Air compressor SWMS, drafted for your job
An air compressor stores energy in its receiver and hoses, so a failed coupling can whip across a walkway even after the motor stops. Describe the compressor, tools and position: your draft covers the setup, and the crew checks pressure controls and access before use.
A$39per job
However many high-risk activities it covers.
- However many high-risk activities it covers.
- 3 for A$99
- 10 for A$249
- Yearly A$129 for 120
- Monthly A$60 for 10
You review it on site before work starts.
Your Business
Safe Work Method Statement
Version 1
Draft
Air compressor
Site Your site address
Law Your state
High-risk construction work
Job steps, hazards and controls
| 1 | Choose compressor position | Exhaust and pedestrian traffic | High | Keep exhaust outside and clear pedestrian routes |
| 2 | Inspect receiver and controls | Stored pressure and failed relief | High | Check condition and pressure controls before use |
| 3 | Connect hoses and tools | Hose whip and mismatched fittings | High | Isolate air and use compatible restrained couplings |
| 4 | Run compressor and monitor | Noise and damaged hoses | Medium | Keep guards fitted and stop for leaks or faults |
| 5 | Stop and release stored air | Trapped pressure after shutdown | High | Isolate the drive and bleed air before disconnecting |
Illustrative first page. Yours carries your business name only.
What you get
What your air compressor SWMS will contain
An A4 document your crew can read on site, a PDF for the builder and a sign-on register.
- Job and site detailsYour business, the site, the principal contractor, the dates.
- High-risk construction workThe categories your job involves, ticked.
- Step-by-step methodEach step with its hazards, risk rating and controls.
- How controls are checkedWho puts each control in place, monitors and reviews it.
- PPE, plant and permitsEquipment and training the job needs.
- Emergency planAssembly point, first aid, nearest hospital to confirm on site.
- Consultation and reviewWho was consulted, when it is reviewed.
- Sign-on registerYour crew signs by QR or on paper.
High-risk construction work
High-risk work on this job
This task is not usually high-risk construction work. If your job involves any category, tick it when you start and the SWMS covers it.
State notes
Rules depend on your state
Pick your state when you start. Your state's regulator publishes the rules and guidance for this work.
Hazards and controls
What goes wrong on a air compressor job, and how the SWMS controls it
These rows are written for this task. Your draft adds the ones your site and method need.
- 1
Air compressor receiver rupture from corrosion or faulty controls
Extreme- Remove damaged or corroded receivers from use for specialist assessment
- Check the pressure controls and relief device using the maker's inspection method
- 2
Compressed air hoses whipping across workshop walkways after coupling failure
High- Use compatible couplings and hose restraints suited to the connection
- Isolate air and bleed the hose before connecting or disconnecting tools
- 3
Compressed air injected through skin while cleaning workwear
High- Use a vacuum or brush instead of compressed air on clothing or skin
- Keep air outlets directed away from people and inspect attached tools
- 4
Compressor exhaust entering enclosed rooms through doors or air intakes
Extreme- Place fuel-driven compressors outdoors away from doors and air intakes
- Use a suitable electric compressor where exhaust cannot be kept outside
- 5
Trips on air hoses beside the compressor and pedestrian route
Medium- Position the compressor away from pedestrian routes and protect hose crossings
- Route hoses clear of doors and coil unused lengths outside walking paths
- 6
Hearing damage from compressor cycling beside fixed workstations
High- Choose a remote or acoustically separated compressor position where practicable
- Keep access controlled and use hearing protection in the noisy area
- 7
Burns and entanglement at the compressor head and belt drive
High- Keep drive guards fitted and hot components separated from routine access
- Stop, isolate and let parts cool before service work
How the job usually runs
- 1Choose compressor positionExhaust and pedestrian traffic → Keep exhaust outside and clear pedestrian routes
- 2Inspect receiver and controlsStored pressure and failed relief → Check condition and pressure controls before use
- 3Connect hoses and toolsHose whip and mismatched fittings → Isolate air and use compatible restrained couplings
- 4Run compressor and monitorNoise and damaged hoses → Keep guards fitted and stop for leaks or faults
- 5Stop and release stored airTrapped pressure after shutdown → Isolate the drive and bleed air before disconnecting
PPE for this job
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
- Safety boots
- Work gloves
Your draft lists the PPE your site and method need.
After you finalise
Brief your crew and send it to your builder
Crew signs by QR
Send to my builder
PDF and register
Builder sent it back?
Make their changes and re-issue the same job free. Workers re-sign the new version.
Questions
Air compressor SWMS questions
- Last reviewed
- 21 October 2026
- How
- Hazard rows checked against the task; no legal line is stated unless it is logged from primary text.
- Next review
- Every six months, or when the method or rules change
Where should an air compressor sit if people walk past?
Position it outside the walking route, with guards and hot parts clear of passing workers. The draft covers hose routing, protected crossings, noise and keeping exhaust away from doors and air intakes.
Does stopping the motor make the air hose safe to disconnect?
No. Air can remain trapped in the receiver and hose. The draft covers isolating the air supply and bleeding the hose before connections are opened or tools changed.
How much does a air compressor SWMS cost?
One job uses 1 SWMS when you finalise: A$39 for one, however many high-risk activities it covers. AI drafting needs a SWMS pack or plan. Packs and Yearly cost less per SWMS.
Is this a template?
No. You describe the job and the site, and the SWMS is drafted for them. You edit anything, then finalise it.
Who checks the SWMS?
You do, with your crew, on site before work starts. The draft gives you a strong starting point; the person running the work makes sure it matches the site.
My builder sent it back. What now?
Open it, make the changes they asked for and re-issue it. Corrections to the same job are free.
How does my crew sign it?
Show the QR code on your phone or print the A4 sign-on sheet. Workers read and sign on their own phones without an account.
Does it work in my state?
Yes. You choose the state before drafting, and the document names the law that applies there. Victoria uses its OHS Regulations.
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