Restricted Spaces Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)  SWMS Overview 

The Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for Working in Restricted Spaces outlines the procedures and controls required to safely access and perform tasks in areas with limited entry and exit, but not classified as confined spaces under WHS legislation. These spaces may include roof voids, subfloors, plant rooms, service risers, and crawl spaces on residential, commercial, and industrial sites in Australia.

Key focus areas include conducting a site-specific risk assessment to identify hazards such as restricted movement, poor ventilation, electrical services, or sharp/obstructive objects. It highlights the need for clear communication methods, appropriate lighting, safe manual handling techniques, and ensuring tools and materials are staged to minimise repeated entry.

This SWMS also addresses maintaining good housekeeping within the space to prevent trip hazards, monitoring environmental conditions (heat, dust, noise), and ensuring a standby person is aware of worker location and task duration. Emergency procedures, such as rescue plans and first aid response, are included to manage potential incidents.

By implementing this SWMS, workers can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, slips, trips, falls, and exposure to environmental hazards, ensuring tasks in restricted spaces are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with WHS requirements.

Suitable for electrotechnology trades including: Compliant in all Australian States and New Zealand What’s Included  This ready-to-use SWMS package features: 

• Understanding NECA SWMS 
• JSA SWMS Cover Sheet 
• Restricted Spaces SWMS – Style A
• Restricted Spaces SWMS – Style B 
• SWMS Sign off Sheet 

Flexible SWMS Styles  To meet unique project and contractor needs, we’ve developed two consistent SWMS styles: 

• Style A (Blue): A simple, streamlined version inspired by the Safe Work Australia template, perfect for workers who prefer clear, straightforward safety documents. 

• Style B (Tan): A detailed format designed to meet strict compliance checklists, ideal for principal contractors requiring enhanced documentation. 

Both styles maintain the same core safety content, ensuring consistency across projects. Workers inducted and trained in one style can seamlessly adapt to the other, streamlining document control and significantly reducing admin time and stress during the SWMS submission process.  Why Choose NECA SWMS?   NECA SWMS solutions are industry-specific, written by professionals with real-world experience, and based on Standards, Codes of Practice, and Legislation. These templates:  

• Simplify compliance with principal contractor requirements.  

• Save admin time with editable MS Word templates ready for instant download.  

• Provide clear, user-friendly documents to reduce frustration in the workplace.  

Completed SWMS templates. Simply insert your company logo, business details, and site details, and they’re ready to send off to your client. Templates can be amended to suit specific needs, saving valuable time and resources while maintaining compliance.   With a NECA SWMS, you can ensure robust safety practices, better version control, and a stress-free submission process.