Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a structured, step-by-step approach to safely fix leaks in roofs while maintaining full WHS compliance on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of roof leak repair, including planning, access, work at height, and clean-up activities associated with Fix Leaks In Roofs SWMS.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and assessing roof leak repair works, including identification of leak sources on factory and commercial roofs
• Safe access and egress to factory roofs using ladders, stair systems, or elevated work platforms (EWPs)
• Selection, inspection, and use of fall arrest and fall restraint systems when working at height
• Establishing exclusion zones and edge protection around roof perimeters, skylights, and fragile roof areas
• Fixing leaks on factory roofs, including sealing penetrations, flashings, and joints in metal and sheet roofs
• Safe movement and work positioning on pitched, slippery, or wet roof surfaces
• Handling, cutting, and installing roofing materials, sealants, and flashings to rectify leaks
• Managing environmental risks such as wind, rain, heat, and UV exposure during roof leak repairs
• Manual handling of tools, sealant cartridges, sheets, and components to minimise strain and injury
• Use of power tools and hand tools for roof leak rectification, including drills, riveters, and sealant guns
• Inspection for and management of potential asbestos-containing materials in older roofing systems
• Housekeeping, debris removal, and site clean-up following completion of leak repair works

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for roofing contractors, maintenance teams, facility managers, builders, and site supervisors responsible for repairing leaks on factory, commercial, and residential roofs.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Construction Work – Guidance on managing risks associated with building and construction activities, including roof work
• Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces – Requirements and controls for working at height on roofs
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – Risk management principles applied to roof leak repair tasks
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – Ensuring safe access, amenities, and conditions for workers on site
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – Controls to minimise musculoskeletal risks when handling roofing materials and equipment
• Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos – Referenced where asbestos-containing roofing materials may be encountered
• AS/NZS 1891 Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use, and maintenance of fall arrest equipment
• AS/NZS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Requirements for safe access to and movement on roofs
• AS/NZS 4389 Safety mesh – Guidance on the use of safety mesh under roofing where applicable
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017