse or cave-in of excavations, and from the use of plant and vehicles in the vicinity of the trench or excavation.
The Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides details of the qualifications and competencies required where plant is used to excavate trenches and excavations and the safety precautions (including personal protective equipment requirements) to be observed when working in or near trenches and excavations where pipe laying is being carried out.
