Managing Diverse Risks in Property Maintenance and Repair

Handyman Services SWMS

Compliant with Australian WHS Regulations for General Maintenance

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This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a comprehensive guide for handyman services, covering a broad range of common maintenance and repair tasks. Given the varied nature of handyman work, this document is essential for identifying and controlling the diverse set of hazards encountered on different job sites. It provides a framework for ensuring all work is conducted in compliance with Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Handyman services encompass a wide spectrum of small-scale construction, repair, and maintenance tasks. A handyman is a versatile tradesperson who handles jobs that may not require a fully licensed specialist, such as assembling flat-pack furniture, patching holes in walls, minor painting, fixing dripping taps, hanging doors, or cleaning gutters. The nature of the work is typically task-based, with a handyman often completing several different types of jobs at various locations in a single day. This requires a diverse toolset, a broad knowledge base, and the ability to adapt to constantly changing work environments and their associated hazards.

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Why this SWMS matters

Due to the varied and often unpredictable nature of the work, a SWMS for handyman services is a vital tool for ensuring consistent safety standards. While individual jobs may seem minor, they can carry significant risks; for example, using a ladder to change a lightbulb is a 'working at height' risk, drilling into a wall carries a risk of hitting electrical wiring, and even furniture assembly involves manual handling risks. This SWMS provides a baseline safety procedure, prompting the handyman to conduct a mental or documented risk assessment for every task, no matter how small. It ensures that fundamental safety practices related to tool use, electrical safety, and manual handling are not overlooked, protecting the worker from injury and the business from liability.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Handyman crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

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

Risk register

Use of Unsafe or Incorrect Power Tools

high

Using damaged tools (e.g., frayed cords), incorrect tools for the job, or tools with safety guards removed can lead to serious injury.

Consequence: Electric shock, deep cuts, amputation, eye injuries from projectiles.

Falls from Ladders

high

Working from unsecured A-frame ladders or over-reaching while on a ladder to perform tasks like painting, cleaning gutters, or changing light fittings.

Consequence: Fractures, head injuries, spinal damage, or fatality.

Striking Live Electrical Wires or Pipes

high

Drilling or cutting into walls, floors, or ceilings without first checking for the presence of live electrical cables, gas lines, or water pipes.

Consequence: Electrocution, explosion, fire, or major flooding and water damage.

Manual Handling Injuries

medium

Lifting and carrying tools, equipment, furniture, or materials without using correct techniques, leading to strain.

Consequence: Back injuries, muscle strains, sprains, and long-term musculoskeletal disorders.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Pre-Task Risk Assessment and Service Scanning

Administrative

Before penetrating any surface, systematically check for hidden services.

Implementation

1. Always ask the client if they know the location of pipes and wires. 2. Use a reliable electronic stud finder that can detect live AC wiring and metal pipes. 3. Check the location of power points, switches, and taps to infer the likely path of services. 4. If in any doubt, do not proceed. Advise the client to engage a specialist electrician or plumber.

Safe Ladder Use Protocol

Administrative

Implement strict rules for the use of portable ladders.

Implementation

1. Inspect the ladder for damage before every use. 2. Ensure the ladder is placed on firm, level ground. 3. Maintain three points of contact (e.g., two feet and one hand) at all times. 4. Never stand on the top two rungs of an A-frame ladder. 5. Always keep your body centred between the side rails and avoid over-reaching.

Power Tool Safety and Inspection

Administrative

Ensure all power tools are safe and used correctly.

Implementation

1. Regularly inspect all tools, cords, and plugs for damage. Remove any faulty equipment from service immediately. 2. Use the right tool for the job. 3. Ensure all safety guards are in place and functioning. 4. Disconnect tools from power before changing blades or bits. 5. Wear safety glasses at all times when operating power tools.

Correct Manual Handling Techniques

Administrative

Use safe lifting methods to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.

Implementation

1. Assess the weight of an object before attempting to lift it. 2. Get assistance (team lift) for any heavy or awkward items. 3. Use kinetic lifting technique: keep the back straight, bend at the knees, and use leg muscles to lift. 4. Use mechanical aids like trolleys or dollies whenever possible.

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Personal protective equipment

Safety Glasses

Requirement: AS/NZS 1337.1

When: Mandatory when using any power tool, hammering, or performing any task that could create dust or projectiles.

Safety Boots

Requirement: AS/NZS 2210.3

When: Recommended for all jobs to protect against dropped objects and provide better grip.

Gloves

Requirement: AS/NZS 2161

When: When handling rough materials, using vibrating tools, or to protect hands from dirt and minor cuts.

Dust Mask

Requirement: AS/NZS 1716 (P1 or P2)

When: When sanding, cutting plasterboard, or performing any task that generates airborne dust.

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

✓Discuss the job with the client and ask about any known hazards (e.g., asbestos, faulty wiring).
✓Inspect the work area for trip hazards, poor lighting, or other immediate dangers.
✓Conduct a visual inspection of all tools and ladders to be used.
✓Ensure you have all the necessary PPE for the planned tasks.

During work

✓Continuously maintain good housekeeping, cleaning up debris as you work.
✓Monitor the work area for any changes, such as children or pets entering the area.
✓Be aware of the location of your tool cords to prevent trip hazards.
✓Take regular breaks, especially when performing repetitive or strenuous tasks.

After work

✓Conduct a final, thorough clean-up of the work area.
✓Inspect the completed work to ensure it is safe and secure.
✓Pack away all tools and equipment safely.
✓Walk the client through the completed work and point out any relevant operational or safety information.

Step-by-step work procedure

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

Field ready

Job Briefing and Site Assessment

Upon arrival, confirm the scope of work with the client. Walk through the work area and identify potential hazards. Ask the client about the location of electrical wiring, pipes, and any materials like asbestos. Plan the sequence of tasks.

Safety considerations

This is the most important step to prevent unexpected hazards. Do not assume a wall is empty before drilling.

Work Area Preparation

Clear the immediate work area of furniture, trip hazards, and fragile items. Lay down drop sheets to protect flooring and contain dust. Ensure you have adequate lighting and ventilation for the task.

Safety considerations

A clean, organised workspace significantly reduces the risk of trips, slips, and other accidents.

Tool Selection and Use

Select the appropriate, well-maintained tool for each task. Before plugging in, ensure the switch is off. Wear safety glasses before starting any cutting, drilling, or sanding. Operate the tool according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Safety considerations

Using the wrong tool for the job is a common cause of injury. Never defeat a tool's safety guard.

Performing the Task

Execute the repair or installation, following safe work practices. If working on a ladder, maintain three points of contact. If lifting, use your legs, not your back. Work at a steady, controlled pace.

Safety considerations

Rushing leads to mistakes and accidents. Focus on the task at hand and be aware of your surroundings.

Clean-up and Final Inspection

After completing the task, clean the area of all dust, debris, and off-cuts. Pack away tools and materials. Inspect your work to ensure it is structurally sound and safe. Show the client the completed work and explain any relevant details.

Safety considerations

Thorough clean-up is a professional courtesy and a critical safety step to leave the site safe for the occupants.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the first thing I should do before drilling into a wall?

Before drilling into any wall, you must check for hidden services. Use an electronic stud finder that can detect live AC electricity and metal pipes. This simple check can prevent a life-threatening electric shock or a major plumbing leak.

Is a handyman allowed to do electrical work?

No. In Australia, any fixed electrical work, such as installing a new power point, light fitting, or switch, must be performed by a licensed electrician. A handyman can only perform minor electrical tasks like changing a light bulb.

What is the 'three points of contact' rule for ladders?

This is a critical ladder safety rule. It means that at all times, you should have either two feet and one hand, or one foot and two hands, in contact with the ladder. This ensures you maintain stability and significantly reduces the risk of falling.

What is the safest way to lift a heavy box of tools?

Use the kinetic lifting technique. Stand close to the box with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend at your knees, not your waist, keeping your back straight. Grip the box firmly and lift by straightening your legs, using your leg muscles to do the work. Keep the load close to your body.

Overview of Handyman Services

A handyman provides a wide array of repair, maintenance, and improvement services for residential and commercial properties. Tasks can range from minor jobs like hanging a picture or fixing a leaky tap, to more involved work such as minor carpentry, painting, plaster patching, assembling furniture, and garden maintenance. The work is characterised by its variety, often requiring a broad skillset and a diverse toolkit. A handyman may work in many different environments in a single day, each with its own unique set of hazards.

Why a SWMS is Crucial for Handyman Work

The sheer variety of tasks a handyman performs means they are exposed to a constantly changing risk profile. One job might involve electrical risk, the next working at height, and another could involve hazardous chemicals. Without a systematic approach to safety, it is easy to overlook a critical hazard. This SWMS is crucial because it provides a consistent safety framework that can be adapted to each specific job. It forces a pre-task risk assessment, ensuring that even for 'small' jobs, hazards like power tool safety, manual handling, and dust exposure are properly controlled. It is a key tool for demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to safety, protecting both the handyman and their clients from preventable accidents.

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