Product Overview

This Steel Handling Cutting and Manual Tasks SWMS is a comprehensive Safe Work Method Statement designed to identify hazards and implement effective controls for all stages of steel handling, cutting, bending and manual tasks on site. It provides detailed, task-specific procedures to help you achieve WHS compliance and systematically manage risks associated with steel reinforcement work and manual handling.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Bending and cutting steel rods and reinforcement bar to fit specified dimensions and site requirements
• Manual bending of rebar using levers, jigs and correct body positioning to minimise strain and musculoskeletal injury
• Cutting reinforcement bars using drop saws, cut-off saws, grinders or bolt cutters with guarding, PPE and hot-work controls
• Safe handling and identification of different grades and sizes of steel to prevent overloading and incorrect use
• Handling and working with rusted or corroded reinforcement bars, including controls for sharp edges and contamination
• Manipulating and positioning steel trusses into place, including use of mechanical aids and exclusion zones
• Manipulating loose and bundled steel rebars to reduce crush, pinch and impact risks
• Manual handling of steel products from delivery to installation, including team lifts and use of lifting equipment
• Stacking, racking and securing steel bundles and rebar to prevent collapse, roll-away or uncontrolled movement
• Use of mechanical lifting aids such as forklifts, cranes, slings and spreader bars for moving steel safely
• Control of sparks, noise and flying particles during cutting and grinding operations on steel
• Housekeeping, segregation of work areas and safe access/egress around steel storage and cutting zones

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for steel fixers, reinforcing contractors, formwork and concrete crews, fabrication workshops, builders, and site supervisors responsible for steel handling and cutting activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace – for the safe use of cutting equipment, grinders, forklifts and lifting gear when handling steel
• Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks – for identifying and controlling risks from lifting, carrying and manipulating steel and rebar
• Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Falls at Workplaces – where steel handling and cutting occurs near edges, decks or elevated work areas
• Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work – for noise generated by cutting, grinding and handling steel products
• Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks – for the overall risk management framework applied throughout this SWMS
• AS/NZS 4024 (Safety of machinery – series) – for guarding and safe operation of fixed and portable cutting and bending machinery
• AS 4100 Steel Structures – for general requirements relating to structural steelwork and handling of structural members
• AS 4991 Lifting devices – for the safe use of lifting attachments and devices when moving steel bundles and trusses
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017