Building maintenance unit operation SWMS, drafted for your job
A building maintenance unit suspends the crew outside the facade while roof machinery, ropes and cradle controls operate as one system. Tell us the BMU and building: your SWMS is drafted around access, travel and the maintenance task, and you check it on site before starting.
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
Building maintenance unit operation
Site Your site address
Law Your state
High-risk construction work
- Work where someone could fall from height
Job steps, hazards and controls
| 1 | Review unit and facade work | Unknown equipment condition and obstructions | High | Check inspection information weather and the planned travel path |
| 2 | Check cradle and recovery controls | Suspension faults and failed lowering arrangements | Extreme | Inspect accessible components and confirm communication and recovery methods |
| 3 | Enter from the protected landing | Falls during cradle transfer | Extreme | Secure the cradle and close the gate before travelling |
| 4 | Move to the facade work area | Crushing against projections and moving machinery | Extreme | Keep machinery zones clear and observe the cradle travel path |
| 5 | Carry out facade maintenance | Dropped tools and changing wind | High | Separate the area below secure tools and monitor conditions |
Illustrative first page. Yours carries your business name only.
What you get
What your building maintenance unit operation 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
Categories this task often involves
You tick the ones your job involves. Each ticked category gets its own steps and controls, in your state's wording.
- Work where someone could fall from height
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 building maintenance unit operation 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
Cradle drop following damage to BMU suspension ropes or attachments
Extreme- Check the unit’s inspection status and inspect accessible suspension components before use
- Keep the BMU out of service if ropes fixings or protective devices are damaged or uncertain
- 2
Falls transferring between the roof landing and BMU cradle
Extreme- Use the designated protected landing and secure the cradle for transfer
- Close the gate before travel and use the fall protection arrangement specified for the unit
- 3
Crushing beside moving BMU roof carriages slewing arms and tracks
Extreme- Keep people outside the roof machinery travel and slew areas
- Use the designated control position and isolate motion before entering machinery pinch points
- 4
Cradle occupants crushed against balconies signs or projecting facade features
Extreme- Check the complete travel path and use the building’s planned facade approach
- Move only with a clear view of obstructions and stop before the cradle becomes trapped
- 5
Suspended BMU cradle swinging into the facade during changing wind
High- Check weather and the unit’s operating instructions before leaving the landing
- Monitor wind and return to the landing while travel remains controlled under the unit’s operating instructions
- 6
Maintenance tools falling from the BMU onto building entrances below
High- Close or divert access beneath the BMU work area and secure loose tools
- Contain materials inside the cradle and keep the landing area clear
- 7
Crew stranded outside the facade after BMU power or control failure
High- Check the unit’s recovery arrangements and maintain communication before departure
- Have the planned rescue support available and practise the relevant emergency controls before use
How the job usually runs
- 1Review unit and facade workUnknown equipment condition and obstructions → Check inspection information weather and the planned travel path
- 2Check cradle and recovery controlsSuspension faults and failed lowering arrangements → Inspect accessible components and confirm communication and recovery methods
- 3Enter from the protected landingFalls during cradle transfer → Secure the cradle and close the gate before travelling
- 4Move to the facade work areaCrushing against projections and moving machinery → Keep machinery zones clear and observe the cradle travel path
- 5Carry out facade maintenanceDropped tools and changing wind → Separate the area below secure tools and monitor conditions
- 6Return park and isolateUnsecured cradle and unexpected machinery movement → Use the designated landing and leave the unit secured
PPE for this job
- Non-slip safety footwear
- Safety helmet with chin strap
- Safety glasses
- Task suitable gloves
- Fall protection equipment specified for the BMU
- Weather protective clothing
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
Building maintenance unit operation 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
Does it cover using the building’s permanent roof cradle?
Yes. Describe the building maintenance unit and facade task. The draft covers the protected landing, accessible suspension checks, clear travel paths and the unit’s communication and recovery arrangements.
What if the BMU stops with the crew outside the building?
Use the recovery and rescue method planned for that unit. The draft includes checking those arrangements before departure and keeping communication and rescue support available during the facade work.
How much does a building maintenance unit operation 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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