Colorbond Fence InstallationSWMS Template
Installation of steel colorbond fencing including site set-out, post hole digging, concrete footings, post and rail installation, and sheet fixing. Covers residential and commercial boundary fencing in accordance with AS 1725 and AS 4687.. Pre-filled hazards, controls, and risk ratings. Ready in 5 minutes.
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Why You Need This SWMS
Legal requirements under Australian WHS Regulations.
High-Risk Construction Work Categories
Under Australian WHS Regulations (291 - High Risk Construction Work (excavation near services)), this work is classified as high-risk due to:
- Excavation work (post holes)(Post hole digging typically 600-800mm deep. Risk of striking underground services (electricity, gas, water, telecommunications))
- Work near underground electric or gas infrastructure(Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) enquiry mandatory before any excavation to identify underground services)
- Work near powered mobile plant(If using powered post hole digger, excavator, or bobcat for post hole excavation)
Australian Standards Referenced
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Enter your business name, site address, principal contractor, and worker names.
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7 Hazards Pre-Identified & Risk-Assessed
Each hazard includes full control measures following the hierarchy of controls, with initial and residual risk ratings pre-calculated.
Electrocution, gas explosion, flooding, service disruption, prosecution
Adjust post locations to avoid known service routes where possible
Use driven posts or surface-mounted brackets in high-risk service areas
Establish exclusion zone (minimum 300mm) around located services
- Use non-conductive hand tools for digging within 500mm of marked services
- Obtain Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) plans before any excavation
- Use electronic service locator (CAT scanner) to verify service locations
- Pothole by hand near marked services - no mechanical digging within 500mm
- Complete BYDA enquiry minimum 2 business days before work
- Mark all service locations on ground with paint before digging
- Brief all workers on service locations and emergency procedures
- Stop work immediately if unexpected service encountered
- Keep BYDA plans on site at all times
Safety boots (non-conductive soles recommended), safety glasses, work gloves
All 7 hazards with full control measures. Included in your SWMS.
Get This Template21-Step Work Procedure
Each step linked to specific hazards and control measures. A complete workflow from site arrival to sign-out.
Site arrival, confirm scope and fence line with customer
Review plans, confirm post positions, access requirements, and any underground service concerns
Complete Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) enquiry and receive service plans
Submit BYDA enquiry minimum 2 business days prior. Review all returned plans before digging.
Mark underground service locations on ground
Use marking paint to identify all services from BYDA plans. Establish 300mm exclusion zones.
Set up work area with safety equipment and PPE
Position barriers, warning signs, first aid kit. Ensure all workers have correct PPE.
Equipment & PPE Requirements
All required items with Australian Standards where applicable.
Equipment Required
11 items
- Post hole digger (manual or powered auger)
Manual for residential, powered earth auger for commercial or hard ground
- String line and marking paint
For fence line set-out and post positioning
- Spirit level (1200mm+)
For plumbing posts vertically
- Tape measure (30m)
For measuring post spacing (typically 2400mm centres)
PPE Requirements
7 items with standards
- Safety glassesAS/NZS 1337
Essential - metal particles, concrete dust, grinding sparks
- Cut-resistant gloves (A4 rating minimum)AS/NZS 2161.3
Essential for handling colorbond sheets - sharp edges cause severe lacerations
- Safety boots (steel cap)AS/NZS 2210.3
Steel cap and puncture-resistant sole for dropped materials and nails
- Safety helmetAS/NZS 1801
Required when operating near mobile plant or on construction sites
What's In Your SWMS Document
A complete, ready-to-use Safe Work Method Statement
Training & Competency Requirements
Licenses, tickets, and training required for this work.
Required
- Construction Induction Card (White Card)training
Required for all workers on construction sites
- Fencing Installation Experience/Trainingcertificate
Demonstrated competency in fence installation methods and material handling
- Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) Awarenesstraining
Understanding of BYDA process, plan interpretation, and safe digging near services
- Power Tool Competency (Angle Grinder)certificate
Safe operation of angle grinder and power drill
Recommended
- Underground Service Locator Competency
Operation of electronic pipe and cable locator (CAT scanner)
- Powered Earth Auger Competency
Required if using powered post hole digger
- Traffic Control Training
Required if work affects public roads or requires traffic management
- First Aid Certificate
Recommended for at least one team member on site
Emergency Procedures Included
Task-specific emergency response procedures for this work.
UNDERGROUND SERVICE STRIKE (Electricity): Do not touch equipment or worker if in contact with cable. Call 000 and power distributor emergency line. Keep others 8m away. If safe, isolate power at property switchboard.
UNDERGROUND SERVICE STRIKE (Gas): Evacuate area immediately. Do not operate any electrical switches. Call 000 and gas emergency line (1800 GAS LEAK / 1800 427 532). Do not attempt to stop leak.
UNDERGROUND SERVICE STRIKE (Water): Attempt to isolate at property meter if safe. Call water authority. Prevent excavation flooding.
SEVERE LACERATION: Apply direct pressure with clean dressing. Elevate limb if possible. Call 000 for deep cuts with significant bleeding or tendon damage.
+ 1 more emergency procedures included in your SWMS
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this Colorbond Fence Installation SWMS template.
Do I need a SWMS for fence installation?
Yes, if the fence installation involves excavation near underground services (electricity, gas, water, telecommunications), it is classified as high-risk construction work under WHS Regulation 2017. A SWMS must be prepared before work commences.
What is Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) and is it mandatory?
Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) is a free national referral service that provides information about the location of underground pipes and cables. While legally mandatory only in NSW, it is required under WHS Codes of Practice in all states before any excavation work. Failure to check can result in prosecution if services are struck.
How deep should fence post holes be?
Standard residential fence post holes are typically 600-800mm deep and 200-250mm in diameter. Gate posts and posts in high-wind areas may require deeper holes (750-900mm). The general rule is one-third of the total post length should be below ground.
What PPE is required for colorbond fence installation?
Essential PPE includes cut-resistant gloves (A4 rating minimum) for handling sheets, safety glasses, safety boots with steel caps, hearing protection when using power tools, and sun protection for outdoor work. A hard hat and hi-vis vest are required on construction sites.
How close can I dig to underground services?
Mechanical digging (powered auger, excavator) must not occur within 500mm of marked underground services. Within this zone, only careful hand digging with non-conductive tools is permitted. An exclusion zone of 300mm directly around services should be maintained.
What qualifications do I need to install colorbond fencing?
No specific licence is required for fence installation in most states. However, a White Card (Construction Induction Card) is required on construction sites. Competency in power tool operation, understanding of BYDA requirements, and experience in fence installation methods is essential.
How long should concrete footings cure before installing rails?
Concrete footings should cure for minimum 24-48 hours before installing rails and sheets. In cold weather or for heavy-duty installations, 72 hours is recommended. Rapid-set post concrete may allow faster installation (typically 20-30 minutes).
What are the main hazards in colorbond fence installation?
Key hazards include striking underground services during post hole digging, severe lacerations from sharp sheet edges, manual handling injuries from lifting posts and sheets, power tool injuries from angle grinders, concrete burns, and UV/heat exposure during outdoor work.
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