SWMS template · Working at Heights
Mast Climbing Work Platform Operations — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for erecting, tying, operating and dismantling mast climbing work platforms used for facade, cladding, glazing and brickwork on multi-storey buildings.
- Category
- Working at Heights
- HRCW
- 1 category
- Job steps
- 7
- Hazards rated
- 17
- PPE items
- 7
A mast climbing work platform (MCWP) is a powered platform that climbs one or two masts tied into the building, used for facade work such as bricklaying, cladding, glazing and window installation. Any work on it, and the erection and dismantling of the masts and ties, involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres, so it is High Risk Construction Work and a SWMS is required.
The biggest hazards come from the equipment being built up in place. Mast sections and ties must be installed to the manufacturer's instructions and any site-specific design, and the ties must go into parts of the structure that can take the load. Other specific hazards are the gap between the platform and the building face, overloading the deck with bricks or panels, crushing or shearing between the moving platform and ties, balconies, scaffold or other obstructions, high winds, overhead powerlines and dropped objects onto the area below.
An MCWP is not a boom-type elevating work platform, so the WP class licence does not cover it. Licence requirements for erecting, altering, dismantling or operating MCWPs are not the same everywhere, and some regulators may treat parts of the work under scaffolding or hoist licence classes. Check your state or territory regulator before work starts. As a minimum, erectors must be trained by the supplier for that model, and every operator must be trained and assessed on the specific platform, its controls, emergency descent and load limits.
The SWMS must cover base set-up on a surface that can take the load, tie installation and inspection, the load limits and how they will be enforced, wind limits from the manufacturer, inspection before each shift and after any extension, alteration or severe weather, exclusion zones below, gap protection at the building face and an emergency and rescue procedure for a stranded or failed platform. Keep the supplier's handover and inspection records on site.
Customise this template with the MCWP make and model, single or twin mast configuration, the maximum height and tie spacing, the base and ground conditions, the rated load and how materials will be loaded, wind speed limits, the exclusion zone and public protection, any overhead powerlines, and the names of trained erectors and operators.
Important: This SWMS template is a starting point only. Review and customise it for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the work. Not legal advice.
High Risk Construction Work Types
- Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
Personal Protective Equipment
- Hard hat with chin strap
- Safety boots
- High visibility clothing
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Harness and lanyard where required by the manufacturer or for erection outside guardrails
- Tool lanyards for work at the platform edge
Risk Assessment
RatingsCatastrophicHighModerateLow
Step 1Planning, delivery and base set-up
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base settling or overloading a slab, basement roof or footpath | Catastrophic | Get the base loads from the supplier. Have a competent person or engineer confirm the ground, slab or suspended structure can take them. Use base plates and packing as specified. Check for pits, services and voids under the base. | Low | Supervisor / Engineer |
| Contact with overhead powerlines during erection or climbing | Catastrophic | Identify powerlines within reach of the mast, platform and materials. Contact the network operator for approach distances or de-energising before set-up. Do not erect within the set approach distance without written approval. | Low | Supervisor |
| Delivery truck and mast sections striking people | High | Traffic and pedestrian management for delivery. Exclusion zone during unloading. Licensed crane or forklift operators for lifting sections. | Low | Supervisor |
Step 2Erecting masts and installing ties
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mast instability from missing or incorrect ties | Catastrophic | Install ties at the spacing and type set by the manufacturer or site design, into structure confirmed to take the load. Tie anchors tested where required. Do not climb above the last installed tie beyond the manufacturer's allowed freestanding height. | Low | Trained Erectors / Supervisor |
| Fall while erecting mast sections from the platform | High | Follow the manufacturer's erection procedure. Work from inside the platform guardrails. Where gates or rails are opened for erection, use a harness attached to the manufacturer's anchor points. | Low | Trained Erectors |
| Dropped mast sections, bolts or tools | High | Exclusion zone below during erection. Tool lanyards. Sections lifted with the platform crane or hoist, not by hand over the rails. | Low | Trained Erectors |
Step 3Commissioning and pre-start inspection
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform used before it has been checked | High | Competent person inspects and signs off after erection and after every extension or alteration. Operator completes the manufacturer's pre-start check each shift, including limit switches, overload device, brakes, gates and emergency descent. | Low | Competent Person / Operator |
| Operator not familiar with the model | High | Only operators trained on that model operate the platform. Training records kept on site. Operator manual kept on the platform. | Low | Supervisor |
Step 4Loading the platform and operating
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overloading with bricks, panels or glazing | High | Rated load and load distribution displayed on the platform. Weigh or calculate pallet and panel loads before loading. Spread loads as per the manufacturer. Overload device must not be bypassed. | Low | Operator |
| Crushing or shearing between the moving platform and ties, balconies or other structures | High | Check the travel path for obstructions before each climb. Keep hands, tools and materials inside the platform while moving. Operator has a clear view or a spotter. Stop at each tie level when climbing past ties. | Low | Operator |
| Fall through the gap between the platform and the building | High | Set the platform and extension decks as close to the face as the manufacturer allows. Fit inside guardrails or gap covers where the gap exceeds the manufacturer's limit. Do not lean across the gap. | Low | Operator / Workers |
Step 5Weather and emergencies
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High winds during use or while parked | High | Monitor wind speed with an anemometer or site forecast. Stop work and lower the platform when wind exceeds the manufacturer's limit. Park at the lowest level at the end of each shift. | Low | Operator / Supervisor |
| Workers stranded after a power or drive failure | High | Written rescue plan before first use. At least two people on site trained in the manual or emergency descent. Means of calling for help available on the platform. | Low | Supervisor |
Step 6Work under and around the platform
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falling materials striking workers or the public | High | Exclusion zone under the platform with barriers and signage. Toeboards and mesh on the platform where materials are stacked. Overhead protection or hoarding where the public pass close to the work. | Low | Supervisor |
| Base enclosure gate defeated or left open | Moderate | Base enclosure fitted and interlocked as supplied. Gates kept closed. Check daily that interlocks have not been tampered with. | Low | Operator |
Step 7Dismantling and removal
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mast becoming unstable when ties are removed out of sequence | Catastrophic | Dismantle top down in the reverse order of erection. Remove a tie only when the platform is below it and the mast above has been removed to the allowed freestanding height. | Low | Trained Erectors |
| Manual handling injuries from mast sections | Moderate | Use the platform crane or a mechanical aid to lower sections. Two-person handling for sections on the ground. Stack sections on dunnage, not loose. | Low | Trained Erectors |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.
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