Product Overview

This Heavy Vehicle and Truck Tyre Fitting and Inflation Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards and implement controls to keep workers safe while performing tyre fitting, removal, and inflation on heavy vehicles. It is a comprehensive document that covers multiple aspects of heavy vehicle tyre work to support WHS compliance across a wide range of transport and machinery operations.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe removal and replacement of truck tyres on rigid trucks, prime movers, and trailers
• Changing tyres on heavy machinery such as loaders, graders, forklifts, and earthmoving equipment
• Replacement of bus tyres in depots, workshops, and roadside environments
• Correct procedures for tyre inflation and deflation, including use of remote inflation devices
• Inspection of rims, wheels, and tyre assemblies for damage, cracks, and defects before fitting
• Selection and use of appropriate jacks, stands, and lifting equipment for heavy vehicles
• Application of lock-out/tag-out and isolation procedures to prevent vehicle movement during tyre work
• Use of tyre cages, barriers, and exclusion zones to control explosion and burst hazards during inflation
• Manual handling techniques and use of mechanical aids to minimise musculoskeletal injury when handling large tyres
• Safe use of rattle guns, torque wrenches, and other powered tools for wheel nut removal and tightening
• Control of compressed air hazards, hoses, and fittings to prevent hose whip and equipment failure
• Managing roadside tyre changes, including traffic management, visibility, and environmental conditions
• Housekeeping, storage, and handling of tyres, rims, and associated equipment in workshops and yards

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for tyre fitters, heavy vehicle mechanics, transport and logistics operators, bus and coach depots, earthmoving and civil contractors, and site supervisors responsible for managing heavy vehicle and machinery tyre work.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling risks associated with plant such as heavy vehicles and tyre changing equipment.
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Controls for manual handling risks when lifting, moving, and fitting heavy tyres and rims.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Applicable where tyre fitting involves solvents, lubricants, or cleaning agents.
• Safe Work Australia – Traffic Management in Workplaces (guidance material): Reference for managing risks during roadside or yard-based tyre changes around moving vehicles.
• AS/NZS 4760 & AS/NZS 4308 (where applicable via company policies): Drug and alcohol testing standards often referenced in heavy vehicle safety management systems.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017