Landscape Fire Control SWMS

The Landscape Fire Control Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a comprehensive document outlining the safety steps for general back burning operations.

This SWMS does not cover firefighting of wild fires, firefighting of buildings (commercial or residential) or worksites (such as construction sites), driving or operating fire fighting vehicles, use of specialised firefighting equipment, or use of chemicals to control fires.

Main hazards:

• Smoke inhalation
• Burns
• Struck by falling object – e.g. trees, power poles
• Heat exhaustion
• Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) from hazardous manual tasks
• Slips, trips & falls

This SWMS includes:

• PPE
• Safety Notes
• Planning
• Preparation
• Permits to Burn
• Before You Burn
• Using Drip Torches
• Back Burning Operation
• Fire Suppression
• Maintenance
• Emergency Procedures
• Review
• References

This SWMS is ready to use and is not a blank template. Simply add your company details, ABN, and include any site specific details or risks and make it specific to the task at hand. It is then ready for printing and to be incorporated as part of your overall WHS System.

Product Details:

• Minimum 13 pages
• Written by ex WHS inspectors
• Referenced
• Risk ratings before and after control measures
• MS Word format NOT PDF
• Task specific and site specific details easy to add
• Includes easy to complete boxes for Company details and project details
• Employee sign off section

Related items:

• Manual Handling – Hazardous Manual Tasks

Product extract:

Develop, and put in place, an Emergency Response Plan – ensure this is done in consultation with workers, neighbours, Fire Brigade, local authorities as required.

If in a rural area or bush fire danger area – prepare a Bush Fire Survival Plan. Ensure workers are familiar with the plan and know what action to take in an emergency situation.

Conduct a Risk Assessment and ensure identified controls are put in place.

Plan escape routes for all personnel & notify them.

Keep informed of weather conditions.

Give clear instructions and make sure all personnel understand them.

It is not safe to burn on any day that is very hot, very windy, or when the humidity is very low.

Topographical features such as the degree of a slope and aspect can increase or decrease the speed of a fire

The size of a fire must never exceed your ability to control it. Ensure you have enough trained and competent workers on site to assist as required.