Safe Work Instructions (SWI)

SWI’s are a set of written instructions that identify the health and safety issues that may arise from use of the machinery and equipment or be based on a tasks or process.

A safe work procedure should identify:

1. The steps that are to be undertaken that pose risk.
2. Any control measures that have been built into these tasks
3. Any training or qualification required to undertake the task
4. Personal protective equipment to be worn
5. Actions to be undertaken to reduce the risks in undertaking the task

Safe work instructions do not replace the requirement for training; they may however be used to supplement or guide the training process and provide reminders for staff and students on the operating protocols and controls.

More information on Safe work instructions can be found in “Guidelines for safe work instructions”

The links below lead to GENERIC equipment safe work summaries that may be used as an initial guide and modified to suit the specific piece of machinery, equipment or task.

Safe Work Instructions Links

• Equipment Safe Work Instruction (ESWI) - Template - (Word)
• Workshop machinery equipment & process ESWI’s

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