Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) sets out the step-by-step procedures, risk controls, and PPE requirements for safe fluid handling and disposal activities on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document that consolidates multiple servicing and maintenance tasks related to fluid management and WHS compliance for vehicles, plant, and equipment.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe use and operation of automatic transmission flushers, including connection, flushing, and disposal of waste fluids
• Changing engine and auxiliary oil filters, including isolation, removal, fitting, and leak checks
• Systematic checking of engine, transmission, brake, power steering, and hydraulic fluid levels
• Cleaning of vehicle oil strainers and screens, including containment of residues and prevention of environmental contamination
• Use of coolant flushing equipment, including pressure management and hot surface/steam exposure controls
• Coolant replacement procedures, including mixing, filling, bleeding air, and spill management
• Coolant system draining, including safe depressurisation of hot systems and controlled collection of waste coolant
• Diesel fuel filter replacement, including isolation, depressurisation, priming, and ignition source control
• Draining fluids from engines, transmissions, differentials, and hydraulic systems using drip trays and approved containers
• Draining old engine oil, including handling of hot oil, correct use of tools, and prevention of skin contact
• Locating and fixing leaks in fuel systems, including temporary isolation, repair methods, and fire and explosion controls
• Routine fluid checks and refills, including correct product identification, labelling, and prevention of cross-contamination
• Application of fuel system cleaners, including handling of chemicals, decanting, and ventilation requirements
• Fuel system repairs involving disconnection of lines, replacement of components, and safe testing for leaks
• Fuel and oil filter replacement for fuel oil systems, including environmental controls for used filters and contaminated rags

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for automotive workshops, diesel mechanics, mobile plant service technicians, fleet maintenance providers, and site supervisors overseeing vehicle and equipment servicing involving fluid handling and disposal.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace – for safe storage, handling, and use of fuels, oils, coolants, and cleaning chemicals
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – for systematic identification, assessment, and control of risks associated with fluid handling and disposal tasks
• Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities – for ventilation, spill response equipment, and wash facilities where fluids and chemicals are used
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – where powered flushing equipment and workshop plant are used
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment – where vapours, mists, or aerosols from fuels, solvents, or cleaners may be present
• AS/NZS 2161: Occupational Protective Gloves – for selection of gloves suitable for oils, fuels, and chemical cleaners
• AS/NZS 4775: Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment – for emergency response where hazardous fluids and chemicals are handled
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017