General Engineering Fabrication and Assembly SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers general engineering fabrication and assembly, from job planning and material handling through cutting, machining, welding, assembly and clean-up. It supports work planning and risk management for tools, moving materials, hot work, chemicals and finished items.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the job, materials and fabrication sequence
• Set up and control the work area
• Inspect plant, machinery and tools
• Receive, handle and position materials
• Set jigs and clamp work
• Cut, drill, machine, grind and finish metal components
• Weld and thermally alter components
• Fit bearings and hardware
• Treat and clean metal surfaces
• Assemble and install fabricated items
• Clean up residual materials and sign off work

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out general engineering fabrication and assembly activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations.
• Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace.
• Model Code of Practice: Welding processes, including use of the hierarchy of controls, segregation of ancillary cutting/grinding work, and control of welding fumes.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work.
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the risks of falls at workplaces.
• Technical guidance: AS/NZS 1337.1 eye protection; AS/NZS 1270 hearing protectors; AS/NZS 1716 respiratory protective devices; AS/NZS 2210.3 safety footwear; AS/NZS 3760 in-service electrical equipment inspection and testing; AS/NZS 1554 structural steel welding; AS/NZS ISO 9606 welder qualification; AS 1674.1 safety in welding and allied processes; AS 4024.1 safety of machinery; AS 1891 fall-arrest systems; AS/NZS 3012 electrical installations on construction and demolition sites where applicable.
• Welding fumes can include chromium, manganese, lead, cadmium oxides and other contaminants depending on parent metal, coatings and consumables; assess materials and control airborne exposure accordingly.
• Metal finishing and fettling can expose workers to noise, vibration, dust, sharp edges, cutting oils, heat and hazardous manual tasks; prioritise mechanisation, extraction and guarded equipment.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections