Installation of two commercial split-system air conditioning condensing units (each approximately 180 kg) on the rooftop of a three-storey commercial office building. Work involves crane lifting of units to roof level, positioning on pre-installed concrete plinths, connection of refrigerant pipework and electrical supply, and commissioning.
This SWMS does not cover internal ductwork installation, building penetrations for pipework routing, or electrical supply upgrades at the main switchboard.
| Hazard | Inherent Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falls from height Workers exposed to fall risk at roof edge and during unit positioning on three-storey building (~12m fall height) |
5 x 5 = 25 Extreme |
Engineering Install temporary edge protection (guardrails, mid-rails, toe boards) on all exposed roof edges prior to commencing work Engineering Anchor points for fall-arrest systems inspected and certified by a competent person Administrative All workers to hold current Working at Heights training (within 2 years) Administrative Pre-start briefing on fall hazards, exclusion zones, and rescue plan PPE Full body harness with dual lanyard connected to certified anchor points when within 2m of unprotected edge |
2 x 5 = 10 High |
| Dropped objects Tools, fasteners, or materials falling from roof level to ground, striking workers or public below |
4 x 4 = 16 High |
Isolation Establish barricaded exclusion zone at ground level beneath all overhead work areas with signage Engineering Toe boards on all edge protection; scaffold debris netting on building face Administrative All tools tethered with lanyards; materials stored in secure containers on roof PPE Hard hats for all personnel within exclusion zone |
2 x 4 = 8 Medium |
| Manual handling injuries Musculoskeletal injuries from handling heavy AC units (180 kg each), pipework, and tools on uneven rooftop surface |
4 x 3 = 12 High |
Elimination Crane used for primary lift — no manual lifting of AC units to roof level Engineering Pallet trolley and furniture dollies for horizontal movement on roof; lifting straps for final positioning Administrative Team lift protocol for items over 20 kg; pre-task stretching; scheduled rest breaks |
2 x 3 = 6 Medium |
| Electrical contact Contact with live electrical supply during connection of AC units to building power, risk of electrocution |
3 x 5 = 15 High |
Elimination Isolate and lock out electrical supply at distribution board before commencing electrical work (LOTO procedure) Engineering Test circuits with voltage tester to confirm dead before touching conductors Administrative Only licensed electricians to perform electrical connections; permit-to-work system PPE Insulated gloves rated to 1000V AC; safety footwear with electrical hazard rating |
1 x 5 = 5 Medium |
| Heat stress Workers on exposed rooftop with no shade, risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke during summer months |
3 x 4 = 12 High |
Engineering Portable shade structure erected on rooftop for rest area Administrative Schedule heavy work for early morning or late afternoon; mandatory 15-minute breaks every hour in shade when temperature exceeds 28 degrees C Administrative Cold water and electrolyte drinks available on rooftop at all times; buddy system for heat stress monitoring PPE Broad-brim hard hat attachments; lightweight, breathable hi-vis clothing |
2 x 2 = 4 Low |
If a worker is suspended in a harness after a fall, activate the site-specific rescue plan immediately. Do not leave a suspended worker for more than 5 minutes due to suspension trauma risk. Use the rooftop rescue kit (davit arm and retrieval winch) to recover the worker. Call 111 if injuries are suspected.
If a worker contacts live electrical supply, do not touch the person. Isolate the supply at the distribution board. Call 111. Commence CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing. Use the on-site AED if available.
All workers must read and understand this SWMS before commencing work. By signing below, each worker confirms they have been briefed on the hazards, controls, and emergency procedures, and agree to follow them.
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