Safe Work Method Statement

Use of Master Builders Generic Safe Work Method Statements

Disclaimer:
The Master Builders Association of Victoria expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person in respect of anything, and of consequence
of anything done or omitted to be done by any or such person in reliance, whether wholly or partially on this generic safe work method
statement.
Rules for the use of Master Builders generic SWMS
1. This generic SWMS is provided as a sample. It is not to be used by a builder or subcontractor for the purpose of managing safety on their
projects. It can be used as a template to enable builders and subcontractors to produce their own SWMS. Master Builders have carbon
copy pads available for sale to enable builders/subcontractors to produce their own SWMS.
2. Employers intending to use this SWMS as a template for their own SWMS must ensure they consult with their employees, including their
Health and Safety Representatives, prior to its introduction.
3. Builders and subcontractors must ensure that their SWMS is relevant to the project at hand. Generic SWMS should not be used unless
precautions have been taken to ensure that the document adequately addresses the hazards and risks relevant to each particular project.
4. Builders and subcontractors intending to use this sample SWMS as a template for their own generic SWMS, without making any changes
to the detail, must ensure that they adhere to and implement all of the relevant risk controls.
5. The range of generic SWMS provided by Master Builders are not sufficiently broad enough to cover all hazards or risks encountered by
builders and subcontractors. It does not cover the full list of requirements for which SWMS are specifically required under the OHS
Construction Regulations. It is important that the builder or subcontractor undertake their own hazard identification and risk control
process relevant for each particular task.
It is highly recommended that persons who are responsible for preparing and reviewing SWMS undertake training so as to understand the
process of identifying and controlling risks in the workplace.

Remember: Each SWMS should be site specific. Include all workers in the development of the SWMS.
All workers should sign off to verify that they understand all the requirements of this Safe Work Method Statement.

Safe Work Method Statement

Company Name

Site Name

Contractor

Activity

Safe Work Method Statement

67
No ______ Page

Safe use of nail guns

of

Permit to Work Requirement

Yes

No

Tasks

Hazards and Risks

Risk control measures

Who is responsible?

List the tasks required to perform

the activity in the sequence they are
carried out.

What can harm you - Hazards?

What can happen - Risks?

List the control measures required to eliminate or reduce the risk of injury
and detail how the control measures will be put in place.

Write the name of the person

responsible (supervisor or
above) to implement the control
measures identified.

Ensure all workers on

site have received
proper training
Conduct a pre
operation check.
Advise others of nail
gun use.

Insufficient knowledge or experience to

perform tasks that could endanger
themselves or others on the worksite.
Misfire

Advise others of nail

gun use.

Persons below may be shot by misfired

nails, nails passing fully through timber,
broken and fragmented nails.

Load gun with a nail

magazine.

Incorrect type or loading technique may

cause a jam or misfire.

Attach air supply or gas

cylinder.

Misfire, broken or shattered nails.

State legislative required OH&S Induction training.

Site specific safety inductions & Safety Plan
Task specific training
Ensure all nail gun safety devices are operable.
Never attempt to dislodge jammed nails or
components while the compressed air source is
connected to the nail gun.
Never modify or tamper with any safety device
fitted to a nail gun.
Tag any defective tool and remove from service.
Document monthly inspections noting any
maintenance.
Ensure the area around or below the work site is
clear of any personnel.
Cordon off any area using barrier tape or similar if
there is a risk of others accidentally walking
beneath nail gun work.
Always use the appropriate gun and gun nail for
the job at hand, this will prevent under/over
penetration of the timber.
ALWAYS use the correct air pressure or gas
volume as specified in the operators manual.

Remember: Each SWMS should be site specific. Include all workers in the development of the SWMS.
All workers should sign off to verify that they understand all the requirements of this Safe Work Method Statement.

Safe Work Method Statement

Pull enough air line
onto roof

Trip, catch or fall hazard

Position nail gun over

timber intersection,
depress safety switch &
pull trigger

Injury to others

Projectile Hazard

Noise

Ensure all nails finish

flush with the timber
surface

Trip or catch injury

Ensure all hoses & hose couplings are in a

serviceable condition.
Consider purchasing a gas cartridge powered gun
(ie this type eliminates the trip hazard of the air
line).
Be aware while moving across the roof the airline
does not get caught on the roof structure and pull
you off balance.
Be aware of the airline so that it does not become a
trip hazard to you or others.
Be aware of the airline to ensure it does not knock
tools or equipment off the roof onto others below.
Ensure the area below the work site is clear of any
other workers.
ALWAYS wear safety glasses when using a nail
gun.
Be aware of flying splinters off split or shattered
timber.
If attempting to skew-nail timber, ensure a sufficient
angle is used to avoid the nail ricocheting off the
timber especially hardwood timbers.
Be wary of gang nails and speed bracing that may
cause a nail to skew out of the timber or break.
Earmuffs of plugs must be worn if the nail guns
operation exceeds 140db (peak) check owners
manual. Hearing protection should be considered
when nail guns are used.
Fully nail in with a hammer, adjust gun to leave
nails flush or just below timber surface.

Remember: Each SWMS should be site specific. Include all workers in the development of the SWMS.
All workers should sign off to verify that they understand all the requirements of this Safe Work Method Statement.

Safe Work Method Statement

Move along roof

Misfire

I have read and understood the content of this Safe Work Method Statement

Workers name

Signature

NEVER change position or carry the nail gun with

your finger depressing the trigger. Many accidents
have occurred where the nail gun has brushed or
bumped a leg, knee or foot which has depressed
the pressure plate discharging the nail because the
trigger was being held in.

Approved By

Date
Workers name

Signature

Remember: Each SWMS should be site specific. Include all workers in the development of the SWMS.
All workers should sign off to verify that they understand all the requirements of this Safe Work Method Statement.