Detailed SWMS for compliant installation, wiring, programming, and commissioning of building fire detection systems

Fire Alarm System Installation Safe Work Method Statement

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This Safe Work Method Statement addresses the installation, wiring, programming, and commissioning of automatic fire alarm systems in Australian commercial, industrial, and multi-residential projects. Fire detection installations include running fire-rated cable, mounting control and indicating equipment (CIE), fitting detectors, manual call points, warning devices, network interfaces, battery systems, and completing acceptance testing prior to practical completion of the building. Work is regulated under the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards AS 1670 series, AS 3000, and AS 1851, and commonly involves specialist trades working alongside other construction disciplines. Without a structured SWMS, installers face elevated risks from electrical energy, working at height, hot work during penetrations, dust inhalation, and live building interfaces. This document sets out the safe systems of work that must be implemented so installers, supervisors, and building occupants remain protected while the detection system is delivered ready for certification.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Fire alarm system installation involves installing control and indicating equipment (CIE), field wiring, detector heads, manual call points, warning devices, network interfaces, and backup power supplies to deliver an automatic detection and occupant warning system that satisfies building code performance requirements. Projects range from new builds to refurbishments where existing systems must remain partially live while upgrades occur. Installers coordinate with builders, electricians, mechanical contractors, and certifiers to stage works against the program and ensure fire safety integrity is maintained throughout. Activities require accessing ceiling spaces, plant rooms, risers, and fire-isolated zones, drilling and fixing penetration seals, terminating fire-rated cabling, integrating smoke control interfaces, and programming cause-and-effect matrices ready for commissioning. This SWMS applies to projects delivered under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and harmonised regulations, and aligns with AS 1670.1:2018/2024, AS 3000, AS 4428, and NCC Volume One Section E requirements.

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Why this SWMS matters

Failure to control fire alarm installation risks can lead to serious injuries from electric shock, falls, respiratory illness, and breaches of essential safety provisions that compromise occupant safety. Safe Work Australia identifies electrical work, confined ceiling spaces, and hot work as high-risk construction activities requiring documented control measures. Fire detection systems also provide essential services under NCC Part A5; defective installation or incomplete commissioning can delay occupancy permits and expose the PCBU to regulatory enforcement, contractual damages, and penalties exceeding $3.6 million. AS 1670 and AS 1851 demand traceable testing records, calibrated detection, and documentation that demonstrates all interfaces—including HVAC shutdown, fire doors, lifts, and occupant warning systems—perform to design cause-and-effect. A rigorous SWMS ensures every technician understands isolation procedures, live system management, quality benchmarks, and documentation deliverables. It also supports consultation with emergency planning committees and fire authorities so the installed system protects lives and property from day one of occupation.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Fire Alarm System Installation Safe Work Method Statement crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Working at height in ceiling spaces and on elevated work platforms

High

Installers routinely access ceiling voids, plant platforms, and high-level corridors to run cabling and mount detectors, often above live tenancies or incomplete floor slabs. Restricted access, unstable ceiling grids, and congested services increase the likelihood of falls through fragile surfaces or from EWP baskets.

Consequence: Serious injury or fatality from falls greater than two metres, falling objects striking personnel below, structural damage to ceiling systems, and project delays pending incident investigation.

Electrical shock or arc flash during isolation and termination

High

Fire alarm CIE and power supplies interface with 240 V a.c. primary circuits and 24 V d.c. distribution. In refurbishments, existing systems may remain energised for occupant safety, exposing technicians to live terminals, battery banks, and inadvertent backfeeding if isolations are incomplete or labelled incorrectly.

Consequence: Electric shock, burns, or arc flash injuries requiring hospitalisation, damage to CIE components, and activation of fire systems causing evacuation and loss of productivity.

Penetrations and hot work creating fire and respiratory risks

Medium

Drilling, coring, or soldering for cable pathways can generate sparks, heat, silica dust, and fumes within confined areas. Poor extraction or inadequate fire stopping can leave combustible debris smouldering in concealed spaces.

Consequence: Localised fire, smoke inhalation, worsening of pre-existing respiratory conditions, and non-compliance with fire-separation requirements leading to rectification works.

Manual handling of cable drums, batteries, and control cabinets

Medium

Fire alarm work involves hoisting CIE enclosures, batteries up to 30 kg, and drums of halogen-free fire-rated cable through restricted access ways. Repetitive lifting or twisting without assistance can injure the musculoskeletal system.

Consequence: Muscle strains, hernias, lost-time injuries, and diminished productivity leading to programme slippage.

Coordination clashes with other trades and building occupants

Medium

Concurrent ceiling, HVAC, sprinkler, and fit-out works create congestion, noise, and dust. Failure to coordinate isolations, access times, and commissioning sequences can lead to accidental activation, trip hazards, or damage to newly installed devices.

Consequence: Injury from slips or collisions, rework due to damaged equipment, false alarms disrupting operations, and strained stakeholder relationships.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Pre-start design verification and work authorisation

Administrative

Before mobilisation, supervisors review approved fire engineering reports, AS 1670 design drawings, cause-and-effect matrices, and builder access plans. A Safe Work Method Statement briefing confirms high-risk tasks, permits, and isolation sequences with electricians, HVAC, and sprinkler contractors.

Implementation

1. Obtain latest IFC drawings, specifications, and fire engineering brief. 2. Conduct joint site walk-through to verify access routes, ceiling condition, and penetrations. 3. Complete Safe Work Method Statement briefing and toolbox for all personnel, recording competencies and licences. 4. Lodge required permits-to-work (hot work, ceiling access, EWP) with the builder, including emergency contacts and evacuation arrangements. 5. Confirm staging plan so unaffected zones remain protected by temporary detection or fire watch where systems are isolated.

Electrical isolation and lockout for CIE and circuits

Engineering

All primary supplies, batteries, and monitored circuits are isolated, locked, and tagged in accordance with AS/NZS 4836 and the principal contractor’s electrical safety procedure. Where systems must remain live, barriers and insulation mats are used and a second person performs standby duties.

Implementation

1. Identify supply source on one-line diagrams and validate with approved electrician. 2. Test for dead using calibrated instruments before touching conductors. 3. Apply lockout devices, tags, and update isolation registers. 4. Install insulated barriers, arc-rated PPE, and warning signage when working near energised sections. 5. Re-test prior to re-energisation and record isolations in commissioning documentation.

Safe access and fall protection for elevated work

Engineering

Use compliant EWPs, podium ladders, or mobile scaffolds selected via risk assessment for each task. Ceiling spaces are certified structurally adequate and fitted with safe lighting and crawl boards. Workers wear fall-arrest systems when operating from EWPs in accordance with AS/NZS 1891.4.

Implementation

1. Inspect EWPs and ladders pre-use, confirming inspection tags and operator licences. 2. Establish exclusion zones beneath elevated work with bunting and signage. 3. Install temporary edge protection or crawl boards for ceiling access. 4. Use spotters to manage movement around live edges, plant, and public interfaces. 5. Secure tools and detectors with lanyards to prevent dropped object incidents.

Dust, fumes, and fire management for penetrations

Engineering

When drilling or soldering, use vacuum extraction, dust masks, and fire blankets. All penetrations are sealed with fire-rated materials listed in the passive fire register. Hot work permits are issued and fire extinguishers remain within 15 metres per AS 1670 requirements for hot work in occupied buildings.

Implementation

1. Assess substrates for asbestos and obtain clearance certificates where required. 2. Fit drilling attachments with dust extraction and employ wet cutting where practicable. 3. Assign a fire watch during hot works, maintaining extinguishers and thermal monitoring. 4. Record each penetration and fire stopping material in the passive fire register with photos. 5. Dispose of dust and waste in sealed bags and ventilate confined spaces prior to re-entry.

Manual handling aids and battery management

Administrative

Plan lifts for CIE cabinets, battery sets, and cable drums using mechanical aids such as trolleys, winches, and shared lifts. Adopt team lifting for loads exceeding 20 kg and follow manufacturer instructions for sealed lead-acid or lithium battery handling, charging, and spill response.

Implementation

1. Review load weights and clearances in pre-start planning. 2. Stage materials close to installation zones to minimise double handling. 3. Use lifting frames or pulley systems for riser and plantroom deliveries. 4. Store batteries upright on spill trays with ventilation per AS/NZS 5139 and manufacturer SDS. 5. Train workers in manual handling techniques and provide immediate reporting channels for discomfort or strains.

Integrated commissioning and stakeholder coordination

Administrative

Daily coordination meetings with the builder, electrician, HVAC contractor, and fire engineer ensure sequencing of interface testing, staged re-energisation, and notification of occupants or neighbours. Detailed commissioning scripts, witness testing, and documentation satisfy AS 1670 and AS 1851 requirements.

Implementation

1. Issue weekly look-ahead schedules showing isolation windows, testing times, and building impacts. 2. Conduct interface testing with relevant trades (HVAC shutdowns, lift recall, door hold-open devices) following approved scenarios. 3. Record results in commissioning sheets, tag outstanding defects, and assign responsible parties. 4. Provide audible warning to occupants before alarm testing and post signage at entry points. 5. Assemble as-built drawings, O&M manuals, and verification statements for principal certifier review.

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Personal protective equipment

Protective footwear

Requirement: AS 2210 compliant safety boots with anti-slip soles and toe protection

When: Worn at all times on the construction site and during equipment handling to prevent crush injuries and slips.

Eye and face protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 1337.1 rated safety glasses with side shields plus face shields for drilling or cutting

When: During drilling, grinding, soldering, or when exposed to airborne particulates and sparks.

Respiratory protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 1716 P2 disposable respirators or half-face respirators with P2 filters

When: In ceiling spaces, during dust-producing penetrations, or where fumes are generated.

Hand protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 2161 cut-resistant gloves with dielectric properties suitable for electrical work

When: While handling cabling, sharp metal edges, batteries, and when performing terminations.

Fall arrest harness

Requirement: AS/NZS 1891.1 compliant full-body harness and lanyard with shock absorber

When: When working from EWPs, in ceiling spaces near voids, or where fall hazards above two metres exist.

Hearing protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 1270 Class 3 earplugs or earmuffs

When: During drilling, hammering, or in plant rooms where noise levels exceed 85 dB(A).

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

  • ✓Review approved fire alarm design, cause-and-effect matrix, and commissioning plan
  • ✓Confirm technician licences, EWP permits, and product installation instructions are current
  • ✓Inspect access equipment, ladders, and EWPs with pre-start checklists
  • ✓Verify isolation permits, lockout-tagout equipment, and temporary detection arrangements
  • ✓Stage materials, cable drums, and batteries safely with spill containment and lifting aids
  • ✓Ensure MSDS/SDS available for sealants, adhesives, and cleaning agents
  • ✓Check that passive fire stopping materials are approved and onsite

During work

  • ✓Monitor ceiling space environment for structural stability, lighting, and ventilation
  • ✓Verify isolations remain in place and lockout logs are current
  • ✓Check cable routes for support spacing, segregation, and protection against damage
  • ✓Ensure detectors and call points are mounted at design heights with tamper protection
  • ✓Confirm hot work controls, fire watch, and fire stopping reinstatement
  • ✓Keep work areas free from debris, offcuts, and dropped tools
  • ✓Facilitate coordination meetings to resolve clashes or interface issues promptly

After work

  • ✓Conduct complete functional testing including alarm zoning, sound pressure levels, and interface activation
  • ✓Verify batteries are connected, float-charged, and recorded with date of install
  • ✓Complete as-built mark-ups, test records, and defect lists for client handover
  • ✓Remove lockout devices, signage, and restore normal system operation
  • ✓Undertake housekeeping to remove waste, dust, and redundant materials
  • ✓Brief building management on interim fire monitoring arrangements and emergency contacts

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready
1

Pre-start planning and consultation

Review project documentation including fire engineering reports, design drawings, interface schedules, and builder site rules. Conduct a detailed SWMS briefing, confirm competencies, and allocate specific responsibilities for isolation, EWP operation, commissioning, and documentation. Engage with the principal contractor, electrician, and mechanical contractor to align the installation sequence with other critical path activities and obtain necessary permits.

Safety considerations

Document consultation outcomes, ensure everyone understands emergency procedures, and verify that required permits and PPE are in place before mobilisation.

2

Site establishment and isolation

Mobilise to site with calibrated tools, test equipment, and materials. Establish laydown zones and secure storage for CIE, detectors, and batteries. Implement lockout-tagout procedures on mains supply, control interfaces, and existing detection loops as per isolation plan. Deploy signage and temporary detection measures where existing coverage is reduced.

Safety considerations

Confirm zero energy state using test instruments, retain isolation keys with the responsible person, and ensure alternative fire monitoring (fire watch or temporary detectors) is active while systems are offline.

3

Cable pathway preparation and penetrations

Mark cable routes, supports, and penetrations in alignment with design documents. Install tray, catenary, or conduit systems maintaining segregation from LV and mechanical services. Drill or core penetrations using dust extraction and maintain fire compartment integrity. Label pathways for future identification.

Safety considerations

Wear respiratory and eye protection, control dust, check for concealed services with scanning equipment, and reinstate fire stopping immediately using approved systems.

4

Cable installation and termination

Pull fire-rated, low-smoke zero halogen cable through pathways with rollers or feeders to prevent sheath damage. Support at prescribed intervals, avoiding sharp bends. Terminate at CIE, loop modules, detectors, call points, and warning devices per manufacturer requirements. Test continuity, insulation resistance, and polarity after each circuit is completed.

Safety considerations

Use team lifting for cable drums, maintain exclusion zones under elevated work, and verify circuits remain isolated during termination testing.

5

Device mounting and labelling

Install detectors, manual call points, warning sounders, strobes, and ancillaries at specified heights and locations. Fit protective covers until commissioning is complete. Label zone addresses, loop numbers, and device IDs using engraved labels or heat-shrink markers complying with AS 1670 documentation standards.

Safety considerations

Secure devices while working at height, prevent dropped objects, and ensure mounting hardware suits substrate load ratings.

6

System programming and functional testing

Program the CIE with device addresses, zones, and cause-and-effect logic. Load graphics, networking parameters, and remote monitoring links. Conduct point-to-point testing, verifying alarm initiation, fault monitoring, and interface operation with connected systems (HVAC, lifts, fire doors). Document results and rectify defects immediately.

Safety considerations

Notify building occupants prior to audible alarm tests, coordinate with other trades to avoid disruptions, and follow vendor lockout procedures when updating software.

7

Commissioning, documentation, and handover

Conduct formal commissioning witnessed by the principal contractor, fire engineer, or certifier. Provide completed test sheets, as-built drawings, battery calculations, and user manuals. Train the building’s responsible person in system operation, fault acknowledgement, and emergency procedures. Submit verification statements for essential safety measures.

Safety considerations

Maintain isolation controls until commissioning is complete, ensure the system is left in normal operating mode with all faults cleared, and document residual risks or outstanding defects.

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Frequently asked questions

Which Australian standards govern fire alarm system installation?

Fire alarm installations must comply with AS 1670.1 for design and installation, AS 4428 for control and indicating equipment, AS 3000 for electrical safety, and AS 1851 for routine service following commissioning. The NCC Volume One Section E and Specification 20 detail performance requirements and documentation obligations.

How are isolation and temporary protection managed during upgrades?

Isolations are planned with the PCBU and electrical contractor, recorded on lockout registers, and alternative measures such as temporary wireless detectors or dedicated fire watch patrols are implemented so occupants remain protected while circuits are offline.

What training do installers require?

Technicians must hold the relevant electrical licences or fire protection qualifications for their state, EWP high-risk work licences where elevated work platforms are used, and evidence of competency in AS 1670 installation. Site-specific inductions and SWMS briefings are mandatory prior to commencing work.

What documentation must be provided at handover?

Provide as-built drawings, zone diagrams, cause-and-effect matrix, commissioning test sheets, battery calculations, equipment datasheets, maintenance schedules under AS 1851, and user manuals. These documents form part of the essential safety measures record for compliance audits.

How often should the installed system be serviced?

Routine service must follow AS 1851:2012 (or current edition) Section 6, requiring monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual inspections and testing. The SWMS handover should specify the maintenance provider and schedule.

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Regulatory Framework and Australian Standards for Fire Alarm Installation

Fire alarm system installation in Australia is governed by an overlapping framework of Australian Standards, the National Construction Code (NCC), and state WHS legislation. AS 1670.1 Fire Detection, Warning, Control and Intercom Systems specifies design, installation, and commissioning requirements for automatic fire detection and alarm systems in buildings. Compliance with AS 1670.1 is mandatory under the NCC for most commercial and multi-residential occupancies, and the standard dictates device spacing, cabling specifications, power supply requirements, and system performance criteria. AS 3000 Wiring Rules (the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules) governs all electrical wiring aspects of fire alarm installation including cable selection, earthing, and protection of circuits. All cabling installed as part of a fire alarm system must comply with AS/NZS 3013 for fire-resisting cables in buildings, ensuring circuit integrity is maintained during a fire event for a specified period. The Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and WHS Regulations 2011 impose duties on persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to eliminate or minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Fire alarm installation is classified as high-risk construction work when performed at heights exceeding 2 metres, in confined spaces, or in proximity to energised electrical equipment, triggering mandatory SWMS requirements under Regulation 299. The installation must also comply with Building Code of Australia provisions administered through state and territory legislation. In Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales, additional guidance is provided by state fire authorities and Essential Services legislation governing fire detection system compliance. Licensing requirements are critical in fire alarm installation. Electrical work forming part of the alarm system, including connection to mains power and installation of wiring, must be performed by or under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor. In most states, fire detection work itself also requires specific occupational licensing from the relevant state authority. Workers performing fire alarm installation must hold a current General Construction Induction Card (White Card) and any additional site-specific inductions required by the principal contractor. All personnel working in buildings where the fire alarm may be isolated must coordinate with building management and relevant authorities, as isolating a fire alarm system in an occupied building requires written approval and may necessitate fire warden patrols under state Essential Services regulations.

Principal Hazards and Control Measures in Fire Alarm System Installation

Electrical hazards represent the primary risk in fire alarm installation work. Working with both extra-low voltage (ELV) signalling circuits and 240V mains power supply creates electrocution and arc flash risks. Before commencing work, all circuits must be isolated using lockout/tagout procedures compliant with AS/NZS 4836 Safe Working on or near Low-Voltage Electrical Installations. Test isolation using an approved voltage tester before touching any conductors. Even the ELV initiating circuits in addressable systems operate at voltages that can cause interference with cardiac devices and require careful handling. Cable runs in existing buildings frequently share pathways with other services requiring identification of all services before drilling or penetrating walls. Where live work cannot be avoided, a Live Work Permit must be prepared, a second person must be present, and insulated tools and arc flash PPE must be used. Falls from height occur during cable installation in ceiling spaces, mounting control panels and devices at height, and accessing roof voids. The hierarchy of controls requires elevated work platforms (EWPs) or scaffold to be used before ladders, and ladders only for short-duration access where platforms are not practicable. When working in ceiling spaces, workers must only stand on structural members, never on ceiling tiles which cannot support body weight. Confined space entry into ceiling voids, plant rooms, and cable risers may be required, triggering Confined Space Entry Permit requirements under WHS Regulation 66-69, including atmospheric testing and standby person provisions. Dust and debris from drilling through walls, ceilings, and slabs creates inhalation hazards. Older buildings may contain asbestos in plasterboard, textured coatings, cement sheeting, or pipe lagging encountered during cable installation. An asbestos register must be consulted before drilling into any surface in buildings constructed before 1990, and where asbestos is identified or suspected, work must cease and a licenced asbestos assessor engaged. Drill dust from concrete and masonry contains crystalline silica, requiring P2 respirators and water suppression or on-tool dust extraction during drilling. Manual handling risks arise when handling heavy control panel enclosures, cable reels, and conduit. Use mechanical aids for heavy panels and observe team lifting protocols for loads exceeding 16kg.

Commissioning and Testing Safety Procedures

The commissioning and testing phase of fire alarm installation requires specific safety protocols to protect both workers and building occupants. Before activating the system for testing, the relevant fire authority or building management must be notified to prevent false emergency responses. AS 1670.1 requires a documented commissioning and testing record to be completed and signed by the installing contractor prior to handover. Testing of smoke detectors using aerosol or canned smoke products must be conducted in ventilated areas, and personnel below should be warned to avoid inhalation. Heat detector testing using specialist heat guns requires care to prevent fire ignition in combustible ceiling materials nearby. During full system discharge testing, sounders and strobe devices can produce noise levels exceeding 90dB(A) and high-intensity strobing that can trigger photosensitive epilepsy. Workers within the building during sounder testing must wear Class 4 or 5 hearing protection rated to AS/NZS 1270. Building occupants and other trades must be evacuated from the area or warned before extended sounder tests. Strobe testing must be managed to avoid exposing persons with photosensitive epilepsy — coordinate with building management to identify at-risk occupants and provide advance notice. Where the system is connected to a fire hydrant or sprinkler control panel, coordinate testing with fire services contractors to prevent accidental discharge. Isolation of fire alarm systems in occupied buildings requires formal approval from the building owner or occupier, notification to the relevant fire brigade where required by state legislation, and implementation of fire warden patrol procedures for the duration of the isolation. In facilities such as hospitals, aged care, and high-occupancy commercial buildings, the isolation duration must be minimised and the building manager must be advised in writing using a System Isolation Notice before any device or zone is disabled. Post-commissioning documentation including as-built drawings, zone schedules, device schedules, commissioning test records, and operation and maintenance manuals must be provided to the building owner to comply with AS 1670.1 requirements and support ongoing maintenance obligations under the Building Code of Australia.

PPE Requirements and Site Safety Management

Personal protective equipment for fire alarm installation must be selected based on the specific tasks and environments encountered. Electrical work requires insulated gloves rated to AS/NZS 2225 and insulated tools rated to 1000V when working near energised equipment. Safety glasses with side shields to AS/NZS 1337.1 are mandatory during drilling, cable pulling, and termination activities to protect against flying debris and wire ends. Steel-capped safety boots to AS/NZS 2210.3 must be worn at all times on construction sites. Hard hats to AS/NZS 1801 are required on active construction sites and wherever overhead work is occurring. High-visibility vests to AS/NZS 4602.1 are required on all construction sites and where traffic management applies. Respiratory protection using P2 disposable respirators to AS/NZS 1716 is required during drilling and where dust generation occurs, and must be upgraded to a half-face respirator with P100 filters if asbestos-containing materials are potentially disturbed. Hearing protection rated Class 3 or higher is required during extended drilling operations, working near loud plant, or during sounder commissioning testing. When working in ceiling spaces and confined areas, a head torch or suitable lighting must be worn as the hands-free primary light source, with a backup torch available. Fall arrest harnesses to AS/NZS 1891.1 connected to rated anchor points are required when working at heights where edge protection is not practicable, including on external structures or elevated cable pathways. Site safety management for fire alarm installation projects includes maintaining communication with building management throughout the installation, establishing clear boundaries between the installer's work zone and building occupant areas, and managing the interface with other trades. Cable management is critical — cable runs must not obstruct emergency exit paths, fire doors, or sprinkler clearance zones. All penetrations through fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings made during cable installation must be fire-stopped using appropriately rated systems in compliance with AS 4072.1 Components for the Protection of Openings in Fire-Resistant Separating Elements. The fire stopping must be completed before the work area is handed back to the building, as incomplete penetration protection negates the fire resistance of the separating element and creates compliance and liability issues under the BCA.

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Risk Rating

BeforeHigh
After ControlsLow

Key Controls

  • • Pre-start briefing covering hazards
  • • PPE: hard hats, eye protection, gloves
  • • Emergency plan communicated to crew

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